Sharp NEC Display Solutions
SpectraView II

ReadMe Information for Mac OS X

Version 1.1.09-1 - build 111201 - December 1 2011

About SpectraView II

SpectraView II provides automatic display monitor color calibration and profiling functions for supported models of NEC display monitors.

The software uses a two way communications link with the display monitor via the video graphics adapter and normal video cable. No extra cables are necessary.

This communications link is called DDC/CI (Display Data Channel - Command Interface) and is an industry standard developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association)

The MultiSync PA Series of display monitors also feature using an optional USB connection to the display for communicating, instead of using DDC/CI. This can be used in cases where the video graphics adapter is not supported.

Support for the X-Rite iOne Display, iOne Pro, iOne Monitor, DTP94 / MonacoOPTIX-XR, ColorMunki, and Datacolor Spyder2 and Spyder3 color sensors is included and automatically installed with SpectraView.

Release Notes

Known issues:

Mac OS 10.7 - "ICC Profile - Storage Location" is disabled

Mac OS 10.7 no longer allows users to store "shared" ColorSync profiles in the system folders. Therefore the Prefrences option to set the ICC Profile storage location is disabled, and "Per user of this computer" will always be used.

Mac OS 10.7 - Java runtime (JRE) required

When first attempting to use SpectraView II, you may be prompted to install the Java runtime. If you recieve a notification that Java is required, follow the on screen instructions for installation prior to attempting to use SpectraView II.

USB support with the MultiSync P241W, PA231W, PA241W, PA271W, and PA301W:

This version of SpectraView II supports communicating with these displays via USB. Connect a USB cable (not supplied) between the host PC and one of the USB inputs (upstream ports) on the display. Make sure the correct USB input is selected on the OSD. SpectraView will automatically select the USB connection instead of DDC/CI when the USB connection is detected.

Note: The video cable connection is still required in addition to the USB connection.
If using the PA271W or PA301W with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI adapter, a USB connection to the display should be used due to communications compatibility issues with this adapter. The DisplayPort video input should be used to connect the display directly using a simple Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable rather than using the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI adapter.

NEC PA231W, PA241W, PA271W, PA301W: "No communications" error, "An error occurred while communicating with the display monitor" error, or screen flashes and monitor resets when using a DisplayPort video connection:

In some cases SpectraView is not able to correctly communicate with the monitor if it is connected to the host PC using a DisplayPort video connection. If possible connect a USB cable to the display.

Mac Pro with Nvidia graphics card and dual monitors may not detect monitors correctly (versions of Mac OS up to and including OS 10.5.1):

The Mac Pro with Nvidia graphics card may fail to correctly detect the connected monitors if dual monitors are being used. SpectraView may either incorrectly detect no supported display monitors, or detect two identical monitors. This issue has been fixed in Mac OS 10.5.2 and newer.

To workaround this issue, perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the display monitor connected to the DISPLAY 1 connector on the rear of the Mac Pro.

2. Shutdown the Mac and then power on (do not just restart).

3. After the system has booted, connect the second monitor to the DISPLAY 1 connector.

4. The system will detect the display monitor correctly.

5. If the monitors are disconnected, reconfigured, or replaced, the above procedure may need to be repeated.

X-Rite iOneDisplay Pro:

This version includes support for the X-Rite iOneDisplay Pro color sensor.
The X-Rite ColorMunki Display device introduced in mid-2011 is not supported.
The NEC SpectraSensor Pro is based on the X-Rite iOneDisplay Pro sensor and is supported. Note that this sensor may not be supported by non-NEC software.

X-Rite/GretagMacbeth iOne Pro or iOne Monitor: If using the X-Rite/GretagMacbeth iOne Pro or iOne Monitor -

Be sure to allow the device at least 15 minutes to warm up before calibrating the display.
Measurements may drift slightly causing inaccurate measurements, especially when measuring colors close to black.
Selecting the Average low light measurements option in the SpectraView Preferences is highly recommended when using this device.
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions for zero calibrating the device.
It is not recommended to connect this device using either USB extension cables or USB hubs as it may cause errors detecting or taking measurements from the device. Whenever possible connect it directly to the Mac.

X-Rite/GretagMacbeth iOne Display:

In some rare cases this color sensor may "hang" when measuring black color patches during calibration. If the calibration appears to be stuck measuring black for more than 30 seconds, try moving the sensor so it is measuring something other than black (for example turn the sensor around so it is measuring the ambient light). This should cause the calibration to resume, at which point it should be cancelled an restarted.

X-Rite ColorMunki:

The "ColorMunki Create" version of ColorMunki is not supported by SpectraView. The "ColorMunki Design" and "Colormunki Photo" versions are supported.

If the X-Rite ColorMunki software is installed, it will prevent SpectraView from accessing the device even if the main ColorMunki application is not currently running.

If you are using the ColorMunki software prior to version 1.1.0:

SpectraView will detect if the ColorMunki software is running and give the option of closing it automatically.
To use the ColorMunki software again after SpectraView has closed it, you must manually restart the colormunki service or restart your system.

If you are using the ColorMunki software version 1.1.0 or newer:

You must turn off the ColorMunki Service in System Preferences > "X-Rite Devices" to allow SpectraView to access the device.
To use the ColorMunki software again you must turn the ColorMunki Service back on.

It is not recommended to connect this device using either USB extension cables or USB hubs as it may cause errors detecting or taking measurements from the device. Whenever possible connect it directly to the Mac.

Monitor Calibration Setting file format change:

The file format of the Monitor Calibration Setting (MCS) and Target files have been changed in order to order to include more detailed calibration information. As a result of this change, files generated by versions of SpectraView prior to v1.1.00 will no longer be readable.

"An error occurred while communicating with the display monitor" message:

In some rare cases the software may encounter errors when communicating with the display monitor. Try restarting the calibration. If the issue continues please provide feedback using the form on the Sharp NEC Display Solutions SpectraView support page and include the display monitor model and serial number, Mac model including video graphics adapter model, and Mac OS version.

"No Communications" error:

Please see the following section for specific compatibility issues that may cause this error.
Make sure that "DDC/CI" is set to "Enabled" on the On Screen Display (if supported).
If using a MacBook or MacBook Pro, and the System Preferences - Energy Saver panel has an option for selecting the graphics performance vs. power saving, try selecting the oppostie setting and restarting.

DICOM Calibration:

If calibrating to the DICOM tone response curve, selecting the Calibration Priority: Best grayscale color tracking option in the SpectraView Preferences may result in a slight decrease in the DICOM response curve accuracy. If the greatest possible DICOM curve accuracy is required, please select the Maximize Contrast Ratio option.

Datacolor Sypder2 and Spyder3 color sensors:

The Datacolor Spyder2 and Spyder3 color sensors have been tested with the the NEC LCD2690WUXi, LCD2690WUXi2, LCD3090WQXi and LCD2180WG-LED, PA241W, PA271W and PA301W displays and found to cause inaccurate measurements when measuring the color primaries. This is due to the wide color gamut aspect of these displays. This may result in an inaccurate calibration and ICC Profiles to be generated. Using these color sensors is not recommended with these displays if very high color accuracy is needed.

NEC LCD2180WG-LED:

Be sure to allow the display monitor at least 30 minutes to warm up before calibrating the display. Failure to do so may result in a LUMINANCE LIMIT REACHED error being displayed as the monitor reaches operating temperature. If this happens, recalibrate the monitor and if necessary, choose a lower luminance value.
Due to the unique wide color gamut of this display, colorimeter based calibration sensors such as the GretagMacbeth iOne Display V1 and V2 are not able to accurately measure some aspects of the display's color characteristics. It is recommended to select the Factory Measurement option for the Primary Colors Chromaticity Coordinates source option in the SpectraView Preferences.

Large screen displays (40 inches and higher):

The accuracy to which the Intensity can be calibrated when a relatively low value target Intensity is used (less than 150 cd/m²) will be lower than normal, which results in a large Delta-E value to be reported. This is due to the very large screen size, high brightness of the display, and the thermal effect of changing the screen brightness. The monitor may take several minutes after calibration to stabilize in Intensity. Selecting a Target Intensity value slightly higher than the desired value can be used to avoid this issue.
Some versions of these models do not support OSD Control Locking.
Direct color calibration is not available when using the HDMI video input on some models. To calibrate the monitor, use the DVI input, then when completed change to the HDMI input and change the GAMMA SELECTION setting to PROGRAMMABLE on the On Screen Display.
Direct color calibration is not available when using the DisplayPort video input. To calibrate the monitor, use the DVI input, then when completed change to the DisplayPort input and change the GAMMA SELECTION setting to PROGRAMMABLE on the On Screen Display.

Calibrating an NEC LCD3090WQXi with a Mac using a mini DisplayPort video output (e.g. 13-inch MacBook, and 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros):

It is necessary to use the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter in order to display the native 2560x1600 resolution of this display. Communications with the display using this adapter is only supported in Mac OS 10.5.8 and higher.
Note: This version of SpectraView will automatically detect if the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter is being used with the LCD3090WQXi and will correct for communications problems with the adapter. On previous versions of SpectraView a special build of the software was necessary for this configuration in order to compensate for these communications problems with the adapter. It is no longer necessary to use the special build of SpectraView.

NEC MultiSync PA series displays and P241W - Color Gamut and preset Targets:

Starting with SpectraView version 1.1.07, the color gamut of the display can be set in the calibration Target settings when using a MultiSync PA series display. The following preset Target files included with SpectraView will set the color gamut of the displays accordingly:
- Digital Cinema
- Broadcast Video (SMPTE-C color gamut)
- sRGB Emulation
Note: The PA231W and P241W support the color gamut adjustment features of the PA series, however the native color gamut of the LCD panel is close to sRGB. If a color gamut larger than this, such as AdobeRGB, is selected, the out of gamut colors will be clipped to the closest displayable color by the display.

Supported Operating Systems and Macs

This version of SpectraView requires Mac OS X version 10.5 or higher. Earlier versions of Mac OS are no longer supported.
Installing SpectraView requires an account with administrator privileges.
This version of SpectraView is a Universal Binary and supports both PowerPC and Intel based Macs.
The following Apple Macs require Mac OS 10.5.2 or higher in order to use SpectraView. SpectraView not compatible with these Macs using earlier versions of Mac OS due to issues with the video chipsets and drivers:

Intel based Macs using Intel graphics processors:

Intel Mac mini
13" MacBook with Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor
17" iMac with Intel GMA 950 graphics processor

Second generation MacBook Pro 15" and 17" that have NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics chipsets.

The following models of NEC display monitors are not compatible with SpectraView when using an Apple MacBook Air or MacBook 13" with Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor.

NEC LCD2490WUXi
NEC LCD2690WUXi
NEC LCD3090WQXi
NEC LCD4020
NEC LCD4620
NEC LCD5220
NEC LCD6520
NEC Multeos M40
NEC Multeos M46

This issue is due to a hardware incompatibility with the Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor and can not be fixed by a future software update. Note that these monitors will otherwise function normally on these models of Apple Macs.

Apple Macs with an Nividia graphics card or chipset and Mac OS 10.5.6 or higher may give a "No communications" error in SpectraView on some early production (before mid-2007) models of LCD90 series displays, including the LCD2690WUXi and LCD2490WUXi. Please contact NEC Technical Support directly for assistance.

Mac OS 10.5.6 prevents SpectraView from being able to communicate with the display monitor on PPC based Macs. Customers should update to Mac OS 10.5.7 or higher to avoid this issue.

The 13-inch MacBook, and 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros with Mini DisplayPort video outputs released by Apple in October 2008 and January 2009 require Mac OS 10.5.7 in order to work with SpectraView using the DisplayPort to Single Link DVI adapter from Apple. SpectraView will not be able to calibrate NEC monitors when using Mac OS 10.5.6 and earlier on these machines.

The Apple DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI adapter is required to run the LCD3090WQXi at native resolution (2560x1600) when using a Mac with a DisplayPort video output.

MacPro with Nvidia GT120 may not correctly detect the display is using Mac OS 10.5. Upgrading to Mac OS 10.6 may be necessary.

MultiSync PA Series and P241W only - These models feature using an optional USB connection to the display for communicating, instead of using DDC/CI. This can be used in cases where the video graphics adapter is not supported. SpectraView will automatically select the USB connection instead of DDC/CI when the USB connection is detected.

Supported Display Monitors

SpectraView II supports the following display monitor models:

NEC LCD1980SXi
NEC LCD1980FXi
NEC LCD1990SX
NEC LCD1990SXi
NEC LCD1990SXp
NEC LCD2090UXi
NEC LCD2180UX
NEC LCD2180WG-LED
NEC LCD2190UXi
NEC LCD2190UXp
NEC LCD2490WUXi
NEC LCD2490WUXi2
NEC LCD2690WUXi
NEC LCD2690WUXi2
NEC LCD3090WQXi
NEC LCD4020
NEC LCD4020-2
NEC LCD4620
NEC LCD4620-2
NEC LCD5220
NEC LCD6520
NEC M40
NEC M40B
NEC M40-2
NEC M46
NEC M46B
NEC M46-2
NEC M401
NEC M461
NEC M521
NEC X431BT
NEC X461UN
NEC X462UN
NEC X461HB
NEC P401
NEC P461
NEC P521
NEC P551
NEC P701
NEC P221W
NEC P241W
NEC PA231W
NEC PA241W
NEC PA271W
NEC PA301W
NEC S401
NEC S461
NEC S521

Supported Color Sensors

SpectraView II supports the following color sensors:

NEC iOne Display V2
NEC MDSVSENSOR iOne Display V2 WG
NEC SpectraSensor Pro
X-Rite/GretagMacbeth iOne Pro and iOne Monitor
X-Rite/GretagMacbeth iOne Display V1 and V2
X-Rite DTP94 / MonacoOPTIX-XR
X-Rite ColorMunki
X-Rite iOne Display Pro
Datacolor Spyder2
Datacolor Spyder3

Support and Troubleshooting

For additional technical support, please visit the Sharp NEC Display Solutions SpectraView support page. A feedback form is available for direct assistance with SpectraView.

Revision History

V1.0.00: July 1 2005

First release of SpectraView II

V1.0.10: August 25 2005

Added French translation of User's Guide
Added support for the NEC iOne Display V2 WG sensor for use with the LCD2180WG-LED
Added support for the X-Rite DTP94 / MonacoOPTIX-XR colorimeter
Improved error reporting during calibration
Fixed an issue that may have caused the calibration to fail on certain Mac machines

V1.0.11: September 6 2005

Fixed an issue introduced in V1.0.10 that prevented the Gretag iOne Pro/Monitor from being detected.

V1.0.12: September 23 2005

Fixed an issue that prevented the Gretag iOne framework from being installed on OS10.4, which caused the SpectraView application to fail to launch.

V1.0.20: January 6 2006

Added test patterns to assist with evaluating the screen calibration.
Added an option to automatically load and configure the latest monitor calibration when selecting different Targets (if available).
Added a Custom Target Curve function with several specialized curves such as L* and sRGB. Additionally, custom curves can be created by importing numerical point data from a text file.
Added a new Target and gamut reference for Digital Cinema.
Removed support for the original CRT only SpectraView color sensor (Sequel Chroma based device).

V1.0.30: June 1 2006

Added support for the LCD 90 Series models.
Added a Native White Point option to the calibration Target configuration.
Changed the file format of Monitor Calibration Settings (MCS) files in order to include more detailed calibration information.

V1.0.31: September 20 2006

Application is now a Universal Binary and supports Intel based Macs.

V1.0.32: December 1 2006

Added support for the LCD2490WUXi and LCD2690WUXi.
Fixed bug that caused displayed monitor usage hours to be lower than actual value.
Fixed bug that caused custom Targets not to be shown correctly in the Targets listbox.
Improved functionality of Custom Color Temperature dialog and corrected delta uv calculation.

V1.0.40: August 1 2007

Added support for the NEC Multeos M40 and M46.
Added support for the NEC LCD4020 and LCD4620.
Added support for the ColorVision Spyder2 color sensor.
Added Ambient Light Measurement tool when using the iOne Display V2 color sensor.
Added Contrast Response graph for DICOM Conformance measurements.
Added selectable Contrast Ratio for calibration Target settings.
Added Visual Color Matching tool to the Custom White Point editor.
Improved calibration speed and accuracy.
Improved ICC profile generation to reduce color banding.

V1.0.41: September 1 2007

Fixed issue that caused power on hours to be misreported on LCD 90 series models.
Fixed issue that may have caused "invalid color measured" error when 50:1 contrast ratio is used.
Added support for the NEC LCD1990SX.

V1.0.42: March 1 2008

Added support for the Datacolor Spyder 3.
Added support for the NEC LCD5220.
Added support for the NEC LCD6520.
Added support for the NEC LCD3090WQXi.
Added ambient light measurement support for the X-Rite/GretagMacbeth iOne Pro.
Added monitor firmware version information to Information - Summary window.
Added Monitor Settings dialog for adjusting Power LED and ColorComp controls (if supported).
Added Preferences option for using Auto Luminance feature (available on the NEC LCD2490WUXi, LCD2690WUXi, and LCD3090WQXi).
Added new Photo Editing preset Target.
Renamed Monitor Standard Target to CRT Monitor Standard.

V1.1.00: January 14 2009

Added support for the NEC MultiSync P221W.
Added support for the NEC LCD2690WUXi2.
Added support for the X-Rite ColorMunki sensor.
Improved the smoothness of the grayscale calibration.
Improved the accuracy of ICC Profile generation.
Added many new Test Patterns.
Added feature to check for software updates.
Improved the Preferences dialog and descriptions of each option.
Improved the Auto Luminance function on the LCD2490WUXi, LCD2690WUXi, LCD2690WUXi2, and LCD3090WQXi.
A special "sRGB" target has been added for the following monitors: LCD2690WUXi, LCD2690WUXi2, LCD3090WQXi and MultiSync P221W. This will automatically switch the monitor into the sRGB Gamut Emulation mode and profile the monitor.
The white point of the sRGB Gamut Emulation mode on the LCD2690WUXi2 can be calibrated automatically. The factory preset white point for sRGB mode will be used with the LCD2690WUXi, LCD3090WUXi and MultiSync P221W.
All graphs and charts can now be zoomed and panned.
All graphs and charts can now be copied to the clipboard as a bitmap by right-clicking on the graphs and selecting "Copy".
Data from the Colorimeter window and Information Summary can be copied clipboard in text format by right-clicking in the window and selecting "Copy".
Color Gamut chart can now be shown in CIE u'v' colorspace as well as CIE xy.
The Target White Point and blackbody curve can be shown on the Color Gamut chart.
Added a Validation function to quickly check if the monitor calibration is still accurate.
Targets that have been calibrated are now shown with a green check mark in the Targets list on the main window. The check mark will turn yellow once the calibration is past the recommended recalibration date.
Improved the management of previous calibrations and results. It is now possible to see and compare all previous calibration results.
Improved the overall User Interface and application responsiveness.
Fixed an issue that caused an error with the LCD3090WQXi when used in portrait mode if Auto Luminance was enabled.

V1.1.01: February 11 2009

Fixed an issue that caused calibrations using the L* and NTSC custom curves not to be stored correctly.
Fixed an issue that caused the Calibrate button to incorrectly remain enabled even if communications with the display was not possible.

V1.1.02: May 6 2009

Added support for the NEC LCD2490WUXi2.
Added support for the NEC X461UN.
Corrected support for the NEC LCD5220 and NEC LCD6520.
Fixed an issue that caused the serial number not to be read correctly from the NEC MultiSync P221W.
Improved the grayscale calibration accuracy on the NEC LCD4020, LCD4620, M40 and M46.
Changed the lower color temperature limit for the white point from 4000K to 2500K.
Corrected an issue with the Check For Updates feature that caused the download URLs to break.

V1.1.03: August 28 2009

Added support for the NEC X461HB, P401, and P461.
Fixed an issue that caused power on hours to be misreported on some very early LCD 90 series models that was reintroduced in V1.1.00.
Fixed an issue that prevented the LCD2490WUXi2 from being detected if the Analog video input was being used.
Fixed an issue that caused an "Error -32" during calibration under certain circumstances.
Fixed an issue that prevented SpectraView from being installed on Mac OS 10.6.
Modified to correctly support the new universal color management in Mac OS 10.6.
Improved reporting of communications errors.

V1.1.04: April 19 2010

Added support for the NEC PA241W and PA271W displays. Please see the User's Guide for specific information on these models.
Added support for the NEC P521 and P701 displays.

V1.1.05: May 20 2010

Added USB communications support for the NEC PA241W and PA271W displays.
Added "sRGB Emulation" target support for the NEC PA241W and PA271W displays.

V1.1.07: November 15 2010

Added support for the following NEC displays: PA231W, PA301W, M401, M461, M521, P551, X461UNV, X462UN, X431BT, S401, S461, and S521.
Added color gamut setting function for the MultiSync PA series models.
Added display warmup warning message.
Added iOne Display warning message to remove sensor cover before use.
Added protection to prevent overwriting preset Targets.
Added automatic detection and support for using the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter with the LCD3090WQXi.
Corrected DICOM calibration when a specific contrast ratio was chosen on MultiSync PA series models.

V1.1.08: July 22 2011

Added support for the NEC P241W.
Information window title now shows the Target name.
Fixed frozen progress bar duing calibration.
Added new Diagnostics feature.
Mac OS 10.7 compatible by removing support for saving profiles to the write protected system folder.

V1.1.09: October 1 2011

Added support for the X-Rite iOne Display Pro and NEC SpectraSensor Pro calibration sensors.
Fixed an issue with saving ColorSync profiles on Mac OS 10.7.
This version now requires Mac OS 10.5 or higher.

V1.1.09-1: Build 111201, December 1 2011

Fixed sensor detection and timing issues with the X-Rite iOne Display Pro and NEC SpectraSensor Pro calibration sensors.

Copyright

CryptoPP (www.cryptopp.com) Compilation Copyright (c) 1995-2006 by Wei Dai. All rights reserved. This copyright applies only to this software distribution package as a compilation, and does not imply a copyright on any particular file in the package.

Sharp NEC Display Solutions SpectraView II