Posted by Brad Mangas on December 5, 2010 at 7:16 AM
I will be replacing a monitor in the very near future Pete and will probably opt for an NEC with a Spectra View system as part of the package since I will be going to a wide color gamut setup. But to answer your question for the last year I have used a Spyder 3 Pro on a mediocre monitor and have been very pleased with the outcome. The Spyder (Datacolor) upgraded the software a while back and it made a big improvement. Though not the super high end calibration system, I have been pleased with the Sypder 3 Pro's results. My opinion is based on the results I get back from the print lab compared to what I see on the monitor. Brightness is the only issue more than likely due to the mediocre monitor but as far as color goes it has always been right on, monitor compared to print.
The X-Rite Eye One Display 2 is an excellent tool, and the X-Rite software is easy to install and use.
Brad: A few months ago I purchased an NEC Multisync P221W. I also purchased the SpectraView software and use it with my older Monaco Optix-XR colorimeter. It works like a champ.
Here's a list of colorimeters that are compatible with SpectraView, so if you have one of these tools, you'll be able to save some dough...
If yours is not on this list, you'll need to obtain one of them and install it's driver.
John asked, "Were you pleased with the results from your old system?"
If that is a question for me...
When it worked, yes. When it failed too soon, no. Pantone has not been helpful and if there is a reasonable alternative I would prefer to give them my business.
Pete D.
Posted by Jared Atencio on December 8, 2010 at 2:26 PM
I just purchased an NEC P221W-BK from B&H. Shipped with the Spectraview II colorimeter and SW it was $600. I haven't printed yet, but am pleased thus far. Calibration was very easy and and you can swivel the monitor into portrait mode when working on verts which is a cool little feature.
Discussion
8 repliesMy "hueyPRO" failed about a year ago, so I've been using old monitor profiles for too long.
What are you guys using to calibrate your monitors?
Pete D.
Sandy
Brad: A few months ago I purchased an NEC Multisync P221W. I also purchased the SpectraView software and use it with my older Monaco Optix-XR colorimeter. It works like a champ.
Here's a list of colorimeters that are compatible with SpectraView, so if you have one of these tools, you'll be able to save some dough...
If yours is not on this list, you'll need to obtain one of them and install it's driver.
•GretagMacbeth Eye-One Display V1
•X-Rite/GretagMacbeth Eye-One Display V2
•X-Rite/GretagMacbeth Eye-One Monitor, Eye-One Pro.
•X-Rite ColorMunki.
•Monaco OptixXR (X-Rite DTP 94).
•ColorVision/Datacolor Spyder 2.
•Datacolor Spyder 3.
--P
Plus I like buying local and anything in Michigan is local
John asked, "Were you pleased with the results from your old system?"
If that is a question for me...
When it worked, yes. When it failed too soon, no. Pantone has not been helpful and if there is a reasonable alternative I would prefer to give them my business.
Pete D.
Were you able to find a suitable tool and software?
--P