Color Management – Calibrating Monitor

N
Posted By
nofx1727
Aug 27, 2007
Views
417
Replies
8
Status
Closed
Hi, I downloaded the Photoshop cs3 trial but I get an error about my monitor not being setup to display correctly. I have 2 Samsung SyncMaster 204BW. I did not get Adobe Gamma (not sure if it comes with CS3.) Is there a way for me to calibrate these monitors so colors display correctly in photoshop the way it will when it prints? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

nofx1727

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gowanoh
Aug 27, 2007
It would be best if you were to invest in a calibrating device like the Spyder 2.
I have a Samsung in this series.
If you set the monitor to factory defaults it generally calibrates without making any adjustments to the RGB controls.
However unless you have used the calibrating device and its software there is no way for Photoshop to know that.
Assuming your monitor is in working order, with the default settings you should get reasonably accurate printing with Photoshop managing color rather than the printer driver.
You have to learn what the correct settings are for your particular printer. If your prints are too dark, which is likely because of the insane brightness of this monitor, dial up the brightness of the print in an adjustment layer just prior to printing.
SP
Sid_Phillips
Aug 28, 2007
I don’t believe Adobe Gamma is included with CS3.

Are you running a dual-monitor system? Do you have your image on one monitor and your palettes on another? Does your video card have separate LUTs for each monitor? What OS are you running?

Your best bet for calibration is a hardware solution. I use the ColorVision Spyder but there are other equally good (or better) systems available. Cost for monitor calibration ranges from about $120 to $250 depending on the options you need.
JJ
John_Joslin
Aug 28, 2007
Somebody in another thread says that it does come with CS3 but is not installed in the Control Panel.

I can’t verify it because CS2 already put it in mine.
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nofx1727
Aug 28, 2007
Hi, thanks for your replies. To answer some of the questions.

1. Yes I am running Dual Monitors – Samsung SyncMaster 204BW 20" widescreens.

2. I haven’t set up my workspace yet I just downloaded the program but ideally I would like to set up image on one monitor and palettes on the other. Although I’m still trying to figure that out… I can’t figure out how to drag the new palettes (any ideas?)

3. I have no clue what LUT’s are. I have an Evga Geforce 8800 GTS graphics card.

4. I’m running Windows XP Pro.

5. Do you think I should download cs2 just to get Gamma?

Thanks,
nofx1727
B
Buko
Aug 28, 2007
You can’t get CS2 since Adobe released CS3
SP
Sid_Phillips
Aug 28, 2007
If you’re going to run dual monitors and put your image on one and palettes on the other, then all you need to worry about profiling is the monitor that will display the image. Though it’s nice to have both profiled, just for consistency. I can’t tell from the nVidia specs whether it supports dual LUTs, but as advanced as this card is the odds are good it will.

I don’t know how to setup a dual-monitor display – never used one. But I’m sure Google will have plenty of docs on the subject. As for dual-monitor profiling, I would recommend deciding on which hardware system you want to go with and then asking the question in their support forum. The question has probably been asked and answered several times.

Adobe Gamma is better than nothing, of course, but nowhere near as accurate as a hardware-based system. You might be able to buy a copy of CS2 on eBay or something. Just be sure to investigate the integrity of the seller. And be sure it’s an un-registered but licensed copy so you’re legal.
DP
Daryl_Pritchard
Aug 28, 2007
Note also that Adobe Gamma is not designed for use with LCD monitors, although I have heard some people speak of success in using it. Until you get a hardware-based solution, you might take a look at Norman Koren’s info on monitor calibration, at <http://www.normankoren.com/makingfineprints1A.html>, and try using the QuickGamma utility he writes favorably of.

Another option is to try using Praxisoft’s WiziWYG, available at < http://www.praxisoft.com/files/WiziWYG/wiziwyg_xp_install.zi p>.

Regards,

Daryl
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nofx1727
Aug 28, 2007
Thanks for the tools. I’m looking into getting hardware-based but I"m going to test these out first. Really appreciate everyones help.

Thanks,

nofx1727

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