UPRtek MK550T Spectroradiometer presented and in use – Upgrade of our monitor test setup and basics of measurement technology

Basics in relation to colorimeters

To be able to measure something color-critical, you need a measuring device. So at least a colorimeter, better still a spectrophotometer or even a spectroradiometer. First, let’s take a look at the rather dry theory, which I will summarize in my own words at the end.

What is a colorimeter?

A colorimeter is a device used to measure the color of an object or substance. It is commonly used in various applications, including photography, printing, textiles, monitors, food and scientific research.

The main function of a colorimeter is to quantify the color information of an object. It typically measures the intensity and hue of light reflected or transmitted by an object. These measurements are often made using specific color spaces and standards to ensure consistent and accurate results.

In many cases, a colorimeter is used to ensure that colors are consistent and reproducible, especially in industries where accurate color reproduction is important. There are different types of colorimeters, including portable devices for use in the field and laboratory models with higher precision. Two examples are the SpyderX from Datacolor and the ColorChecker Display Plus from Calibrite.

A colorimeter usually requires a reference to make accurate color measurements. The reference is referred to as the “white standard” and serves as a comparison point for the color measurements. It enables the colorimeter to determine the color deviations of a specific object or substance by comparing the color of the object with the predefined reference. In my particular case, this was previously a dedicated preset from Calman Ultimate. And in future, the UPRtek MK550T will take over this task. I’ll show you exactly how this works later.

A spectrophotometer is an instrument that is used to analyze the spectrum of light. It measures the intensity of light in different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the context of color measurement and analysis, it is often used to determine the spectral reflectance spectrum of materials. In my specific case, the light spectrum and the color accuracy and brightness of a monitor.

Here are some of the most important aspects of a spectrophotometer:

1. Spectral resolution: a spectrophotometer can measure the intensity of light in very narrow wavelength ranges. The spectral resolution indicates how accurately and finely the spectrum can be analyzed.
2. Applications: Spectrophotometers are used in various scientific and industrial applications, such as chemistry, biology, materials science, food industry and environmental monitoring. They are particularly useful when accurate information about the spectral composition of light is required.
3. How it works: A typical spectrophotometer breaks down the incident light into its individual wavelength components using gratings, prisms or interferometers. These are then measured by detectors to capture the entire spectrum.
4. Color measurement: Spectrophotometers are also used in color measurement. Precise information about the color composition of an object can be obtained by accurately analyzing its spectral reflectance spectrum.

Compared to a simple colorimeter that only measures the overall color, a spectrophotometer enables a more detailed analysis and provides more information about the spectral properties of the light that is reflected or transmitted by an object. A spectrophotometer does not require referencing as it has its own calibration that needs to be checked or recalibrated at regular intervals.

What is a spectroradiometer?

A spectroradiometer is an instrument that is used to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation over different wavelengths in the spectrum. Unlike a spectrophotometer, which breaks down light into its individual wavelengths and measures them, a spectroradiometer directly measures the intensity of light over a specific wavelength range without performing a detailed breakdown.

Here are some key features of a spectroradiometer:

1. Radiation intensity measurement: a spectroradiometer measures radiation intensity across different wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. These measurements can be for visible light, infrared radiation or other parts of the spectrum, depending on the application needs.
2. Applications: Spectroradiometers are used in various scientific, industrial and environmental applications. Examples include the characterization of light sources, the measurement of solar radiation, the monitoring of atmospheric components or the investigation of electromagnetic radiation in research.
3. Functionality: The instrument typically consists of a detector that reacts to the radiation to be measured and an optical system that focuses the radiation onto the detector. The optical system may contain special filters or gratings to select specific wavelength ranges.
4. Calibration: As with many measuring instruments, calibration is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable measurement results. Calibration makes it possible to convert the measured intensities into physical units.

Spectroradiometers are important for research and applications where accurate measurement of radiation intensity across different wavelengths is of interest. Spectroradiometers are used in the monitor industry in particular, for example to measure the light spectrum of a panel: EyeSafe Display topic. To put it simply: the less blue light, the better. The characteristics of the light spectrum and the differentiation between blue, green and red in particular. As can be provided by a QD-OLED monitor, for example.

Interim conclusion

To put it simply, a colorimeter is pretty helpless or can give inaccurate readings if you don’t use a “white balance” as a reference. If you reference the colorimeter, it can measure very quickly and accurately. Prices start at around 100 euros and a good mid-range device is in the region of 200 to 300 euros. From my point of view, this is basically enough for home use. Even if the professionals start to have a crisis again: “You can’t calibrate or validate without a spectrophotometer” Yes, that’s certainly true for the areas where colleagues are out and about. But for the home user who calibrates his monitor to sRGB, I see it quite differently!

A spectrophotometer must be calibrated, then the measurement results are very accurate. The measurements themselves and especially the calibration of a monitor take considerably longer than with a colorimeter. However, the result is somewhat more accurate. So if you are looking for the smallest DeltaE values, there is no getting around a spectrophotometer. In my opinion, the cheapest spectrophotometer is probably the ColorChecker Studio at around 500 euros. However, it can also be considerably more expensive. An x-Rite i1-Pro3 costs at least 1,600 euros and if you want, you can also invest around 5,000 euros. In my opinion, this is only for people who need a perfect workflow. Who only calibrates the monitor to enjoy sRGB?

A spectroradiometer is basically the Mercedes of measuring devices. The range of applications far exceeds that of a spectrophotometer. A spectroradiometer is also comparatively very slow when it comes to measuring and calibrating a monitor. However, it is also the most accurate on the market. The price of the UPRtek MK550T is around 7,000 euros, but I can’t say for sure because the price has not been officially confirmed. As you can see, it’s totally over the top for home use. For what I do here, it’s certainly the best you can get.