monitor calibration problems

[akimartymar]

I just got a new Samsung 204BW monitor and a new graphics card. I installed the drivers for both and then installed the equipment. Since these 2 were new to my computer I ran a monitor calibration. After it completed all my colors are really wacked out. Everything that should be grey, even the slightest bit of grey, is now brown. Everything has a kind of sepia tone to it and looks horrible. Any idea of what may be wrong? The calibration tool is a Colorvision Colorplus spyder.

[boxofrocks]

I don't use the spyder, but the GretagMacbeth EyeOne Match has an option that lets you adjust the monitor settings as part of the calibration process (before it runs the calibration tests). I find that gives better results.

The only thing I would add to that is make sure you don't have any abient light sources close to the monitor (no bright overhead lights, either). Make sure the spyder is making clean, tight contact with the screen and try again. My Samsung 204t gets good results that way.

BTW, where did you get that? I cant find specs on a Samsung 904BW. is it a 940BW? Did the colors look "OK" before?

[darktiger]

I had the Spyder2Express and returned it. The colors did not come close to the GretagMacbeth EyeOne that I borrow from work.

To add to boxofrocks, I usually leave my monitor on for around 30 minutes to let the LCD warm up. You can go into your monitor's settings, and reset everything to default(if you have messed with those). Then recalibrate. I have the Samsung SyncMaster 940BW on one of my computers running a X800pro, and it is beautiful.

[akimartymar]

My bad Tom, I meant a 204BW. the colors looked OK before calibration but of course I can't say they were perfect. The ColorPlus worked fine on my last monitor which was also an LCD. When I calibrate I normally do it with the lights off so no stray light is hitting the screen. BTW, thanks for the card Stanford.

[boxofrocks]

Let us know how it works out!

[Silvernic]

Same monitor (I think, I'll have to double check when I get home) same calibrator, same sepia type tint. It actually seems to increase in sepianess toward the top of the monitor too. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

[akimartymar]

So I'm not alone here? How long have you dealt with this problem? there is no way I could ever try to process photos with my monitor like this.

Originally Posted by Silvernic

Same monitor (I think, I'll have to double check when I get home) same calibrator, same sepia type tint. It actually seems to increase in sepianess toward the top of the monitor too. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

[akimartymar]

Well I think I got the problem figured out. This monitor comes with NaturalColor color management program. I didn't touch it before since I was going to calibrate with a color meter. Today I reset the color profile and first adjusted the monitor with NaturalColor which is done by sight. After doing that I did the normal calibration and now the colors look right. At least I hope they are. :)

[boxofrocks]

You may want to consider unistalling that program, and just using the drivers in your video card. That's what Samsung tech support had me do when I had some issues.

[Silvernic]

Thanks Tom, I'm going to try that tonight. I'll let you know how it works Martin.