DataColor SpyderTV

By Philip Wong
Aug 18, 2006

Have you ever felt short-changed for that lackluster picture quality delivered by your brand new display? Could it be a sign of failing eye sight since you have vouched for the stunning pictures garnered during showroom demos? The culprit, in most cases, is a skewed out-of-the-box display setting that's configured to impress in brightly lit stores rather than the average living room. The problem is further compounded by contrasting lighting conditions in the latter which are often geared towards the dim and cozy atmosphere.

Here is where video calibration comes into the picture, though the exercise does require a certain degree of expertise which can be slightly unnerving for the layman. To simplify the process, DataColor has introduced its SpyderTV, a computerized color calibration tool for A/V novices and amateurs.

Design
The SpyderTV is a complete software and hardware solution. The package comprises a USB color measurement meter (dubbed the colorimeter), a demonstration-cum-test pattern DVD and PC calibration software, in addition to accessories such as a suction cap attachment, a handy carrying pouch and paper documentation.

Color optimization is performed through a series of step-by-step measurements taken off the colorimeter via test patterns played back on a DVD player. The software wizard running off a computer then analyzes the readings and guides the user for further measurements until the optimum settings are determined for brightness, contrast, saturation, hue and color temperature.

	The SpyderTV allows for customized calibration of different displays. (Click for larger image)

The wizard does cater for some degree of customization. You can set the range of the readings or disable individual color parameter if it's not supported by the display's menu. Each step of the procedure is accompanied with clear and concise onscreen instructions, while provision for errors is taken care of with a Back function. This enables unlimited attempts for each measurement in case you accidentally trigger the onscreen menu and obscure the test pattern.

There are two mounting options available for the colorimeter, the suction cap and the tripod. Both are implemented using the suction cap attachment which fits snugly onto the colorimeter via a plastic hook. Though DataColor claims the suction cap can be deployed on soft-surfaced LCD TVs with extreme care, the tripod method is our preferred option. This minimizes the risk of scratching the fragile panel coating which is particularly vulnerable when dismounting the colorimeter.

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