Digital BW, The Print

> From: Ken Carney [mailto:kcarney1@...]
>
> I've been looking for some info on this without success, but I'll bet
> someone on the list knows.  My Sony E500 21" CRT monitor is down to about
> one week or less when it needs recalibration with the SpyderPro
> software and
> puck (I can see it shift toward green in under a week).  The monitor is
> about 4-5 years old now.  I was wondering what intervals are common for
> re-calibration and whether this might be a sign of impending
> replacement...and if so what would be a good replacement.  If
> replacement is
> in the cards I like the size and sharpness of LCD screens, but
> I'm not sure
> of my ground for Photoshop use (viewing a little off-angle,
> etc.). Any info
> appreciated!!

Sounds like your monitor's going down the tubes. There are people who
recalibrate every week, but not because they can see a color shift with
their eyes. I calibrate my 6 year old Nokia CRT every few months, and I can
never see any difference between before and after.

As to a replacement, you can probably find some discussion of this in the
list archives. (I know this is often discussed in all the digital
photography lists I'm on.) A few points in favor of CRTs: first, the cheaper
LCDs don't calibrate accurately. Second: you can get more pixels on a CRT.
Third: CRTs generally have somewhat wider gamuts. But if you buy a good one,
you're satisfied with 1600x1200 (or 1920x1200 WUXGA), and you don't care
about super-saturated colors, an LCD has some obvious advantages.

--

Ciao,               Paul D. DeRocco
Paul                mailto:pderocco@...