Apple Releases Tool for Calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR

[MacRumors]

Apple today released a new Display Firmware 4.2.30 update for the Pro Display XDR, with the software introducing a new Pro Display XDR Calibrator allowing for in-field recalibration.

Alongside the new calibration tool, Apple has provided a support document that walks users through calibrating the Pro Display XDR. There's a walkthrough for measuring the display, fine tuning the calibration through Displays preferences, and using the in-field recalibration.

In-field recalibrations allow the Pro Display XDR to be tuned to a third-party spectroradiometer through the feature added in the firmware update. These calibrations require the new firmware, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, and a supported spectroradiometer.

Apple also provides several tips for measuring and calibrating a Pro Display XDR, such as controlling the ambient lighting, calibrating in cool ambient temperatures, and optimal setup for spectroradiometers.

Article Link: Apple Releases Tool for Calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR

 

[icanhazmac]

For the price and for the target audience shouldn't this have been available day 1 and not almost a year later?

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Great feature. A little surprising they didn’t have it ready for launch, but it’ll make the display more accommodating in specific setups.

 

[Henk Poley]

Spectroradiometers costing ±$16k. Price goes well together with the screen.

 

[javisan]

Now release this for the iPhone ASAP

 

[btrach144]

Spectroradiometers costing ±$16k. Price goes well together with the screen.

Yah, that's what I was going to say. Getting a reader that can handle, HDR at that high of a nit is going to be $$$

 

[sdz]

Will they get cheaper or release a cheaper model? I find it unbelievable, that people are buying these displays.

 

[CWallace]

Will they get cheaper or release a cheaper model? I find it unbelievable, that people are buying these displays.

The Pro Display XDR is already significantly cheaper than many displays that it replaced / augmented in customer sites.

 

[Spock]

Surprised they didn’t charge for it.

 

[sdz]

The Pro Display XDR is already significantly cheaper than many displays that it replaced / augmented in customer sites.

Those 5 people is a relevant market?

 

[cupcakes2000]

For the price and for the target audience shouldn't this have been available day 1 and not almost a year later?

Most people use third party calibration solutions I would think.

Will they get cheaper or release a cheaper model? I find it unbelievable, that people are buying these displays.

Those 5 people is a relevant market?

I don’t think you fully understand what this display is, and therefore what you’re talking about. Its ok - It’s not a monitor for you that’s all. Can I direct you to the threads on the price of the stand? Or perhaps go and complain on the forums for ‘reasonably priced monitors’ instead.

 

[sdz]

I don’t think you fully understand what this display is, and therefore what you’re talking about. Its ok - It’s not a monitor for you that’s all. Can I direct you to the threads on the price of the stand? Or perhaps go and complain on the forums for ‘reasonably priced monitors’ instead.

That is why I asked, that I would expect a cheaper model (maybe similar look & feel) but without all the XDR crap that I don't seem to comprehend.

 

[hoodafoo]

Can someone pls explain why monitor calibration is necessary?

 

[beryllium]

Can I use my old Datacolor Spyder 3 pro? 🤣

 

[Piggie]

Can someone pls explain why monitor calibration is necessary?

Because like TVs
For some reason, and I personally don't understand why.
Every manufacturer seems to think they need to make the display show colors in a different way to every other screen.

You'd think after all these year's you#d not need to calibrate anything as all screens/projectors/tv's would show colours the same.
But no.
IT's why people buy equipment then, pay someone else to come round and calibrate it.

 

[9927036]

Does it also calibrate the stand to ensure it is perfectly level to within 0.0001 degrees?

 

[happygodavid]

Does it also calibrate the stand to ensure it is perfectly level to within 0.0001 degrees?

Absolutely, yes.

 

[hoodafoo]

Because like TVs
For some reason, and I personally don't understand why.
Every manufacturer seems to think they need to make the display show colors in a different way to every other screen.

You'd think after all these year's you#d not need to calibrate anything as all screens/projectors/tv's would show colours the same.
But no.
IT's why people buy equipment then, pay someone else to come round and calibrate it.

Shouldn't my iMac/MacBook and yours show the same colors? I would assume the same to be true with the XDR since it's an apple product

 

[MauiPa]

Correction: “Mac is using macOS Catalina 10.15.6 or later”. This is quoted from the support doc. It struck me as funny that you would need a specific version of Catalina and not the reigning OS

 

[Baymowe335]

Those 5 people is a relevant market?

This is such a ridiculous take.

This monitor isn’t even expensive in this world and has many purposes above surfing the internet at home.

Just because you don’t understand the purpose doesn’t mean “5 people” find it useful.

 

[MauiPa]

That is why I asked, that I would expect a cheaper model (maybe similar look & feel) but without all the XDR crap that I don't seem to comprehend.

If you don’t comprehend something, it’s “crap” ?

 

[nutmac]

Can someone pls explain why monitor calibration is necessary?

Displays are not 100% accurate in terms of color, brightness, white level (color temperature), etc. That may be fine for casual use, but when you are doing photography, publishing, broadcasting, or video production, you want consistency.

And no, you don't need to spend $15,000 on these calibration devices to achieve "good enough for most production" calibration. There are many colorimeters in the hundreds that can do pretty good job.

 

[DesertNomad]

Will they get cheaper or release a cheaper model? I find it unbelievable, that people are buying these displays.

I am a Developer and waited endlessly for a cheaper option for an external 27"+ Retina display for my 16" MBP. I finally bit the bullet and bought an XDR. I am super happy with the display and since I use it to make money, can more easily justify the expense.

 

[MauiPa]

For the price and for the target audience shouldn't this have been available day 1 and not almost a year later?

They come pre-calibrated and if you are in the business you probably already have tools, this is just an Apple version

 

[MEJHarrison]

Can someone pls explain why monitor calibration is necessary?

It's all about standards. Video standards exist as they do in many other fields. Just as a physicist might need a time keeping device that is considerably more accurate than the standard watch a person might have on their wrist, some people work in fields where it's more important that standards are followed than the a normal person might care about. If someone is color grading a $50 million dollar film, it's probably somewhat important that they follow strict standards. If their machines are off, what ends up in theaters might look like crap.

Just a completely made up example from someone NOT in the know (I'm a programmer). So take that with a grain of salt.