i1 Xtreme - Update Review

Monitor/ scanner/ camera/ projector/ printer profiling (RGB and CMYK)

The i1 Xtreme is the current top level package for acquiring an i1 spectrophotometer.

We've reviewed all the different elements of this package over the last few years and have collected all the relevant information here. This is an overview of what you get, along with links to our detailed reviews of the constituent parts.

i1 Xtreme

The changes of name do make it a bit difficult to keep up with what is what - it confused us too.

We've all the equipment here at Northlight, so please feel free to ask if anything is unclear.

Monitor/printer Profiling

I often get asked about profiling.

It's essentially about getting better and more consistent results when dealing with images, whether viewing them on a screen, printing them out, or sending them to other people.

It's about getting things right first time -- more often.

I'm going to assume that if you are reading this review then you've probably decided you need some form of colour management...

However just in case you are still wondering just what this 'Colour management' stuff is, I've a very short guide to colour management page that might be of help - it includes links to other articles on this site and elsewhere. There are also links to further information at the end of this article.

What do you get

The i1 XTreme from X-rite comes in a convenient carry bag, containing all the items you need to profile printers and monitors.

The i1 system is designed so that you can add modules and additional devices to increase functionality.

This is the complete set of functionality for the i1 Extreme (from X-rite)

LCD, CRT and laptops profiling – for any ambient light condition
Unlimited gamma white point and luminance settings
Workgroup match for multiple monitor matching
Gray balance optimization for more neutral and better defined greys
Validate and trend monitor performance
Profile reminder to ensure true and reliable colour over time
RGB and CMYK printer profiling ensures your output is reproduced accurately from print to print and printer to printer
'Colourful' gamut mapping for smoothness and shadow detail in profiles
Supports high patch count test charts for the most accurate printer profiles – ideal for fine art printing and proofing
Scanner profiling for accurate colour reproduction of analog images to digital images
Digital projector profiling for highly accurate projected colour – no more excuses for colour on screen. i1 XTreme includes i1 Beamer holder for virtually hands free use.
Digital Camera profiling incorporates simplified features for the most popular photo settings to create camera profiles - contrast, exposure, colour saturation, shadows and highlights. (Requires Digital ColorChecker SG – sold separately)
Simple profile editing functions for the most popular editing needs
Spot colour measurements to incorporate in your work, or use to make sure the colours in your proof are exact

The i1 XTreme includes:

i1Pro spectrophotometer*
ambient light measurement head
monitor holder
positioning target
scanning ruler
backup board
i1 Reflective Scan Target
i1Match v3.x software for monitors, RGB & CMYK Output, Scanners, Digital Cameras, Digital Projectors and Profile Editor
i1Share software for creating, evaluating and communicating colour
Beamer holder
Scanner Profiling Chart
Interactive Training Modules
Digital Pantone library
soft carrying case
$400 upgrade voucher valid towards any one ProfileMaker solution.

*i1 XTreme is available in either NoFilter and UVcut. Purchase according to your workflow requirements.

Reviews of specific functionality

This package does an awful lot of things.

As such we've included links to detailed reviews rather than just copy them all here.

i1 Design
A Spectrophotometer and software for monitor calibration, light measurement and basic printer profiling. (see also i1 Pro ruler update)

i1 printer profiling
More advanced printer profiling with the i1.

i1 Beamer - A hardware attachment device for using the X-rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer for digital projector profiling

i1 scanner profiling
Using the i1 with a scan target to get better results from your film or flatbed scanner.

i1 Camera profiling with the SG ColorChecker

i1 profile editing - The i1 Match software from X-rite allows you to edit icc printer profiles. How easy is it to use, and what things should you consider before editing profiles

Conclusions

The i1 XTreme is the top package based on all the various i1 Match software modules

The spectrophotometer is widely regarded as -the- industry standard and is a precision instrument (i.e. take care of it and keep it in the bag when not in use) The device comes in a useful carrying bag with its various accessories.

The i1 Match software supplied is easy to use and also has interactive training info on the CD.

For monitor calibration it works very well, while the ability to make spot measurements of colours is useful in some areas.

The printer profiling gives good quality profiles, good enough for high quality printing.

In the profiling package, I did find the lack of attention given to finding the best media settings before profiling, a serious omission. I've found profiles supplied by paper manufacturers that have been made at the wrong media settings, using much more expensive equipment.

If I'm building my own profiles, I either use the i1 (with the iO) or the i1 iSis to make my measurements, but even if I'm measuring 5000 patches I always do a thorough check for optimal media settings first.

Article on the importance of media settings

The i1 Share package does have real uses (ambient light measurement and spot readings) but as a former researcher in usability and HCI, I really dislike it's interface and general disdain for best practice in interface design. It does good stuff but you may have a job finding how to do it in the first place.

May 2010 X-Rite annouce new profiling software for Q4 2010

i1 Match and ProfileMaker Pro will be superseded by i1Profiler later in 2010. We have some notes and press info in the X-rite information section of the Northlight blog. For purchases after April 1st 2010 here will be free upgrades, along with other offers when the software is available.

Sept. 2008 X-Rite and the current i1 range

It now consists of two options. The functionality is the same as we have reviewed, but exactly what you get varies. As a result of this rationalisation, the i1Photo, i1Photo SG, i1Proof and i1XT have all been discontinued, and the i1 range now consists of:

The i1Basic - i1Pro measuring device with monitor profiling software
The new i1XTreme - professional monitor, RGB and CMYK printer, camera, scanner and projector profiling, plus profile editing

With the i1XTreme you can calibrate and profile:

Monitors - LCD, CRT and laptops
RGB output devices
CMYK output devices
Scanners
Digital projectors
Digital cameras*

The range of i1 options may be a bit bewildering, but that's one of the reasons I've included links to all the detailed reviews I've written covering different aspects of the packages. One size does not always fit all :-)

Summary

Full option package from X-rite for the i1 Spectrophotometer and its associated hardware.

The software has the following requirements:

Macintosh

Mac OS X (10.3.9 or higher)
128 MB of available RAM
125 MB of available hard-disk space
Monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
USB support

Windows

Windows 2000, Windows XP (32 and 64bit), Windows 2003 Server (32 and 64bit), Windows Vista (32 and 64bit)
128 MB of available RAM
100 MB of available hard-disk space
Monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
USB support

X-Rite i1Pro Device Specifications

Spectral measurement device,supported measurement modes:
Reflectance single measurement
Reflectance scanning measurement with automatic patch detection
Emission: radiance measurement (monitor measurement)
Emission: irradiance measurement (light measurement)
Spectral analyser: Holographic diffraction grating with 128 pixel diode array
Optical resolution:10nm
Physical sampling interval: 3.5nm
Spectral data: Range: 380 to 730 nm in 10nm steps
Measurement aperture: 4.5mm diameter
Measurement geometry: 45°/0° ring illumination optics, DIN 5033
Light source: Gas filled tungsten (Type A)
Physical filters: No or UV cut (Filters not exchangeable)
Inter-instrument agreement: Average dE*94 0.4, max. dE*94 1.0
(Deviation from X-Rite manufacturing
standard at 23°C for single measurement
mode on 12 BCRA tiles, D50, 2°)
Short-term repeatability: ΔE*94 <= 0.1 (D50, 2°), with respect to the mean CIELab value of 10 measurements every 3 seconds on white
Data format:
Spectral radiance (mW/nm/m2 /sr);
Luminance Y (cd/m2)
Measurement range: 0.2 to 300 cd/m2
Short-term repeatability: x,y: +/- 0.002 typical (CRT 5000°K, 80 cd/m2)
Type: Cosine-corrected diffuse light measurement head
Diameter: 6.0 mm
Data format: Spectral irradiance (mw/nm/m2), Illuminance Y (lux)
Physical dimensions: 6”L x 2.6”W x 2.6”H (151 x 66 x 67mm)
Weight: 6.5 oz (185g)
Power conditions: Device powered by USB. No additional charger or battery required. USB 1.1 high power device.

Before calibrating your monitor on Windows PC systems, you should check to see that Adobe gamma is turned off if it was installed. We've got a short guide to removing Adobe Gamma that might be of help.

More Info

ColorMunki - Latest colour management solution from X-rite (monitor/print calibration/profiling)
i1 Design
i1 Beamer - projector profiling
i1 scanner profiling
i1 Camera profiling with the SG ColorChecker
i1 printer profiling
i1 profile editing
i1 iO automation of measurements
i1 iSis - advanced measuring device
i1 Display 2 Monitor calibration and profiling device from GretagMacbeth - also allows ambient light measurement.
Spyder3Elite - monitor calibration
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.

Explore our site... Digital Black and White photography and printing - some of Keiths thoughts, techniques and tips for those interested in a digital approach to black and white. We've lots of original Photography Articles and Photography Reviews on the site to help anyone interested in photography. New site content appears on the What's New page.

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via: Amazon UK/Amazon France/Amazon Germany/Amazon USA/Amazon Canada
It won't save extra money we're afraid, but it does help in the running of the site, and we really appreciate it...

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