Hey guys,

I just received my i1pro (good deal for an older photolt package) and am now calibrating my 5090H Pioneer.

Now, when I did that, I noticed that the results vary somewhat depending on a couple of factors.
I always had my Pioneer on for approx. 30-45 mins to get it to the normal operating temp.
However, when it comes to the sensor, i noticed that the results change depending on:

a) The temperature of the i1pro. I am not sure what the "correct" way to measure would be. Have it on the panel for the entire time to "heat up" or remove after taking measurements to let it cool to ambient temp. Given the fact that the i1pro was delevoped for other applications than having it set on the panel of a plasma display, which can get quite warm, my conclusion would be to make sure the sensor is at room temp, not panel temp. I am interested to see what you guys say. So - room temp or panel temp for sensor?
b) Calibration. I use HCFR for the time being, and noticed the calibration of the sensor is somewhat different compared to the x-rite approach. AFAIK the correct way to calibrate using HCFR would be to place the senor on the white calib device in darkness and then calibrate. However, xrite enganges the light on the i1pro to engage and take a white reading (which, IMHO makes senses, since to place the sensor in darkness on the white tile with HCFR and HCFR not enganging the light of the i1pro defies my understanding). You views?
c) I noticed that the i1pro should be send to the factory after the calibration certificate expires for recalib. Now, have you ever done that? Whats the cost involved? does it make sense? Reason why I am asking, my certificate was issued mid 2007 and asked for recertification/recalib by mid 2008 (brand new kit, never used, just sat in store for years)

Would appreciate your views on this, as I am anxious to resume the calibration, but I want to make sure I have the entry criteria correct and validated by you professionals :)

Hey guys,

I just received my i1pro (good deal for an older photolt package) and am now calibrating my 5090H Pioneer.

Now, when I did that, I noticed that the results vary somewhat depending on a couple of factors.
I always had my Pioneer on for approx. 30-45 mins to get it to the normal operating temp.
However, when it comes to the sensor, i noticed that the results change depending on:

a) The temperature of the i1pro. I am not sure what the "correct" way to measure would be. Have it on the panel for the entire time to "heat up" or remove after taking measurements to let it cool to ambient temp. Given the fact that the i1pro was delevoped for other applications than having it set on the panel of a plasma display, which can get quite warm, my conclusion would be to make sure the sensor is at room temp, not panel temp. I am interested to see what you guys say. So - room temp or panel temp for sensor?
b) Calibration. I use HCFR for the time being, and noticed the calibration of the sensor is somewhat different compared to the x-rite approach. AFAIK the correct way to calibrate using HCFR would be to place the senor on the white calib device in darkness and then calibrate. However, xrite enganges the light on the i1pro to engage and take a white reading (which, IMHO makes senses, since to place the sensor in darkness on the white tile with HCFR and HCFR not enganging the light of the i1pro defies my understanding). You views?
c) I noticed that the i1pro should be send to the factory after the calibration certificate expires for recalib. Now, have you ever done that? Whats the cost involved? does it make sense? Reason why I am asking, my certificate was issued mid 2007 and asked for recertification/recalib by mid 2008 (brand new kit, never used, just sat in store for years)

Would appreciate your views on this, as I am anxious to resume the calibration, but I want to make sure I have the entry criteria correct and validated by you professionals :)

I have the iOne LT, so I'm not sure about parts B and C. As for part A, here's an excerpt from "GREYSCALE & COLOUR CALIBRATION FOR DUMMIES". This guide was a big help to me.

"Let your projector/TV warm up for at least 30 minutes before doing a greyscale calibration. It will take time to stabilize. Important: If you're using a Plasma display, make sure to let the sensor warm up on the display for a good 30 minutes as the plasma will get warm and you want the sensor to stabilize to the same temperature."

Regarding calibration: "Eye-One users only: You'll need to calibrate the sensor otherwise ColorHCFR will pop up a window asking you to do this before you take your first readings. You may want to set the "Time during which device calibration remains valid" to 0 to make sure that we don't have to redo a calibration during this session, especially when you're only just initially dialing things things in. When you go to take final critical readings, you may want to manually recalibrate again to ensure everything is perfect. Or you may want to set the time to, say, 10 or 20 minutes if you really want to make sure you're always perfectly calibrated. You'll have to calibrate next time you start up ColorHCFR or unplug/replug the Eye-One too of course. Calibration is done two different ways depending on which display type you selected previously:
LCD or Plasma: Click "Calibrate internal sensor offsets" and place the sensor on a flat non-porous opaque surface. A black surface is preferred. The inside of a black DVD case works great. Make sure it's flat and no extra light is getting in there! Select "OK" to calibrate. "

Hope that's helpful!

b) Calibration. I use HCFR for the time being, and noticed the calibration of the sensor is somewhat different compared to the x-rite approach. AFAIK the correct way to calibrate using HCFR would be to place the senor on the white calib device in darkness and then calibrate. However, xrite enganges the light on the i1pro to engage and take a white reading (which, IMHO makes senses, since to place the sensor in darkness on the white tile with HCFR and HCFR not enganging the light of the i1pro defies my understanding). You views?
It does not matter at all. For example Argyll software can use either the white tile or the dark protection cap for calibrating i1Pro. Results are the same for display measurements.

c) I noticed that the i1pro should be send to the factory after the calibration certificate expires for recalib. Now, have you ever done that? Whats the cost involved? does it make sense? Reason why I am asking, my certificate was issued mid 2007 and asked for recertification/recalib by mid 2008 (brand new kit, never used, just sat in store for years)
Look at this link: http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=22437

I've had my Eye One spectro factory recertified twice. First time cost around $90 and they even fixed a piece of plastic that had broken loose. Meter seemed to give more stable readings after I got it back.
Second time was earlier this year. Cost me around $140 if I remember right. They had it for a long time; they sent me an email saying they were sending it back to their factory in Europe because it needed more extensive service than the US facility could do.

HI Chad and all,

Thanks for your answers. I will check what the recalibration would cost me - given the fact that I live in Europe, I am sure they will take me to the cleaners moneywise (I expect around 100-150EUR) :)