syder 2

[jann1033]

looking at monitor calibration software and have heard of this brand but wondering if the cheaper model ( under $100) will do the trick or the $300 is really necessary .anyone use any of these, feedback would be helpful and appreciated. thanks

 

[DueyDooDah]

Spyder 3 is the current model. I have Spyder 2, the pro version. You will need the pro version if you have more than 1 monitor otherwise you can get by with the standard version. Believe me when I tell you that this is MUCH better than a software only solution. And, it takes a bit of time to go thru the process.

 

[jann1033]

i thought i had it ok then got some photos printed...once again not even close in color so figured i may as well bite the bullet and save money on photos that aren't right when i get them printed plus i'm running out of wall space for "not quite right" color photos i can only hang at home

 

[fitzperry]

Spyder 3 is the current model. I have Spyder 2, the pro version. You will need the pro version if you have more than 1 monitor otherwise you can get by with the standard version. Believe me when I tell you that this is MUCH better than a software only solution. And, it takes a bit of time to go thru the process.

This is the issue I'm having. I have the Spyder 2 Express, but I've started using my laptop as my primary computer, and I'd like to do most of my photo editing on my external monitor. Looks like I might have to bite the bullet and upgrade.

 

[Groucho]

No no no! Put that wallet away! Save your bucks for other stuff. You don't need to upgrade if you use multiple monitors.

The way I understand it, the hardware is exactly the same between the different versions. The only difference is the software. I got a Spyder2Express and use it on a few different multimonitor setups.

The trick is to dump their software that loads the profile at startup and use Microsoft's Color Control Panel. Use the Spyder2 to create the profiles for the monitors one at a time (you may need to change which is the primary in your display properties, or just say heck with it and temporarily unplug one and boot off a single monitor), then rename that profile appropriately. (I add a monitor name and the date at the end of the filename.) Repeat for monitor two. Take their profile loader out of startup, then use the MS tool to set the default profiles for each monitor once you have both connected again. To have them load automatically, you'll need to add a shortcut in your startup folder.

There are a few tutorials out on the internet on how to do it... let me see if I can find out quickly. Ah, here is a page with some specific info on Spyder2Express, MS Color Control Panel, and dual monitors.

 

[fitzperry]

No no no! Put that wallet away! Save your bucks for other stuff. You don't need to upgrade if you use multiple monitors.

Awww bless your heart--you just saved me $150! And there's plenty of stuff I'd rather spend it on (yet another bag? ). I'm a recent Mac convert, but a quick google search produced a couple of tutorials, so I'll try it in the a.m.

Thanks! I really appreciate the advice!

 

[Groucho]

Awww bless your heart--you just saved me $150! And there's plenty of stuff I'd rather spend it on (yet another bag? ). I'm a recent Mac convert, but a quick google search produced a couple of tutorials, so I'll try it in the a.m.

Thanks! I really appreciate the advice!

No problem! Feel free to express your appreciation by donating to the Groucho LBA Fund.

 

[jann1033]

one more ? anyone had a problem with the spyder 2 and vista?

 

[fitzperry]

No problem! Feel free to express your appreciation by donating to the Groucho LBA Fund.

Not so fast . . . . I got it to calibrate both of them, but they don't look even remotely the same. My Macbook has a glossy LED screen, and the external monitor is your basic 17" LCD, so I'm guessing that has something to do with it. The MBA has a red (magenta?) cast to it, and the LCD looks more yellow. Any suggestions out there?

Sorry Janet--no Vista experience here.

 

[Groucho]

Check the ambient light... try calibrating them in a dark room with no external light hitting the screens. I think that can make a big difference.

It took a couple whacks with mine to get the color close to what I want. My two CRT monitors are not perfectly in sync color-wise, but pretty close (and certainly way better than before!)

I doubt that the "Pro" software would work any better, I think you'd still be doing the two calibrations, it would just let you do them right in a row than load both profiles itself, rather than having to use the Color Control Panel.

 

[DueyDooDah]

As I stated above, I use the Pro version. It allows you to use base the second monitor calibration on the first. My LCDs are so close I can't tell the difference unless I swap profiles. Then I see a HUGE difference. It could be that Groucho is right and the method he uses works, but using the pro version is pretty straight forward and seems to work well.

 

[fitzperry]

Check the ambient light... try calibrating them in a dark room with no external light hitting the screens. I think that can make a big difference.

It took a couple whacks with mine to get the color close to what I want. My two CRT monitors are not perfectly in sync color-wise, but pretty close (and certainly way better than before!)

I doubt that the "Pro" software would work any better, I think you'd still be doing the two calibrations, it would just let you do them right in a row than load both profiles itself, rather than having to use the Color Control Panel.

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it, but they look pretty much the same as before, which is to say different from each other--external monitor with yellow/green cast, and laptop with magenta cast.

And here's another stupid question (if you can stand it, and if Janet doesn't report me for hijacking her thread ): my external monitor is mounted on the wall, and the top tilts out a bit farther than the bottom (can't be moved). So unless I hold it against the screen, the calibration device hangs 1/2" or so away from the lcd. Should I hold it so that it stays in contact with the screen during the calibration process (that's what I've been doing)?

As I stated above, I use the Pro version. It allows you to use base the second monitor calibration on the first. My LCDs are so close I can't tell the difference unless I swap profiles. Then I see a HUGE difference. It could be that Groucho is right and the method he uses works, but using the pro version is pretty straight forward and seems to work well.

I must confess I don't understand why it would be beneficial for one to be based on the other. In other words, I don't just want them to be the same, I want them to be correct (primarily for printing). Am I missing something here?

 

[Groucho]

And here's another stupid question (if you can stand it, and if Janet doesn't report me for hijacking her thread ): my external monitor is mounted on the wall, and the top tilts out a bit farther than the bottom (can't be moved). So unless I hold it against the screen, the calibration device hangs 1/2" or so away from the lcd. Should I hold it so that it stays in contact with the screen during the calibration process (that's what I've been doing)?

Hmm, good question? I'm not sure. I would probably do the same thing as you if I were in your shoes... you may want to send them an email, but I don't know what the alternative would be.