Ive been around the forums for a bit reading and have decided to calibrate my 2 plasmas along with about 4 lcd computer monitors. I will be adding a projector soon so id like to be able to calibrate all of them with one tool.

My question is what would be a good starter package for calibrating all of these. I dont need it to be at a professional level but would be willing to spend some money to get a quality setup. I was looking at the package from calman with the eye-one pro or the Pantone EyeOne LT colorimeter + HCFR software + GetGray calibration disc. both of those packages are very different in price. If the eyeone Lt package would provide good results for under $200 i would be fine but if the calman package would be far superior and worth the money id be willing to spend more.

What are your guys thoughts?

While I am biased, and will gladly step back and let users of both packages discuss the relative merits (i.e., whether we are worth the premium), I would point out that we do support the DisplayLT, and we will sell the i1 Pro without our software.

I will point you to this discussion for some comparisons of the relative merits of the software packages:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=902605

For the meters, one of the critical questions is "what am I going to use this for?" We take a fairly pragmatic approach to calibration (get better, even if you can't get perfect), so it is important to us that users match their meter to their needs. Right now, for most consumers not looking to do detailed work with a CMS, the DisplayLT is about the best bang-for-the-buck around. If you want to do CMS work, then we recommend that users start looking into spectroradiometers, if their budget allows. That is where the i1 Pro comes into play since it is a well-performing spectro at a good price. The i1 Pro also has advantages if you want to grow into printer or scanner profiling, but that is a different set of considerations for most people.

Bill

(I'll happily answer meter questions, but I'd like to stay out of the comparison of the software)

thanks for your opinion. Ive gotten to the point where i think its a good investment to make sure that all of my displays are displaying the correct colors etc. Its also something thats not really going to get outdated so i don't mind spending money on something that will last.

Ive been around the forums for a bit reading and have decided to calibrate my 2 plasmas along with about 4 lcd computer monitors. I will be adding a projector soon so id like to be able to calibrate all of them with one tool.

Since you are also looking at calibrating your computer monitors then I would look at the Display2 not the LT version. With the LT version x-rite disables many features in the i1Match3 software. If you can find a great deal on the LT it can be upgraded to a full Display2 for $85 from x-rite.

We also fully support the Display2 or LT on Plasma's.

Well i saw the lt on amazon for $139 so add $85= $224 so i guess ill go with the display 2 for $194. From what i understand i wont be able to calibrate my computer displays with the Lt? I guess ill have to step up to the higher version with the software. Its just a software upgrade not a better eye correct? If i went this route it would give me a good setup for around $200. And then if i wanted to i could later grab v3. Is this a good route?

Well i saw the lt on amazon for $139 so add $85= $224 so i guess ill go with the display 2 for $194. From what i understand i wont be able to calibrate my computer displays with the Lt? I guess ill have to step up to the higher version with the software. Its just a software upgrade not a better eye correct? If i went this route it would give me a good setup for around $200. And then if i wanted to i could later grab v3. Is this a good route?

Yes the meter D2 and LT are the same it's just the i1Match3 software has features disabled with the LT for computer monitors. If you want to use the Display2 to calibrate Plasma's then you will also need V3, since colorHCFR does not support the D2 in CRT mode on a Plasma. You can fudge it with colorHCFR by using a an non-standard color temperature that some have used to get it close but that misses the point of calibrating to a standard of D65.

So if i was to go with the eye-one with d2 along with the v3 software i would be able to do my computer monitors, plasma's, and projector?

or find a DTP-94 (AKA Optix-xr) on ebay :0)..and Im a bit partial to Calman...

So if i was to go with the eye-one with d2 along with the v3 software i would be able to do my computer monitors, plasma's, and projector?

Yes with a Display2, i1Match3 and CalMAN v3 you would be able to calibrate everything you have.

or find a DTP-94 on ebay :0)..and Im a bit partial to Calman...

Rich, has a good point if you can find a DTP-94

I typed in Optix Xr on ebay and got one that said this

Monaco Optix XR Monitor Calibrator. Is that what i need to get. I tryed to link it from ebay but it wouldnt work. Heres the picture

http://morejesuslessme.com/items/aw2k/LotImg17446.jpg

I typed in Optix Xr on ebay and got one that said this

Monaco Optix XR Monitor Calibrator. Is that what i need to get. I tryed to link it from ebay but it wouldnt work. Heres the picture

http://morejesuslessme.com/items/aw2k/LotImg17446.jpg

Yes

so if i picked up one of those what would i use to do my pc monitors with? Would i just use Calman for everything? Is this device going to be superior to the d2?

so if i picked up one of those what would i use to do my pc monitors with? Would i just use Calman for everything? Is this device going to be superior to the d2?

It is equivalent to the D2. Both the D2 and DTP94 came from the same reference design but from different companies. The DTP94 was from x-rite and the D2 was from Gretag Macbeth. Some time ago x-rite acquired GMB and has merged all the products in to a single line now from x-rite. So the DTP94 was discontinued and the D2 took its place. My concerns with any used meter are it being out of spec and not have a warranty to get it replaced.

CalMAN does not provide ICC profiles for monitors so you would still need the manufactures software to do that.

For your monitors, you'll want to use the software that should come with the XR. It calibrates monitors by generating profiles for use by your video card. Kinda like using an external eq with your stereo. Calman helps you make the adjustments to the display itself, or to an attached video processor if you have one. It doesn't generate monitor profiles.

Dang, you're fast, Derek! I was just doing a quick reply, and you got there first....

So there is no real advantage to get the one off ebay? If not then ill just go with a new one that way i know its correct and not messed up.

So there is no real advantage to get the one off ebay? If not then ill just go with a new one that way i know its correct and not messed up.
The difference in piece of mind is generally worth the $20 - $50 in savings. The corollary to this is that since the DTP-94 is discontinued, eBay is getting to be the only place to find them. :(

Bill

I guess ill do with the d2. Im real anal on how i keep my things so id rather get new if its going to perform the same. thanks for the help guys. Now if i could only find someone that works at circuit city to buy me a projector with their discount ha. Im thinking of just walking in one morning and asking an employee.

A Google search shows that there are still a few online retailers that claim to have either the Optix XR or XR Pro, but the prices are generally list or over list - about $220 to $340 (ouch).

There is also a chance that local photography stores in your area might still have stock.

Ive used all on your list, including building the HCFR probes. Plus others.

The plus side of HCFR is that is free, the downside, the ongoing development may stop once the creators say enough is enough. Infomation and how toos have to be sourced. It is glossy enough, and it is straight forward enough.

The plus side of Calman is that it is relatively cheap for the developement work that is in progress right now and more importantly you have feedback and direct contact with the developers for instruction and fixes.
This is more value than first appears, infact it is of higher importance for knowledge of correct practice than the software itself.

THe probes are always under debate....if you follow the other threads.
HCFR you can buy various probes from alternative suppliers, or build the HCFR probe.

Calman sell both the software and probes(at pretty cost effective prices I might add)...is there not some reasoning to this?

If you have different display technologies over time you might find the I1pro a better choice. This is my opersonal opinion of choice, nothing wrong with tristimulas probes, I now prefer spectrum meters.

Another item you havent mentioned is references, these come in various forms, like the other items you get what you pay for.

Without accurate references probes and software are useless.

Key thing: The tools to calibrate are just tools for the end result. Accurate images.
A good tradesman can give you a great result with less than perfect gear with knowledge of the limitations of the tools.

<^..^>

Ive used all on your list, including building the HCFR probes. Plus others.

The plus side of HCFR is that is free, the downside, the ongoing development may stop once the creators say enough is enough. Infomation and how toos have to be sourced. It is glossy enough, and it is straight forward enough.

The plus side of Calman is that it is relatively cheap for the developement work that is in progress right now and more importantly you have feedback and direct contact with the developers for instruction and fixes.
This is more value than first appears, infact it is of higher importance for knowledge of correct practice than the software itself.

THe probes are always under debate....if you follow the other threads.
HCFR you can buy various probes from alternative suppliers, or build the HCFR probe.

Calman sell both the software and probes(at pretty cost effective prices I might add)...is there not some reasoning to this?

If you have different display technologies over time you might find the I1pro a better choice. This is my opersonal opinion of choice, nothing wrong with tristimulas probes, I now prefer spectrum meters.

Another item you havent mentioned is references, these come in various forms, like the other items you get what you pay for.

Without accurate references probes and software are useless.

Key thing: The tools to calibrate are just tools for the end result. Accurate images.
A good tradesman can give you a great result with less than perfect gear with knowledge of the limitations of the tools.

<^..^>

I'm curious, how difficult was it to build the HCFR probe?