Monitor calibration

leejd · 23 Aug 2009 at 19:20

Is there anyone that rents out moniter calibration kit such as Spyder 3? It seems a waste for me to buy one when I'm only going to use it once in a blue moon.

If this is not possible I wonder if there is a business case there!

Pulseammo · 23 Aug 2009 at 19:30

Im looking for the same, but unfortunately I think the end user license agreement for these calibration devices state no rental :/.

dustofnations · 23 Aug 2009 at 20:18

I've asked a few times about whether a Spyder 2 is a decent alternative (cheap-ish)... but nobody has replied to me lol.. Guess the answer isn't conclusive :-/

The Spyder 2 is available on-line for around 56 quid (typically same $ as £, better get used to being ripped off I suppose!)

julianhj · 23 Aug 2009 at 20:20

I've also been looking for one of these, and I've concluded the best option is to buy either the Huey or Spyder. If after calibrating both my screens I decide I don't need it anymore, it would seem they fetch almost new money in certain places.

DanF · 24 Aug 2009 at 10:32

If your going to get a callibrator then your probably best to just spend a bit more and get one based on the xrite I1Dispay2 puck. It's the same hardware that's in some of the LaCie kits like the one used on www.tftcentral.co.uk

The X-Rite I1Display2 is probably the most affordable one to go for.

leejd · 24 Aug 2009 at 11:00

I just had a thought....do I need to calibrate the monitor whenever I install a new OS i.e. Win7 or is the OS independant as long as the Grahpics Card/Monitor is not changed.

What about the graphics card driver? Does the monitor need calibrated after a new driver comes out?

I'm trying to justify spending £135 :-)

Baddass · 24 Aug 2009 at 11:47

leejd said:
I just had a thought....do I need to calibrate the monitor whenever I install a new OS i.e. Win7 or is the OS independant as long as the Grahpics Card/Monitor is not changed.

What about the graphics card driver? Does the monitor need calibrated after a new driver comes out?

I'm trying to justify spending £135

yep, you'd need to re-calibrate. monthly calibration is recommended as normal anyway if possible

DanF · 24 Aug 2009 at 11:52

leejd said:
I'm trying to justify spending £135

It took me 2 years to work up to getting one, ended up with that x-rite one as it's license allows you to use the software on multiple workstations. I ended up taking it to most of my mates and also in to work and have set up quite a few screens with it

It really does help with some monitors, we're using 2 monitors each in work, 1 benq 17" tn panel and a samsung 215tw mva panel. I could never get them to look the same just using the monitor controls, now both are much more balanced which is handy for web work.

julianhj · 24 Aug 2009 at 20:04

Hmmm, I'd really struggle to justify £135. Are the £60 alternatives that much worse?

Mick-1965 · 24 Aug 2009 at 22:49

julianhj said:
Hmmm, I'd really struggle to justify £135. Are the £60 alternatives that much worse?

options for the eyeone....
Keep an eye on the bay. They go for just over half that.
Or get an LT version, which is the same device, just lesser software.
If its the better software you want still get the LT and download the color eyes software demo fully functional for 10 days or 10 goes.