Hey Gang,

My X-Rite i1Display Pro is awesome.  Why? Because monitors look different from one another.  I can see the differences between my 2 monitors and a 24″ HD Touch Cintiq.  But, I cannot see if my monitors are reflecting my digital files accurately.   Previously, I calibrated my monitors using an eye-one display 2 from X-Rite.  I bought the device in 2008 and loved it.  But, unfortunately, X-Rite discontinued the product.  It was time to get a new display calibrating system.

I had been happy with my previous product and returned to X-Rite to look for a replacement.  I found the i1Display Pro replaced the eye-one display 2, but its listed price was $269.00, which after buying the computer was a bit pricey for my wallet.  However, I discovered that there was a promotion running, which brought the price down about $100.  But, dear readers, the promotion ends today, Dec  24th.  I’ll explain more about it later.

The i1Display Pro arrived yesterday.  I had not calibrated my monitors in a while and I had never calibrated the Cintiq.  All three looked different and the oldest monitor was noticeably darker than the others.  Because the oldest monitor looked so different, I had decided to replace it on the new system and use it with the old computer.  I was anxious to see how the older monitor looked after calibration.

There are three steps to the calibration process.  Setup, or step 1, was simple enough.  Insert disk and install hardware just about covers it.  Oh, yes, I did have to connect the i1Display Pro to the computer via a USB port and place the device in the center of my screen.  Once done, I started the software.  I had the choice of using the automated calibration or take complete control of the process.  I opted for the automated process, but even that requires setting a few options.  It was so easy; when you hovered over an option, its function and suggested setting popped up in a help window, which is a very nice feature.

I clicked “Start” for Step 2.  I did have a hiccup here.  The software didn’t recognize the i1Display Pro.  It took a few minutes to find my problem.  I had not selected the correct device in the setup.  Once corrected, I could click start.

At this point all I needed to do was sit back and watch.  The screen changed to a solid light gray and flickered between several various grays setting the contrast I believe.  Next it set the brightness…well…I set the brightness.  A window opens with a brightness scale.  All I had to do was adjust the brightness to match the scale.  It was easy.  The last part of the process takes about 2 minutes and is quite fun to watch.  The screen changes colors lots…looks psychedelic.

Creating and saving a color profile is the last step.  Again, that required a simple click.  The software saves the profile and opens an image and allows you to toggle back and forth between “before” and “after” versions.  But more importantly, after I calibrated all three monitors, they appeared the same.  I couldn’t tell any difference between them.  Even the old one looked fresh and new.  The i1Display Pro worked its magic.

X-Rite has another less expensive product called the ColorMunki Display.  I have never tried one, but I have heard good things about it.  I believe there are promotions on both products.  To get the best price for the i1Display Pro, I needed to buy from Amazon Prime or B&H Photo Video Pro Audio shop.  I use both online stores and can recommend both.  The cost on both sites was $199.00, but there is a mail in or online rebate available from X-Rite for $30.00 bringing the cost down to $169.00.   But, remember, to get this deal, I had to place the order by today.  The rebate requires proof of purchase for today or earlier.

Have a Merry and a Happy,

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