Samsung SyncMaster 225BW 22â€ Widescreen LCD

Reviews: Multimedia

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Anthony Fiti
Brian
Samsung
Dec. 31, 2006

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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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Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: Setup & Testing
Page 3: Conclusion

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2 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.

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