Luminous Landscape Forum
Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Colour Management => Topic started by: Josh-H on September 21, 2012, 05:56:40 am
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I upgraded my big iron mac pro today to Mountain Lion and have been caught with an apparent issue where SpectraView II can no longer communicate with my NEC 2690 WUXI monitor. This problem is noted on SpectraView's website for thunderbolt connections. However, in my case I am connected via DVI - not thunderbolt.
The documentation does say there may be other issues that cause this HERE (http://www.necdisplay.com/support-and-services/spectra-view-II/Compatibility)
Has anyone else come across this issue and found a fix?
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Interestingly, when I first open Spectraview it does detect the monitor - but it then finishes opening and looses communications - see attached.
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Important compatibility notice:
Due to issues with the new Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion), SpectraView II is not able to communicate with the displays on some systems with Thunderbolt (miniDisplayPort) video outputs when using a miniDisplayPort to DVI cable. This impacts all LCD 80 series, LCD 90 series, and the P221W models. NEC is currently working with Apple to resolve this issue, which is expected to be fixed in a future update to Mac OS 10.8.
http://www.necdisplay.com/support-and-services/spectra-view-II/Downloads
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Yes I saw that - but as I note: I am connected direct via DVI and not using thunderbolt or mini display.
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I just went through these hoops with my NEC 2490 WUXI2 and Mac Book Pro running Lion. You will need a dual-link DVI cable instead of a normal one. When checking your cable it should have three rows of eight pins like in the diagram presented here: http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/dvi_info.html#Page06 I picked one of these up from Radio Shack for $30.
You mention you are not using Thunderbolt or mini display port. Is that correct? Just straight DVI? If so then the DVI cable is all you need. If not, you will also need the Apple dual-link to mini display port adapter ($100 from Apple store) instead of the normal adapter that most stores carry.
If you are still having problems send an email to NEC Display Support. Their support team is excellent. Honestly I didn't expect to get my problem fixed. NEC Support not only responded back to me, but an engineer set up a hour long phone call with me working through my issue. Once it was pin pointed to the DVI cable, I purchased the the proper cable and adapter and Spectraview now communicates with my monitor.
I wish I could say everything is now perfect. For some reason I can not calibrate with a contrast ratio other than native, but that appears to be some sort of Spectraview bug.
Good luck,
Evan
Evan
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Yes, I am using straight DVI.
I did check my DVI cable and it is a DVI-D Dual Link cable. So unfortunately this is not the cause of the problem.
I have contacted NEC technical support and they have told me that the only fix is modification of the video drivers in Mountain Lion by Apple. A copy of my system configuration went to NEC to be passed onto Apple. Hopefully *fingers crossed* it gets resolved in 10.8.3 or .4.
Very frustrating that Apple have to mess with these things when it was working so well. I hung off for a bit on the Mountain Lion update as well but didn't hear of any issues that were going to affect me. Spectraview was one of those things I forgot to check.
I would be interested to hear from anyone else has run into the same problem with Mountain Lion and SpectraView.
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My NEX PA301w and spectravision work with no problems on mountain lion. Using the DisplayPort to mini display port cable.
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My NEX PA301w and spectravision work with no problems on mountain lion. Using the DisplayPort to mini display port cable.
It seems to be DVI>DVI and mDP>DVI releated problem. From time to time there are bugs in video card drivers, so the DDC/CI communication with the monitor doesn't work. It had happened in the past with some nVidia drivers under Windows OS.
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Just a word of warning to anyone contemplating updating to 10.7.5; This update appears to break monitor communications with displays connected via Single Link DVI in the same way as OS 10.8 does.
If you are using an NEC LCD 80 or 90 series display and rely on calibrating it, I would not recommend applying this OS 10.7 update at this point until it is resolved by Apple.
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Josh,
Thanks. A BIG thanks for posting this. I was just getting ready to upgrade and I absolutely hate this type of problem. I have jammed on the brakes and will wait this out.
Brad
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Had recently updated Lion to 10.7, and now my NEC 2690 is getting the "No Communication" from SpectraView Software. Bummer as this is my main editing monitor. Any thoughts or workaround on this Will? Is it reasonable to calibrate my 2690 using Color Eyes software in the meantime?
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I'm having the issue too. MacPro, 10.8.2, DVI-DVI cable, LCD2690Wuxi-BK, Latest version of Spectraview. This has been going on since Mountain Lion was released, so quite a long time.
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Hello out there. Any solution to this problem yet?
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To my knowledge no solution as yet - my patience is starting to wear a bit thin. Very frustrating being unable to communicate with the display for a proper calibration.
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Yes, unfortunately no solution yet, I got an email from NEC stating they are working with Apple on it.
I asked if I can use another Mac running a OS supported and simply copy the icc profile created to the machine running 10.7.5, and they ( NEC) said "yes, it is the only workaround".
I did so, but somehow the screen looks off and little too bright for my taste. On the other mac it looked okay.
So, I'm not sure if this is a viable way to go.
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Exact same issue here, Macbook pro (july 2007!) and NEC 2690WUXi2. Like you I held off upgrading to 10.8 but forgot to check Spectraview. :(
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Well it's been 6 months now and no support for these monitors under Mountain Lion. Not a peep from Apple or NEC despite multiple updates to OSX.
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Well it's been 6 months now and no support for these monitors under Mountain Lion. Not a peep from Apple or NEC despite multiple updates to OSX.
I admit to also being really jack of this situation. I had some really colour critical work for a client a few weeks ago and actually ended up hiring another studio space because I could not calibrate my own monitor to 100% ensure the colour was spot on.
We need to be clear though that this problem is one of Apple's making and the onus is on them to fix it. NEC from my understanding have passed on all the required info to Apple long ago.
I have set myself a deadline of mid January. If its not fixed by then I will rebuild my mac pro with Lion and wont touch mountain lion until such time as all bugs are resolved.. of course by then we will probably be looking at OSX Cougar (or whatever it will be called).
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Any word yet on a time frame for a fix?
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I echo all of the comments & sentiments regarding this issue. I am running OS 10.7.5 on a MacBook Pro connected to an NEC MultiSync P221W. I have the same "no communication" problem & am totally frustrated. If Apple does not resolve this issue soon, I will have to seek out an alternative.
Let me broach this question: Is the "no communication" issue between the NEC displays & Apple's OS 10.7.5 (as well as OS 8) associated only with the SpectraViewII software/hardware? Would a different colorimeter work?
Thank you.
Kit
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Would a different colorimeter work?
No. The problem relates to the communications that have been broken by Apple between the graphics card and the display. Since the Spectraview software relies on this communication protocol a different colorimeter will not fix the issue.
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Thanks, John. Sadly I understand.
Now if there was only a way to coordinate a mass verbal assault on Apple's development team to spur a more rapid OS update .......
Kit
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Thanks, John. Sadly I understand.
Now if there was only a way to coordinate a mass verbal assault on Apple's development team to spur a more rapid OS update .......
Kit
Its an out of production monitor so I don't think there is a desire to fix the problem. Shame, its a really fine monitor.
As much as I hated it I just bit the bullet and purchased a PA271W. Can't really say I like it that much better then the 2690...
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Craig, I have been fearful that the same issue applies to the P221W as well. I trust that the PA271W is exempt from this issue?
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I trust that the PA271W is exempt from this issue?
It is. Mine's running fine although a USB cable is necessary under 10.8, no big deal.
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It is. Mine's running fine although a USB cable is necessary under 10.8, no big deal.
Mine too..
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It is. Mine's running fine although a USB cable is necessary under 10.8, no big deal.
What is the usb cable for? I have a MacMini and a MacAir connected to the same PA27 without a usb cable running 10.8. Is this a fix for specific video card?
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What is the usb cable for?
Apparently communication of some kind that broke under 10.7/10.8. I was getting a communication error message. I wrote to Will H of NEC (who kindly posts here). He wrote: Apple hosed DDC/CI in 10.8.x and 10.7.5. As soon as I placed a USB cable from display to Mac, it worked.
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What is the usb cable for? I have a MacMini and a MacAir connected to the same PA27 without a usb cable running 10.8. Is this a fix for specific video card?
The USB cable is for communications to allow the Spectraview software to update the LUT's in the monitor. The previous model the 2690 Wuxi handled this communication as part of the DVI communications protocol; which Apple broke with Mountain Lion and has not as yet fixed (are you listening Apple?)
Im actually a hairs breadth away from ordering the 27" model and ditching the 2690 so that I can get back into a color managed environment. My patience has more or less run out waiting for Apple to fix this.
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(are you listening Apple?)
Pretty sure they are not. We can put this into the same complaint box as our lack of full 10-bit support. They don't care. But you'll probably get some kind of Retina displays from them.
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Apparently communication of some kind that broke under 10.7/10.8. I was getting a communication error message. I wrote to Will H of NEC (who kindly posts here). He wrote: Apple hosed DDC/CI in 10.8.x and 10.7.5. As soon as I placed a USB cable from display to Mac, it worked.
This only applies to Nvidia graphic cards and not ATI. Run an ATI card and 10.8.2 and your 2690 will work perfectly. At least mine does.
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This only applies to Nvidia graphic cards and not ATI.
Yup, that's what I'm running. I guess the report I sent to Will H was what promoted him to recommend the USB cable that fortunately worked. That however is so odd that one card would screw this process up thanks to an Apple OS update.
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Just a quick follow-up question: Do you know if the MacBook Pro with Nvidia card can run an ATI card? Obviously I am looking for an immediate fix.
Thanks.
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Just a quick follow-up question: Do you know if the MacBook Pro with Nvidia card can run an ATI card? Obviously I am looking for an immediate fix.
My MacBook Pro has the Nvidia card and runs fine after the USB cable is used. I don't think there's any way to change the card in a Macbook Pro, you like me are stuck with the Nvidia.
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My MacBook Pro has the Nvidia card and runs fine after the USB cable is used. I don't think there's any way to change the card in a Macbook Pro, you like me are stuck with the Nvidia.
Thanks, Andrew. I suspected that was the case. The USB cable would have been a cheap & quick fix if my NEC P221W had a USB port. Hence, my dilemma.
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Thanks, Andrew. I suspected that was the case. The USB cable would have been a cheap & quick fix if my NEC P221W had a USB port. Hence, my dilemma.
I'm in the same boat.
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I caved.. I can no longer live in an un colour managed environment and ordered the NEC PA271W-BK 27"
Given I have dropped the coin, its likely the Apple fix will now only be days away :-\.
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Thanks, Josh, for taking one for the team. I'll be sure to post you when the OS X update arrives. ;D
Kit
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Yeah it felt like it was my turn to step up and take one for the team... ;D
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Yeah it felt like it was my turn to step up and take one for the team... ;D
Going for the 1920 x 1080 resolution of the 2690 to the 2560 x 1440 of the 271 takes a bit of adjustment...figuratively. I'll be interested to hear your experiences.
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Going for the 1920 x 1080 resolution of the 2690 to the 2560 x 1440 of the 271 takes a bit of adjustment...figuratively. I'll be interested to hear your experiences.
It arrived today - installed in about 5 minutes and communications back up and running. I love plug n' pray when it works ;D
Its a hefty increase in resolution over the 2690 WUXi and my immediate impression is that its greatly appreciated. I need to make some prints though and spend a bit of time doing some heavy lifting image processing to really see how it stacks up - but I expect it to be a nice upgrade.
One immediate benefit is the library module in LR. Extra pixels there is VERY nice indeed.
Sad, that I had to confine the excellent 2690 WUXi to oblivion though - I might hold that against Apple for a while yet... ::)
Edit - One other bonus of the new 27" NEC is that it also has 3 x USB ports on it as a hub. I had run out on my mac pro so this was an appreciated feature.
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I wonder if it would be effective to install vmware fusion or parallels and install Spectraview under Windows to profile the monitor; Alternatively, I wonder if you can install Windows through bootcamp and profile under Windows? I guess that would not help on the mac side?
Thoughts?
I guess I'm on the way to Microcenter to pick up an ATI card. Recommendations?
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Good news on this issue. Mac OS 10.8.3 was released today and it should fix the "No Communications" problem.
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Good news on this issue. Mac OS 10.8.3 was released today and it should fix the "No Communications" problem.
Will Hollingworth
Senior Manager - Product Development
NEC Display Solutions of America Inc.
I'm breathless.
That would be _really_ good news.
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Good news on this issue. Mac OS 10.8.3 was released today and it should fix the "No Communications" problem.
It DOES! Frabjous joy!
I should not admit how much not being able to work in a color-secure digital environment has sapped my ichor. Please work in advance to help users maintain a fully calibrated workflow. It is one of the reasons I purchased NEC monitors. (MultisyncLCD2490WUXi2 & PA271W -- each now properly calibrated for the first time in 106 and 268 days.)
Two thumbs up for taking the bruise out of the Apple.
--Kirby.
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Unfortunately I have an early Intel Mac tower and cannot upgrade to Mountain Lion from Snow Leopard...I have an NEC 2690 WUXI & Spectraview....I'll have to wait for a new tower to hopefuly appear this year.
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You should still be able to upgrade to Lion...but it'll take an effort...
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Thanks to the announcement here of success with Spctraview and 10.8.3 I downloaded this latest version of Mountain Lion. I have submitted my not-so-good experience to MacInTouch and I am sharing that posting here as well. I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts on what went wrong.
I loaded 10.8.3 (was using 10.7.5) this weekend, looking forward to being able to use Spectraview ll software to color calibrate my NEC P221W monitor. The ability to do so was broken with 10.7.5 but restored with 10.8.3. The download went well. Although I did not do much before using Spectraview, everything looked fine, browsers reloaded tabs, email was there. Spectraview did its thing re-calibrating the monitor and I was very pleased. However on quitting Spectraview the desktop went black, icons for the desktop folders were there but no text was visible. Rebooting did not help. When clicking on menubar items drop down menus were not visible but if you guessed where something was and moused over it, text could be made out and clicked on. In this way I opened System Preferences>Desktop and Screen Saver. I clicked on the box to change the desktop color, the "crayon box" with choices came up but the desktop did not change whatever color was clicked. Similarly the other choices for setting the color did not work. Other software was affected too; opening a browser for example showed a blacked out screen as well. The computer (2009 MacBookPro) was unusable.
I had the 10.7.5 version of my hard drive saved on my bootable SuperDuper back up drive, and reloaded that version. So I am back to 10.7.5 and completely puzzled at what happened. Any ideas would be appreciated since I'd prefer to use 10.8.3 and regain monitor calibration for photo work.
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Sounds like a garbled display profile. Try selecting a different one in System Preferences->Displays->Color and see if it goes away. If so delete the old one and recalibrate.
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Wiil,
Thanks. I'll reload 10.8.3 this weekend and give it another go with your suggestion.
Geof