Datacolor Spyder

[Pio]

Wondering if anyone has experience with the "Spyder" from Datacolor http://www.colorvision.com/spydertv.shtml , I'm thinking of getting one and was looking for feedback. Thanks.

[David Meek]

Now that's interesting! I hope someone has some info on it.

[Kal Rubinson]

It works just fine but the SpyderTVPro adds gray-scale adjustments which are important. There are 2-3 threads on AVSForum with lots of details.

Kal

[aud19]

From what I've heard it does a decent job but an ISF tech can do a fair bit better and might be a better place to spend the money.

[Kal Rubinson]

One can argue either way. Definitely, an ISF tech can do a better job with his better equipment and advanced knowledge and training. He can also calibrate input sources other than a DVD player. OTOH, a single investment in SpyderTV or SpyderTVPro, especially, will permit you to repeat the calibration whenever needed without additional cost and will permit you to repeat the calibration on addition displays without additional cost.

In consideration of my own imperfect color vision, complete accuracy is less important and the SpyderTVPro will suffice for me.

Kal

[aud19]

Yup, depends on what your priorities are Kal :T

[Glen]

I'd say this is a great step in the right direction :T

[Pio]

Got it yesterday

Got back home from a trip and it was waiting for me. How nice is that? Calibrated my new plasma, and it looks great. The biggest improvement was to the white level and the tint. The program is very simple to use, I'm going to calibrate my bedroom TV tonight.

[Chris D]

Hmmmm... interesting. I just read about this. Can you use it for a front projector, too?

[Pio]

Hmmmm... interesting. I just read about this. Can you use it for a front projector, too?

Not the one I got, only plasma, CRT, RPTV & LCD.

[Snap]

Wondering if anyone has experience with the "Spyder" from Datacolor http://www.colorvision.com/spydertv.shtml , I'm thinking of getting one and was looking for feedback. Thanks.

I am thinking about getting one of these as well. The LG rep was telling me about it. I am going to take a look at it for sure.

[mitch57]

I have it but it had problems calibrating my Plasma because of image retention. For the record, image retention is not burn in. The image stays static for several seconds before disappearing off the screen. Spyder TV is aware of the problem and was suppose to release a software update back in June or July to compensate for this which is an issue on many TVs. They never did and I'm not sure why. Leaving the black image on screen for about two minutes before taking the reading solved the problem. However, I think the SpyderTV sets contrast WAY to high. It set my plasma in torch mode. On a scale of -30 to +30 it set my plasma to about +25.

For comparrison purposes I also bought the Monster/ISF HDTV calibration disk http://store.monstercable.com/store/product.asp?id=81. It was much quicker and very easy to use. Everything is presented in laymen terms so anyone could calibrate their TV with it. All you have to do is watch the screen and listen to what the presenter tells you to do. Plus I personally think it did just as a good, if not better, then the SpyderTV.

It would be money well spent to try the Monster HDTV Calibration DVD first IMHO.

[Kal Rubinson]

I agree that the Monster disc is excellent and easy to use but it did not improve what the SpyderTV did. And the color adjustments on the Monster are kinda imprecise. Also, neither will do a grey-scale correction. The SpyderTVPro will, as will other systems.

Kal

[George Bellefontaine]

Hmmmm... interesting. I just read about this. Can you use it for a front projector, too?

Chris, according to their ad in Widescreen Review, the SpyderTV PRO can be used to calibrate ALL displays, including front projectors. It shows a price of $279 USD less a $60 rebate on its website, which looks like a good deal, for US residents, anyway.

[aud19]

Chris, according to their ad in Widescreen Review, the SpyderTV PRO can be used to calibrate ALL displays, including front projectors. It shows a price of $279 USD less a $60 rebate on its website, which looks like a good deal, for US residents, anyway.

I guess you just turn it backwards.....? :scratchhead:

[Kal Rubinson]

Chris, according to their ad in Widescreen Review, the SpyderTV PRO can be used to calibrate ALL displays, including front projectors. It shows a price of $279 USD less a $60 rebate on its website, which looks like a good deal, for US residents, anyway.

I don't think so. MSRP on the SpyderTVPro is $599US. Maybe you are thinking of the Spyder2Pro which has the same colorimeter but lacks software for non-PC-connected monitors.

Kal

[Chris D]

That's what I was wondering... somehow you just turn it around and hang/attach it to your FP screen?

[George Bellefontaine]

I don't think so. MSRP on the SpyderTVPro is $599US. Maybe you are thinking of the Spyder2Pro which has the same colorimeter but lacks software for non-PC-connected monitors.

Kal

You are correct, sir.

[aud19]

That's what I was wondering... somehow you just turn it around and hang/attach it to your FP screen?

Even that wouldn't be the best solution as it would not take in to consideration the effect of your screen....

[Kal Rubinson]

AFAIK, you need to read the light reflected off the FP screen. There's lots(!) of info about these gadgets on AVSForum's Calibration forum.

Kal

[Pio]

The Spyder cost me $229, but thats not the pro version. I didn't have issues with image retention on the Pioneer, did have a bit on the Sony, but I dont think it effected the process.
As for contrast, the software suggested 53 of 63 for my Sony and 41 of 50 (if I remember correctly) for the Pioneer. So, yeah, the contrast / picture is pretty high, but I think both TVs look great.

I used to use the Avia test disc, I like the Spyder more, didnt even know that Monster made test system :T

[Chris D]

Monster? Heh?

Yeah, don't know how you would properly calibrate a FP with something like this.

[mitch57]

Monster? Heh?

Yeah, don't know how you would properly calibrate a FP with something like this.

In the same way you would use DVI or other DVD based calibration tools. Nothing I know of will do what an ISF calibration will do including SpyderTV. With that in mind why not try something that costs $20.00 first before spending more then 10 times that for something you know won't equal an ISF calibration. Plus the current version IS NOT intended for front projection calibration nor does it do gray scale calibration. There may be workarounds but in it's current version it wasn't intended for that purpose.

Monster's disk doesn't do gray scale calibration either but it will improve your picture for alot less then SpyderTV.

[aud19]

I'd stick with DVE or Avia myself...