Using the SpectraView II Calibrator/Software

First, let me thank those of you who have been so patient to help guide me through the intricacies of selecting a new display & learning about color management.

With a new NEC P221W display & SV-II colorimeter on the way, I have a couple of operational questions.

(1) I believe that NEC recommends using the "Photo Editing" target for calibration. (Obviously I plan to use this display for image processing). This target uses a white point = D65 & gamma = 2.2. If you are familiar with the SV-II, does this sound correct? I ask this because it seems that there is some subjectivity & trial-&-error in calibration/profiling.

(2) This concerns setting the luminance value. Does the SV-II automatically determine this or do I select it myself? For example, I have heard that (for this monitor) that some folks use a value of 90.0 CD/m2.

I know that these questions are quite elementary. But I am humble enough to admit my ignorance rather than blindly stumble my way through something new.

Thank you.

Congrats on getting the P221W. I have to tell you I'm envious.

I apologize that I lost the link to a start to finish walk-thru tutorial for the Spectraview system, but in general...

1. D65 (or 6500K) and 2.2 gamma are the most commonly recommended settings for photo editing and the best place to start.

2. For luminance, I would start with a more conservative value like 120cd/m2 and see how that works. You can always inch your way downward, but if you go lower than what the monitor is capable of while still maintaining the D65 color temperature, I think the Spectraview software will then start adjusting the video card LUT. Start with the monitor well warmed up and set to factory defaults. The calibration software will take control and make the adjustments based on the settings you specified. Don't touch any monitor controls afterwards or you'll negate the profile just created.

Download the User's Guide. (RTFM)

Hey, no need to be envious. All it takes is $.

Thanks for the link to the SV-II manual. Actually, I had already downloaded the same manual but for v1.1.03 -- since this version is compatible with Mac OS 10.6 (which I am using).

I appreciate the suggestion the initial luminance setting.

Hey, a question just popped into my head. My computer display faces a large window. No direct sunlight but, nevertheless, not the ideal location for image processing. Would it make sense to get separate profiles of the display in the day & at night and switch back & forth as necessary? Or am I being unnecessarily anal?

Anal... And inviting trouble. Use some heavy duty window shades or blinds. My office is set up that my monitor is in a corner, 45 degrees to two North windows. I try not to do any photo editing at night. The key is ambient light consistency. That's why at my office I requested a windowless room. (They offered me one with padded walls )

Thanks. A good feature of my office is the bottle of Ardbeg single-malt scotch staring at me from across the room. The flesh is weak.

kitjv wrote in post #9555835
A good feature of my office is the bottle of Ardbeg single-malt scotch staring at me from across the room.

I'd like an office like that

Think of single-malt scotch as "liquid creativity". Just another tool in the artist's arsenal.