How To Choose LUT Loaders
(This article is specific to Windows PC users)
This article dicusses how to manually specify which calibration tool (software or hardware) will will load its calibration table into your video card at start-up.
Includes notes on disabling Adobe Gamma.
Introduction
Regardless of which calibration system you are using, the calibration tables are stored in the monitor's LUT (Look Up Table). Only one calibration tool should use the LUT at any one time.
There is only one exception - if you have a very nice monitor (like an Eizo) that offers internal hardware calibration, then the calibration tables are in fact stored in the monitor itself, and all other LUT loaders should be disabled.
How to manually choose a LUT Loader
(and turn off Adobe Gamma)
On a Mac:
You don't have to do anythinbg because LUT loaders are not used - simply go into System Preferences -> ColorSync and make sure the correct profiles are associated with each of your displays
On Windows 95/98/2000/XP:
N.b. If you re-install Photoshop for any reason, Photoshop will re-install Adobe Gamma automatically and you must turn it off again!
You can either manually browse the Start Menu -> Programs -> Startup -> [Right Click] and choose delete to get rid off LUT loaders you don't need. Or far simpler and more explicit, you can use this free ultity to precisely control which programs run at startup:
Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel [opens in a new window]
(Simply install, go to your control panel, and choose the new 'Startup option'. You can then manually enable/disable any programs you like!
On Windows Vista:
N.b. If you re-install Photoshop for any reason, Photoshop will re-install Adobe Gamma automatically and you must turn it off again!
You can manually browse to the startup folder, but if there is a Visa compatible utility to do this more easily - I'm not sure yet! If anyone knows, please let me know.