i1 Solutions
X-Rite's i1 Solutions (pronounced "Eye One") together comprise a comprehensive range, aimed at satisfying the color management needs of all professionals in the graphic arts industry. To understand this complex range you need first to see how it all fits together, from simple calibration of monitors (i1Display LT) to the all-singing-dancing i1XTreme, "comprehensive enough," says the vendor, "to be the only color management solution you'll ever need."
There is a hardware component to each solution: either the i1Display 2 color measurement device for monitors, or the accelerated i1Pro spectrophotometer, which measures not just monitors but many other devices. Common to all the solutions is i1Match software, only part of which is made available at the lower ends of the range.
The solutions are as follows, beginning with the most basic:
- i1Display LT: Compact monitor profiling solution. For photographers, creative directors, publishers, and designers.
- i1Display 2: As above, with additional capabilities such as workgroup match and RGB controls.
- i1Basic: For people who are just getting started with color management: pro-quality monitor calibration + upgrade path.
- i1XTreme: For fine art and commercial photographers -- a comple workflow solution from monitors, scanners and cameras to RGB and CMYK printers.
To these you can add other devices, such as i1iO, an automated hands-free test chart reading device. Another device is i1iSis with OBC, a fast, automatic chart reader for high volume custom printer profiles, with optical brightening compensation.
Comment
Mercifully, X-Rite has rationalized its complex product range, following the takeover of Gretag Macbeth and Pantone. In professional studios around the world, i1 Solutions have become a standard for photographers seeking color management. The vendor's entry level product i1Photo LT is a good place to start.
There is copious documentation on the vendor's web site, but if it all seems too much, you can take up the offer of a personalized one-hour remote session with an X-Rite Personal Color Trainer (PCT).Tech info
- OS: Windows 2000 onward; Mac OS X
- Price level: (all approx): (i1Display LT) $176; (i1Display 2) $260; (i1Basic) $995.00; (i1XTreme) $1495; (i1iO) $2295; (i1iSis with OBC) $3495 (all prices subject to change: see vendor's site).
X-Rite
X-Rite justly claims to be the global leader in color science and technology. It has acquired several other leading companies in this field. It serves the printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical industries.
From the same vendor:
- PANTONE huey
- ProfileMaker 5
- ColorPort Utility Software
- ...and many others
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