Software Reviews
Spyder3Elite.
Reviewed by d.a.w DESIGN
The Spyder3Elite from Datacolor features a new design of sensor, that measure’s light from your monitor (LCD/laptop/CRT) or projector.
The package comes with a very cool looking chrome calibrator that has a sensor for ambient light detection and a blue indicator light that glows, this sensor measure’s light from your monitor (LCD/laptop/CRT) or projector. Also included are the install disk and the Quick Start Guide to get you up and running. The Spyder3 connects via a USB 2.0 plug and can remain on your desk; it sits in the provided cradle / tripod mount to monitor for changes in your settings. The package also contains Screen Cleaning Packets, 2-Year Warranty and Free Online Support.
Figure01 – The Spyder3 Elite.
Figure02 – Suction Cup and Detector.
It comes with two applications, the Spyder3Utility and Spyder3Elite application itself, which is on the installation CD.
The Utility is intended to run at start–up and enables real-time ambient light monitoring and access to the main application. It also offers an optional confirmation that all the elements of your calibration are in place and set up correctly.
Setup and installing the software was very easy. After installing the software and entering your serial number, the software checks for connected monitors on your system. The program walks you through the process without a flaw and takes you through every step.
Figure 03 – Select display to edit.
If you are working with two monitors or more you will have to choose which monitor you want to calibrate first.
If it's the first time calibrating you will need to tell the software what sort of monitor or display you are using.
Figure 04 – Display Type.
The next two steps are to set the white and Black luminance (just follow the screen instructions).
Figure05 – Set white luminance.
Figure 06 – Set black luminance.
The next step is to identify your color controls for your monitor. All monitors have different controls for your display. So you have to choose, Kelvin Presets, Kelvin Sliders, RGB Sliders.
Figure 07 – identify your color controls.
After you have chosen your color controls it’s time to set the color temperature at the desired white point.
Figure 08 – Adjust color temperature.
Now it’s time to choose the method of attachment for the Spyder3, the suction cup or the weight. Don’t forget to clean your screen with the Screen Cleaning wipes that comes with the Spyder3. If you use the suction cup make sure you wet it well and give it a good solid push on the monitor, other wise it will fall off!
Figure 09 – Method of Attachment.
Now you place the Spyder3 on your screen.
Figure 10 – Place the Spyder3 on your screen.
Figure 11 – Showing the Syder3Elite on the screen.
Now it goes through measuring the colors, starts with Ambient Light, Red, Green, Blue, (RGB) Black then it goes through the entire Gray’s.
Figure 12 – Measuring the colors.
The current calibration status screen, gives you the options to recalibrate or to leave as is, if the target is acceptable.
Figure 13 – The current calibration status screen.
The Spyder3Elite proof screen lets you see the before and after calibration. Click on any of the thumbnail photos for a larger version. Also press the After Calibration button to see the before and after version of your calibrated screen.
Figure 14 – Spyder3Proof.
Figure 15 – Larger thumbnail photo.
Figure 16 – Before Calibration.
Figure 17 – After Calibration.
The above review was for the 3.0.4 version.
Operating System Support:
32-bit and 64-bit versions of: XP, Vista and Windows 7
The 3.1.2 update addresses various issues and includes Spyder3Utility 1.1.4
Issues Addressed:
• Russian localization fixes in Spyder3Utility.
• Some users receive message "unexpected measurement value" when reading Green primary.
• Garbage characters in Spyder3Utility Status Dialog on multibyte Windows systems (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian).
• Identify Controls screen (Edit Display Information) does not correctly mark checkboxes to show current settings when it opens.
The 3.1.1 update fixes an issue with Software Activation on some systems running multi-byte language support such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian.
If you have already installed 3.1 then there is no reason to install the 3.1.1 update unless you are having problems with Software Activation on a multi-byte language system.
The Spyder3Elite 3.1 update offers improved ease of use and Integrated Luminance Control, including:
• Easy Luminance Control: new standard targets that include luminance values, no longer an advanced-only feature.
• Easy Access to Expert Console: now accessible directly from Assistant workflow.
Spyder3Utility includes additional commands in the Spyder3Utility menu:
• New Calibration On/Calibration Off commands. Makes it easy to temporarily disable the video card loading feature when playing games.
• New Load Calibration command. Immediately load the calibration into the video card if there is any question whether it is loaded or not.
Datacolor Software Activation
Spyder3Elite 3.1 includes the new Datacolor Software Activation system. Activation is required to install and run this upgrade.
The first time you run 3.1, it will use your existing Spyder3Elite serial number to activate the software. If you are connected to the Internet, you will immediately be issued a License Code for Spyder3Elite. The License Code replaces the function of the old Serial Number. You will also receive a copy of the License Code via e-mail.
Be sure to keep this License Code just in case you need to re-install the Spyder3Elite software. If you are installing Spyder3Elite on more than one computer, you will need to enter the new License Code on each machine.
If you are not connected to the internet then a manual activation process will occur which involves manually entering an Activation Code into a webpage.
Conclusion:
The interface is very neat and tidy. Note: there is a 'Help' button on each screen. Which comes in very handy?
My suggestion for anyone who works with photos, graphic’s, and needs an accurate representation on screen. This is for you.
For more advanced users there are a number of options to use and features to customize.
Monitor calibrator with support for multiple monitor systems and projectors
Manufacturer details: Datacolor
Requirements
• Windows XP 32/64, Vista 32/64, Windows 7.
• Mac OS X (10.3 or higher).
• USB
• Color monitor resolution 1024x768 or greater.
• 16-bit video card (24-bit recommended).
• 128MB of available RAM.
• 100MB of available hard disk space.
Price (from Datacolor) $249.00 (Inc. 2yr. Warranty).
Spyder3Elite from Datacolor.
Marks: - 
Spyder3Elite
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