Since Xrite has no idea when a customer may install the ColorMunki Display for computer monitor calibration, the software update problem I had could happen to anyone.
Purchased an Xrite ColorMunki Display today to ensure photos and .CDR files in CorelDraw GS X5 are set to a color standard on the computer monitor prior to going to press. The previous software monitor calibration with QuickGamma was close, but not quite accurate, since I really couldn't set the brightness accurately. After installing the ColorMunki Display sofware, I calibrated the computer monitor and compared the on-screen pdf of a .CDR file with embedded photos that was created when using the QuickGamma monitor profile to the printed pdf file from a Kodak inkjet printer also printed when using the QuickGamma monitor profile. With the ColorMunki Display monitor ICC profile, the colors were very close, but the printed version was somewhat lighter than the on-screen version. Prior to the ColorMunki Display monitor calibration, the on-screen pdf and printed pdf colors and brightness were quite close, so there was a noticeable difference. Since the on-screen pdf colors were aesthetically acceptable and will be used for production printing as is, there will be no changes, except for adjustments when printing on the Kodak for in-house use. The photos can be adjusted for brightness and contrast in Photoshop or Corel Photo Paint.
Here is a summary of how the installation went, so people will know what to expect:
1. In Windows Vista Ultimate, I tried to install the software v.1.0.1 c2011 that was loaded on the CD. When finalizing the installation, a warning came up asking if I wanted to run the software. After clicking yes, it continued to repeat the process. The only viable option was to cancel the installation. Before rebooting, I removed the installed software from Control Panel, then disabled printer software in the system tray and disabled Microsoft Security Essentials. After that, I launched the Xrite software as Administrator. The software installed quickly.
2. I followed instructions in the quick start user guide, which is quick but confusing. I placed the sensor on the screen, then had to remove it to check the ambient lighting.
3. Next, I placed ColorMunki on the Viewsonic LED LCD screen and selected “Easy” calibration. When it was done and I checked on it, the software showed that it used CCFL for the monitor lighting. It wasn't so easy afterall. I had to change it to White LED and recalibrate for another five minutes.
4. Before closing the Xrite software, I checked for updates, because I recalled seeing another version online prior to purchasing the unit. I received: “Update Error! An error occurred retrieving update information. Please try again later.” The network was online, so I checked Xrite.com. The website was down for maintenance at 5:20pm Sat, June 15, 2013, so couldn't update software.
5. There was considerable luminance difference between the uncalibrated monitor and the ICC calibrated monitor, but there was an imperceptable difference between the CCFL calibration and the LED calibration, so the "Easy" calibration method may work, even though the software showed CCFL. I may use the "Advanced" calibration option next time.
6. I will probably recalibrate the monitor when the ambient lighting changes. According to the software, in this room during daylight hours, the ambient lighting was 11 lux and with the lights on for evening or night, the ambient lighting reported by the ColorMunki Display is around 36-40 lux.
7. Unlike the previous Pantone/Xrite Huey Pro that didn't work right and uses several small suction cups to stick to the screen, the ColorMunki Display is suspended from its USB cable and rests on the screen, so there is no chance of damaging the LCD screen. After the Huey Pro failed so badly, I was sketical about whether to purchase the ColorMunki Display or to get the datacolor Spyder 4 Pro instead. I can't comment on the Spyder 4 Pro, but the ColorMunki Display seems to meet my requirements and will allow calibration of a video projector too, so browns will no longer have tinges of green.