there's good discussion here about colorspaces,
and hardware:
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http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/view-video-display-hardware-software/497333-color-correcting-monitor.html
here's a discussion of some of the color calibration
tools i've mentioned (although it's 2 years old),
it still has a lot of pertinent information in it.
especially the comparisons of the tools:
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http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/monitor_calibration_tools.htm
Which product should I purchase?
On high quality monitors, ColorEyes Display gives the best balance of accuracy, smooth tonality, shadow resolution, and calibration flexibility. Using the software effectively takes careful reading of the user's manual. This is made more difficult because the installation program does not copy the help file to your computer. There is also no on-line help except for a few prompts which may or may not have anything to do with what is shown on-screen. ColorEyes offers automatic DDC control over the hardware settings for selected monitors. Once you have mastered its quirks, the calibration and profiling of good quality monitors is simply superb.
Getting the most out of ColorEyes Display requires either using the bundled version with the Monaco XR/X-Rite DTP-94 puck or the GretagMacbeth Eye-One 2. Although the software supports older measurement hardware (e.g. Sequel Squid, Eye-One Display One), the profile quality can not compare.
You can not go wrong with the Monaco Optix XR Pro. It matches well with most monitors, and offers useful data analysis and trending capabilities. If you do not need display matching, performance trending, and other workgroup features, the added cost of the Pro package is significant. Unfortunately, the base version with its reduced feature set is not competitive.
The GretagMacbeth Eye-One Display 2 is a good performer. Overall color performance is excellent. The calibration options are not as extensive as those of the Optix XR or Spyder2. If your monitor is DDC-enabled, the Eye-One Match 3 software performs the necessary monitor adjustments automatically (Mac only for now - Windows capability is "coming soon"). The fast speed, particularly on CRT monitors, makes for quick and painless calibration and profiling.
The ColorVision Spyder2 is a mixed performer. The limitation is in how highlights are handled. If your photography requires excellent shadow response or superb B&W performance, the Spyder2 is ideal. The included software offers the most flexibility of any of the recommended systems. Wedding photographers, or others needing to see delicate highlight details will do better with one of the above systems.
later
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