I have a Samsung Syncmaster 215TW IPS monitor that has worked flawlessly for me for at least 3-4 years now. I use Monaco Optix XR Pro and DTP-94 puck for calibration.
Lately, I've had the darndest time getting my monitor calibrated and I don't know if it's the software/hardware going south on me, or the monitor. I end up just doing a test print and manually adjusting my monitor to match the print. This is not my preferred method obviously.
Is there a lifespan for monitors to be accurately calibrated? I know the software and puck have long been replaced, might that be my problem? Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
The first system I ever had was a Spyder that died after 3 years sitting on the shelf.
On inspection I discovered that the lens in the puck had a cheap plastic laminate cover. I think it was supposed to be a diffuser. It had delaminated and turned a funky blue color. Contacted customer support and was told they don't make or sell replacement parts for out-of-manufacture products.
So, based on that one experience, pucks can go bad. Carefully inspect yours to see if you can find anything unusual.
I doubt the monitor or software has gone bad. Especially since you are apparently able to get good color via a manual, visual adjustment.
After further research, I'm in agreement that it's like the puck that is having problems. So, I've sprung for a new one, the Spyder4Elite. It was a huge toss-up between that and the i1 Display Pro, chose the Spyder based on reviews indicating it's the simpler of the two, and it can calibrate my i-pad (I'll have to see that in action to believe it). Here's keeping my fingers crossed!
