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SpyderTV Pro reviews. - Page 5

post #121 of 322
10/19/06 at 2:19pm
Hi, everyone. I've been lurking here for a while doing research on a reasonable colorimeter to purchase for home use. I have read the generally favorable views on the SpyderTV Pro and finally decided to purchase one. The cheapest I found the unit was from DataVision Computer Video. They are selling the Pro units on eBay (and only on eBay) for $389 +$12 shipping.

The reason I wanted to mention this is because they had errors in their eBay listing that made it look like they were selling the non-Pro version for $389. I almost didn't buy the unit from them because of the poor description and wrong photo. I emailed the seller and he has assured me that this is indeed the Pro unit. He has updated his listing and gladly welcomes purchases from AVSForum forum members. (He was wondering why they were not selling very well at this price and was very appreciative for the e-mail and corrections.) The eBay item number is 170040913890.

Please note that I don't work for DataVision nor do I have any connection with them. I just wanted to pass along my purchase experience and to let folks know about the errors in their ad since I almost passed up this deal myself.
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post #122 of 322
10/22/06 at 11:31am
^ Thanks for the ebay tip.


Just a quick question, after reading through 98% of the posts on this topic I saw no mention made of the 'ambient light' sensor that is supposed to be a new feature of the STV pro units.

Spyder2 PRO software

New Ambient PreciseLight Function measures ambient light and balances studio lighting and monitor settings accordingly.



If the STV is upgradeable to STV pro simply through software, wouldnt the STV units also have this sensor?
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post #123 of 322
10/22/06 at 2:56pm
After reading requirements posted on DataColor website for their products, they mention at least a Pentium 2 processor. Do these programs run on AMD based as well? Anyone here w/ an AMD laptop?
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post #124 of 322
10/22/06 at 8:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDholic View Post

After reading requirements posted on DataColor website for their products, they mention at least a Pentium 2 processor. Do these programs run on AMD based as well? Anyone here w/ an AMD laptop?

I can categorically state that AMD products run Colorvision software, but not in an official capacity. I have to say it from EXTENSIVE personal testing...
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post #125 of 322
10/22/06 at 9:21pm
A few questions for you all..

When doing the grey scale, I noticed an option to LOCK a color bar.. Why and when would you use this??

Since colortvpro only uses 2 patterens to do the cuts/gains (as opposed to using all IRE), is this still very accurate? or should I use avia and go thru all the IRE levels? (if so, what procedure would you recommend?).

I will be attempting a front projection soon, and from the help I got (thanx ) and reading all the comments, I just want to recap what I learned.. So, my understanding is: the meter should be 1 foot from screen, and placed perfect center of screen?? The software will take the shadow into account??


Thanx again for all, for putting up with these stupid questions..

On a side note::

I have the grey scale reading from the Pioneer 1080p plasma panel.. Will post them Monday night my time..
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post #126 of 322
10/23/06 at 11:41am
I know this is a broader question, but what would purchasing something like the full colorfacts suite give me over Spydertv pro, or maybe even SpyderTV Pro and the Calman software?
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post #127 of 322
10/23/06 at 8:30pm
Hello all..

Here are the promised settings using spydertvpro (being done in a lit showroom )

SETTINGS:

-All DNR OFF
-ALL Contrast enhancments OFF
-Color Temp set to MANUAL(allows to set greyscale with this option)

-tint = 0
-color = 11
-sharpness = -2
-contrast = 47
-brightness = 2

WHITE BALANCE:

red-gain = -3
green - gain = 0
blue - gain = -10

red - cut = 3
green - cut =0
blue - cut =2

PURE CINEMA = STANDARD (seemed to look sharper than ADV setting)

Hope this helps..
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post #128 of 322
10/24/06 at 9:51am
What test patterns does SpyderTV pro require (assume they come on a DVD)? My scaler has 35 test patterns in it. Normally, I like to calibrate my scaler to my display and then adjust individual sources by adjusting the scaler for each input. Thanks. SJ
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post #129 of 322
10/24/06 at 9:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJHT View Post

What test patterns does SpyderTV pro require (assume they come on a DVD)? My scaler has 35 test patterns in it. Normally, I like to calibrate my scaler to my display and then adjust individual sources by adjusting the scaler for each input. Thanks. SJ

Which scaler do you have?
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post #130 of 322
10/24/06 at 11:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by derekjsmith View Post

Which scaler do you have?

DVDO VP50.
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post #131 of 322
10/24/06 at 12:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJHT View Post

DVDO VP50.

The additional color patterns in the VP30 and 50 were added for CalMAN. Our next release 2.1 has direct control support via RS232 for the DVDO VP series.
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post #132 of 322
10/24/06 at 1:36pm
Guess it's time for me to look into CalMAN! I'm your basic DIYer and have relied upon DVE and other items to tune my display. Ready to take the next step. I'm always making changes in equipment, etc. and would rather learn how to so some of the basic calibration myself vs. hiring (I did that once). I also have a fairly technical background and HT is my hobby. STV PRO looked to be one option for me, but I'm willing to look at others as I have not purchased this product yet.


Does anyone know what test patterns STV PRO uses? It would be great if my VP50 had them built in and I could use them to calibrate my projector (which is an Optoma H79). Thanks. SJ
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post #133 of 322
10/24/06 at 7:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by derekjsmith View Post

The additional color patterns in the VP30 and 50 were added for CalMAN. Our next release 2.1 has direct control support via RS232 for the DVDO VP series.

Is there an ETA for the 2.1 release?
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post #134 of 322
10/24/06 at 8:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gino AUS View Post

Is there an ETA for the 2.1 release?

Derek and LA are working feverishly on it, so we are not going to release it tomorrow, but it also won't be December unless we find that we missed something horribly, horribly wrong.
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post #135 of 322
10/24/06 at 8:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bear5k View Post

Derek and LA are working feverishly on it, so we are not going to release it tomorrow, but it also won't be December unless we find that we missed something horribly, horribly wrong.

What other options will be added?? (if you can let us know. )

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post #136 of 322
10/24/06 at 9:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by muad'dib View Post

What other options will be added?? (if you can let us know. )


The short list for v2.1

We will now have direct control over our supported signal/pattern generators. Meaning that when you select a reading we will tell the generator in use to display the correct pattern then take a reading with the meter then populate the data and update any charts needed. The hardware we support in 2.1 is: For standalone calibration generators the Accupel HDG3000 and Sencore VP series. For video processors DVDO VP series, Lumagen VisionHD series and the Crystalio II when Pixel Magic adds serial control. The Colorfacts pattern generator application version 3 and 5. Our own HTPC patterns.

For meters we now have the EyeOne Pro and Display2 from Gretag Macbeth, the Spyder2 from Colorvision, the X-Rite DTP94. We are still working on the interface for the Sencore CP series but it will probably be in after 2.1.

And many UI updates with more control options.

Again this is the short list, for more details see us over on the CalMAN forums.
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post #137 of 322
10/25/06 at 4:37pm
Quote:


For meters we now have the EyeOne Pro and Display2 from Gretag Macbeth, the Spyder2 from Colorvision, the X-Rite DTP94. We are still working on the interface for the Sencore CP series but it will probably be in after 2.1.

This also means the sensor bundled in Eye One Design?
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post #138 of 322
10/25/06 at 4:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by anbjornk View Post

This also means the sensor bundled in Eye One Design?

Yes. We had actually hoped to OEM these, but our rep from GMB seems to be lost in the shuffle going on over there now that X-rite has closed the deal on purchasing GMB. This was one reason the release of v2.1 has been delayed.

Bill
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post #139 of 322
10/27/06 at 5:42am
From my understanding, SpyderTV calibrates using test patterns on a DVD. With my display, changes to settings I make on one input do not carry to the others. My question is, how would I calibrate the input I use for my HD set top box?

If I connect my DVD player to this input and calibrate, I'm using a SD device to calibrate an input that is going to be used for an HD device. Will this give good results?
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post #140 of 322
10/27/06 at 6:17am
Does STVPRO have a HD DVD or Blu-Ray version of their test patterns? Can someone list what test patterns STVPRO uses to calibrate? Thanks! SJ
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post #141 of 322
10/27/06 at 6:25am
Nope, but I dont see why you couldnt use the soon to be release DVE HDDVD
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post #142 of 322
10/27/06 at 8:32am
Hey guys, I just delved into HDTV with a 37" LCD HDTV and was wondering if it is a worthwhile investment for either SpyderTV or even SpyderTVPRO?

I understand LCDs have less overall adjustments available to tweak and am just looking to maximize my investment in getting the best possible picture.

I mean, is SpyderTVPRO overkill?

Is even SpyderTV overkill?

I love the display, and I already tweaked things quite a bit to get them as acceptable as they are, but am looking to to get things as good as possible given the displays available adjustments (which as this point are: Brightness, Contrast, Color, Tint, Sharpness, and a Color Temp which has a Cool/Neutral/Warm setting and an Energy Saving setting that has a 0/-1/-2 for adjusting the backlighting)...

Thanks for any and all input on this...
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post #143 of 322
10/27/06 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gino AUS View Post

Nope, but I dont see why you couldnt use the soon to be release DVE HDDVD

Why would this work? Probably back to my original question! What test patterns does STVPRO require to work? I'm also hoping that my scaler (which has 35 test patterns) also has the required ones to work with it. So, what does it require? Thanks. SJ
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post #144 of 322
10/27/06 at 4:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJHT View Post

Why would this work? Probably back to my original question! What test patterns does STVPRO require to work? I'm also hoping that my scaler (which has 35 test patterns) also has the required ones to work with it. So, what does it require? Thanks. SJ

From memory STVPro just uses IRE patterns... and the DVE HDDVD will allow you to configure your input for a HD source, and it obviously has these same patterns

Why wouldnt it work?
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post #145 of 322
10/28/06 at 6:01am
Gino

Very interesting point. STVPRO measures 20% and 80% IRE levels in order to determine proper cut/gains levels if I remember correctly. Using those two exact test patterns from an HDDVE or maybe HDAVIA (if/when it's ever released) may just do the trick for an HD calibration.

Someone with one of the HD players ought to try this out to see what happens when the HDDVE disc is released. I've gotten pretty good results by just leaving my DVD measurement values in place when watching HDTV. The flesh tones aren't nearly as good as when I'm watching a DVD but they are close enough to not bother fiddling with. Still, if this idea might work, it would be a step up.

Wayne

p.s. Gino, you never did do an STVPRO review for us.
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post #146 of 322
10/28/06 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gino AUS View Post

From memory STVPro just uses IRE patterns... and the DVE HDDVD will allow you to configure your input for a HD source, and it obviously has these same patterns

Why wouldnt it work?

My comments were based on not knowing what patterns STV PRO uses. Assume anyone that has used the product would know. If these patterns are available on my scaler, then I could use STV PRO to calibrate. Then use the DVD patterns which obviously come with the product to change the source setting for DVD, etc. Thanks. SJ
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post #147 of 322
10/29/06 at 5:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifiaudio2 View Post

I know this is a broader question, but what would purchasing something like the full colorfacts suite give me over Spydertv pro, or maybe even SpyderTV Pro and the Calman software?

Spider only permits you to use the front panel controls ( contrast, brightness, color, Hue, sharpness ) to make adjustments. Colorfacts suits will permit you to do this and do it quicker once you get the feel of it, perform grayscale tracking (D6500) and permit you to use external pattern generators and light sensors. Spider is quite a good bargain but it only reads 7 positions whereas its much more expensive sensors costing 1k-30k take readings from 128 points on up.

Related to this but surprising after so many posts on this subject, is that so many of you still think you can calibrate your displays using DVD discs. You can only calibrate a DVD player's input with a DVD patterns. For other inputs or sources ( DBS, cable, off air NTSC or ATSC ) you would need an external HD/SD pattern generator and you would have to calibrate those inputs for those sources. You need to calibrate all inputs and sources and using a DVD disc will surely end up with errors on non DVD sources. The complete software suite, with all of the ancillary tools allows you to accurately calibrate dynamic range, color saturation, colorimetry and grayscale for all sources and all display inputs. You will not be able to accurately calibrate all inputs nor color space nor as accurately perform dynamic range calibrations with Spider. For the price it's a great value and a valuable tool. But it only gets you about 40% of where you want to be unless you only watch DVDs and you have one of the few sets that has a setting close to 6500K. Even with a HD-DVD calibration disc you would still have this problem. Using a DVD you can only calibrate the DVD system: player, cable, display input. You cannot calibrate for other sources or inputs with a DVD test disc. After so many posts this ought to have been obvious. If you don't care about being accurate the DVD will put you into the neighborhood and that may be acceptable for many of you. But if you want accurate calibrations you need good calibration software, external pattern generators, possibly better light sensors and certainly software that allows you the ability to adjust more than just the front panel controls on the display.

Alan
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post #148 of 322
10/29/06 at 8:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by audiblesolutions View Post

Related to this but surprising after so many posts on this subject, is that so many of you still think you can calibrate your displays using DVD discs. ....

Of course if you know what you are doing, there are workarounds for all but one of these "problems." And that last problem is the x,y,Y accuracy (or perhaps lack thereof depending on the display technology) of the Spyder2 sensor itself.
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post #149 of 322
10/29/06 at 9:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by audiblesolutions View Post

Spider only permits you to use the front panel controls ( contrast, brightness, color, Hue, sharpness ) to make adjustments. Colorfacts suits will permit you to do this and do it quicker once you get the feel of it, perform grayscale tracking (D6500) and permit you to use external pattern generators and light sensors. Spider is quite a good bargain but it only reads 7 positions whereas its much more expensive sensors costing 1k-30k take readings from 128 points on up.

Related to this but surprising after so many posts on this subject, is that so many of you still think you can calibrate your displays using DVD discs. You can only calibrate a DVD player's input with a DVD patterns. For other inputs or sources ( DBS, cable, off air NTSC or ATSC ) you would need an external HD/SD pattern generator and you would have to calibrate those inputs for those sources. You need to calibrate all inputs and sources and using a DVD disc will surely end up with errors on non DVD sources. The complete software suite, with all of the ancillary tools allows you to accurately calibrate dynamic range, color saturation, colorimetry and grayscale for all sources and all display inputs. You will not be able to accurately calibrate all inputs nor color space nor as accurately perform dynamic range calibrations with Spider. For the price it's a great value and a valuable tool. But it only gets you about 40% of where you want to be unless you only watch DVDs and you have one of the few sets that has a setting close to 6500K. Even with a HD-DVD calibration disc you would still have this problem. Using a DVD you can only calibrate the DVD system: player, cable, display input. You cannot calibrate for other sources or inputs with a DVD test disc. After so many posts this ought to have been obvious. If you don't care about being accurate the DVD will put you into the neighborhood and that may be acceptable for many of you. But if you want accurate calibrations you need good calibration software, external pattern generators, possibly better light sensors and certainly software that allows you the ability to adjust more than just the front panel controls on the display.

Alan

CalMAN has all of these features.

It supports meters from the Spyder2 up to the EyeOne Pro. Pattern generators from AccuPel and Sencore, also video processors with builtin patterns including DVDO and Lumagen. We provide you with all of the RAW data along with charts and graphs for grayscale, gamma, CIE Chromaticity, temperature, Delta E 76/94 and RGB level tracking and color balance. CalMAN also has a calibration wizard to help you with setting RGB contrast/brightness.

So if you are just starting out and only have a Spyder2 and a DVD or have higher end equipment to get that last percent out of your display we support both and all in between.

CalMAN's only drawback at the moment is our we rely on Excel as a frontend for the charts and graphs. All of our control interfaces are written in C++ and will continue even when we change the frontend to something else.
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post #150 of 322
10/29/06 at 9:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJHT View Post

My comments were based on not knowing what patterns STV PRO uses. Assume anyone that has used the product would know. If these patterns are available on my scaler, then I could use STV PRO to calibrate. Then use the DVD patterns which obviously come with the product to change the source setting for DVD, etc. Thanks. SJ

Your DVDO processor does provide gray/white level patterns from 0 to 100% so you should be able to use those.
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