ColorVision Spyder2
Written: May 18 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Spyder2 fixes the color deterioration inherent in monitors.
Cons: IT takes time and costs a bit.
The Bottom Line: The color deterioration in a monitor is a slow process, virtually undetectable, until it becomes severe. The Spyder2 will keep color images true.
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| lucie30's Full Review: ColorVision Spyder2 Plus Full Version (License Onl... |
A world without color would be a bland place indeed. A world with distorted color is to say the least somewhat disconcerting. Just ask anyone with cataracts, a degenerative eye disease, that seems to be a common factor in aging.
Just as cataracts are a common factor of aging in people, computer monitors deteriorate with age and I suddenly knew why my digital photos never seemed to appear on my aging Samsung SyncMaster 755 monitor as they were in real life. Phosphors age, just as human eyes age. I knew that there were colorimeter devices available for monitors, but I also knew that they were expensive.
Then I came across the ColorVision Spyder2 Suite, by Datacolor, a familiar name in color technology. I felt comfortable in acquiring the Spyder2, it was only $149 retail and Datacolor was an authority in digital color.
The minimum system requirements for Spyder2 are quite modest: Windows 2000/XP or Mac OS 10.3, a powered USB port and a 1024 x 768 screen. My system runs under XP Pro; I have a powered USB2 hub and my screen has sufficient pixel capability, so no problem here.
The package contains: Spyder2 Calorimeter, Spyder2 Software, ColorVision PrintFix Plus Software and a quick start guide.
The PrintFix software adjusts printer profiles so that the system integrity is maintained. Datacolor proudly proclaims the Spyder2 Suite to be “THE DIGITAL DARKROOM IN A BOX”.
When you run the software, and you will be led through the process including when to attach Spyder2 to the monitor. Make sure that you have a powered USB port, the front ports, keyboard ports and un-powered hubs may not have sufficient power for the Spyder.
The initial screens will introduce you to monitor calibration. You will be shown the need for calibration and the settings will be explained. You will then be asked to select your monitor type (i.e., CRT, LCD, laptop). The settings screen shows the standards for monitor calibration, and it defaults to common standards but there is another range of settings to choose from for individual needs. You may also balance the RGB levels if your monitor offers RGB gain controls.
At this point you will be prompted to configure the Spyder for CRT or LCD use and place it on the screen. The Spyder will automatically read all the screen colors and build a monitor profile. A sample image with this calibration will be shown and you can elect to compare it to a “before” image. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Which brings up the key question “Just how good is the calibration?” It is somewhat analogous to hi-fi music; for me the fi is high enough if the sound is pleasing to my ears, I do not listen with an oscilloscope. Similarly, the fidelity of the color is good enough if it pleases my eyes. I was happy with the results produced by Spyder2.
If you have more than one computer at home or in the office, you may use Spyder2 on each with no additional licensing fees. Tell that to Bill Gates.
If color fidelity is important to you, you need Spyder2. It works and the $149 list price is certainly reasonable, especially when compared to competing calorimeter devices.
I can recommend the ColorVision Spyder2 without any hesitation.
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Recommended:
Yes
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lucie30
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3 University degrees. 30+ years in Electronics R&D. Registered Professional Engineer. Graduated USAF Flying School.
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