Customer Reviews

X-Rite i1Display 2 Color Calibrator for LCD, CRT, and Laptop Displays

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

I have been increasingly more interested in my photography hobby and came to the eventual realization that monitor color and luminance calibration was necessary. It just did not make sense, spending sometimes hours post processing a photo on my computer, only to have it show up with different colors on somebody else's screen or printer.

I have never before calibrated any monitors or TVs and considered, in addition to this product, the Spyder 3 Pro and LaCie Blue Eye. I finally decided on the Eye-One Display 2.

I have now calibrated my dual LCD monitor setup (Dell 2405WFP and 2408WFP) and Dell XPS 17" laptop with complete ease and great, consistent results. Because I actually have 2 separate PCIe video cards, calibrating dual LCD is as easy as calibrating one with Windows Vista 32 bit.

PROS:

1. Cheaper than LaCie Blue Eye, which is highly regarded by certain website reviewers (although more expensive than Spyder 3 Pro)
2. Same hardware to the well regarded LaCie Blue Eye
3. Better ability to reproduce black on LCD as per a website review than Spyder 3 Pro
4. Ability to measure and calibrate luminance
5. Very simple easy mode for those who want speed and to not have to understand the complexities of color calibration
6. An advanced mode, which was actually fairly easy for even me to use (and I have no prior detailed knowledge of color technologies)
7. Software allows you to see the before and after effects of your calibration effort by showing a color chart and a small portrait of a woman.
8. Install CD contains very easy to use complete video tutorials on how to calibrate.

CONS:

1. On Apple Macs, dual monitor calibration is supposedly easy. But with Windows XP/Vista, it is not a straightforward task. Because I actually have TWO separate PCIe video cards, calibrating dual LCD was as easy as calibrating one under Windows Vista 32 bit.

A dual monitor setup with a SINGLE video card can be calibrated individually under Windows XP with a workaround solution, as per suggestions I've found from a Google search. I am not sure if the workaround works under Vista, but it seems plausible.
2. More expensive than Spyder 3 Pro (although cheaper than LaCie Blue Eye)

TIPS:

1. On the Dell 2405WFP 24" LCD panel, the monitor will not allow user customizable contrast control if you choose a DVI input for that monitor. I am not certain why this is since my 2408WFP allows this. The only downside of this, is that you cannot use the advanced mode for the Dell 2405WFP, since that mode requires the user to manually change some monitor settings, which include contrast.
2. Consider whether or not you need the more expensive Eye-One Display 2 version vs. the cheaper "LT" version. If you do not need a customized white balance or different gamut or even know what I'm writing about, then you might be completely fine with the "LT" version. I am not 100% certain if the "LT" version will measure and calibrate luminance, however. This could be an important difference.
3. If cost is an issue, I would also research the Spyder 3 Pro system. Although I chose the Eye-One Display 2, I realize now since seeing the vast differences from my pre-calibrated images to my post-calibrated images, that color calibration is essential. It is probably better to calibrate with almost anything vs not calibrating at all.
4. Also realize that the Eye-One Display 2, Spyder 3 Pro, and LaCie Blue eye hardware can be utilized with 3rd PARTY SOFTWARE! A Google search will show that there are indeed even FREE 3rd party software that you can use to drive the hardware. Some forum members seem to write positive results with some of this software.
5. If cost is no object, serious consideration should be given to the more expensive LaCie Blue Eye. A Google search shows that this is a very well regarded system. (The Eye-One uses the same hardware as this Blue Eye.)
6. Go the X-rite website and look at the current version numbers of the software and compare it to what your installer disk has. Instead of using the install CD, I downloaded the newest versions from the website. I believe only 1 or 2 out of approximately 5 files I downloaded were newer from the website, but this is always a good idea. Some of the files are very large and you will definitely need a broadband connection. Burn these files to your own DVD, so that you can then install the software on each of your computers or laptops to use the calibrating hardware. The install CD is still very useful as it has the really useful tutorials.

I hope this review was helpful as it is certainly confusing as a novice to determine which calibrator to use!

There isn't much to really say about this product other than it does exactly what it say it will, does it relatively quickly, and potentially has nothing for you to learn before initial use. I had five monitors to calibrate; all LCDs except for one laptop display, four of them associated with dual monitored systems, mixed on both Windows XP and Windows Vista. I had all five calibrated within 20 minutes of opening the package, and reading nothing more than the quick start flyer; the software wizard in Easy Mode literally did everything in 4 steps without much input from me. On the monitor I perform a lot of graphic work on, I switched to the advanced mode and found the software to be just as intuitive and complete as it was in easy mode. Great product.

I bought the Eye-One recently since I was having trouble seeing shadow details on both my monitors.

I am not sure if they changed packaging since the last reviewer, but mine was simple. Open the flap, fold the front down and everthing is right there for your use. It folds back up nice and easy to store everything until later use.

As soon as I got the package, I brought it to my work computer and plugged it in. I used the "easy" method for this computer. It walked me thru each step (not many in the "easy" method). I was done in a few minutes. One great part is it shows you a comparison of before and after. It is amazing how bad the monitor was calibrated before.

I also brought it home for my laptop. I used the "advanced" setting for this computer. It was just as easy. There is an explaination on each step of what you need to do. The process only took a few minutes and I was done.

It feels good to have a nice and consistant view between both computers.

I have never used calibration equipment before, so I do not have a basis to compare this system against. But I am happy with what I got and its ease of use.

Most of the other reviews here are accurate. This is a solidly-built piece that ultimately gets the job done, but the instructions are non-existent until you finally figure out which of the 4 programs they give you is the "main" program (you have to sift through a messy install CD with way too many folders and icons... it's not evident what's what)... and even then, the instructions and information are weirdly stilted. And the software itself (for Mac) is severely antiquated. It definitely looks like it was in it's prime around OS 8.6, and then (barely) updated for the first round of OS X. And, more importantly, it hung up a few times during the process. And one of the programs, that's supposed to "check" your monitor's health didn't work at all.

Does it get the job done? I think so. The easy mode is darn easy, and the advanced mode, while more time consuming, is definitely better. My monitor is definitely looking a lot sexier, and I'm pretty much glad I got this device over the competition. However, the manufacturer is definitely resting on their laurels, coping a "ain't broke, won't fix it" attitude w/ the software and documentation. When a bit of a spitshine would garner a 5-star review from everyone.

I used this to calibrate a three year old 19" Viewsonic LCD with a TN panel, a Hanns-G HX-191DPB 19" LCD, a Dell D400 and a Dell D410 laptop. Each one took about a half hour to set up the software and calibrate. All screens look amazing. I did, however, find the need to employ a 3-foot USB extension cable for my desktop, being that the box is rather far from the monitor. Most people will not need the extension.

I chose to do the "easy" method and the "advanced" method to see the difference. After viewing both, I have to say that I find no need to do the "advanced" method again. In the future, I will use the "easy" calibration choice.

NOTE: At the end of the process, be sure to un-check the box that states it will remind you daily or weekly to recalibrate your monitor. That sure is annoying.

The colors on my monitor are now warmer and more true. Being that I have TN panel on all screens, I am very happy that I have the colors I do, for I am only seeing about 72% gamut.

Before the calibration I used the Color Index 2: Over 1500 New Color Combinations: For Print and Web Media: Cmyk and Rgb Formulas to see how far out my colors were. I chose a brown-blue-orange-red mix and typed in the numbers from the page. I wasn't even close! After calibration I typed in the same numbers and held the book up to the screen: now I was very close on all but the brown, which was only slightly out. Not bad for a 30-minutes process that required little to no input from me.

Now, the other reviewers that complained about the instructions are right: it expects a lot from you as a user. You must have a general understanding of what you are doing in order to make it happen. That's not to say it is completely lacking or impossible to figure out, but I could see where some people may have a problem or two. The manual is very basic. VERY basic. Ultra-minimalistic is a better way of putting it.

I highly recommend this product to everyone that has a monitor and USB port.

I'll keep this brief because everyone else has said all there is to say.

I've used this device for over two years on CRT, LCD, and laptops, and it has performed fabulously.

But, and I only learned this a few days ago after pressing customer support at x-rite, this device CANNOT be used to calibrate the new wide-gamut monitors. They tell you that to do so you need their i1Pro starting at $995, or their ColorMunki at $500.

So, let the buyer beware. Do not buy this device if you want to calibrate a wide-gamit monitor. I've read elsewhere that the same problem exists with the Spyder 2 but that the Spyder 3 can be used on wide-gamut monitors. I've never used the Spyder products so I have no comment about them.

Someone said that x-rite is resting on its laurels and so it seems with regard to the i1Display2. They got the product when they merged or bought out Gretag McBeth and they appear to be content continuing to market it as is without being concerned that it is now essentially obsolete. Whether they intend to come out with an i1Display3 to compete with the Spyder3 remains to be seen, or perhaps they don't care about the "low-end" market. In other words if you can't afford their alternative products at either $500 or $995 you can take your business someplace else.

Respectfully submitted.

I have used the Eye-One Display 2 on four different PC workstations with different makes of LCD's. I'll note that the quality and color controls of the monitor will most likely dictate the end calibration results. If you have a monitor that gives you separate RGB control, the better your results may be.

The installation CD is a load of programs. If you are just looking to calibrate your monitor, the Eye-One-Match folder has the main application.

Before getting too far, I would suggest downloading the latest drivers. The i1Match.exe in the Eye-One-Match folder on the install disk has been updated. As of (3/11/09) you'll want to download the i1Match_362_win.exe file. You'll also want to download the latest USB drivers (GMB_USB_v240.zip). They contain the latest 32 and 64bit drivers. Overwrite the install drivers in the appropriate install directory.

One should not overlook the good tutorials on the installation disk. These are in swf (Flash format) so you'll need the latest flash player to view them.

Eye-One will work in Vista and Vista 64. After a few misfires I made sure to install it in the Program Files directory not the Program Files (x86) directory.

After installation - Clicking the Windows Start - All Programs - GretagMacbeth - Eye One Match 3 launches the key application.

There is a Help section on the right side of the program screen. It's best to click through these at each Step in the Calibration process. It gives more details in to what you should doing and why.

I'll note that Easy calibration method achieved reasonably good results on all the monitors the 1st time around. While the Advanced takes many more details into consideration like testing for Ambient Lighting in your work area and RGB settings, the end results will vary with each calibration. The ability to see the Before and After before committing is great.

All in all I am pleased with this purchase. Having worked in CG, video, and graphics for ten years now and I know the value of CRT screens, and still use them. I know that quality mid range LCD screens come display trade offs and draw backs. With this said, the Eye-One 2 does a good job bridging these limitations and calibrate.


Pros

*Straight forward calibration once installed
*Flash tutorials help explain many of the steps required to calibrate
*Works in Vista and Vista 64 (with updated drivers)

Cons

*There is little in the way of printed instructions - what is offered is basic at best.
*Occasionally a warning states - the driver can not be found - just restart the test.
*The information in the Flash tutorials should have been in printed form.

I bought this calibrator after I realized that my desktop monitor had a yellow and blue color cast and was affecting my post-processing white balance adjustments. As an amateur photographer who is getting more serious, I figured around the $150-200 price range was reasonable to invest in a decent calibrator. I spent some time looking at the Eye One Display LT (the cheaper version, which has less features), the Spyder 3, and the Color Munki, which cost a bit more. I settled on this product because I felt it was the best value. I didn't like the crippled features on the Eye One LT, which uses the same hardware (I thought it was a rip off). I read some mixed reviews of the Spyder 3 saying that users' monitors did not display color better after calibration, and for many, the result was worse than before. Color Munki reviews said that while it can calibrate projectors and printers, the product does a mediocre job. My take was that if I wanted to profile a projector and a printer using a spectrophotometer, by that point I'd be serious enough as a photographer to invest in professional equipment, which costs considerably more. I had also heard of GretagMacbeth products, and read favorable reviews of the company. I would recommend any readers to look up reviews as I found many different reviews for all of these products.

I received the calibrator less than a week after placing my order. Installation was not completely straight-forward, as some reviews mentioned. The AutoRun window showed four large buttons (Match, Share, Diagnostics, Color Print) which would install modules, as well as a list containing Registration, Tutorials, etc tabs. As there weren't explicit directions on which modules to install, and the included Quick Start Guide was not specific, I installed Match, Share, and Diagnostics, in that order. I ran Diagnostics, which apparently tested the calibrator to make sure it worked correctly. I started up the tutorials, which was helpful in walking me through Match, which you use to profile your monitor. It mentioned Basic and Advanced features, and the animations helped clarify steps in the process I would have found confusing otherwise. I walked through the tutorial as I ran the Match program, which also had included directions, and everything ran without a hitch. I had to read the directions in Match a couple times just to make sure I was following them correctly, but I had no problems calibrating. I especially liked the end where a window displayed color swatches and a test portrait with a before and after calibration button to press. The before and after showed huge differences. Now I have no blue or yellow color cast, and the colors displayed look softer and are easier on my eyes. I calibrated the monitor twice to see whether the calibrator would be consistent, and it was.

I then calibrated another monitor to see how well it would improve. This monitor had a blue cast, and the contrast settings (whatever they were) made reading text very difficult. Post-calibration the monitor was much improved, and text reading was much easier on the eyes.

After calibration, I opened up my post-processing software (Adobe Lightroom 2) to check out my pictures. They look different from before. The colors are more nuanced and feel more natural.

One thing to realize is that while I like this calibrator, it can only do so much if the monitor you are using isn't very good. My monitor is a pretty decent LCD monitor, but it does not display true color (24-bit color), so I'm not squeezing everything out of this calibrator. I'm sure my experience calibrating would be even more dramatic had I a newer, true color monitor. Another thing is that when looking at before and after, I had to make sure to look at the monitor straight on, and not from the side or up/down. My monitor is a TN panel and as such has a yellow cast when viewed from any angle other than straight on. It also had considerable light fall-off when not looking straight on. The Eye One has showed me the limitations of my monitor, which are more obvious now than before. Unfortunately for me now I want a true color monitor as there isn't really a point calibrating a monitor that can't display all the colors the eye can perceive anyway.

Overall, I'm satisfied with this product and the results on my monitor. My monitor displays better color now, and the device is easy enough to use where I'll willingly re-calibrate every so often to account for drift. It's a good investment from my standpoint -- I'm serious enough about photography to want a good color calibrator, but not serious enough where I need to buy an excellent photo printer and calibrate that, too. Additionally, the Eye One Display 2 uses a colorimeter, not a spectrophotometer, so it can only calibrate monitors. As I get more serious about photography I'll probably invest in a pro level spectrophotometer, but the Eye One will keep me happy for quite a while.

This product is extremely easy to use - despite what you may read below. It offers both an easy and advanced mode, both of which providing on-screen instructions as to what to do. It really could perhaps include some printed instructions, but I didn't have any problems. If you can't get a handle on how this thing works then perhaps you'd be better off sticking with film.

In terms of efficacy, I have noticed that if your monitor is up to snuff, you'll have no problems getting spot-on colour correctness which will save you plenty in printing costs as well as frustration!

I highly recommend this product!

I started out with another companies calibrator (Hint: Dewey and Louie's brother) and found that one did not work on my Dell Inspiron 9300 laptop with the high-definition glossy screen.

I researched more and found the X-Rite had worked on other Dell laptops. So, I decided to give it a try. It worked like a charm.

I must say that this device has made all the difference in my photography post processing. I do not print my own photos but use a National camera chain store to do all of my printing. Everything looks more like the printed photos than before.

Using it was easy. I installed the software and ran it. Answered a few questions and waited. It took all of about 15-20 minutes to install and run the calibration. I have it set to remind me every four weeks to run the calibration again.

I love it and would recommend it anyone, but primarily to all Dell laptop users, especially those with the glossy screen.