Photoshop applying profiles twice?

[artobest]

Hi

I've recently upgraded to a new computer (running Windows 7 x64) and CS5 (from CS4). I've got an NEC Spectraview Reference 2690 and I'm having trouble with linearity in Photoshop only. My working space there is ProPhoto RGB, and when I create a test gradient in that space I get colour banding and poor linearity. However, if I convert the gradient to AdobeRGB (or sRGB) or grayscale (2.2) I get nice, buttery-smooth linearity. The gradient also looks great outside PS, as my desktop image; ie viewed through Windows's native WCS system.

I calibrate to Gamma 2.2 using Spectraview (BasICColor) and an i1D2 and always get very high-quality validations. My best guess is that PS is somehow applying the ProPhoto profile twice. Is this possible? Can it be fixed? I realise this may require some knowledge of Windows's arcane systems to resolve, but any suggestions are very welcome.

Peter

[digitaldog]

Should be smooth assuming 16-bit data.

You could try native TRC gamma if that product supports it and maybe that would help.

[artobest]

The BasICColor software doesn't offer native TRC gamma, although you can specifiy any gamma you like. Could the problem lie in a clash between the gamma 1.8 of my working space and the 2,2 of my calibration?

[digitaldog]

The BasICColor software doesn't offer native TRC gamma, although you can specifiy any gamma you like. Could the problem lie in a clash between the gamma 1.8 of my working space and the 2,2 of my calibration?

The difference in TRC between working space and display should not account for this. I’m not sure why you are seeing this effect. You could try 1.8 just for fun to see if this disappears. In such a panel, I can’t understand why you’d see any such banding.

[artobest]

Problem solved - I switched to a Spectraview Reference 271. My 2690 had been starting to show some strange effects - like dark wavy smudges on the screen, especially after waking or being switched on. NEC kindly swapped it for a new 271, which arrived from Germany on Friday. I got it set up today with DisplayPort and calibrated to great effect. No more banding and colour cast. The new display is not perfect - there is a small grey spot on the panel near the bottom - but it's a great product and I'm impressed. Admittedly, this is an extreme workaround to the original problem, but nevertheless I recommend it if you can afford it!