As a preface I must say that I'm quite new to all of this calibration. I just got a new LCD monitor (Samsung 226bw) and would like to get a calibrator. I'm debating between the Huey and the Spyder2Express. I know these are lower level, but they are near the extent of my price range. I also don't think I am that sensitive to colors being off, etc. but I would like to have my monitor be in the ballpark of well calibrated. I have read some stuff on this forum that said the Spyder2 wasn't the best, and the Display2 was better, but it is too expensive for me. Does anyone have experience comparing the Huey and Spyder2 and can give me recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Edit: I found reviews on each from [H]ard|OCP forums (can't post the URLs cause I haven't posted enough) that led me to believe the Huey is better as the review said it compared favorably to his Eye-One and it constantly measures ambient light.

As a preface I must say that I'm quite new to all of this calibration. I just got a new LCD monitor (Samsung 226bw) and would like to get a calibrator. I'm debating between the Huey and the Spyder2Express. I know these are lower level, but they are near the extent of my price range. I also don't think I am that sensitive to colors being off, etc. but I would like to have my monitor be in the ballpark of well calibrated. I have read some stuff on this forum that said the Spyder2 wasn't the best, and the Display2 was better, but it is too expensive for me. Does anyone have experience comparing the Huey and Spyder2 and can give me recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Edit: I found reviews on each from [H]ard|OCP forums (can't post the URLs cause I haven't posted enough) that led me to believe the Huey is better as the review said it compared favorably to his Eye-One and it constantly measures ambient light.

Joe--The best one that I have found was developed by a member of this forum (Scotty)and is called "GetGray". It cost $25. It can be purchased from this website via the calibration forum.

Joe--The best one that I have found was developed by a member of this forum (Scotty)and is called "GetGray". It cost $25. It can be purchased from this website via the calabration forum.


Unfortunately, "GetGray" is a collection of calibration test pattern for digital displays, not a colorimeter like the Display2. He might need it, but it's not an answer to his question (but I don't know anything about the Huey so I can't comment).

So GetGray is just test patterns to make sure my display is working right? Or does it also somehow help me calibrate my display?

GetGray is an ISO of test patterns that you can burn onto a DVD. It's designed for digital displays, not CRTs, as it's missing some of the patterns that are useful for CRT only. As far as test patterns go, lots of people like it better than the competitors (AVIA and DVE) 'cause the patterns are accurate, easy to use, and navigating the DVD is very straightforward. It's not your only choice, just a very cost-effective and respected one.

I'll answer your question as best as I can...I also was deciding between those 2 a while back. Like you, I don't absolutely have to have a perfect calibration on my home monitors (Dell 2007WFP, Acer Ferrari F-20) so spending over $100 didn't make much sense. I chose to go with the Spyder2 Express not only because of the low price but also because the colorimeter is the same one used in some of the much higher priced packages..and you can upgrade the software later if you feel you need it. One particular review that I read (with Huey vs Spyder2) noted that the "ambient light" feature of the Huey didn't work like they thought it would and it was a feature they wouldn't use. Other than that...the results between the Huey and Spyder2 were pretty comparable except that the Spyder takes almost 10 minutes to complete a calibration.

My personal results have been good...or good enough for me since I have no professional reason to have a calibrated monitor. Good luck

Hey joemama thanks for that. I'm definitely leaning towards the Spyder2 and that makes me confident.

I have another Spyder question. I tried applying an .ICC file that someone made with their spyder on the same monitor and it did look better, but in CS:S it seemed to slow my entire computer down. I have an old system, but am upgrading soon, so I assume it won't matter then but is that a common occurrence? Also I've heard some talk that changes made with the Spyder don't apply in game, is that true?

Hey Peg,
Did you ever get settings your happy with?
My Sammy 226BW is on order - How I get an "S" version.
What type (manufacturer) did you get?
I know - all questions and no answers :-(
CoolHand

Sorry I thought I'd replied to this but it isn't showing up. I have my settings like the one's posted a little ways down on page 95 of the [H]ard|OCP Forum thread about the 226BW (sorry I can't post links yet) but with my brightness at 89. I got an S panel. You can't tell ahead of time which panel you are getting, you just have to check the actual monitor itself. Hope this helps.