Datacolor User to User Support Group.

I just noticed that the update for Spyder2Express software changes the
only available target for LCD to 6500K.

Why would you do that? Native white point target for LCDs was
considered to be one of the advantages of Spyder2Express over the i1 LT.

If there was some pressure on Colorvision (from whoever was
complaining) to include 6500K and D65 you could make all of them
available. It wouldn't cost you anything and make your product more
competitive.

--- In colorvision_group@yahoogroups.com, "sergecashman" <sergecashman@...> wrote:
>
> I just noticed that the update for Spyder2Express software changes the
> only available target for LCD to 6500K.

I hadn't spotted that one - thanks

Given I know several people who specifically went for the S2e because of the
'native' setting I'd initially be minded to warn people not to upgrade.

Certainly with my Apple 23" monitor I've found that calibrators with a 'native'
setting tend to give me a better greyscale.

So I'd ask (if it's correct - I have not tested things) why 6500K? it's not like most
people using the S2e are going to be wanting precise settings for proofing...  Is
this related to the 'native' performance of cheap(er) lcd screens (which make up
the bulk of the market) or perhaps trying to make a room full of monitors look
a bit more alike? --or, putting tinfoil conspiracy hat on-- has 'marketing' been
at work ;-)

Keith Cooper
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk

Well, now you'll have all sorts of "I calibrated my monitor now it's
too blue" complaints. You don't have to put all Pro features in - just
the ones that make sense. Native wp made a lot of sense for the
majority of users even if they don't know it. If 6500K is in such
demand make it an "advanced user"  option. 

You'll sell tons of Expresses as long as reviews frome people like
Keeth Cooper are good. Nothing will replace the Pro features like
validation, info, colorimeter information for advanced users - but
there will always be few of those.

And, umm, I've had a couple of really inaccurate profiles created by
S2E. I mean way off. Most of them are OK though. I've seen some
similar posts on messageboards. And there's no way to tell if the
profile is correct. Maybe some non-explicit validation (at least for
white point) can be included in the software a well.

> Spyder2express is a subset of Spyder2 and Spyder2PRO. Other than
limiting the 
> available features the color functions are identical. If you got a
wacky 
> result with express, you would have gotten that same result with
PRO, at the 
> default settings. If you continue to get such results, please contact 
> customerservice@..., so that they can get a report from you on the
issue.
> 
> C. David Tobie
> Product Technology Manager
> ColorVision Business Unit
> Datacolor Inc.
> CDTobie@...
> www.colorvision.com
>

If you ever get your Spyder2 damp be forewarned.  There is a sad story
attached to this point.  My first Spyder2 went back and forth with me
in my bag to work.  (I sneak out at lunch to take photos in Downtown
DC).  Unfortunately one day a rather badly behaved bottle of soda
decided to let loose inside my bag.  A puddle of carbonated beverage
sloshed around at the bottom of my bag considerably raising the
humidity inside.  The Spyder2 behaved (ahem) erraticly after that.  

On further examination ... after purchasing another replacement ... I
noticed that there is a small filter element inside the now wacked
unit.  The tiny magenta filter on this unit sucks up water like a
magnet!  Comparing the behavior of the two units it was clear that the
first colorimiter had been damaged by the extreme humidity.

Moral of the story?  Don't mix colorimiters and fizzy drinks ... even
without direct contact, extreme humidity will damage your equipment. 
Second ... if you do trash one colorimeter you can get a cheaper unit
and just use the colorimeter with your old software ;-)  My
colorimeter now lives in a tight dry heavy duty ziplock bag with one
of those silica gel packs to make sure its cool dry and comfy.

Best of luck and good shooting!

Tom

> The Huey just makes this easier by being in the 
> shape of a swizzle stick...

Pfft ... you should hear what happened to my iPod mini.  Lets just say
it passed "extreme shock testing".

OK, let me try one more time:

You alredy offer two white point options for Express. Unfortunately to
change the target a user would have to reinstall the software. That
makes Colorvision look like a bunch of... you know...  people who
don't care much about customer experience.