CalMAN Video Calibration Software

The world's most flexible, powerful, and easy to use software tool for greyscale & colour calibration! It is the only calibration package that grows with you! The easy to follow wizards in the "Basic" mode are perfect for novice users just starting out while the flexibility of the "Design" mode gives professionals the control they need.

We've worked out an exclusive deal for our members to bring you these products at prices lower than what everyone else pays anywhere on the internet! Buy direct from SpectraCal at prices lower than buying off their own website! Same product, same support, just more money in your pocket at the end of the day.

What is CalMAN?

CalMAN is color calibration software for the calibration of high definition televisions and other video displays to the major display calibration standards used throughout the world.

CalMAN is a Windows application that provides everything you need for home theater calibration.

• CalMAN is the industry-leading solution for professional video calibrators, because it offers incomparable accuracy, the widest support for professional calibration hardware, and all the powerful features that professional calibrators require.
   
• But for the complete novice, CalMAN also provides simple, easy-to-use wizards that walk you step by step through the entire process of making your HDTV display accurate color, even if you have never attempted to calibrate a video display before.

CalMAN has the widest hardware support in the industry: it works with almost any colorimeter and almost any test pattern source. SpectraCal has configured a selection of complete packages that include exemplary hardware, providing everything you need to calibrate your display. These packages range from entry-level products appropriate for first-time experimentation, to complete kits which can satisfy the most demanding requirements of the professional video calibrator.

Does your high definition television set look "wrong? Do people's skin tones look sunburned or vaguely greenish? Are details hard to see in dark scenes? Do you have trouble seeing details in bright scenes, especially ones in involving things like snow? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then chances are that your HDTV is in need of a calibration and CalMAN can help!

Why use CalMAN instead of the various free solutions available?

There are many reasons why it makes sense for notice to expert users alike to use CalMAN instead of the various free solutions available:

• Even with a copy of our highly popular Greyscale & Colour Calibration for Dummies guide in front of you to help you, calibrating a display for the first time can be daunting. CalMAN has step-by-step wizards to lead a complete novice through the process. At each step, there are detailed instructions on your screen telling you exactly what to do now. If you want, you can stop and read a whole tutorial on the underlying theory, but you don’t have to. You just push the buttons the wizard tells you to push. Think of CalMAN as an interactive version of our Greyscale & Colour Calibration for Dummies guide taken to a much higher level. Everything is tailored to your exact setup and needs as you step through the calibration.
  
• SpectraCal are an OEM of X-rite and therefore have exclusive access to a much lower interface in the EyeOne Display 2 / LT / Pro sensors than other software. CalMAN can therefore properly support Plasma with all meters. Another example is CalMAN's low light handler which makes the EyeOne Pro meter significantly more accurate at low light levels than when using other popular software. Unlike other software, CalMAN also supports all meters in contact, non-contact, and direct modes.
   
• A great deal of work has gone into making visual controls that let you steer by what you see. A good example is the Bullseye Color chart (seen below).
  
  You don’t have to understand how the Color Decoder in your display works to set it using CalMAN. All you have to do is get the dot into the bulls-eye. If you tweak a control and the dot moves further away from the center, tweak the control the other way.
  
• CalMAN automates the process for you. If you’ve ever watched someone calibrate their TV for the first time, one hassle they have is running back and forth to advance the DVD to the next pattern, start a read on their meter, etc. In CalMAN (particularly if you’re using the free CalMAN pattern generator), we do it all for you. You click your mouse on the control button, and CalMAN displays the pattern and performs the read, or the whole sequence of reads, or a continuous read so you can watch your results change as you adjust the display.
  
• CalMAN is accurate and reliable. It is the same software that many of the pros use. You could call in a professional calibrator and there's a good chance that he’d be using CalMAN and going through the same steps you go through.
  
• If you continue your interest in calibration, you won’t outgrow CalMAN. We have seen many users who start off calibrating one TV in their basement, and pretty soon they’re over at their friend’s house, and then they’re thinking about going into the business. CalMAN supports everything from the least expensive Spyder meters to the highest of the high end. And the software is designed to help you along the way. It adapts as your skills improve, and its teaching materials help you learn.

More information on CalMAN v3

CalMAN Version 3 display calibration software represents a significant increase in functionality and flexibility from anything previously available. New and existing users alike will find CalMAN v3 more flexible, more powerful and more accurate than anything that has come before it. While such power may seem intimidating, CalMAN has also been extensively engineered and field tested to make sure that users of all ability levels can tap into this resource quickly, easily and intuitively. One of the features that makes CalMAN so flexible is its adaptive help system. Users will find a wealth of information on both display calibration and ion using the application in the help system, including information on key features they will want to use.

What makes CalMAN different: Adapting to Users’ Ability Levels

CalMAN’s three main user profiles (modes) are designed to adapt the application to the skill and interest level of the individual user. Starting with the Basic profile, CalMAN provides a limited feature set designed to get users through basic calibration tasks as quickly and efficiently as possible. As your skill level and interest in tuning your display progress, more options and features are opened up to you that allow you to squeeze ever greater levels of accuracy out of the display. Ultimately, you develop your own style and processes for doing things in the Design mode where CalMAN allows you to set things up in exactly the way you want to work, providing you more data, in a more usable fashion, than any other package available on the market.

Process-centric Design

Unlike other calibration tools on the market, CalMAN is the first tool to incorporate a holistic view of the display calibration process. This starts at the Welcome screen where you select key options and build your worklist. While this does take an extra few seconds of up-front work, these selections guide which options are available to you, as well as the setting of key defaults that save you more time later (e.g., selecting an HD input resolution sets the colorspace target for that input to the HD [Rec 709] standard).

CalMAN extends this process-centric design into the save file where all calibration runs for a given input are saved together in one file. No more hassle throwing away intermediate results for fear of forgetting which data file represents the final set of calibration figures. It is all there at your fingertips. If you need to backtrack to take a different course, your notes with your settings are there, as well as the performance data itself.

Customizable Interface

Because CalMAN is designed to adapt to an individual user’s needs, you can customize the interface to arrange the data you want in the way that makes the most sense to you using layouts. Built using XML, these files let you organize each page of your workspace just the way you want. Using the Design mode, you can drag-and-drop data grids, analysis charts, data fields, and note boxes onto the workspace, and then resize them to be just right for the way you work. Some users will want to create layouts that put all of their charts on one page. Other users will want to have layouts that are focused only on a specific task. Since you are not limited by the number of layout pages you can have, you are only limited by your imagination and screen resolution as to what you can do, and you can always zoom in on the data in most charts!

Industry-leading Accuracy (introducing the 64-bit CORE engine)

As a software measurement tool, CalMAN’s development was guided by the simple notion that users have enough to worry about with all of the moving pieces of calibrating a display that they do not need the distraction of worrying about whether their software is to blame for odd results. Sitting under the hood of CalMAN is our exclusive Calibration Optimization and Reporting Environment (CORE) engine. Written exclusively using 64-bit double-precision floating point math, the CORE engine outperforms even popular spreadsheet applications for calculation accuracy because it never has to drop to single-precision or integer operations for convenience or speed purposes.

The CORE engine also includes advanced matrix operations and statistical techniques so that CalMAN users do not suffer from errors and inaccuracies caused by unnecessary rounding of critical input variables or by the use of inappropriate or inefficient estimation models. CalMAN typically uses >12 decimal places for key variables like XYZ-to-RGB matrices, where previously users might have been limited to four or fewer. Wherever possible, the CORE engine computes such critical values, rather than relying on outside files or tables.

Automated Measurement

CalMAN’s functionality to make the calibration easier does not stop with just the application itself. Instead, CalMAN continues the tradition begun in version 2 of leading the industry integration with third-party software and hardware. As with v2, CalMAN includes the ability to control directly the test patterns in popular video processors manufactured by Lumagen and DVDO. By connecting your PC to your video processor via a serial cable, CalMAN can automate entire calibration runs, often taking a complete set of grayscale measurements, for example, in well under two minutes. (Speed is generally determined by the meter.)

For users using a Windows-based HTPC, CalMAN can not only operate some third-party software packages, but users can also use the CalMAN HTPC Pattern Generator. This software, controlled by CalMAN via TCP/IP, includes a comprehensive suite of test patterns allowing users to calibrate their display without having to worry about whether their playback software is corrupting the signal from their test disc. Once the display is calibrated, HTPC users can then work inside their playback software to diagnose any inaccuracies coming out of the rendering pipeline.

For users with an “ordinary” optical disc player, CalMAN includes an Auto Sensing function that allows certain test discs (currently AVIA, GetGray, and other discs with continuous playthrough test pattern sequences) to be used in a semi-automated fashion. While this does not directly control the disc player itself, it does allow users to enjoy many of the speed benefits of having a directly-controlled test pattern generator.

Finally, for those users who like keyboard shortcuts, CalMAN includes several function key shortcuts (hot keys) to quickly perform key tasks in the application like taking measurements and navigating between measurement points.

Your Material, Your Home Theater

Since most users watch a broad selection of content, they potentially need to calibrate their displays to multiple standards in order to enjoy content exactly the way the director intended. To support this, CalMAN not only includes profiles for the three major television standards in use throughout the world (NTSC, HD and PAL/SECAM), but it also includes a profile for black-and-white films (to add a touch of sepia to the image), as well as the ability to add user-defined color targets.

While this gives users flexibility to make their display match their content, CalMAN also provides four selectable formulae for computing gamma targets, as well as the ability to tweak the gamma coefficient itself. This gives users the ability to create luminance targets that take into account the realities of users’ viewing environments, rather than having to use a software developer’s pre-canned idea of what is right for everyone.

CalMAN Standard vs. Professional

The CalMAN Standard License gives you access to all features except those that a Professional Calibrator would require such as:

• Support for 31+ meters instead of one meter or one class of meters
• Support for every pattern generator in existence
• Maintain customer contact information in customer database
• Custom report design with custom company logos, customer information, etc.
• Customer fields in layouts and reports
• Display fields in layouts and reports
• Setup fields in layouts and reports
• RGB gating or channel control option for pattern generators
• Extended meter support
• High end test pattern generator support

For more information see the CalMAN latest release notes.

What meters does CalMAN support?

CalMAN has the widest hardware support in the industry: it works with almost any colorimeter and almost any test pattern source.

More meters are added continually. For additional information on specific meters, email spectracal@curtpalme.com.

*The normal CalMAN Standard licence will work with all meter types listed above with the exception of the Chroma 5 and EyeOne Pro: To use CalMAN standard with the Chroma 5 or EyeOne Pro, CalMAN Standard must be purchased bundled with either of these two meters and your CalMAN Standard will then only work for that one meter type. For example, if you purchase a Chroma 5/CalMAN Standard bundle it will work with any Chroma 5 but only with a Chroma 5. If you wish to add another meter type a second licence will have to be purchased. You can have as many licence keys as needed within the application, though only three licences are available with CalMAN standard: 'General colorimeter', 'EyeOne Pro', or 'Chroma 5'. The licences are not tied to the individual meter itself but the type. CalMAN Pro works with all meter types without any licence restrictions - one licence covers all meter types.

Confused about meters?  See our FAQ: Which meter is right for me?

Why it matters Where you Buy Your Meter

SpectraCal is an authorized X-rite OEM reseller. Why does that matter?

When you buy an X-rite meter from SpectraCal, you know:

• The meter you receive from SpectraCal is a brand-new meter.
• The meter you receive from SpectraCal is the current revision of the meter.
• The meter you receive from SpectraCal is never B-stock, refurbished material, or gray market cut-outs.
• The meter you receive from SpectraCal has been calibrated at the factory.
• The meter you receive from SpectraCal has a recent calibration date. The calibration of the meter is certified for one year. When you buy from SpectraCal, you know that you get a full twelve months’ use of the meter before it may need recalibration.
• The meter you receive from SpectraCal carries an original X-rite factory warranty.

In short, when you buy a meter from SpectraCal, you know what you are getting, and you know you are getting the best.

Test Pattern Source Support

The chart below shows the test pattern sources supported by CalMAN version 3. For additional information on specific sources, email spectracal@curtpalme.com.

Display Support

CalMAN supports all known display types including (but not necessarily limited to): LCD, LCoS, SXRD, CRT, Plasma, and DLP.

Trial version & Free Tools

CalMAN is available for free evaluation. Click here to download an evaluation copy.

The version you download is fully functional, except that it uses only a simulated color meter, so you can not use it to actually calibrate a video display. To turn the evaluation version into a full-featured version of CalMAN v3 you must purchase an authorization code using the BUY NOW links at the top of this page.

SpectraCal also offers the free test pattern source HPTC, which uses your PC to generate video test patterns. Click here to download HTPC.

Screenshots

Professional Calibrator and Print Reviews/Testimonials

CalMAN was mentioned in the July/August 2008 issue of Widescreen Review Magazine:

"The Pro version boasts the widest hardware support in the industry and covers a wide variety of meters from the low-cost X-Rite Display 2 model up to the high-end Sencore OTC-1000. Automatic test pattern generator control is supported for the latest Model 4000 from Accupel as well as my own Model 3000, as well as the full line of Sencore and Quantum Data test generators. Unlike some calibration programs that throw a lot to digest at once for new users, CalMAN offers three tiers of operation ranging from beginner with a few simple, canned wizard screens to the fully advanced mode that lets you design your own layouts the way you want them to appear. Technical support is top-notch, with most questions answered within a day or two as well as an active support forum available through their site. I also found the included help and information screens almost worth the price by themselves, for they bring a lot of information from widely scattered sources and articles into one convenient place. I highly recommend this program and company." - Michael Marks, Widescreen Review Magazine #133. 

"This is the most comprehensive piece of calibration software that I have had the pleasure of working with (and I have worked with quite a few). With their impeccable support and their willingness to listen to feedback and suggestions, their product has evolved into quite the masterpiece. SpectraCal has poised themselves to be a market leader for the calibration software market. The software is well suited both for Novice and Pro Calibrators. The application Help Files and predefined layouts are invaluable to the novice. For a Pro Calibrator, the ability to create custom workflow layouts is just what the doctor ordered. CalMAN has a comprehensive list of meters that it supports which also gives it a great edge over the competition. In addition to the tremendous meter support, this software provides you with the most comprehensive list of analytical data I have seen compared to other software packages. In a nutshell you can't go wrong with this software package." - Stephen Cooper, Digital Video Calibrations LLC, Jacksonville, FL

"CalMAN is simply the most versatile, well researched, tested, and well documented software available for display calibration. No professional's set of tools is complete without it. As a professional, having the ability to work with multiple meters in the same software is fantastic. For the hobbyist, the exceptional documentation make it not only a fine tool, but a great learning opportunity. The support is second to none. Like many great products, CalMAN grew out of a desire to do a job better and a curiosity about a technology. Well done." - Leonard Caillouet, A/V Calibration and Repair Technician, Gainesville, FL

"I have been calibrating professionally since the fall of 2002. I have owned Progressive Labs (very briefly), ColorFacts 7.5, and CalMAN. I also got some time in with Sencore software during ISF training. I started using CalMAN last fall (now CalMAN Pro), and I am now a serious fan. CalMAN is the most informative and analytical program I have seen by a large margin. In addition to the usual RGB tracking, luminance, and color gamut graphs, there are far more unique graphs available than any other program I have seen. For example, the color luminance chart is a great help in calibrating "perfect color" and similar color decoding adjustments. It measures the luminance of the primary and secondary colors in relation to white. Depending on the test pattern source, it is possible to verify consistent results at 75%, 100%, and even 50%. The absolute RGB color balance chart and point gamma charts are invaluable with those displays that feature multi point gamma adjustment. Before CalMAN, I used to try to make these adjustments with just a luminance chart; but these new tools provide far more precise results. In addition to the graphs, there is more raw data available than on any program I have seen. Finding the gamma at, for example, 70% stimulus is a snap. Also, finding the x, y, z, Y, L, u', v', and other data of either white at any stimulus level or any primary/secondary color is easy.  Their customer service and support has also been outstanding, with quick responses from the highly knowledgeable programmers and creators. It's not a matter of how close CalMAN comes to the more expensive programs; rather, it's a matter of how badly does CalMAN embarrass the more expensive programs." - Chad Billheimer, Touring ISF calibrator servicing the East Coast to the Midwest, www.HDTVbyChadB.com

"I've used many different calibration software packages and am a long-time Colorfacts user but I am always looking for something better. With displays and video processors offering even more complicated colour management systems I needed an all in one software package that would give me the information I needed quickly and accurately in order to make use of these powerful new calibration tools. I found that solution in CalMAN. Not only that, unlike with some of the other packages I've used, the support has been superb. The CalMAN guys listen to feedback and implement it. Great product." - Gordon Fraser, ISF calibrator and Lumagen Distributor, UK

"This software assists you to get the best from a display, when a compromise has to be made you can see clearly where to balance the error. The help files are well written understandable and guide you to a good result. For the advanced user and professional there is a full complement of options to set up the correct parameters for the display type and situation. There is some advanced work in the wings as well aimed mostly at the pro version with database and reporting features. The pro version already works with a large range of probes and video generators. (Read complete review)" - Nigel Beale, Masterpiece Calibration Ltd (ISF), Christchurch, New Zealand

Home Theater Enthusiast Reviews/Testimonials

"You guys are so awesome. I recommend your product to anybody that will listen and want to learn about color calibration." - Billy Spears

"CalMAN is the calibration software to own because of its accuracy, educational materials, flexible workflow (based on each user's experience and preferred workflow), and unparalleled support from both developers and users. Because of CalMAN, both the software and support (in the form of direct interactions with the developers/owners) I was able to effortlessly learn the “ins and outs” of calibration in a relatively short period of time and, because of this, my picture quality has never been better as attested to by my friends and fellow home theater enthusiasts. Thanks!" - Joel Cohen

"You guys supply the best customer service I have ever experienced." - Ed Johnson

"CalMAN is a great value" - Ray Caronado, Jr.

Press Release

CalMAN Professional: "Next Generation Video Calibration Software"

(Mukilteo, WA, August 14, 2008) The first new software in years for professional video display calibrators has been released by SpectraCal, LLC, a privately held company in Mukilteo, WA. Called CalMAN Professional, the software is touted by the company as "leapfrog" technology that takes professional video calibration to a "next generation" level.

"All the existing tools were written in the day of 16-bit processors," explains Derek Smith, principal author of the software. "CalMAN is the first calibration software to use double-precision floating point." Company founder Bill Blackwell created a library of 64-bit functions to bring the calculations professional calibrators use to a level of accuracy never before achieved.

Gordon Fraser, a professional calibrator for seven years with Convergent-AV in London, explains, "For a professional calibrator, accuracy is everything. And at accuracy, CalMAN is king."

One of the advantages SpectraCal brings to the professional calibrator is a responsive development team devoted to a product in active development. This is one reason CalMAN not only has the widest hardware support of any product in the industry, but also the fastest incorporation of new hardware models when they appear.

Smith explains that CalMAN's flexible architecture makes such responsiveness possible. "We've created many new software products before," he says. "We used what we learned from those projects to create an extremely open architecture that makes adding or changing features faster and easier."

In fact, the architecture allows professional calibrators to make many customizations themselves. Calibrators can change the appearance of the screens or the contents of reports to match their own workflow. "CalMAN doesn't make me change what I do to adapt to it," says professional calibrator Stephen Cooper of Digital Video Calibrations LLC. "It adapts to me."

Although an entirely new product, CalMAN Professional carries version number 3.1. "Version 1 and 2 were spreadsheets," Smith explains. Version 3 was an easy-to-use Windows application for home theater enthusiasts. The CalMAN developers have been working with a focus group of professional calibrators to determine the feature set of CalMAN Professional for over two years.

Need more information? See the CalMAN FAQ!
Visit the SpectraCal Discussion/Support Forum

Questions, comments or feedback should be directed to SpectraCal at: spectracal@curtpalme.com