TR Forums

Posted: **Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:01 pm**

Which one would you get?
Samsung 226BW or Dell Ultrasharp 2208WFP??
Both are HDCP compliant.
I'm trying to stay as close to $300 as possible
Or if you would recommend another LCD in this price range, please link and explain why

Edit: I'm leaning more towards the Dell at this point, mainly because of the height adjustment features, USB ports and contrast ratio. However, I read here that you can't really go by the manufacturers specs sometimes?

Thanks all

*UPDATE: Went with this Gateway HD2200. I'm very pleased with it so far. The configuration menu for this is touch-censored, and is very finicky. The picture is quite nice after spending some time configuring it. The HDMI compatibility is a plus. Overall, I'm very pleased with it.

Posted: **Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:43 pm**

A quick look at the dell shows that it only shwos dynamic contrast ratio of 1000:1 while the samsung shows a standard ratio of 700:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 3000:1. However dynamic contrast ratios can be a bit bad as if i remember correctly they adjust the brightness of the screen to accomodate for darker and lighter sections and it can be very distracting. I would personally be inclined towards the Samsung as I have heard nothing but good reviews on it, but if the height adjustment and usb ports matter a lot to you then go with the Dell.

Posted: **Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:57 pm**

Dude... get the Dell. Seriously, of the 2, the Dell's is the best quality of the panels.

Actually, Samsung's 226BW is now outdated, being replaced by the 2220 model with a higher base contrast ratio. However, Samsung with it's BW series has been playing some funny games (which I personally experienced) with its panels, delivering vastly different quality experiences -- at least on the 226BW lineup. Apparently, with the 2220 model series the fun hasn't stopped either.

Can I throw some more choices on the table? I would actually recommend a ViewSonic VX2240W featuring similar specs to the Dell, yet a much lower price and you still get HDCP.

If you're actually willing to spend over $300, then you should probably look at the LG L226WTY, which sports a 3000:1 base contrast ratio (it's not "dynamic" -- it's the ACTUAL BASELINE), 170 degree viewing angles, and HDCP as well. The specs suggest that it's not a TN panel, perhaps an S-IPS (which is great). I was on the verge of buying that one myself (I'm big into graphics and games), but got a last minute raise and went with a 24" Gateway (man this thing is HOT!!!!

).

Posted: **Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:07 pm**

JdL wrote:
If you're actually willing to spend over $300, then you should probably look at the LG L226WTY, which sports a 3000:1 base contrast ratio (it's not "dynamic" -- it's the ACTUAL BASELINE), 170 degree viewing angles, and HDCP as well. The specs suggest that it's not a TN panel, perhaps an S-IPS (which is great). I was on the verge of buying that one myself (I'm big into graphics and games), but got a last minute raise and went with a 24" Gateway (man this thing is HOT!!!! ).

Nope, that's a TN panel. I think the specs are just more exaggerated than others. And its 3000:1 contrast ratio is dynamic.

Posted: **Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:37 pm**

$300 might get you half of an excellent UltraSharp 2408WFP. Alas, Dell has begun sticking the "UltraSharp" tag on crappy TN panels, so it's just gotten even harder to avoid buying this inferior display technology. :cry:

Office Depot has a 1920x1200 PVA panel in your price range, but it lacks HDCP.

Edit: Here it is at OfficeMax:
http://slickdeals.net/?permadeal=11668# ... deal_11668
Here's an LG at Circuit City:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread ... 1&t=766982

Posted: **Sun Mar 16, 2008 6:29 pm**

i have a Samsung 226BW and while its a good monitor, i dont know if i would recommend it. mine seems to have a white spot towards the lower left corner in the middle. you cant see it when you look straight at the screen but from either side angle you can easily notice it. its been like this since the monitor was a week old. another gripe i have about the monitor is when you bring up a black background webpage, the screen noticably dims. then you change to a normal webpage with a white background, the screen brightens up again. and for some reason i cant adjust the settings from the buttons on the monitor. i cant even hit the reset button.

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:33 am**

crazybus wrote:
And its 3000:1 contrast ratio is dynamic.

Proof? Link?

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:36 am**

ALIAS wrote:
i have a Samsung 226BW and while its a good monitor, i dont know if i would recommend it. mine seems to have a white spot towards the lower left corner in the middle. you cant see it when you look straight at the screen but from either side angle you can easily notice it. its been like this since the monitor was a week old. another gripe i have about the monitor is when you bring up a black background webpage, the screen noticably dims. then you change to a normal webpage with a white background, the screen brightens up again. and for some reason i cant adjust the settings from the buttons on the monitor. i cant even hit the reset button.

This is caused by your "dynamic Contrast" feature being enabled. What it does is adjust the power to the backlight depending on the dark / light colors displayed to give you a "simulated" better contrast. I believe it's called "MagiColor" on the menu -- just turn it off and you won't see this behavior.

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:41 am**

ALIAS wrote:
another gripe i have about the monitor is when you bring up a black background webpage, the screen noticably dims. then you change to a normal webpage with a white background, the screen brightens up again.

That'll be the dynamic contrast, presumably there is an option to turn it off?

Edit: Ah, not quick enough. I've also been looking in this area of the market, so I'ld like to hear what people say.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:09 am**

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions. I'd like to stick with the HDCP still. I know $300 isn't going to get me top of the line on a LCD, but I can't imagine myself spending more than that on my budget. I am going to use it strictly for gaming and web browsing. I'll consider the Viewsonic VX2240W and the LG L226WTY JdL mentioned, as they both seem to be nice.

I did notice this Samsung 2220WM for a few $ cheaper and even comes with speakers (which I know won't be the best quality, but right now I'm using headphones until I can save up for a 7.1 speaker system). From the specs provided it seems to be a decent one too when compared to the first two I linked. As far as the Dell 2208WFP goes, the USB ports aren't that important to me.

I'm using a Samsung SyncMaster 172x at the moment, so I think anything right now would be an upgrade. I've loved this monitor from the beginning and have no problems whatsoever with it so I would be pretty confident to go with Samsung again.

Can anyone tell me their thoughts about the Samsung 2220WM (I know JdL spoke a little about the model). I'm going to try and find some reviews on it.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:35 am**

JustAnEngineer wrote:
Edit: Here it is at OfficeMax:
http://slickdeals.net/?permadeal=11668# ... deal_11668

The newer stock Soyos (same model number, faster refresh listed on the box) appear to be TN panels, BTW... so that model's a crapshoot depending on how fast your local OfficeMax runs through stock of items.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:37 am**

JdL wrote:
crazybus wrote:
And its 3000:1 contrast ratio is dynamic.

Proof? Link?

OK, here goes. Besides the reference to DFC (LG-speak for dynamic contrast) on the product page, none of the major suppliers of LCD panels (any of which could be used in that monitor) produce a 22" panel with any higher than a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Look it up:
Chi Mei Optolectronics
LG Display (formerly known as LG.Philips)
AUO

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:20 am**

I think I've found the right monitor for me

Gateway HD2200... it has HDMI, HDCP and only $350. I also use my monitor for my XBOX 360, so the HDMI is a plus. I did read the color performance is only mediocre, but I can't expect "top of the line" for this low price.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:54 am**

Thread moved to Visual Haven (from General Hardware).

Kevin

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:09 am**

I have the Dell 2208 at work (great indirect incandescent lighting where I am), and I'm not impressed. I also purchased the Samsung 2243BWX for the house, which I love. I've fiddled with the Dell continuously, trying to get the brightness/contrast to a level that doesn't look "odd", but I can't. It doesn't look bad, really, ...just slightly off. The Samsung took about 10 minutes, and is beautiful (For a TN panel).

Do yourself a favor and turn off dynamic contrast on whatever monitor you get unless you're watching full screen DVDs

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:02 am**

crazybus wrote:
JdL wrote:
crazybus wrote:
And its 3000:1 contrast ratio is dynamic.

Proof? Link?

OK, here goes. Besides the reference to DFC (LG-speak for dynamic contrast) on the product page, none of the major suppliers of LCD panels (any of which could be used in that monitor) produce a 22" panel with any higher than a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Look it up:
Chi Mei Optolectronics
LG Display (formerly known as LG.Philips)
AUO

Nice try, but that "proof" won't hold up in the court of TR. I think you're facing the same problem I am: finding reviews and accurate specs of the model. Given that it is a brand-new model, I'm not discounting the possibility of it being a new panel with a true 3000:1 contrast ratio, and I would point to the viewing angle for further evidence.

But again, I think the point is there's no real proof yet. LG's have historically been excellent displays -- I own an LG HDTV, and it's incredible. So maybe I am a little biased.

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:09 pm**

JdL wrote:
crazybus wrote:
OK, here goes. Besides the reference to DFC (LG-speak for dynamic contrast) on the product page, none of the major suppliers of LCD panels (any of which could be used in that monitor) produce a 22" panel with any higher than a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Look it up:
Chi Mei Optolectronics
LG Display (formerly known as LG.Philips)
AUO

Nice try, but that "proof" won't hold up in the court of TR. I think you're facing the same problem I am: finding reviews and accurate specs of the model. Given that it is a brand-new model, I'm not discounting the possibility of it being a new panel with a true 3000:1 contrast ratio, and I would point to the viewing angle for further evidence.

But again, I think the point is there's no real proof yet. LG's have historically been excellent displays -- I own an LG HDTV, and it's incredible. So maybe I am a little biased.

I think the onus is on you to show me where Digital Fine Contrast is not indicative of a dynamic contrast ratio. Every PR or product page describes it as such. All of the evidence points towards this being a normal TN panel with RTC and dynamic contrast enabled firmware. TFT Central shows that it has either CMO, LG or AUO 22" TN panels. I don't get what you're saying about the viewing angles, since their typical of a TN panel as well.

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:27 pm**

I own the 206BW (its a 20" version but same model - I personally much prefer a 20" over a 22" because its more pixels/sq inch) and I can honestly say its the most beautiful and stylish monitor I have ever owned in my life. I don't really care what they say about TN panels, I don't notice any color/angle difference with this one unless im looking down at it from a 60 degree angle (whoever does that) ,and it has great response time. And the style is absolutely georgeous, glossy black with curved edges smooth back, silver indentation along the bottom, rotating stylish base, even the button is beautiful with a blue backlight that makes a half moon along the bottom, and the Samsung logo is stylish as well.

And the Dell? It has the same standard unnapealing appearance of all Dell monitors, and just the name "Dell" is a boring name very often associated with bad quality.

I don't really care if the Dell is barely better than the samsung, to me the choice is obvious. Ive recently had such good experience with samsung products ive become a samsung fan.

Posted: **Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:52 pm**

Kulith wrote:
I own the 206BW (its a 20" version but same model - I personally much prefer a 20" over a 22" because its more pixels/sq inch) and I can honestly say its the most beautiful and stylish monitor I have ever owned in my life. I don't really care what they say about TN panels, I don't notice any color/angle difference with this one unless im looking down at it from a 60 degree angle (whoever does that) ,and it has great response time. And the style is absolutely georgeous, glossy black with curved edges smooth back, silver indentation along the bottom, rotating stylish base, even the button is beautiful with a blue backlight that makes a half moon along the bottom, and the Samsung logo is stylish as well..

I have to agree with that, my mate has one and I absolutely love it only his is the 226bw. I would look into the 2253BW its the successor to the 226.
According to this
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=computersperipherals&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS22AQWJFV/XAA
It has a 8000:1 contrast ratio

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2008 7:21 pm**

I am reading all this messages andnow im confuse
from one hand soemone wrote that samsung with 226bw replace the panel all the time which is bad
others said that samasung are the best
one says that 2208 of dell is not really ultrashrp , bit TN regular monitor with good base .

i have checked the 2208 of dell , 2253bw of samsung , 2252tq of LG , maybe the asus 2220vu

what do you think , i really can use yor help .

thanks

moshe

TR Forums

Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22" *Update:Bought HD2200

Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22" *Update:Bought HD2200

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22"

Re: Which LCD? Samsung vs Dell 22" *Update:Bought HD2200