Help with calibration (Spyder2 and iMac)

[Burt]

Hello,

Just got my Spyder2 Plus today and tried to calibrate my 20 inch iMac (running OS X 10.3).

I installed all the ColorVision software and started up a calibration. The Spyder2 didn't want to sit (hang) flush on the surface of the LCD, so I held it up against the display for the entire process. The only display control I told the calibration software about was brightness, and I ended up setting it one or two settings below the middle.

The first calibration came out with a really nasty red cast. I read a thread here that mentioned the room should be dark while the calibration is running.

So I did a second calibration with the shades closed (not perfectly dark by any means), and the results were much better. I sit here wondering if it is 'right' this time around. Don't know how to explain it, but it seems a bit darker and warmer than the factory default setttings.

Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks,
Burt

[chap]

Burt,

I also have the ColorVision Spyder2. I've found that the keys to getting a good profile are to have no direct light falling on the monitor (very subdued light seems to work best) and to make sure the spyder is flush against the monitor. My initial profile was pretty awful because of light falling on the monitor of my powerbook. I've also had it fail due to poor contact between the spyder and monitor. If you need to, use something to hold the spyder. On my PowerBook the factory profile was much brighter and much bluer than the calibrated profile. Switching between them the factory profile seems washed out.

Sounds to me like yours is working perfectly.

chap

[Burt]

Chap,

Thanks for the reply, I feel better about my results.

I re-read the Spyder manual, and it does say: "To accurately calibrate your monitor there should be no light source shining directly on the screen. Turn off all desk lamps and close blinds to minimize ambient light".

Guess I didn't read that carefully enough before getting started.

Now for the confusing part. It also go on to say that: "You should calibrate in the same room lighting conditions as when you normally view the monitor" ... which is how I got the nasty red result. The August issue of MacWorld has a section titled "See Your True Colors" that talks about the OS X calibrator. They note that it should be used in "lighting similar to your normal working conditions".

Guess the bottom line with the colorimeter is to have a dark room when calibrating (which would imply working with photo editing in a dark room to get the best results). Maybe thats why everyone calls it a digital dark room :lol:

Thanks,
Burt