The need for screen calibration

A screen calibrator is an essential piece of kit for any regular screen user, when Minuteman Press Bristol commenced screen calibration the improvement was incredible; red, green, blue (RGB) on screen colours became closer to cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK) print output, instances of physical headaches declined and eye strain reduced. Screen calibration is the digital tool that users remain blissfully unaware of; the performance of the screen judged by its factory defaults, users adjusting settings without scientific regard for the effect of ambient light.

Historical calibration

At Minuteman Press Bristol we have used our trusty Datacolor Spyder3Pro to calibrate screens in conjunction with Xerox and Konica Minolta printer calibrators for quite a few years but there came a time when technology had genuinely progressed by a credible degree that embracing the very latest technology was worthwhile.

Datacolor Spyder5 Pro

After extensive due diligence research of reports available and based on our historical positive experiences with Datacolor we determined to remain loyal and purchase the Datacolor Spyder5 Pro Colorimeter. We paid a reasonable £125 including VAT, which is in the region of the price we paid for the Spyder3 Pro many moons ago.

One calibration device can be used on multiple screens; it is not required to purchase an appliance per screen. The unit price relative to multiple screens will necessarily be a pleasant surprise to the prospective purchaser.

Packaging

The Spyder3 Pro was faithfully housed in its packaging after each application, which, to be fair, was a faff, much dexterity was required to fit the unit and its cable back into the original “Krypton Factor” (for those of you of an age) challenge blister pack.

The good news, Spyder5Pro is supplied in a user considered box; simple to store, easy to stow, and of solid design, providing adequate protection for the investment.

Spyder5 Pro set-up

Set-up is very straightforward; registrations, latest software download, install and hardware recognition. It sounds obvious to state but, do as the step-by-step process instructs you, take your time and you won’t go wrong. After all, we managed it.

Calibration

The Spyder5 Pro dispenses with the characteristic Spyder3 Pro screen suction cups (which routinely became unstuck halfway through calibration); instead evident consideration has been given to the process of calibration; the unit overhangs the top of the screen, the lens cap performing the role of a counterweight and the user can safely walk away and make a coffee (we recommend a cafetiere, but that would be a whole different review), whilst the Spyder5 Pro takes charge.

The process of calibration is rapid; run the screen for 30 minutes until it’s warmed-up, clean the screen, return to auto settings, turn off any direct light and plug the unit into a USB port. The Spyder5 Pro will now work its magic. The Spyder will measure ambient light, run-through calibration RGB and greyscale, extracting readings from the screen directly, calculating and adjusting.

After a circa three minute interval the process is complete and the output from the new settings is displayed in an addictive “before and after” toggle display. Once the results are saved (do not forget to save, otherwise you return to the start without passing go), you’re done. The software will remind you having observed an agreed interval when it’s time to calibrate once again.

On each occasion that your device is restarted the stored settings will write to your graphics card and adjust.

Results

The results are impressive, seriously impressive. We tested the Spyder5 Pro on six PCs (three with single screen, three with dual screen) and one laptop. The calibrated dual screens (which were not all of a uniform product specification) appeared the same, the visual impression on all screens showed consistent and printed output was significantly closer than results with the Spyder3Pro.

Ease of calibration, impressive visual (RGB) and printed output results (CMYK); It’s a thumbs up from minutemanbristol.com. Are we on commission from Datacolor (or anyone else)? “Nope”, we just genuinely believe that the product is essential and every home (well, screen) should share one (that said: “We are open to offers, just saying…”).

Datacolor is a Swiss-owned New Jersey based outfit established in 1970, an age in technology terms, who claim to be the global leader in colour management and communications technology. The Spyder brand is one of its leading product lines focused firmly at the graphic design and photography markets.

Spyder3Pro by Datacolor is billed as ‘display calibration for serious photographers’.  It is claimed that Spyder3Pro will deliver a high degree of colour accuracy, from capturing images to digital editing and printing. A colourimeter with the latest optical design and photocentric user interface. It’s all very exciting.

Pricing

A quick sweep of the web finds Spyder3Pro priced from £89 to £125 plus VAT (recommended retail price £164.99), such is the triumph of the free market.

Packaging

The Spyder3Pro arrived packed simply but effectively, the package containing a four-stage quick start guide, disc, desktop cradle and Spyder3Pro.

Installation

Software installation is straightforward. Before the calibrating fun begins, the monitor must be turned on for at least 30 minutes. An episode of The IT Crowd later and we are ready to go.

The Spyder is plugged into a USB port, software launched and option selected for LCD, CRT, laptop, brightness and contrast, far too easy. The display details where the Spyder should be fixed. The screen is cleaned, a quick French kiss to the suction cap and on it sticks, well briefly before it falls off with a dull thud as it lands on the keyboard. This time, using a circular motion when in contact with the screen and a degree of pressure, and a strong adhesion is achieved.

Activation

Press ‘go’, ambient light is assessed and the test procedure commences. The Spyder works through a series of colour measurements as the screen rotates through a cycle of colours and shades, the process lasts no longer than 10 minutes and is very simple.

At the end of the process, a colour comparison chart is displayed with a toggle option to allow ‘before and after’ to be viewed. The first time the exercise is completed the effect is like removing a fog from your screen, that seemed fine and didn’t need calibrating. The images in the comparison chart are seemingly transformed from two to three dimensions.

Afterwards

When not in use, the Spyder3Pro can be left in the desktop cradle to allow the levels of the ambient light to be controlled and measured and prompt when changes are needed (though how this is communicated, I will have to wait and see).

Summary

A good buy? My digital press is calibrated, its output matches the trusty Pantone Management System, my screen now matches the press’ output, so let’s hope our clients have also calibrated their screen.

A tremendous piece of kit and one I have to say I could not be without. Essential for any professional user for whom colour is critical and shockingly easy to use.