Hardware Calibration or Software only?

[Operaghost]

I just purchased the HannsG 28" from Costco. It is arriving tomorrow. I know that the picture quality is junk out of the box. So I've been looking around at how I should go about calibrating it.

Now, I'm definately not a monitor snob. I don't do photo editing so color accuracy, etc doesn't need to be EXACT. However, I would like to get in a good ballpark of the correct brightness, contrast, color depth, etc. I want the display to look nice, but does not need to be perfect.

So my question is, should I invest $70 bucks in a hardware calibration unit such as the Spyder2 Express from Datacolor, or the Huey Pro?

Or will using a software based calibration such as some of the ones found on websites or the Monster ISF Calibration suffice?

If you had your choice between the Spyder2 Express for $70 or Huey Pro for $90, which would you recommend?

 

[earnstaf]

I've been trying to get an answer to basically this same question today without much luck.

 

[Operaghost]

Patience young padawan! They will come.

Damn the Huey Pro for 45 bucks @ woot.com? I may just have to get it on principal, doesn't it retail for like $90?

 

[earnstaf]

Newegg has it for $67 shipped... still a really good deal on woot.

 

[Operaghost]

Yeah I think I'm definitely going to get either the Huey or the Spyder2 Express. Just can't decide between the Huey for $45 or the Spyder for $70.

I don't know enough about them to make a choice based on features and/or reviews.

 

[SJetski71]

Yeah I think I'm definitely going to get either the Huey or the Spyder2 Express. Just can't decide between the Huey for $45 or the Spyder for $70.

I don't know enough about them to make a choice based on features and/or reviews.

The next one up is a mere $13 more and compatible with FREE aftermarket calibration software

Spyder2express:

$58 shipped: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202523306&listingid=30327434

Used $49 shipped: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=190288635995&Category=3697

Aftermarket calibration software can be searched for here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=139

^^^^

The Spyder2express is def the better choice.

 

[Operaghost]

Thanks for the input Jet.

Can't believe Buy.com has it for 60 new shipped. Seems like a good price on it. Think I'll order one.

 

[j3ff86]

edit

 

[NotJay]

Thanks for the input Jet.

Can't believe Buy.com has it for 60 new shipped. Seems like a good price on it. Think I'll order one.

$64 with tax from buy.com for 4-14 days shipping or $69 from amazon with free 2 days shipping ( amazon prime trial)

 

[SJetski71]

$64 with tax from buy.com for 4-14 days shipping or $69 from amazon with free 2 days shipping ( amazon prime trial)

Buy.com only charges tax if they have a physical presence in your state. Of the dozens of items i've ordered from them, most have arrived within 5 business days and sometimes as soon as 2 or 3 days (free budget shipping to NJ)

 

[Operaghost]

I am starting to think I will adjust it the best I can using software only, then if I don't find that suitable, I'll invest in some hardware.

 

[sethk]

There is no way to dial the colors in right with a software calibration. You cannot generate color profiles with a software calibrator. I have a eyeOne, which works great. However, you should be able to get your contrast, brightness and grayscale reasonably dialed in using a software only-solution.

 

[Operaghost]

I'm kind of doubting that the HannsG has individual color decoding anyways. So I think I will wait and see before I purchase a colorimeter as to whether or not I can even tune in the colors individually. I obviously have no experience at this so I'm reading as many guides and articles as I can at the moment.