Customer Reviews

Samsung SyncMaster 226BW 22-inch LCD Monitor

5 star:		(115)
4 star:		(39)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I've just replaced my ViewSonic VX924 gaming LCD with the Samsung 226BW. Wow, what an amazing display! It's 1000x1 contrast ratio is stellar. Blacks are extremely black and there is virtually no backlight bleed. (Backlight bleed tends to make black or dark colors look gray and it's common with LCDs.) The colors are amazingly bright and vivid. In fact its default settings are almost too bright. Fortunately the 226BW comes preprogrammed with multiple screen modes such as Games, Internet, Movies, Sports, Custom, Default, etc. I prefer the Internet setting as the backlight is turned down to about 75% and it's a lot easier on my eyes in a darkly lit room. The default settings would work best if you are in a brightly lit room, or if you plan on using the display at a distance.

The screen has an amazingly fast response time. Samsung claims 2ms gray to gray. I have no way to verify this, but I haven't seen any motion blur when I play video games. Viewing angles are also superior with this screen. I can be quite a ways off center and colors are still vivid and crisp. My old display would look washed out and gray at almost any angle other than directly in front.

Keep in mind that this screen runs natively at 1650x1050. It's a rather high resolution for older video cards and if you have an old system then you may experience some stuttering. My 226BW is connected to an ATI Radeon X850XT video card with an AGP 8X interface. I can play Elder Scrolls: Oblivion with most settings maxed using the screen's native resolution and it looks and plays beautifully. Remember to install the monitor drivers. They are available for both Windows Vista and XP. You can either use the included CD, download them directly from Samsung, or use Windows Update. (I used Windows Update since those drivers are signed.) The drivers aren't required, but it does make the monitor more compatible with the system.

The Samsung 226BW has HDCP support through its DVI cable connection which gives it more future compatibility. Soon all monitors will need HDCP support in order to play HD video content. I don't need it now, but it's nice to know it's there.

If you really want the best picture out of this display, be sure to use a DVI video cable. (A 3 foot DVI cable and 3 foot VGA cable is included with the display.) VGA is an old style analog connection which was best used with CRT (tube style) monitors. Since LCDs are digital not analog, a digital signal is the best. If you use the VGA connection your video card has to convert the digital signal to analog, then transmit it to the display and the display has to reconvert it back to digital. That's two unneeded video conversions which can result in a washed out picture. With the DVI connection, it's a digital signal directly from the video card to the display with no video conversion, so you get the best picture.

I do have two very minor negatives. Both involve the stand. First, the stand does not pivot sideways for portrait style viewing. That's nothing I would use, but many monitors have this option. Second, a wall mounting bracket is not included even though the Samsung 226BW is wall mountable. If you need to wall mount the display, the bracket needs to be purchased separately.

Bottom line: The Samsung 226BW is definitely worth the purchase and I know you won't be disappointed!

First off I would like to say that there are 2 versions on this monitor. There is the "S" panel and the "A" panel. To be blunt, the S panel seems to be superior as it has less backlight bleeding. You can tell if your monitor is an S or A panel by popping up the back panel and looking at the sticker it should look like: Samsung 226BW [R] S or A.

I bought this monitor as an upgrade from a 17" CRT by HP. I also bought this monitor from another site as they were offering free shipping. I got an S panel with no dead pixels.

The monitor came pre-set with a very high brightness setting so I had to fiddle around with the color/brightness settings. Nothing too bad. The monitor is really great for the price. Colors are vivid and games look awesome on it and more importantly there were no signs of ghosting. (I played Quake 4, Oblivion and Titan Quest on it. They all look amazing).

Okay there are some downsides, the first being that the monitor I got had some top/bottom color issues. Colors on the top of the monitor look much darker then colors on the bottom. I've read that this is an ongoing problem in TN monitors, but I haven't found a solution to it. If you're a graphic artist you might not want this monitor. The problem with the color differences seems to be a viewing angle problem as I've tried moving the monitor up and down and tilting it forward and back and the colors seem to change, but top colors are still much darker than bottom. That leads me to my next point..

I had to buy a different stand for this monitor as the stock one just swiveled and tilted. I bought the neo-flex LCD stand and it's perfect for this monitor.

There are also some issues with backlight bleeding. Like I said earlier, I can only vouch for the S panel. There are some signs of backlight bleeding on the left and right side but it doesn't bother me much. It's about maybe 1/2 an inch on each side, nothing too bad.

Another downside is that the Blue Power button on the bottom right is always lit when on, very annoying when watching movies with the lights out.

Another problem was that I expected way too much out of a 22". I know, this is my own problem, but I just wanted to share my experience on the matter. I was expecting this monitor to make downloaded movies look amazing. Infact.. they look a little grainy upclose but fine from a distance. I know this monitor can't make a 700mb movie look amazing, but I thought it would do a better job than it currently is.. oh well my fault. If you're interested I have this hooked up to a 7800GT through DVI.

So basically to review:

Pros:
Good Price.
Live vivid colors.
2MS, "3000" - 1000:1 contrast ratio.
Monitor is pleasing to look at and not dull.
3 Year warranty (some only offer 1, gateway for example.)
No dead pixels! (Okay that was just for me..)

Cons:
Lottery? "S" vs "A" panel.
Top/Bottom color differences.
Monitor stand is next to useless.
Small amount of backlight bleeding.
Samsung only takes the monitor back if you have SEVENTEEN dead pixels. Better check the policy from whom you buy from, but I hear Amazon is pretty lenient.

I urge people to read this review and post what versions of the 226BW they are receiving from Amazon... as well as anyone who has posted recently, please edit your review and post your panel version.

I actually ordered 2 of these recently (Oct 15th) from Amazon, received them, but didn't figure out how to determine the Panel Type until after I sent one of them back, as it was defective. I then realized that the one I kept was / is an S Panel (version info : BAA 1002), and I think the one I sent back was too... Amazon has now sent me two more defective monitors (which in Amazon's defense seem to be the result of shipping damage via UPS), both of which were either A or C panels, I know from comparing their versions to the list you'll find below, but more importantly comparing them side by side with my S Panel. Panels other than the S panel are extremely more Blue. I'm now at a loss for what to do since side by side, the color is so drastically different between the S and A / C that without another S panel, using two of these together will be very annoying. This is absolutely ridiculous on Samsung's part... obviously Amazon has no way to tell which panel is which. I just can't believe that I am NOT able to buy two of the supposed same monitor and use them side by side, because their color is NOT the same at all. Shame on Samsung.

I'd recommended this monitor to anyone using a single monitor setup, because individually each panel is great and better with the right calibration. Although if you plan on purchasing 2, just hope that you receive two of the SAME panel, and that one panel is not defective so that you'll need a random replacement... technically I believe I DID receive two S Panels originally...although again I can't confirm that because I sent the defective panel back before I knew what the version number meant, although I vaguely remember that when did check out of the box, both versions were the same... not to mention both serial numbers were almost identical. So hopefully if you order two, they'll grab them from the same batch, and they'll both be in working order.

To all those trying to determine their 226BW Panel version ... you can actually figure out which version you have even though Samsung has stopped adding the A, S or C to the product sticker on the back. You need to go into the secret menu (set brightness to 0, set contrast to 0, click menu button, hold source button for a few seconds. Take note of the version number and compare it with this list (found in a french forum on the net):

série S

version info : BAa 1001 panel info : AMLCD 220M1
version info : BAA 1002 panel info : non indiquée (après démontage : dalle LTM220M1 L01 )
version info : BAD 1001 panel info : AMLCD 220M1

série A
version info : BAa 1001 panel info : AMLCD 220M1
version info : BLA 1001 panel info : AU M220EW01
version info : BLA 1002 panel info : non indiquée

série C
version info : BDA 1003 panel info : non indiquée
version info : BIA 1000 panel info : CPT 201WA04

série P
version info : BIA 1001 panel info : non indiquée

série non indiquée
version info : BDA 1002 panel info : CMO M220Z1
version info : BDA 1003 panel info : non indiquée
version info : BDA 1003 panel info : non indiquée (après démontage : dalle CMO M220Z1)
version info : BIA 1000 panel info : CPT 201WA04
version info : BIA 1001 panel info : non indiquée
version info : BLA 1001 panel info : AU M220EW01
version info : BLA 1002 panel info : non indiquée

I can verify that this is very accurate, as stated above.

The most appalling thing here is that I have read posts that Samsung actually stated months ago (I think in May) that it has stopped manufacturing any panel but the S Panel. Well, all the panels I've received were manufactured in either July or August... so Samsung has some explaining to do.

I swear, I have never seen so many myths and theories regarding one product like I have with this monitor. First let me say they aren't totally unfounded, however some are just wrong. First "some" of these monitors do have bleeding issues like the picture in this store points out, however it is hit or miss to a certain extent...

First, let me start with the whole "S" "C" "A" panel thing. Obviously, "S" panels are the best, they are from Samsung and have the best quality control etc. If you get one of those you are set for sure.

Secondly, the "C" is the newer manufacturer to step into the field and produce these monitors and from the research I have done personally, I have found that the people reviewing these either report no or minimal "bleeding". Some people even say the quality on these monitors EXCEEDS that of the "S" panels they have compared it to! Personally, I was staring at the "S" panel on display at the Office Depot I bought this monitor from and I thought it was as good as everyone said it to be. When I bought mine and brought it home I inevitably got a "C" panel (the most common as of 6/7/07). I must say this is almost "exactly" the same quality and bleed (almost none) as the "S" I saw in the store. The bleed I've noticed is very minimal and no more than you'd see on most panels, with proper back light adjusting you can reduce the bleed when watching movies and whatnot.

Unfortunately, I cant comment too extensively on what "A" panels look like. However, I can say this, reviewers and critics alike seem to share the same sentiments regarding this panel.. Stay away. If you get it, feel free to try it if you like, but don't throw any of your packaging away and be prepared to ship it back. The good news is for people buying it as of now is that I believe this manufacturer has either slowed down production or stopped. "C" may have very well taken over "A"'s position in the market from some articles and threads I've read, but nobody can seem to confirm or deny this.

In any case, just buy this monitor it really is the best of the bunch and for the steep incline of price between 22 and 24" panels you can not go wrong here.

My previous display was a 19" 4x3 format monitor (not widescreen). I wanted a wide format monitor for viewing movies and I liked having a sidebar on my screen (like the one in Vista or Google desktop).

This monitor was very highly rated on several web sites. They basically said either get this monitor, or take your pick from the "also-rans". I figured "why $250 for a cheap 22-inch when I can pay $50 more and get a great 22-inch?". So that's what I did.

I originally got the "A" version of this display. As with everyone on the web, I wanted the "S" version of the display. Whatever the truth is, bottom line is that the "S" version is almost universally praised while the "A" version has detractors. Samsung also recently began shipped a "C" version.

I hooked it up and saw two very huge flaws: (1) backlight bleed not only on the top and bottom, but in the right-bottom corner, and (2) pixelated, shimmering, pixel-swimming in the dark areas of DVD playback. This was not what I paid $300+ dollars for. The backlight is what illuminates the pixels in the display and it is often uneven on panels that are not well-made. When the backlight is bleeding, it means that it looks like it's coming out of the edge of your display.

I exchanged my "A" and got the "C" version. Again, I was disappointed because I was hoping for the "S" version. I hooked it up and was amazed at the image quality. I had heard that it was the worst of the 3 versions. In truth, I can't imagine it getting any better. I have virtually no backlight bleed and DVD playback looks very smooth.

I will point out that most 22" displays use an LCD technology called TN. This is different from most LCDs out there. TN technology produces great response times on the panel (great for games and video), but the viewing angles suffer. You'll notice it most if you view the panel from above or below. Also, I've read the the pixel swim problem I saw in my "A" panel affects many 22" LCD because of the TN technology.

In the end, I am very pleased with my monitor, but it took some effort to get there. Buy the monitor, but make sure you get it from a seller that will grant you an exchange should you see a problem. I'll also note that neither of my monitors had any dead pixels at all. Like some other users mentioned, I used a Neoflex Ergotron monitor stand to replace the original. It works much better and looks great.

This monitor has a great appearance. The screen is bright and sharp, colors are vivid, and there are no flickering or dead pixels--even with an analog signal.

I bought the monitor to use in the office with my four-year-old IBM T40 for general computer use--surfing the web, email, documents, and viewing pictures. I do not use it for gaming, movies, or printing photos.

I was a bit hesitant when I read some of the negative reviews, but my monitor was perfect right out of the box, which says that it was made in China. Amazon delivered it within 24 hours even though I did not pay for expedited shipping.

I installed and then uninstalled the two software programs that come with the monitor because I find them unnecessary for my purposes. Natural Color is for people printing photos to ensure what appears on screen is the same color that prints. Magic Tune permits adjusting brightness and color. Some people like to tinker with these settings, but I liked the monitor just the way it was. In addition, Magic Tune started causing conflicts on my laptop.

While the height of the stand does not adjust, the screen tilts, and for me it is on correct eye level. If you want to be able to adjust the height, you can buy the Neo-Flex stand at Staples to replace the stand that comes with the monitor.

Please note the following important tip: When setting up, or switching between vga and dvi cables, turn off both monitor and computer, attach the particular cable to both, then turn on the computer and next the monitor. Otherwise the monitor may not recognize the signal.

While my laptop has only an analog connection, the docking station in which I keep it has both analog and digital connections. I noticed no difference in picture quality between either of these, and decided to use the analog connection because I had a problem using a 1680 resolution when I used the digital connection(not sure why, but since the picture quality was the same as analog, it didn't matter).


Unless you are a professional photographer, graphics designer, or someone who just likes to tweak settings, you can use this monitor right out of the box without installing any software.

I like this monitor so much that I am considering buying another to replace my desktop monitor at home, which unlike this monitor, does have usb ports and an adjustable stand. But who cares. The display on this monitor is far superior. If I need more usb ports, I can buy a hub.

I consider this one of the best computer-related purchases that I have made, and with Amazon's low price plus a rebate from Samsung, it was a really great deal. Yes, you can find cheaper 22- inch monitors, but they won't deliver the same level of performance as this monitor does.

UPDATE 10/26/07--I just bought a second monitor for home. As with my first monitor, the box says that it was made in China. And also as with my first monitor, it works great right out of the box.

I did decide to elevate the monitor using the metal art monitor stand made by Allsop that I purchased from Amazon, and which is also available at Staples.

Definatelly the best one out there at this moment !

It took me a long time to swap my old CRT 19" for a LCD and I did the right move now.
It feels like a movie theater for the size.. This is the 1st good option about it. You can easily open your email and another program side to side and be confortable with it ! The resolution is perfect on Windows Vista and it works great with the DVI Signal(instead of having washed out graphics when you compare with the old VGA)

Second... I already played games on it (BF2, Flatout 2, Half Life 2) and never saw any Blur wahtsoever.. 2ms... Just like a CRT with this one !
I had the experience of seeing games in the past with 12ms and 16ms, and that was one of (or the main reason) for waiting such a long time to get an LCD !

Third, the setting of colors ! They are vivid ! and yes.. The monitor can even be really bright sometimes ! But you have the adjustments, and the auto regulations (such as text, internet, movie, games, Sports and Dynamic Contrast. So no problem over here as well..
No Bleeding on mine as well..

It has already HDCP support.. So it is in accordance with the future specs today !

If you starting asking about any point in negative for this one, is definatally the stand... It does not have the Tilt Up or Down. This was present at the old version (225BW) and Samsung removed it, don't know why though ...
But this does not take all the credit ! I am using a base underneath it to give the desired height I want !!

I am in love with this monitor and it's hard to imagine having a small one after this 22" !!
Movies on it look great, obviosuly the bigger the screen, the more details you will be able to see from up close !

You will fall in love as well... Take it for granted !
This DEFINATELLY is the one ! :-)

First for those of you don't know I'll go over the panel issue; Samsung outsourced the screens to two other companies. One that begins with a C, and the other A. (Their full names don't matter). On the back panel of the moniter it will show after the model number an A, C, or S (S is Samsung). Rumor has it that A, and C, do lag behind in terms of screen quality of the S.

Let me first say when I went to best buy on display they had two of these monitors, each were an S. To be honest the screen quality from the ones on the display looked at best mediocre, but I think thats because Best Buy had them set up wrong (even were connected via VGA)I end up buying because really the design is nice and $320 is not a bad deal.

Hoping for an S when I open it, sure enough its a C. After conecting it up with DVI and setting it to its highest settings for revolution, I must say the picture and quality is completely amazing. I cannot imagine how much better these colors can get. I havent had any trouble reading any words whatsover. The C I got looked aroud at least 3 times better than the S in BestBuy.
There are a lot of rumars of the C being terrible so let me say this again; Even without any calibration the C's picture quality is very very very good. After you see it you will go "Wow theres a "better" panel out here that somhow makes this picture better"? For all we know the Cs may actually be better since they are the newest (I don't think samsung does them anymore, but I have no evidence for that)

Ironicly, during the writing of this review, Ive just found one dead pixle. I'm pretty pissed off about that, since now I have to pack the whole thing back up to Bestbuy for an exchange. I don't get how this happens so often for NIB monitors. (This is why it's nice to pay the extra premium to buy it localy)

Minus one star for:

That one dead pixle

That stupid bright blue light cannot be turned off and is somwhat distracting when watching T.V. in the dark, not to mention when there is no signal (aka you turn your computer off) the thing blinks.

To Sum it UP
-Great Price
-Completely Terrific Picture
-Very Nice Design
-If you get a C panel there will be no dissapointment

First off, I purchased this before I read about the "S" and "A" or "P" panels that are out. The new panels that are released are no longer carrying any letters on the back, and after searching around I could not find a way to get to the service screen to check who made the panel, it has been changed. I have read that Samsung stopped making the panels as of a couple of months ago, and are now all the inferior panels. What a way to run a business; release a great monitor, with great reviews, then outsource the product pay less per monitor, but keep the great reviews.

Well, I had the monitor for 24 hours before I returned it. This may be decent monitor for gamers, but I need this for video and photo editing. The colors aren't even close. There's also and uneven brightness through out the screen. Reading word documents, it seems that some letters are gray while other are black. If you scrolled the document down, you will see the gray letters turn black and the new letter at that position turn gray, horriable! Black isn't even black, it gray.

I purchased the HP 22 inch, never purchased an HP anything in my life; I'm extrememly happy.

I purchased this product on Amazon in October 2007. It was very easy to set up and had a very bright screen. However, I quickly noticed that colors between light blue and dark grey had a constant horizontal flickering. The darker the color (except black) the worse the flickering was. I began to research this produce more online and found that there are actually three different classes of this product model - A, S, and C. One of these models is made by Samsung and the other two are outsourced to worse companies. It is now impossible to tell which model you get unless you take the thing apart. Reading many reviews, if you received one made by Samsung, it is of good quality. But if you received one made by either of the two other companies, the monitor is horrible.

I would not recommend buying this product to anyone. The constant flickering is so annoying and strenous on the eyes.