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| A new choice is available when initially opening the application - Projector
The Grey Balanced Calibration option is there since apparently some projectors profile better with it switched off. See the summary below for a minor help issue with this screen. |
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There are a wide range of ways you could set up your monitor - best stick to the suggested ones unless you have a specific need

When profiling a projector system you need to hold the sensor directly in front of the screen, as in this suggestion shown in the software.

What's being shown here is a tripod adapter, although it's not clear what is what.
| It's actually this thing... available from ColorVision, or included with the latest version of the Spyder 2 Pro.
I actually made the equivalent from a tripod ball head and a large lump of Blu-Tac (very useful stuff to keep in your camera bag!) |
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The sensor should face the screen and be about a foot away from it

Before the calibration process starts, there is a target cross projected to help ensure that everything is aligned.
The process itself consists of the whole screen being changed to different colours and brightnesses, while the sensor records the reflected light.
After this the profile is built and you should save it with a meaningful name.
Note that on many PCs you can only apply one profile to a video card, so with most laptops you can have your screen correct or your projector, but not both (see our note on profiling dual monitor PC systems)
Buying the Spyder 2 Pro
We make a specific point of not selling hardware, but if you found the review of help please consider buying the Spyder 2, or any other items at all, via our link with Amazon.
It won't cost any more (nor less we're afraid) but will contribute towards the running costs of our site.
Purchase From B&H (also helps us)
You can make new measurements under higher ambient light conditions if need be, which should give better results (I was unable to fully test this feature).
It's probably taken you longer to read this review so far than it would to profile a projection system...
Summary
Quick and easy to use -- I'll have to try it out 'in the field' to see just how easy it is to set up when I'm giving talks and lectures. There are many locations and venues where I've spoken that could not easily be dimmed for calibration, but if I'm setting things up myself, it looks to be very useful. -- I'll add a comment in a few months when I've used the device 'for real' a few times.
The increase in speed of profiling is also useful, if you have several machines to do.
One minor issue I noticed was that the help documentation does not seem to have caught up with the new functionality - it has no information on projectors.
- Update (7 Sept) - it seems that the European download site had a slightly earlier version (2.0_6 rather than 2.0_8) This has incomplete help info. The version should be corrected, or if you are not sure, you can go to the US site at http://www.colorvision.com/sup_dl-upgrades.shtml
- Update (April 07) Feature Update - Spyder2PRO Ambient light measurement
Overall - very useful enhancements to a good product.
More Info
- Spyder 3 Elite - multiple monitor support and projector profiling
- Spyder 3 Pro - multiple monitor support for profiling
- The Spyder 2 Pro - original review
- Eye One Display 2 Monitor calibration and profiling device from GretagMacbeth - also allows ambient light measurement.
- An Introduction to colour management article by Keith and collection of CM info.
- Colour management links on this site
- The Viewing page - basic monitor set-up
- Reviews - Other equipment and software reviews by Keith.
- Why don't my prints match my screen?
A short article showing why there is more to getting your prints to match your screen, than just calibrating your monitor. It's the vital first step, but you do need to consider some other factors for best results.
Updated range
Spyder products feature comparisons
Information from Datacolor:
Spyder3 V3 vs V4 software features (May 2010) - S3Elite V4 review
Product features (late 2009)
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The Spyder 2 Pro - updated for profiling digital projectors
Without exception, every projector I've ever used has been noticeably 'wrong' in it's colour.
