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Samsung SyncMaster 225BW 22” Widescreen LCD
Setup
The calibration software was easy to use. Setting the contrast was simple as making a smaller box disappear with a larger box. Adjusting the colors was more complex, but not difficult. Once the colors were set, I went and assigned that color profile to the system's color profile. The screen calibration software also came with printer calibration software. Which is nice, but since I don't print anything other than black and white documents, it not of much use to me. The OSD took a little getting used to, as I often found I was pushing the wrong button. It may be that I'm just used to the button layout on Dell displays, and on the Samsung the buttons were in a different order. One of the things I was able to do was move the OSD to the top of the screen during calibration so I could see the images in the center of the screen.     Testing - Display The first note I'd like to make about the quality of the display is that its viewing angle isn't that wide, especially when you factor in how quickly the colors change from their actual colors to something different as your viewing angle approaches 90. I noticed minor discoloration, typically a yellowing of the screen, at as little as 35 left and right, with more discoloration at around 50. However it doesn't seem to get worse after that all the way up to the supported viewing angle of 80 on either side (that's 160 total). The same goes for the top and the bottom, with quick jumps of discoloration as you get more off center. So it's definitely not a display to gather people around and watch something. When you're looking straight on however, the display shines. For DVD testing I watched The Fifth Element (again) and parts of a few other DVDs and HD movie clips that I have around on my HD. The color quality was great, as is to be expected for an 8-bit color panel. I didn't notice ghosting at all (the display is rated at 5ms grey to grey). The backlight has been the subject of some discussion on various forums online. The model I received had a pretty good backlight distribution. There was a little bleed on the bottom but it wasn't too bad. I attempted to try to play back some HD-DVDs, however it turns out that my video card isn't HDCP compliant so I couldn't play the movie. I should note that the monitor's documentation does mention it is HDCP compatible, though I have no way to test it. And remember, you wont be able to watch HD movies (either HD-DVD or Bluray) without an HDCP setup (HDCP from video card to monitor). Hey I don't like it either but it seems the computer industry is content with capitulating to Hollywood's demands. Finally, one of the things I did like about this monitor is the fact that the pixels are larger (.282mm dot pitch) it makes it easier on my poor eyes. I don't have to raise the font size nearly as much as I do when I'm using my Dell 20" Widescreen which has the same resolution but smaller pixels.
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23 User Comments 1 - Posted by
Lynda
on October 3, 2008 - 2:45 pm This is a great monitor - especially for the price. However, mine has developed a problem after approximately 14 months of daily use. I bought it in early July 2007 and in late August 2008 it began coming on with a gray screen and freezing. I have to turn it off and back on 2-3 times for it to come on normally and work. A couple of times I've had to shut down my computer and monitor for 5-10 minutes and begin all over. When not in use I shut it down, I don't put it to sleep - and it's always plugged in to a high quality surge protector.
2 - Posted by
Kurtis
on October 3, 2008 - 3:37 pm Are you positive the problem isn't your computer? Just to check, I'd plug it into a different computer and see if you have the same issues.
3 - Posted by
Floge
on January 11, 2009 - 7:52 pm This has been an very good monitor but as Lynda wrote after 13 months of daily use i have to got this gray blurring and freeze and now it has suddenly stopped working =( tried with a diffrent gfx card but it doesnt respond to that. Only thing that works on the LCD is the LED that as some monster spasms. blinking +3 times per second and now my only option is to see if my warranty covers this or if i have to buy me a new monitor 4 - Posted by
Noah
on February 5, 2009 - 11:50 am Same issue. Have had this monitor just over a year and a half and now it displays a black screen. I turn it off and on but the screen only shows properly for a second then turns right back off. Kind of annoying. I'm trying to rest the computer and monitor for a sec and we'll see what happens. Not looking hopeful at this point.
5 - Posted by
dipper
on February 8, 2009 - 11:25 am Noah, did you resolve the problem or have any ideas as to what is causing it? I'm experiencing the exact same thing and it just seem to start up over the last couple of days. I've also owned the monitor for only about 1.5 - 2 years. Running on Vista.
6 - Posted by
techie
on March 3, 2009 - 12:36 pm Same issue as Noah ... the screen comes on for a split second, then goes black. Power it off then back on and the same thing happens. Any idea what the problem might be?
7 - Posted by
brhyne
on March 4, 2009 - 4:37 pm Did anyone come up with a solution Noah's problem?
8 - Posted by
tradan
on March 20, 2009 - 3:21 am Just spent a few hours ,trying to get the monitor to work ,no luck.Have had the 225bw for about 2 years.Same issue as Noah .Screen comes on for a split second ,then goes black.I would like to know whats up.It cost good money.
9 - Posted by
rjackson
on April 7, 2009 - 12:43 pm Same issue as Noah. This problem just started last week. I would love to know the solution.
10 - Posted by
shorttimer
on April 16, 2009 - 11:02 am Has anyone found an answer for the screen going black? I would love to know the solution as well.
11 - Posted by
wtfsamsung
on April 29, 2009 - 3:26 pm I have the same problem. I've only had it for a year. I found that when the screen goes black, if I leave it on like for 10 minutes turn it off and turn it back on and it works with no problems. I don't think i'm buying another Samsung when this one no longer works.
12 - Posted by
trusso
on May 8, 2009 - 10:53 pm Grumble. I've been having the same problem as the everyone else here. In the last week or so, after a few years of owning it, my Samsung 225BW has suddenly started blacking out after a while of use. To get it to wake up, I have to push the power button repeatedly, and after 10-15 cycles, it finally turns on and stays on. As of tonight, though, it has only stayed on for a minute or two after all this. I really wish I knew what was causing it or how to make it stop. Has anyone had any results at all, or if there's been any clue from Samsung.
13 - Posted by
trusso
on May 8, 2009 - 10:57 pm AH-HAH! Found a web site that explains what the problem is. http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6930... Apparently there are a couple of bad capacitors in the unit. Those with hardware hacking skills might find this helpful. 14 - Posted by
ddl
on May 24, 2009 - 12:17 pm Yep, mine had same problem and found 2 bad 820uf capacitors. They were obviously bad because they were bulging (expansion) at the top. Replaced and now monitor works great.
15 - Posted by
jermany
on June 3, 2009 - 2:14 pm Can you tell me DDl where you bought yours at..i can't seem to find any locally...and i don't really want to order them with such a high shipping fee...Please help
16 - Posted by
jaaks
on July 7, 2009 - 10:06 am I found mine had the same problem with the bad capacitors. Ordered the 2 820 uf caps, plus the 330 uf cap next to them from Digi-key. With shipping, cost was less than 3 bucks. Should have them by the end of the week. Hopefully, this will fix my problem, too.
17 - Posted by
rhalle
on July 21, 2009 - 3:44 am After 2.5 years of close to 24/7 use, I've got what I'm guessing is the same problem; monitor appears to come on, greyish screen, and sometimes there are flashes of color and bars. After awhile (sometimes a long while) it will sputter to life. Maybe I'll open it up once the Acer gets here. 18 - Posted by
jerichat
on July 21, 2009 - 10:34 am Mine is kinda different, It usually changes colors, sometimes it turns black and i have to adjust the contrast and brightness, and most of the time the colors kept on changing and menu button is not working. It happens to me most of the time but when i try to unplug and replug it at works fine again.
19 - Posted by
KickToTheJunk
on August 2, 2009 - 5:21 pm Seems I have the same problem. Turn the monitor on, I see the POST screen (or logo screen) for about 1 or 2 seconds then NOTHING but the blue power light on the button. - I've removed my power board and inspected my CAPS, uh... everything looks and smells normal. Not too sure what to do next. May take it to a local shop and let them inspect it. 20 - Posted by
wtfsamsung
on August 23, 2009 - 10:22 pm My 225bw screen finally went out...I thought I was going to have to throw it away...but I decided to order the capacitors mentioned by Jaaks...I'am not that into electronics but my brother is an electronics technician...I ordered 10 each of the the 820uf and 330 uff they where like 12 bucks...I took the screen apart then my brother helped me find the offending caps...they were all in a row ...2 820s and one 330 or the other way around hehe...my brother replaced the 3 capacitors ...I put the screen back together and now it works like new...Thanks You for your help in finding a solution to that problem...I don't have to wait like 20 minutes for the screen to turn on
21 - Posted by
Sonaeru
on September 23, 2009 - 2:58 pm I turned this brightness down on mine, and it worked fine after I did that. Weird right?
22 - Posted by
bigdog411
on October 11, 2009 - 7:40 am my 225bw syncMaster does the same thing, when turning on , or powering up after sleep, it blinks on for a second, then goes black. after turning it on and off, usually about 10-15 times, it stays on........ can it be fixed????
23 - Posted by
lancelyons
on October 22, 2009 - 3:22 pm how big are the caps and I am talking physical dimensions. There are probably a number of different sizes that have the same capacitance values.
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