Display Calibration and Profiling Tools

The computer monitor is the most important component in the whole process of creating graphics, photo or video, because this is where the camera output meets the processing for online publishing or print. For this reason alone, no self-respecting enthusiast or professional would leave display color management to chance. The common notion that expensive computer screens are 'factory calibrated' and thus do not require further calibration is utter garbage. The display manufacturer is able to control the qualities of their products and can guarantee that display parameters such as color reproduction accuracy or color uniformity fall within narrow bound (the factory calibration report you're getting is simply a QC test protocol). The calibration of a computer monitor is a process that involves the computer, the video card and the settings of various display parameters (brightness, contrast, hue, etc.) and must be regularly repeated because even the best equipment drifts off with time.

Datacolor and X-Rite are the only two manufacturers in the world that presently offer affordable and easy to use display color calibration solutions for the home and office. Both companies at present have two product tiers that can be thought of as advanced and top of the line. It is important to know that the technical qualities of the products are nearly or completely identical among all tiers. The differences come from their intended use:

• Advanced class calibrators (ColorMunki Display and Spyder Pro) provide a level of control over the creation of the color profile and can also evaluate the qualities of the monitor being calibrated. In return, they require a degree of familiarity with the color adjustment process, but they also have a fully automatic mode like their less expensive brethren.
• The top of the line calibrators (i1Display Pro and Spyder Elite) are designed to meet all needs of the different types of professionals who might be using them. Taking advantage of their full capabilities requires solid knowledge of color management but they also have less complicated, faster modes for these times when you are in a hurry to get the job done.

The choice of a display calibrator may look difficult and overwhelming but we promise you it is anything but. Get in touch with us and we will recommend the best solution based on your workflow and expectations!