Monitor calibration

I'm new to getting serious about this, and know that this is a step I need to take. Especially when I look at the same photo on my double LCD monitors that I have set up now and can see the color differences. I've done most of what I can find on line that is "free", and before I really get to studying and working with Art's photoshop techniques, I want to make sure my equipment is in good working order.
Unfortunately, like a lot of us I am on a budget.
The spyder software has been recommended to me, and there are 3 versions I've found ranging from $80 to to > $210. Any suggestions?
And thanks

I have been using the Eye one Display 2 by X-rite for several years and like it a lot.

I use Eye One as well and like it.

Stan,
I'm using spyder 3 elite. Be sure whatever level you buy is geared for LCD monitors. When I bought the lower end was not geared for LCDs, but these days LCDs are most common so I would think most software+calibration devices should work with LCDs, but check to be sure.

When using 2 monitors, most graphic cards only have one look-up table (LUT), so you can really only calibrate one monitor. If your monitors are different models, then one will have the LUT for the other. I put the image editor tools on the one that is not calibrated and the image on the calibrated monitor.

Finally, this thread belongs under digital workflow so it will be moved.

Roger

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Originally Posted by rnclark

Stan,

When using 2 monitors, most graphic cards only have one look-up table (LUT), so you can really only calibrate one monitor. If your monitors are different models, then one will have the LUT for the other. I put the image editor tools on the one that is not calibrated and the image on the calibrated monitor.


Roger

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It depends on the computer/monitor setup. If you have MacBook Pro and Apple Cinema Display, you can calibrate both displays independently.

I'm using XRite Eye-One Match 3, works fine on my displays.

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Originally Posted by Axel Hildebrandt

It depends on the computer/monitor setup. If you have MacBook Pro and Apple Cinema Display, you can calibrate both displays independently.

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Typical--macs always seem to do color better;).

Roger

Stan,
Here is my page on monitors:
http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/...n_LCD_monitor/
I'm working through some issues on conflicts in calibration and will post when I have clearer info on the subject. One has to be careful about multiple software system trying to control your colors. That includes adobe gamma, the calibration software you load, the graphics card and its drivers, and the monitor and its drivers, and other third party software.

I recently had an issue where my calibration seemed to be off. I discovered that even though I had turned off the physical buttons in the driver so they couldn't be changed, and I verified this when I installed everything, apparently after some software update, those locks were no longer effective. Then when I or someone else turned on or off the monitor, the brightness buttons were right next to the power buttons, and the brightness got changed accidentally, compromising the calibration. I've since taped over the buttons so no one can change the brightness. (This is on a Dell 30-inch LCD.)

Roger

Also use the same as Axel and doing well with it !!

Before buying will do well to check all the info giving by Roger, can't get a better source !!!

I use eye-one 2 and also am impressed. Have a problem now though because I've just upgraded from XP to Windows 7, with the consequential need to reinstall programmes. But, :{ I can't find my eye-one disc. Does anyone know where I could get a replacement?

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Originally Posted by BenPonti

I use eye-one 2 and also am impressed. Have a problem now though because I've just upgraded from XP to Windows 7, with the consequential need to reinstall programmes. But, :{ I can't find my eye-one disc. Does anyone know where I could get a replacement?

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I'm not sure if the update that you can download online requires the installation CD, but it might be worth a try.

I am using Spyder 3 pro. It works fine. Haven't checked the new Elite version.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Thanks Axel - I tried that and they wanted a serial number. But, :) , panic over. I've found the disk. Haven't installed yet but ever hopeful. Once again, thank you for your suggestion.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BenPonti

Thanks Axel - I tried that and they wanted a serial number. But, :) , panic over. I've found the disk. Haven't installed yet but ever hopeful. Once again, thank you for your suggestion.

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I'm glad you found the CD. I don't remember needing a serial number when I installed it. It's surprising, considering that the software is pretty much useless without the hardware anyway.

Ooops! You're right. It was some other software I was thinking about. An update did need existing software on board! Sorry and thanks for pointing that out.

Color Eyes Display Pro by Integrated Color for software and a DPT94 for a device.

Just want to thank you all for your replies. Think I'm going to go with the Spyder version.