PhotoCAL is a wizard-based program that guides the user in a
step-by-step process through each phase of the calibration.
Instructions are given on each page. OptiCAL uses a dialog box
software interface. While OptiCAL is not to difficult to use,
PhotoCAL may be the better choice for technophobic users.
PhotoCAL provides the two most commonly used choices for
gamma and colour temperature in the print and graphics industries.
OptiCAL provides a very wide range of choices used in many different
industries (animation, tv, video, etc) and also includes
user-defined choices. Most beginners and enthusiasts will never need
more than the PhotoCAL industry standard choices. We find that
advanced users like to experiment with the OptiCAL settings for
gamma and colour temperature to see the effect on displayed results.
In many production environments, the ability to define custom
targets - the combination of gamma and colour temperature - is a
major benefit.
OptiCAL offers a "Curve Manipulation" function that is not
available in PhotoCAL. This function graphically illustrates the
gamma response curves of the monitor's red, green, and blue
channels. Separate curves for the uncalibrated state, the calibrated
state, and the ideal case are presented. The user can also
manipulate these curves on a point-by-point basis to achieve almost
any desired result. This is definitely an advanced feature that
gives the user unlimited control, and is frankly, a lot of fun to
use.
The OptiCAL "Colourimeter Tool" allows the user to select
any colour or choose one from a colour picker, display it on screen,
and measure the colour with the Spyder. This is an especially useful
tool for web designers.
The OptiCAL "Precision Mode" of
calibration provides numeric controls for setting the monitor's
white and black luminance. This technique produces a more accurate
calibration than PhotoCAL on CRT monitors. For LCD monitors, we
recommend that users leave the Brightness and Contrast controls at
the factory defaults.
Finally, if you are a scientist, colour
geek, or a colour geek wannabe, OptiCAL provides a number of reports
that provide colourimetric data. If you want to see the results of
your calibration expressed in CIE values (like xyY, Lab, or Luv) -
OptiCAL is your choice.
curve window in OptiCAL
