Calibrating Monitors - Windows, Linux & Mac

I've been messing around with some of the Open Source CMS systems out there - seeing if I could get my laptop/tablet to start behaving itself and thought I'd share a tip or two here

I have the Spyder Pro & Spyder 2 Pro - which have seemed great... but the Toshiba M200 was never that hot on colour. There were times when I thought I'd just ditch the lot and move over to Mac

However, after a lot (read a LOT) of searching and reading I have settled on "Argyll CMS" - http://www.argyllcms.com/doc/ArgyllDoc.html
Admittedly I had a few installation issues (detailed below), but now I have moved over to using it on both laptop and desktop - and have to say that there is now much better consistency between the machines. Hooray!!

So, a few hints and pointers:
* If you're using a Spyder, then you have to run "spyd2en" with a Spyder setup CD or EXE file. See here.

* On Windows you MUST change the device driver for the Spyder so that Argyll can see it. See here.

* Ok, so it's all command line based - but it's not difficult...

* Calibrate: "dispcal -v -d 1 -y l -o MyMonitorProfile" - will calibrate monitor #1 as an LCD using medium quality and output both the internal calibration file and the .icm file. Be warned - takes an age (you can add "-q l" to lower the quality and speed it up)

* Loading: "dispwin -d 1 -I MyMonitorProfile.icm" - will install and load the file for monitor #1.

On a dual monitor setup I have a little CMD (ie batch file) that is in the Programs / StartUp group to call "dispwin" for each monitor. This is much quicker than the Spyder software and doesn't have an annoying splash screen (but doesn't remind you to recalibrate).


Of course, the added bonus is that Argyll works on Linux & Mac as well... so when I migrate to Ubuntu/Kubuntu or Mac then I still retain the "know-how"

(And you can install this on as many machines as you need and use a single hardware device to calibrate them all)


Does that help??!
Matt

Sorry Matt, Its all arabic to me

Can I just send my monitors to you. That I can probably do.

Of course, you understand that I'll also need the K20D & DA* lenses to double check the monitors
Matt

I was just starting to think about colour calibration, so this will provide an excellent starting point. I use Ubuntu, so when you migrate I may be of some use in return.

Thanks a lot,

Robert.

Thanks Robert. I'm already using Ubuntu, RedHat, Suse, etc under VM Workstation (for testing and development). It's just when I migrate the host system to Ubuntu for real....
(may do an install on a clean HDD with the M200 as there are several issues with that platform - just to test the water!)

TBH, Argyll is a cinch to use - it's just command line based (which scares some people away!) Still learning about it though...

Matt

Matt....
You are without a doubt one of the smartest, and nicest people I've never met.
How you've managed to avoid joining the Mac-cult, is beyond me. Obviously a tribute to your keen intellect, and resourcefulness that you've managed to keep your pc's running for so long....
Come to the Dark side Matt...plug your spyder into a Mac, click the one button mouse

...and BOOM! Color's done!

LOL! Thanks Don
I can't afford the Mac hardware. Even though I've seen OS X can be installed on Intel PC hardware now (But it's against the Apple EULA - dang!)
Trouble is, I have to use PCs for work - firmware programming, hardware stuff, etc. Much just isn't available for Mac or Linux. I (now) have a great respect for the OS X and just wish I could legally run all three OSs (XP Pro, OS X, and Ubuntu )

Colour management on the Mac was one of the main points of interest... but Argyll definitely narrows the gap

Other thing is the cost of migrating all my apps (CS2 Premium, Silkypix, etc, etc).

Alas, the K20D/DA* is on the wish list first

Matt

Matt where do you live?

I am bringing all my monitors to you. Tomorrow. Wherever you are.

Will bring beer, and a great italian pic-nic.

Ask for any money, and it will be ready in my pocket.

Please, please, please, say yes!


Nathan

Oh,

I am not joking

Nathan,
That's a very kind offer I'm not that far from you either...
Trouble is it has to be the monitor + the video card You have to calibrate as a system, and not just the monitor.

Do you have a hardware calibration device? Like Spyder/Huey etc? (EDIT: I could set up a remote control access to your machine and guide you through the process)
Matt

No, but I almost bought one last time I was up at Srs

Ok, I have a crappy pc laptop with photoshop CS2 -
- a Macbook Pro (with cS2 as well)
- A brand new LG monitor connectable to pc and mac.

Ohh, you can try my DA* if you like. I can even bring my girlfriend if you wanna try her!!!!!

Holy Mother of.........!!!

You'd lend him your lens?
lol!

Seriously...what kind of food?
You'd be amazed what people'd do for a breaded veal parmisane sandwhich, on a crusty italian loaf, smothered in saute'd peppers and onions, and marinara sauce...... toasted to melt the mozza cheese of course...

but then I'd be affraid to stand anywhere near you in case your girlfriend is a lousy shot...

Would have been a good move Check out the list from Argyll to see what devices they support - you might get a S/H unit.

If you're serious about colour, then you will definitely need a device - the colour of the display shifts over time and so monthly recalibrations are definitely a good idea (depending on how paranoid/critical/fussy you are).

I can definitely guide you through the PC setup, and can probably fumble my way round the Mac.

Sounds a nice idea.

Now you are sounding desperate!! It's true that colour management can make you do strange things, but that's a step too far
Maybe you need a break from image editing?

EDIT: ROFL @ Don. And now I'm very hungry...

Matt

Don't forget Matt that with modern Intel based MACs, you can multiboot and use it as a windows machine! Guessing linux would work on one too?

Yes, I know that. However, what is completely unfair is that you can technically load OS X onto an Intel based PC (I am definitely not short of hardware), but the Apple EULA specifically says it must be an Apple-badged computer. If it weren't for that, I'd have already bought Leopard and installed it on the tablet PC
(FYI, OSX is FreeBSD based)

I simply cannot afford to dump all my existing-perfectly-working PC hardware and shell out a ton of dosh for Apple hardware
Matt