Pantone Huey Pro - Quick Question

[computerinfo]

I was thinking about buying a Pantone Huey Pro to calibrate my LG 24" and Viewsonic 20".

My 3 questions

1. Once I use it for the first time, why would I ever need it again. Can't I just calibrate the monitor save the settings ans resell it on eBay.

2. Am I missing something here?

3. The Pantone Huey Pro is $79 at Buy.com, is there any reason to get a spader or other brand instead.

 

[joemama]

Ok, first of all calibration settings drift over time...I calibrate mine with a Spyder 2/Coloreyes Display pro combo once a month. Secondly...the changes will be made at the driver level of your video card via an icc profile so the calibration is gone once you remove the monitor from the pc it's calibrated on. I don't know much about the Huey...I chose the Spyder 2 Express because it was cheap, compatible with 3rd party software and the hardware is the same as the more expensive packages.

 

[computerinfo]

Since I'm using a dual monitor setup, what options do i have. i know the Huey Pro supports two monitors, but what else does?

Also, the Huey Pro at $79 seems like a great deal.

 

[joemama]

Since I'm using a dual monitor setup, what options do i have. i know the Huey Pro supports two monitors, but what else does?

Also, the Huey Pro at $79 seems like a great deal.

Like I said, I've never used the Huey so I can't give you an opinion about it. I do know that only the Spyder 2 pro and above packages support calibrating dual monitors though, so the Huey sounds like a good deal if it works ok.

 

[mle]

Ok, first of all calibration settings drift over time...I calibrate mine with a Spyder 2/Coloreyes Display pro combo once a month. Secondly...the changes will be made at the driver level of your video card via an icc profile so the calibration is gone once you remove the monitor from the pc it's calibrated on. I don't know much about the Huey...I chose the Spyder 2 Express because it was cheap, compatible with 3rd party software and the hardware is the same as the more expensive packages.

What do you mean the hardware's the same as the more expensive packages? Are you saying the hardware is same as from say Monico Optix?

 

[joemama]

What do you mean the hardware's the same as the more expensive packages? Are you saying the hardware is same as from say Monico Optix?

What I mean is that no matter if you buy the $70 Spyder 2 Express or the $170+ spyder 2 Suite or the even more expensive Pro....the only difference is the included software and the colorimeter is the same. I don't know anything about the Monico optix..

 

[enyceexdanny]

I was thinking about buying a Pantone Huey Pro to calibrate my LG 24" and Viewsonic 20".

My 3 questions

1. Once I use it for the first time, why would I ever need it again. Can't I just calibrate the monitor save the settings ans resell it on eBay.

2. Am I missing something here?

3. The Pantone Huey Pro is $79 at Buy.com, is there any reason to get a spader or other brand instead.

The main question is, how important is color accuracy to you?
Are you into photography? Do you work with alot of images that require accurate color representation?

If you don't, you can get by with software calibration.

1. Just as others have mentioned, your calibrated settings will start to shift over time due to a few reasons. Most obvious is that a monitor's backlight will slowly start to deteriorate. So it is best to hold on to it and have it re-calibrated every so often.

2. You lost me here....

3. This will depend on your needs. If you're into professional photography or a field that requires the absolute color accuracy, then you'll probably want to invest and get a more expensive professional grade product. But if you're an amateur, or just a hobbyist - then the Huey Pro is a great bang for the buck.

 

[computerinfo]

Thanks for the info people.

*** What is the easiest and best software calibration software out there that is free.

 

[joemama]

Thanks for the info people.

*** What is the easiest and best software calibration software out there that is free.

Which one is the best is certainly debateable...but this one is free and allows you to create an icc profile to load with windows whenever you get things to your liking. http://www.majorgeeks.com/Monitor_Calibration_Wizard_d3912.html Keep in mind that when using a software solution you are still adjusting things by eye which is more difficult than letting a colorimeter do the measurements for you.

 

[computerinfo]

I tried this one and ended up with a horrible color. Maybe I just need to try it again.

Are there any other highly reccommended software programs out there?

Thanks all.....

 

[enyceexdanny]

There aren't any free software calibration tools that I know of that has as much features as the ones for sale. >_>

Also keep in mind that once you calibrate your monitor, even with a colorimeter - the final output may not seem better than before.
It is mainly due to your eyes being used to the previous settings. Generally after a few minutes/hours, your eyes should adjust to the calibrated colors.

 

[computerinfo]

There aren't any free software calibration tools that I know of that has as much features as the ones for sale. >_>

Also keep in mind that once you calibrate your monitor, even with a colorimeter - the final output may not seem better than before.
It is mainly due to your eyes being used to the previous settings. Generally after a few minutes/hours, your eyes should adjust to the calibrated colors.

I never thought of it that way. i will try the new settings and see if I like it a few hours later.

As for other software calibration options, what are the non-free options that support multiple monitors????

 

[joemama]

I never thought of it that way. i will try the new settings and see if I like it a few hours later.

As for other software calibration options, what are the non-free options that support multiple monitors????

Well, you said the Huey supports dual monitors so why don't you just give it a try? The only other thing I know of in that price range is the Spyder 2 Express which doesn't have dual monitor calibration.