Eastcoasthandle
[H]ard|Gawd
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2006
- Messages
- 1,041
Calibration Systems
Have any of you considered investing in a decent monitor calibration system to get the most out of your monitor? Once you use one correctly you should see a better image quality. Also, if you plan on buying a monitor it's well worth the investment to calibrate your monitor correctly then to try to tweak it yourself with just a cheaper calibration software solution. I have found 2 manufactures that make calibration systems for your monitor. They are:
Pantone
ColorVision
X-Rite
ColorEyes
Here is a Comparison Chart for the X-Rite
Here is a Comparison Chart for Pantone & Colorvision to view. However, you should look at the product description for each.
From my understanding there are 2 types of instruments used in calibrating your monitor (along with adequate software):
-photometer
-colormeter
Sidenote:
As joemama pointed out, it's best to use the Spyder2 device is a unlit area. If the area inwhich you monitor is used is well lit it may or may not function correctly. Please diable Adobe Gamma and other color calibration software before you start the process.
Also (assuming with any colorimeter/photometer) it best to have the device make contact with the monitor (without damaging the monitor or device). If you can lay your monitor back so the device and rest on it, do it. If you can safely use a object to push the device against the monitor, try that as well.
--------------------------------------
Reviews
review of Monitor Calibrators
here
ColorVision Spyder2 reivew
Huey Review
--------------------------
Camera Photo Vs Print Screen
As you can see here:
The first print screen, pic is no different then the 2nd taken with a camera to reflect that all shades of gray are in view. If anything the camera is slightly off as I used ISO 800.
---------------
Exam your Screen
Use this photo to see if your monitor uses to much red, blue or green (for example).
---------------
How to Choose a Monitor Calibration System (MCS)
For starters it's better to invest in a good monitor calibrating machine (w/software) then try to do it yourself.
Try to pic a decent calibration package that offers
-gamma
-RGB
-Light measurement
-Creates monitor profile
How to use your Calibrating software (this varies from package to package depending on what's available).
-Disable all anti-virus/adware and firewall software
-Disable all ATI/Nvidia color profiles
-Disable all Adobe Gamma profiles.
-Make sure there is no gap between the colorimeter and the screen (unless instructed otherwise by the manual).
-It's best to calibrate your monitor during the night with the room light off (works best for me but results will vary).
-Tweaking RGB settings also influence color temperature as well. When doing so you want to keep it as close to 6500K as possible. Increasing Red means that blue and green goes down. Increasing Blue means that green and red goes down. Increasing Green means that blue and red goes down. Decreasing Red means green and blue up. Decreasing Blue means green and red up. Decreasing Green means blue red up. It's a tedious process but once you get the hang of it you will figure out how to get as close to 6500K as possible.
-Cyan = Blue + Green
Magenta = Blue+ Red
Yellow = Red + Green
-You always adjust Brightness first then Contrast.
Brightness: black levels
Contrast: white levels (more or less)
Please watch this video it really explains how you make the proper adjustments.
Video showing how to adjust contrast & brightness.
--------------------------------------
GAMMA Control
Gamma describes the nonlinear relationship between the pixel levels in your computer and the luminance of your monitor. Gamma affects middle tones;. It has no effect on black or white. If gamma is set too high, middle tones appear too dark. If gamma is set too low, middle tones appear too light. Gamma has a big effect on gray scaling (gray levels). If not set correctly gamma can make dark grays blacks (crushing blacks). Gamma: 2.2 is the most used settings for a LCD. If you lower the gamma, you get more detail but brighter colors. If you increase the gamma you get more solid colors, but less detail. The gamma curve is often the cause of banding issues.
Use this Gamma chart to see how well your monitor is calibrated.
-Here is an example of what crush blacks look like on a monitor that has gamma set incorrectly. 1st pic is normal. You can see the radiator on the lower left side.
Pic 1
Pic 2
(by seemore)
As you can see in the 2nd pic the lower left side looks black. From my understanding this is do to a monitor that does not display dark gray shadows correctly. Areas that are suppose to be gray are not. As if certain tones of gray and other neutral colors are darker then normal. In order to fix this here is what you work with Gamma, Contrast and Brightness.
Please use the LCD Monitor Test image "Contrast Test" to make sure you see all gray shades of blocks (yes, that includes gray shade found on block 1). Also make sure they are not different colors as well. Even if you can see all the blocks you have to make sure they are different shades of gray. If one or too look to purple, red, yellow, etc then they are not gray. You will need to adjust the colors with a colorimeter. Which can cause color banding if not done correctly. It's best to shift your view from dead center of the screen to the far left, right, up and down to make sure that the shades of gray in each block remain consistent.
----------------------------
Reduce Sharpening
Although few monitors offer this feature it's always a good idea to check and reduce sharpening as much as possible. Sharpening is best reduce (by the lowest level possible without losing details of objects, people, etc) when watching a movie, cable, TV, etc. Not all monitors are created equal. Some will need sharpening while others need vary little yet others don't have the option at all. If sharpening is to high, the overall picture will exhibit artifacts that gives the appears of screen snow or noise. By reducing it you could reduce the amount of noise/screen snow you see and still maintain a good level of picture detail. When adjusting sharpening it's best to do so using a movie, cable/TV show other then just a still picture.
Sharpening filters try and find edges between elements of the movie you are watching and alters the pixels at those edges to better separate them from the background. When the sharpening filter incorrectly detects film grain as an "edge" it noticeable increases the visibility of the grain as it is boosting the grain pixels as well as the edge pixels. Sharpness control adjusts the amount of detail enhancement or high frequency peaking to be added to the video signal. Increasing sharpness control will add extra edges to at least some of the transitions in the picture, making them stand out. This additional edges is not part of the original picture. Although it gives the appearance of more detail, it has nothing to do with how the original picture is suppose to look. (by other users)
----------------------------
Definition of some of the OSD features
* Contrast (picture) applies a scale factor (gain) to the red, green, and blue signals. It affects the luminance that is reproduced for a full white input signal
* Brightness (black level) adds or subtracts an offset, or bias, into the red, green, and blue signals. It controls backlight luminance
* Sharpness (detail)
* Tint (hue)
* Color (saturation)
------------------------
Color Temperature
One thing we need to remember when adjusting our monitors is to maintain a good color tempature. IMO, 6000k - 6500K is ideal for a LCD. The problem is you could spend an entire day trying the perfect kelvin. Therefore, (depending on your needs) a range of 6000k-6500K can memic outside color temperature real well. Just remember that at 6000K you have more white. At 6500k you are at the border of where white starts to turn blue. But again, this depends on how your enviroment is set up. Just remember what looks like 6500K to me in my room maybe 6200K in yours (for example).
----------------------------
Other calibrating programs (colorimeter needed)
If anyone with a direct-view CRT display needs a degaussing wand to freshen up their colors and contrast, check these prices out: http://electronics.search.ebay.com/_...sZdiscounttown. By SJetski71
ColorHCFR by SJetSki71
CalMan by joemama
If you decide to purchase a colorimeter, monitor calibration system make sure you go online and register the product. There maybe other updates available.
------------------------------------
Ghosting
Ghosting is an undesired image on the screen appearing superimposed on the desired image. Sometimes the undesired image is in front or behind the desired image. This creates mutliple images of what should only be 1 image of that object/person/etc. I have found that on some monitors (not all) require some rear cooling to reduce (or eliminate) ghosting on dark backgrounds. Having a window fan of desk fan behind the monitor (blowing air on it) can reduce ghosting on some monitors. I cannot say this will work on all monitors because I have not tested this on all monitors. I also found out that increasing the refresh rate (specially when you decrease the resolutions) also helps decrease ghosting. However, keep in mind that you will only notice a difference if you are see a sever case of ghosting. For example, dark mouse trails on dark gray backgrounds, etc.
Ghosting on digits and letters do occur but there is a cure for it. Try Clear Type Turner to clear up the letters and digits. This little tool helps clean up image quality for items that you read. With ClearType enabled the faint ghost images around the Windows shortcuts should disappeared. However you would also need to use a brighter desktop that uses lighter grays or whites.
--------------------------------------
SIDENOTE
Monitor Calibration is not a universal fit for everyone. Sometimes you have increase/decrease color temperature, back light, contrast etc to fit what's in your environment. What looks 6500K in one person's home may not be 6500K in another. Please keep that in mind when calibrating.
click here--->OFFICIAL CALIBRATED MONITOR PROFILE THREAD <---click here
Have any of you considered investing in a decent monitor calibration system to get the most out of your monitor? Once you use one correctly you should see a better image quality. Also, if you plan on buying a monitor it's well worth the investment to calibrate your monitor correctly then to try to tweak it yourself with just a cheaper calibration software solution. I have found 2 manufactures that make calibration systems for your monitor. They are:
Pantone
ColorVision
X-Rite
ColorEyes
Here is a Comparison Chart for the X-Rite
Here is a Comparison Chart for Pantone & Colorvision to view. However, you should look at the product description for each.
From my understanding there are 2 types of instruments used in calibrating your monitor (along with adequate software):
-photometer
-colormeter
Sidenote:
As joemama pointed out, it's best to use the Spyder2 device is a unlit area. If the area inwhich you monitor is used is well lit it may or may not function correctly. Please diable Adobe Gamma and other color calibration software before you start the process.
Also (assuming with any colorimeter/photometer) it best to have the device make contact with the monitor (without damaging the monitor or device). If you can lay your monitor back so the device and rest on it, do it. If you can safely use a object to push the device against the monitor, try that as well.
--------------------------------------
Reviews
review of Monitor Calibrators
here
ColorVision Spyder2 reivew
Huey Review
--------------------------
Camera Photo Vs Print Screen
As you can see here:
The first print screen, pic is no different then the 2nd taken with a camera to reflect that all shades of gray are in view. If anything the camera is slightly off as I used ISO 800.
---------------
Exam your Screen
Use this photo to see if your monitor uses to much red, blue or green (for example).
---------------
How to Choose a Monitor Calibration System (MCS)
For starters it's better to invest in a good monitor calibrating machine (w/software) then try to do it yourself.
Try to pic a decent calibration package that offers
-gamma
-RGB
-Light measurement
-Creates monitor profile
How to use your Calibrating software (this varies from package to package depending on what's available).
-Disable all anti-virus/adware and firewall software
-Disable all ATI/Nvidia color profiles
-Disable all Adobe Gamma profiles.
-Make sure there is no gap between the colorimeter and the screen (unless instructed otherwise by the manual).
-It's best to calibrate your monitor during the night with the room light off (works best for me but results will vary).
-Tweaking RGB settings also influence color temperature as well. When doing so you want to keep it as close to 6500K as possible. Increasing Red means that blue and green goes down. Increasing Blue means that green and red goes down. Increasing Green means that blue and red goes down. Decreasing Red means green and blue up. Decreasing Blue means green and red up. Decreasing Green means blue red up. It's a tedious process but once you get the hang of it you will figure out how to get as close to 6500K as possible.
-Cyan = Blue + Green
Magenta = Blue+ Red
Yellow = Red + Green
-You always adjust Brightness first then Contrast.
Brightness: black levels
Contrast: white levels (more or less)
Please watch this video it really explains how you make the proper adjustments.
Video showing how to adjust contrast & brightness.
--------------------------------------
GAMMA Control
Gamma describes the nonlinear relationship between the pixel levels in your computer and the luminance of your monitor. Gamma affects middle tones;. It has no effect on black or white. If gamma is set too high, middle tones appear too dark. If gamma is set too low, middle tones appear too light. Gamma has a big effect on gray scaling (gray levels). If not set correctly gamma can make dark grays blacks (crushing blacks). Gamma: 2.2 is the most used settings for a LCD. If you lower the gamma, you get more detail but brighter colors. If you increase the gamma you get more solid colors, but less detail. The gamma curve is often the cause of banding issues.
Use this Gamma chart to see how well your monitor is calibrated.
-Here is an example of what crush blacks look like on a monitor that has gamma set incorrectly. 1st pic is normal. You can see the radiator on the lower left side.
Pic 1
Pic 2
(by seemore)
As you can see in the 2nd pic the lower left side looks black. From my understanding this is do to a monitor that does not display dark gray shadows correctly. Areas that are suppose to be gray are not. As if certain tones of gray and other neutral colors are darker then normal. In order to fix this here is what you work with Gamma, Contrast and Brightness.
Please use the LCD Monitor Test image "Contrast Test" to make sure you see all gray shades of blocks (yes, that includes gray shade found on block 1). Also make sure they are not different colors as well. Even if you can see all the blocks you have to make sure they are different shades of gray. If one or too look to purple, red, yellow, etc then they are not gray. You will need to adjust the colors with a colorimeter. Which can cause color banding if not done correctly. It's best to shift your view from dead center of the screen to the far left, right, up and down to make sure that the shades of gray in each block remain consistent.
----------------------------
Reduce Sharpening
Although few monitors offer this feature it's always a good idea to check and reduce sharpening as much as possible. Sharpening is best reduce (by the lowest level possible without losing details of objects, people, etc) when watching a movie, cable, TV, etc. Not all monitors are created equal. Some will need sharpening while others need vary little yet others don't have the option at all. If sharpening is to high, the overall picture will exhibit artifacts that gives the appears of screen snow or noise. By reducing it you could reduce the amount of noise/screen snow you see and still maintain a good level of picture detail. When adjusting sharpening it's best to do so using a movie, cable/TV show other then just a still picture.
Sharpening filters try and find edges between elements of the movie you are watching and alters the pixels at those edges to better separate them from the background. When the sharpening filter incorrectly detects film grain as an "edge" it noticeable increases the visibility of the grain as it is boosting the grain pixels as well as the edge pixels. Sharpness control adjusts the amount of detail enhancement or high frequency peaking to be added to the video signal. Increasing sharpness control will add extra edges to at least some of the transitions in the picture, making them stand out. This additional edges is not part of the original picture. Although it gives the appearance of more detail, it has nothing to do with how the original picture is suppose to look. (by other users)
----------------------------
Definition of some of the OSD features
* Contrast (picture) applies a scale factor (gain) to the red, green, and blue signals. It affects the luminance that is reproduced for a full white input signal
* Brightness (black level) adds or subtracts an offset, or bias, into the red, green, and blue signals. It controls backlight luminance
* Sharpness (detail)
* Tint (hue)
* Color (saturation)
------------------------
Color Temperature
One thing we need to remember when adjusting our monitors is to maintain a good color tempature. IMO, 6000k - 6500K is ideal for a LCD. The problem is you could spend an entire day trying the perfect kelvin. Therefore, (depending on your needs) a range of 6000k-6500K can memic outside color temperature real well. Just remember that at 6000K you have more white. At 6500k you are at the border of where white starts to turn blue. But again, this depends on how your enviroment is set up. Just remember what looks like 6500K to me in my room maybe 6200K in yours (for example).
----------------------------
Other calibrating programs (colorimeter needed)
If anyone with a direct-view CRT display needs a degaussing wand to freshen up their colors and contrast, check these prices out: http://electronics.search.ebay.com/_...sZdiscounttown. By SJetski71
ColorHCFR by SJetSki71
CalMan by joemama
If you decide to purchase a colorimeter, monitor calibration system make sure you go online and register the product. There maybe other updates available.
------------------------------------
Ghosting
Ghosting is an undesired image on the screen appearing superimposed on the desired image. Sometimes the undesired image is in front or behind the desired image. This creates mutliple images of what should only be 1 image of that object/person/etc. I have found that on some monitors (not all) require some rear cooling to reduce (or eliminate) ghosting on dark backgrounds. Having a window fan of desk fan behind the monitor (blowing air on it) can reduce ghosting on some monitors. I cannot say this will work on all monitors because I have not tested this on all monitors. I also found out that increasing the refresh rate (specially when you decrease the resolutions) also helps decrease ghosting. However, keep in mind that you will only notice a difference if you are see a sever case of ghosting. For example, dark mouse trails on dark gray backgrounds, etc.
Ghosting on digits and letters do occur but there is a cure for it. Try Clear Type Turner to clear up the letters and digits. This little tool helps clean up image quality for items that you read. With ClearType enabled the faint ghost images around the Windows shortcuts should disappeared. However you would also need to use a brighter desktop that uses lighter grays or whites.
--------------------------------------
SIDENOTE
Monitor Calibration is not a universal fit for everyone. Sometimes you have increase/decrease color temperature, back light, contrast etc to fit what's in your environment. What looks 6500K in one person's home may not be 6500K in another. Please keep that in mind when calibrating.
click here--->OFFICIAL CALIBRATED MONITOR PROFILE THREAD <---click here