Hardware or Software monitor calibration?

[Stefan A]

I am becoming very frustrated trying to calibrate my monitor. For 1 thing, I have no idea how much to set brightness and contrast. So I am doing it by eye. I am assuming that this is the primary advantage of one of those monitor calibrators like Spider.

But the main frustration comes from the fact that there are too many variables. I have contrast/brighness on my monitor, as well as my graphics card. How do I adjust each? Should I set one or the other at some sort of neutral setting and adjust the other. Which one?

Stefan

[jfrancho]

I use a calibration bundle - hardware and software. Look up calibration at B&H photo, there are a bunch of them. The calibration process is painless.

[Stefan A]

So, when you use a syder, you adjust the controls on the monitor as well as software controls?

Stefan

[inthedeck]

I have a Pantone Huey, and it works rather well. Adjusts when the ambient light of the room changes, and auto-calibrates every few days. Works well, and the colors seem to be fairly good, on the Dell LCD. Very close to the prints that come out of the printer.

[aussieskier]

I have a Pantone Huey

I'll second that, can't beat it for the price and the result I have gotten out of it.

[jfrancho]

So, when you use a syder, you adjust the controls on the monitor as well as software controls?

StefanJust the monitor, after you set the targets (which can be autmatically chosen) in the app.

[Stefan A]

I guess I am just going to have to get the program to really understand. Until I do, can you recommend a way to seal with monitor controls and software controls?

Stefan

[jfrancho]

Not really. Adobe Gamma might help.

[StealthLude]

hardware calibration is the way to go.

If you print a lot, and like to proof prints youself... might be worth your $

[Stefan A]

What does it mean to "proof prints"?

Stefan

[jfrancho]

Match the colors on screen to the colors from your printer.

[Lord_Malone]

My prints are the closest they've ever been to what I view on my monitor thanks to Spyder2Pro Studio. I'm happy.

Image processing, monitor calibration, printing and listening to music from the '70s on a sunny morning go together like a hand to glove.