Monitor Calibration

[StarScapes]

I've got a couple of older wide gamut displays to calibrate. Before starting the calibration where should I set the Brightness, Contrast, and RGB values? I'm going to try a couple different hardware devices and compare the results. Can there be differences in calibration quality between the software automatically changing the monitor settings vs manual changes?

[Pictus]

Some calibration programs can access the monitor controls/LUT and apply the proper
settings/corrections like Eizo Color Navigator, NEC Sprectraview, basICColor and etc...
But some can not and in this case it is best to manually adjust the monitor settings, this
way will diminish the level of correction needed to be applied.

What are the maker/models?

[StarScapes]

I'm starting with a Dell 2408wfp and x-rite iProfiler using the i1display pro.

[Pictus]

You can use TFTCentral calibration(custom Mode) as a starting point.
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/content/dell_2408wfp.htm#colour
Dell 2408wfp uses the panel LTM240CS05 (wide gamut CCFL)
http://www.panelook.com/LTM240CS05_Samsung_24.0_LCM_overview_8146.html