Calibration Kit to match Smug prints?

[papajay]

Once upon a time I purchased a photobook through MPIX, so now I'm on their mailing list...

One of the products they offer is Calibration Kit that claims it simple and inexpensive to calibrate a monitor to match their printer output. It appears to be printed image and a digital file which I assume one would simply compare visually and adjust the monitor until the displayed image "looks like" the printed image to the naked eye.

I'm guessing the pros are cringing already, but is this not "good enough" for mere mortal amateurs (like me)?

I don't want to spend a bunch of bucks on complicated software and/or hardware to calibrate (or just check the calibration) on my monitor to match SmugMug printer output. Is there an inexpensive and simple approach already out there?

I use a PC, with Photo Elements software, and IE7, by the way (if it matters).

[Andy]

I don't want to spend a bunch of bucks on complicated software and/or hardware to calibrate (or just check the calibration) on my monitor to match SmugMug printer output. Is there an inexpensive and simple approach already out there?

I use a PC, with Photo Elements software, and IE7, by the way (if it matters).
Lane, write our heroes, ask for a Calibration print. Then you can use it to match what you have on screen. Sorry but Soft Proofing is with Photoshop CS2 and above, not in Elements :(

Once you have your print, post up some examples in the Finishing School forum, and the members will teach you how to read your histogram and match against the printed calibration print.

http://www.smugmug.com/help/display-color

[papajay]

Lane, write our heroes, ask for a Calibration print. Then you can use it to match what you have on screen. Sorry but Soft Proofing is with Photoshop CS2 and above, not in Elements :(

Once you have your print, post up some examples in the Finishing School forum, and the members will teach you how to read your histogram and match against the printed calibration print.

http://www.smugmug.com/help/display-color

Thanks Andy....will do.