Posted by Angela Classen on September 25, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I think I need to break down and buy a new computer. I've been trying to build a new system on Dell, and most of them come with Dell monitors. I currently own a Dell system/monitor that's about 6 yrs. old. The monitor has very few controls and I can't seem to get it calibrated correctly with my Huey Pantone calibrator. I don't know if it's a problem with the monitor or the calibrator though.
Do the new Dell consumer monitors also have this problem? Or do I have to plunk down serious bucks to get a monitor that can be properly calibrated? At this point, my budget doesn't allow a huge amount for a monitor.
It is almost certain I will purchase a Dell computer as I've been very happy with their performance and reliability.
Any advice or suggestions on monitors and what to look for are appreciated.
Posted by Gale Rainwater on September 25, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I don't have a Dell but have read their monitors are excellent. I always just google and research the web. Good luck.
Posted by Daniel Loomis on September 25, 2009 at 12:49 PM
I have several Dell LCDs and they work quite nicely with both PCs and Macs. My favorite is a 24" inch HiRes model I use for both video and photo editing. It adjusts quite nicely using the Spyder3Elite calibration system. Cost a couple years ago was around $600 or so. I would avoid the basic consumer level models if you want accurate, dependable color. Also, the pro models tend be more adjustable vertically.
Posted by Randy Wilson on September 25, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Here's an interesting article on monitor profiling that might give you some information on what to look for:
A couple of important points made by the article are directly relevant to your questions. One is that most current LCD monitors offer very little in the way of adjustment, and calibration of them ususally is done in the software that controls the video card.
Another is that there is a new kind of LCD monitor that is backlit by LEDs rather than fluorescent bulbs, and these feature controls that allow the monitors to be calibrated directly rather than through video drivers. If you google something like "Dell LED monitor" you will find that there are Dell LCD monitors that have this LED feature. So if you go with a Dell monitor, it ought to be worthwhile to try to get a package that includes this type of monitor.
You might also want to consider purchasing Dell refurbished equipment instead of new:
A couple of months ago I purchased a refurbished desktop system with a Core i7 Quad CPU, 6 Gb RAM, and a 640 Gb hard drive for about $680. It didn't come with a monitor, but there are refurbished monitors available, too. I know of a number of people who have purchased Dell refurbished products with no problem, and the warranty is the same as for new equipment.
If you decide to look into refurbished, be aware that the prices fluctuate from day to day as equipment cycles in and out; so you'll want to follow the site for awhile to try to get the system you want at its minimum price point.
Posted by Randy Wilson on September 25, 2009 at 3:18 PM
For example, the Dell G2410 is an LED backlight monitor, and it's going for $229 at the Dell outlet store:
I can't personally vouch for the monitor, but I thought it might be worth your while to look into.
Posted by Ed Cooley on September 26, 2009 at 1:24 AM
Angela, I have used the HUEY for a while now but they also have a pro version that allows setting the gamma. For the money it works pretty well but it is definitely on the low end. I use only macs so it has been a while since I calibrated a windows machine. Perhaps the video driver does not accept the calibration when you are not in an color calibrated application such as photoshop.
The controls on the display have little to do with the color calibration. The huey and most calibration software I have used just requires brightness and contrast. Have you contacted the pantone technical support about the problems you are having?
If I was buying a monitor right now I would be looking for an LED backlit monitor. The shadow rendition is so much better it isn't funny. The price is a little more but worth it if you are doing a lot of editing.
Posted by Rob Graham on September 29, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Angela, in March I purchased a Dell UltraSharp 2209WA 22-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor . I haven't tried to calibrate with a device, but manual calibration via patterns on different website seems to be close enough. The difference between my crt and this monitor is amazing. The monitor was only about $250, and was recommended by some one else who is more careful with their calibration.
Discussion
6 repliesDo the new Dell consumer monitors also have this problem? Or do I have to plunk down serious bucks to get a monitor that can be properly calibrated? At this point, my budget doesn't allow a huge amount for a monitor.
It is almost certain I will purchase a Dell computer as I've been very happy with their performance and reliability.
Any advice or suggestions on monitors and what to look for are appreciated.
http://photo.net/learn/digital-photography-workflow/color-management/monitor-profiling
A couple of important points made by the article are directly relevant to your questions. One is that most current LCD monitors offer very little in the way of adjustment, and calibration of them ususally is done in the software that controls the video card.
Another is that there is a new kind of LCD monitor that is backlit by LEDs rather than fluorescent bulbs, and these feature controls that allow the monitors to be calibrated directly rather than through video drivers. If you google something like "Dell LED monitor" you will find that there are Dell LCD monitors that have this LED feature. So if you go with a Dell monitor, it ought to be worthwhile to try to get a package that includes this type of monitor.
You might also want to consider purchasing Dell refurbished equipment instead of new:
http://www.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&~ck=bt
A couple of months ago I purchased a refurbished desktop system with a Core i7 Quad CPU, 6 Gb RAM, and a 640 Gb hard drive for about $680. It didn't come with a monitor, but there are refurbished monitors available, too. I know of a number of people who have purchased Dell refurbished products with no problem, and the warranty is the same as for new equipment.
If you decide to look into refurbished, be aware that the prices fluctuate from day to day as equipment cycles in and out; so you'll want to follow the site for awhile to try to get the system you want at its minimum price point.
http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&lob=MON&MODEL_DESC=ALL&s=dfh
I can't personally vouch for the monitor, but I thought it might be worth your while to look into.
The controls on the display have little to do with the color calibration. The huey and most calibration software I have used just requires brightness and contrast. Have you contacted the pantone technical support about the problems you are having?
If I was buying a monitor right now I would be looking for an LED backlit monitor. The shadow rendition is so much better it isn't funny. The price is a little more but worth it if you are doing a lot of editing.