The NEC SpectraSensor Pro is a specialized version of the i1Display Pro that was built in conjunction with NEC to calibrate their wide gamut displays (like the PA Series 24, 27 and 30” models). You can actually use this, a ColorMunki Photo, ColorMunki Display, i1Display Pro or other wide gamut calibration devices to calibrate your NEC monitors, but this is the new NEC version that was tested to work specifically with NEC monitors.
It is important to note that some monitors like the NEC PA Series have what is called a LUT (look up table) where the calibration information is stored. As a result you MUST use the NEC SpectraView II software to calibrate this display, as that is the only calibration software that can program the LUT in this display. Click here to learn more.
This is a replacement for the older calibration devices by NEC which also supported wide gamut color and could program the LUT, but was less accurate than this newer device. If you old the device or other supported devices, then you only need to make sure that you have the latest version of SpectraView II (recently updated to support Lion).
Use with SpectraView II
When using this sensor with the latest SpectraView II,
Choose XRite iOne Display Pro (I1D3) as your sensor type
If you are using SpectraView II then you should go to the NEC web site an install the latest version. Once you do, you’ll need to choose the new sensor type called “XRite iOne Display Pro (i1D3)”.
Recommendation for new NEC display buyers
If you are buying a new NEC display and don’t have a calibration device, then I recommend you get this or a ColorMunki Photo (a spectrophotometer for print soft proofing). I DO NOT recommend that you get the discontinued bundle that features the older NEC calibration device.
UPDATE: NEC tells me that going forward, all SpectraView bundles will contain the new sensor (even if web sites show the old sensor on their photos). If you should end up with an old sensor at this point, I wouldn’t worry too much. The old ones will work fine and feel more substantial than the new ones, so all you really lose is compactness from what I can tell.
More NEC Related Content
- Guest Blog: Understanding 10-bit Color by NEC’s Art Marshall
- REVIEW: NEC PA301W 30” Display
- REVIEW: NEC PA-241W & PA-271W LCD Monitors
Disclosure
I was given an evaluation copy of this device to test with my NEC PA241W. My display was purchased from B&H at full market prices (i.e., no discount) BEFORE I had established any marketing contact with NEC.
2 comments:
Unfortunately, your review of the Nec Spectra Sensor Pro came out a week after I had ordered the bundle from Mac Mall. I had no idea that it had been discontinued. Should I spend the extra $200 for the new calibrator rather than use the discontinued one which came with the monitor? How much of a difference is there in accuracy?
Hi Bronx Prof,
I updated the article to address your concern. I can't tell any difference in performance - only in compactness. If anything, I'd say the old ones seem to be more sturdy.
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