globellColorSuite Test - Simple and precise monitor calibration

First impression of the globellColorSuite

What's in the box

Unpacked and off you go - the globellColorSuite includes everything you need for (professional) calibration and profiling. The suite is delivered with a hardware colorimeter, a stand with gooseneck, a software license key and an operating manual.

Operating instructions and software download

The operating instructions are written in both German and English and guide the user through the steps necessary for commissioning. Detailed illustrations and additional information help with comprehension problems.

 The globellColor software is only available as a download. In addition to the license key, the included “License & Quality Card” also has a link to the download page. The software can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website and is available in a Windows and Mac OSX version.

Hardware

The hardware and software of the globellColorSuite are "Made in Germany". The structure of the comparatively bulky globellColor colorimeter hardly differs from calibration solutions from other manufacturers. Features include the inwardly offset two-lens optics, which is surrounded by a protective foam, as well as a ¼ inch thread for the stand and tripod attachment. A sensor works inside which, in combination with the (inorganic) glass filters, enables permanent precise measurements.

The fact that Globell Color GmbH, based in Kempen, pursues a high quality standard is demonstrated by the cooperation with the lens specialist Meyer-Optik-Görlitz and the Japanese monitor manufacturer EIZO. Every globellColorSuite is subjected to extensive testing before it goes on sale. A test certificate is located next to the hardware ID of the device on the "License & Quality Card".

The quality of workmanship of the colorimeter and also that of the holder is immaculate. Somewhat unfavorably solved is that the glass optics do not have a protective cover. Although this is protected by the housing, it is still advisable to put the colorimeter in the padded packaging after each use.

field test

Usage

In contrast to many calibration solutions, which are aligned hanging with a counterweight, the globellColor colorimeter uses a stand with a flexible gooseneck. Both contact and distance measurements are possible. To measure the contact, the colorimeter is leaned against the display with the monitor-protecting contact surface. A positioning aid displayed in the middle of the screen facilitates precise alignment.

For the distance measurement, a stand extension is also required, which at the time of the test was only available as a pre-series draft. Alternatively, the colorimeter can easily be screwed onto a tripod, for example to check the projected image from a projector. One advantage of distance measurement is the particularly realistic measurement process. The ambient light flows into the calibration and profiling so that a measurement is carried out similar to that of the human eye.

globellColor software

The globellColor software is easy to understand and allows you to start a successful calibration process with just a few clicks.

The software automatically recognizes the connected monitors. Multiple monitors can be calibrated individually or subsequently in series. To distinguish between multiple monitors, the model name and serial number of the respective monitor are included. Additional parameters for the LUT upload, the name but also the screen technology of the respective monitor can be set via the Settings > Screen Settings sub-item. All common screen technologies from CRT, LCD CCFL to LCD LED (wide-gamut) and LCD GB-r-LED are supported, and calibration of projectors is also possible. If there is display hardware with a “Display Data Channel/Command Interface” (DDC/CI), the globellColorSuite can communicate directly with it.

The display can be calibrated, checked and profiled via the point "Calibration & Profiling". For Windows users, calibration and profiling take place in one step. A successful calibration results in an ICC profile which is automatically recognized and used by Windows. Calibrating and profiling are again different on a Mac OSX system. A profile that is valid for color management-capable programs is only created via the profiling.

The calibration settings can be user-defined or based on predefined profiles. The given profiles are particularly suitable for laypeople. These are divided into areas of application and include typical areas such as web design, photo or video editing and film. Experienced users can adjust settings for luminance or gamma, color temperature, maximum and minimum luminance and color space as required.

 Further functions of the software are an automated schedule, a progress display, general software settings, including language, units of measurement and the ICC profile version, as well as extras such as various test images and a 3D gamut viewer. The globellColor Assistant is stored as a notification icon in the task bar for quick access. Monitors can be managed here and the calibration that has already been carried out can be applied or canceled.

 Third-party software such as CalMAN, DisplayCAL or HCFR was not yet supported at the time of the test. According to Globell Color, however, future support for third-party software is already being planned.

Calibration and profiling

measurement speed

The measuring speed with the globellColor colorimeter is convincing. A comprehensive calibration process including profiling takes about 7 minutes. Profiling, on the other hand, is already done after 2 ½ minutes and a simple test takes just under a minute.

Measurement result

The result of a calibration is an ICC profile automatically adopted by Windows 10 and a detailed, multi-page test report in PDF format. The measurement accuracy of the globellColorSuite is remarkable. The calibration result checked with a color reference and gray card is traceable and, above all, precisely adhered to by the colorimeter.

report

The multi-page test report contains comprehensive measurement data and graphics. The beginning of a test report contains a practical summary of all measurement data. The test report also includes histograms for luminance, color temperature, RGB level and a CIE diagram.

There is a summary of the color difference (Delta E) at the end of each report. At the time of the test, there were still some inconsistencies in the representation and legend with regard to the CIE diagram. Upon request from Globell Color, a bug fix is ​​already in progress and will be implemented in future software updates.

 Website of the manufacturer: globell-color.com