Calibrating Monitors - Windows, Linux & Mac

MattMatic · 2008-09-02T10:40:32+0100

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 :P 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 :D :) 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 . * On Windows you MUST change the device driver for the Spyder so that Argyll can see it. See * 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

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Don Don

6213 posts
20 years
Winterpeg Manitoba Canada

Posted 03/09/2008 - 15:41 Link

I am waitng till after xmas to get a new computer. (24 inch imac, or mac pro depends...)

I am contemplating what to do with an old eMac g4.... that runs tiger, but not leopard.

too bad you live so far away...it would cost too much to ship it anywhere... almost as much as a mac mini...

I'm either going to load it up with kids software an let lil'Mikey have it in his room, or load it up with podcast, and web stuff that I've doing for a local church and donate it to the church.....

Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.

MattMatic MattMatic

5870 posts
24 years
Sussex,
UK

Posted 03/09/2008 - 15:54 Link

Slightly off topic, but this may be an option for you "BootCampers" in the Mac world:
http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html

It's an open source Windows-compatible operating system Should be able to BootCamp into that instead of genuine Windows. I know it's still Alpha, but it's definitely one to watch!

Matt

http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)

Don Don

6213 posts
20 years
Winterpeg Manitoba Canada

Posted 03/09/2008 - 16:17 Link

Yeah, but is it fully compatible with the millions of viruses, adware, and spyware, written for windows?
I mean, I don't want it, if it's not going to make my screen that pretty shade of blue....
Bluescreen means call a tek geek, and go for a long lunchbreak.

Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.

MattMatic MattMatic

5870 posts
24 years
Sussex,
UK

Posted 03/09/2008 - 16:22 Link

ROFL
Just messed around with the VMWare appliance with ReactOS loaded - they've got a looooong way to go
Anyone found an open source version of MacOSX??
Matt

http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)

ChrisA ChrisA

4839 posts
19 years
South West London

Posted 03/09/2008 - 16:41 Link

Don wrote:
Yeah, but is it fully compatible with the millions of viruses, adware, and spyware, written for windows?

If you're worried about these, Don, the question has to be asked, what sort of websites do you spend your time visiting?

.
Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
.

Don Don

6213 posts
20 years
Winterpeg Manitoba Canada

Posted 03/09/2008 - 16:48 Link

ChrisA wrote:

Don wrote:
Yeah, but is it fully compatible with the millions of viruses, adware, and spyware, written for windows?

If you're worried about these, Don, the question has to be asked, what sort of websites do you spend your time visiting?

mostly stuff with lots of photos....
I'm not the brightest bulb on the christmas tree...
the more photos, and less text, the better!

Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.

beginner beginner

1252 posts
20 years
Gunnerton

Posted 03/09/2008 - 19:32 Link

I just want a free download where you click the button and it does it all for you!......there must be one somewhere!.........computers confuse me!.........

K20D...ist DS ,DA18/55,DA16/45.DA* 50/135,"A"1.7 50MM..."A" 70/210..M 50mm f2...Tamron 90mm macro,28/300 Tamron,200/500 Tamron 6.9....A Pentax DA*300... Sigma10/20,FA31mm 1.8 Ltd*********,FA 77mm Ltd!