Colorimeter vs. Spectro
Colorimeter vs. Spectro
- Subject: Colorimeter vs. Spectro
- From: Marc Levine <email@hidden>
- Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 17:05:08 -0500
Karl (et al),
At the very least, the subject of spectrophotometry vs. colorimetry on
displays is arguable. Consider this: In some cases, displays will exhibit
spikes in their spectral behavior. In the case where a spike falls between
the narrow bands of a spectro - the instrument will fail to capture accurate
visual data which may potentially compromise the accuracy of any subsequent
profile. Also keep in mind that, when using a very dense sampling array
(such as the EyeOne uses), many things that can cause "noise" need to be
suppressed. In such a case, this noise suppression can have an impact on the
instrument's ability to read low-luminance values accurately.
On the other hand, a colorimeter uses 3 or 4 wide band filters. Because the
spectral behavior of each of these filters is known precisely, the
instrument can "blanket" the spectral range of any sample and deliver a very
precise colorimetric value. In addition to this, because there are fewer
sampling filters, there is less "noise" in the system, which allows the
colorimeter to sample with excellent accuracy - even into very low-luminance
values.
This is not a knock on the EyeOne - it is clarification regarding the
technologies. Colorimetry and Spectrophotometry both have their strengths
and weaknesses. I can tell you that I have had users build profiles using
the same software, and test both a spectro and a colorimeter. Many are
pleased with both. And, of those who pick one over the other, I would say
that the Colorimeter is usually the preferred device.
Incidentally, it is my impression that Colorimeter filters are engineered to
match the human eye response and not the spectral character of the device
which they are measuring. In our software, we have the user select different
calibration workflows for either CRT or LCD, but the instrument measures
everything the same. CRT/LCD differentiations are mainly used in software to
help guide users through the appropriate steps to build their profile.
Lastly, at $799 for a "naked" system, the cost is approximately double to
equal-or-better-performance colorimeter-based systems.
Marc
--
Marc Levine
Sales Guy
Technical Guy
X-Rite Incorporated
Email email@hidden
www.xrite.com
>
> As far as instruments are concerned, a spectro is always superior to a
> colorimeter and more expensive. But the prices for spectros come down
> pretty fast. From the same sources as the basICColor products, you can
> get a "naked Eye-One pro (with basICColor catch measure software) at a
> price of USD 799. The Eye-One, the only spectro that can do reflective
> and emissive measurements (due to gmb patents) will measure different
> types of displays with equal accuracy, while the characteristics of any
> colorimeter will always fit the spectral properties of one monitor
> better than those of a different one. That´s why colorimeters have two
> built in calibrations, one for CRT, one for LCD. And since there are
> different types of phosphors and different types of backlight/filter
> combinations out ther, this will always be a compromise. Wait till LED
> backlights are in the market and we may see yet another calibration in
> colorimeters.
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