new Dell 24" monitor. Need color help please.

[carpenter]

I just purchased a Dell 24" monitor. My pictures seem to have the blues leaning more towards a purplish tint. Previously I was using a laptop with no color calibration on it and the photos all see fine. Even new ones I have taken with no PP. This monitor has not been calibrated other than a free calibration I downloaded. When you look at this picture do you see the background as purplish or more blueish? Disregard the quality of this as it was a photo with an old P&S. I'm just trying to see if it's my monitor or if the photo actually has a purple background and my old laptop is just displaying the colors incorrectly. Also any help or advice to calibrate this monitor aside from going out and purchasing calibration software. (I will, but probably not for a month or so.)

http://www.cryo-laboratory.com/upload/userfiles/carpenter/DSC00390.jpg

[gparvan]

I use the Monaco OPTIX xr. Looks like you need to calibrate it.

[Jim G]

I'd describe the background as blue, not purple..

[safehaven]

I am assuming you have the HC version? I have not seen it, but a bunch of people on [H]ard|Forum have stated that the monitor out of the box lcasts slightly on the blue side. Some say it just needs time to warm up for 5 minutes, some say it needs adjustment. Then some, like me say, they don't have an issue. Everyone seems to love the HC version whether it is casting slighty blue or not. I'm sure calibrating it will take care of it. Or maybe just play with the RGB settings.

[NorCalAl]

So what is the HC version all about? I have the same monitor, but the A04 rev right before the HC version came out. I looked on Dell's website and saw references to the HC, but not what differentiated it from previous versions. So what's different?

[JRM1900]

So what is the HC version all about? I have the same monitor, but the A04 rev right before the HC version came out. I looked on Dell's website and saw references to the HC, but not what differentiated it from previous versions. So what's different?

+1 I am curious as well, please shed some light. Thanks!!

[Rumjungle]

I read a review on the HC monitors and they found that some colors are pushed to give it a more vibrant look. This turned out to be great for gaming and casual use. As you can guess, this is not desired for photo or other color critical work. Calibration is a must . However, I remember reading that the HC panels didn't calibrate quite so well. I'll post up that review if I can find it.

[Freff]

" 92% high-colour gamut and 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution, providing deep, crisp and bright images. "

I believe the non HC has 72% high-colour gamut. The HC also suppose to produce a much better green.

[safehaven]

" 92% high-colour gamut and 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution, providing deep, crisp and bright images. "

I believe the non HC has 72% high-colour gamut. The HC also suppose to produce a much better green.


Ahh... beat me to it. That is right on the money, HC=92% vs Non-HC=72% color gamut.

[carpenter]

It is the HC model made in Aug 2007 (according to the sticker on the back.)

Second question then. If I just spend the $79 for the Spyder 2 express calibration tool and software, should that be enough to take care of calibration? I don't print at home or use other monitors or have a need to change any profiles. Just want a one time thing to set the colors up correctly. Will that version be sufficient or is there something else that would do a better job?