SHARE: monitor calibration tool

[Gordon]

as a ps, I'm not trying to come across as an ass on this topic, I'm actually interested. I'm just trying to set up a business and not have anything that'd be considered iffy. I've looked in to this in the past and the legal agreements all fairly clearly precluded doing this. The other concern I'd have is the time between recalibrations - anything you do to the monitor usually means a recalibration (changing screen size, adjusting position, changing refresh rate and so )

[dudlo]

gene74,

Thank you for your interest. It works on all "decent" video cards. The card should have LUT (look-up table) support . All decent/recent cards do support LUT - I'm not sure about a 10-year old 2mb card but if your card is less than 4-5 years old, you'll be fine.

It works on all monitors. The old generation of calibration tools were not that good with LCDs but all current tools support LCD monitors and laptops. The article at Dry Creek Photo website has more details about the differences between particular monitors.

There is more FAQ type of information at http://gretagmacbeth.com/products_eye-one-display_faq and http://www.xrite.com/support_front.a...SearchPart=607

I'll be following up via PM to exchange email address - I'd like to get started.

Thank you,
Peter

[dudlo]

Gordon,

I'm glad you got the software. Yes, this is the section I read.

it is not allowed to use the Software or to network the Software to multiple computers or terminals

This covers network installation and multiple simultaneous use. That's not the case. The software will be used by the only person that has the hardware (dongle) at a time. You were not using the software. In fact, everything was disabled because the hardware was not present.

Now having installed the software (you obtained it legally by downloading from their site, not by getting it from some warez site), do you think you are currently violating the license? I don't think so.

will their software run without the hardware present

You need the hardware to create/update/tweak the profile. You need neither hardware nor software to use the profile (this was my other question when I called them). The profile is stored in LUT and the OS and video card picks it up. So you do not need the profiling software to reprogram video card.

anything you do to the monitor usually means a recalibration

Most calibration is about brightness/contrast and color response (saturation). I do not think adjusting position will change it much. Screen size and refresh rate; may be. I hardly ever touch my monitor's setting, so it's not a problem for me. Most monitors have on-screen controls so you know that if you changed brightness from 80 to 60, you can go back to 80 and be reasonably within range. You can see it when you recalibrate the monitor - some packages can show you historical data. And I bet the monitors don't drift that much to make it a problem.

Having said that, if you are a professional, you want to have the tool in your drawer and use it frequently to avoid any variables. For an amater like me, I am happy to do it every other month.

Thank you,
Peter

[Bill Huber]

If I buy a copy of Excel and make a spread sheet, now that spread sheet is mine and does not belong to anyone else.

Now with the Spyder you install the software and it writes out the profile, now you can remove the software and the profile is still there... So is that not the same thing ?
You do not not need to leave the software installed, and I do not have it on my PC at this time, but I am using the profile it created.

[dudlo]

LoungeLizard,

Good that you liked it. I am pretty excited about getting the tool.

As far as the license issue you mentioned, the Eye One is an unlimited license and while he said that he wouldn't say he said so, he recommended excactly what you are doing for the higher priced items

I'm glad I got confirmation from an independent observer. While I am aware that some look at me like a yahoo trying to get a cracked version of Photoshop, I know this is legal. I got it from them and without a "don't tell anyone" disclaimer. I was upfront about the usage: no rental (to others), no service (calibrating for a fee); just a few amateurs sharing the tool.

I know what you mean about the high end equipment. These things are dangerous to look at - very tempting.

Peter

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by GordonMcGregor

The other concern I'd have is the time between recalibrations - anything you do to the monitor usually means a recalibration (changing screen size, adjusting position, changing refresh rate and so )

Recommendation is once a month. Once calibrated - DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING on it!

[jerrykr]

Bill, I would be interested in meeting you and borrowing your spyder.

I live in Southlake off Davis Blvd., so should not be too far.

I'll buy the coffee.

-=- Jerry -=-
/*

[NoLight]

It seems to me this is a gray area (at best). If you feel this is wriong then dont do it, if you feel this is not wrong then go for it. I would personally be interested tho!! :)

[Relayze]

Im interested, too! I live in Fort Worth, about 3 blocks from the American Airlines Museum, by hwy 360 and 183. I'll chip in some money or maybe buy the cofee too.
Thanks for letting us all know.

Miguel

[RHoldenSr]

That's the same unit I have and use and I really like it.

Originally Posted by JamesB

I have the spyder calibrator, its the older one, not the new version 2.

it will do CRT and LCD monitors, Im willing to share

here is a link to a review of it at DPreview
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0211/02...derspecial.asp

James