What software is best to for monitor calibration?

[perfo909]

I recently did a clean install of Win XP Pro on my desktop. I'm using an e-machines CRT for my monitor. I plan to use this machine for photo editing. But before I do, I would like to know the truly proper way to calibrate this monitor. When following a monitor calibration guide (which are everywhere on the net) should I use the built in contrast/brightness controls on the CRT or the desktop color settings in the Nvidia Control Panel software that came with my motherboard. Or should I use both?



I have an Asrock N68PV-GS motherboard with GeForce 7050 onboard video graphics. Please let me know if you need any additional info.

 

[captaincranky]

There really isn't a "software" only solution to monitor calibration, at least with respect to WYSIWYG on the screen, to exact matching at the printer.

Without proper calibration, you can still get an image to appear exactly as you want by adjusting color & other parameters with your imaging program..

The big if is when to try to print the images.

There are 2 primary suppliers of integrated software / hardware colorimeters.

One by "Pantone; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832347010&Tpk=Pantone "huey"

Another by "Colorvision"; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832994006&Tpk=colorimeter

There are varying price levels on this type of product, from both of these suppliers.

The supplied links are obviously from, Newegg. Two other places you can investigate this type (and brands) of equipment are; http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ and http://www.adorama.com/

 

[Mictlantecuhtli]

I've used Datacolor Spyder3Elite for some years now, works well and can calibrate LCDs, CRTs & projector screens. Of course it's not free.

 

[captaincranky]

I've used, "Spyder 3 Elite", for some years now, works well and can calibrate LCDs, CRTs & projector screens. Of course it's not free.

This is the next bump up from the ""Spyder 3 Pro" that I linked above. Over here that translates to a jump from about $170.00 USD to about $230.00 USD.

This is one product category that needs careful research, evaluation, and scrutiny of evaluation by the consumer , as to actual need of performance and feature set.

I think they have 2 or 3 corporate names or marques I see both "Colorvision" and "Datacolor" both used at different times.

 

[perfo909]

Thanks a bunch captaincranky and Mictlantecuhtli! I think I will further research these products before I settle on one.