Samsung 226BW @ Overclockers Online

Vikingod · Mar 2, 2007, 01:08 AM

Source: Overclockers Online
__________
Samsung Canada makes another visit to Overclockers Online with their new 226BW LCD monitor. When I first heard DELL was going to release a 22" WS monitor for less than 300 dollars, I was thinking that this would be a great buy for end users looking for a wide screen monitor larger than 19". It wasn't much after that when my good friends at Samsung gave me a buzz saying they had a new monitor in need of some air time.

Tipstaff · Mar 2, 2007, 05:07 AM

I've sold a few of these. Have to admit, they are very nice. Initially, that is. The problem is that the panel IS NOT the same every time. Initially Samsung used their own panels, and they were damn good panels to boot. Very good, sharp, accurate colors, and very little back lit bleeding in static contrast mode, zero in Dynamic Contrast mode. Then, they switched to AUO. These "OK" panels are just not as good as the actual Samsung ones. Their color isn't as accurate, and there is definite, visible back lit bleeding.

To simplify this:

If you get one of these monitors check the back on the label. To the very far right of the model number will be a letter. S for a Samsung panel, A for an AUO panel. If you get one with an AUO panel, take it back.

This is something that is really starting to bug me, btw. Monitor manufacturers, such as Samsung, will put out initial monitors using very good panels. A couple months later they will outsource the panels to someone else, but 8 outta 10 times these will be poorer quality panels. This monitor being a case in point. Even guys like Dell will buy panels from one guy one month, and another the next time (usually flip flopping between Phillips or Samsung). Drives me insane.

BTW, you can read up on this on the HardOCP forum HERE.

~~DudeBoyz~~ · Mar 2, 2007, 05:28 AM

I kinda like the 204b that I have. I don't know if it has an AOC or S for Samsung. Guess I should check on that.

I do think the Samsung has rich color compared to my Viewsonic 2030b, but the anti-glare screen is more noticeable on the Samsung and seems to get in the way of viewing at angles other than straight on.

The Viewsonic has a much thinner anti-glare screen and seems to be more viewable when looking up into the LCD or down to the LCD. Even side to side I think the Viewsonic may have an edge.

But as crisp and such as the Viewsonic is in DVI-D mode, it's analog sucks in comparison to Samsung, and the colors are much paler, lacking the richness that the Samsung has.

Anyway, thanks for that tip about changing panel makers. I will try to check out that 204b to see what it says. I have it lent-out to someone right now as a replacement monitor, but when I get a chance, I'll give it a go.

Mar 2, 2007, 01:08 AM	#1
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Samsung 226BW @ Overclockers Online Source: Overclockers Online __________ Samsung Canada makes another visit to Overclockers Online with their new 226BW LCD monitor. When I first heard DELL was going to release a 22" WS monitor for less than 300 dollars, I was thinking that this would be a great buy for end users looking for a wide screen monitor larger than 19". It wasn't much after that when my good friends at Samsung gave me a buzz saying they had a new monitor in need of some air time.

Mar 2, 2007, 05:07 AM	#2
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	I've sold a few of these. Have to admit, they are very nice. Initially, that is. The problem is that the panel IS NOT the same every time. Initially Samsung used their own panels, and they were damn good panels to boot. Very good, sharp, accurate colors, and very little back lit bleeding in static contrast mode, zero in Dynamic Contrast mode. Then, they switched to AUO. These "OK" panels are just not as good as the actual Samsung ones. Their color isn't as accurate, and there is definite, visible back lit bleeding. To simplify this: If you get one of these monitors check the back on the label. To the very far right of the model number will be a letter. S for a Samsung panel, A for an AUO panel. If you get one with an AUO panel, take it back. This is something that is really starting to bug me, btw. Monitor manufacturers, such as Samsung, will put out initial monitors using very good panels. A couple months later they will outsource the panels to someone else, but 8 outta 10 times these will be poorer quality panels. This monitor being a case in point. Even guys like Dell will buy panels from one guy one month, and another the next time (usually flip flopping between Phillips or Samsung). Drives me insane. BTW, you can read up on this on the HardOCP forum HERE. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; Mar 2, 2007 at 05:26 AM.

Mar 2, 2007, 05:28 AM	#3
~~DudeBoyz~~ banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,677 Rep Power: 0	I kinda like the 204b that I have. I don't know if it has an AOC or S for Samsung. Guess I should check on that. I do think the Samsung has rich color compared to my Viewsonic 2030b, but the anti-glare screen is more noticeable on the Samsung and seems to get in the way of viewing at angles other than straight on. The Viewsonic has a much thinner anti-glare screen and seems to be more viewable when looking up into the LCD or down to the LCD. Even side to side I think the Viewsonic may have an edge. But as crisp and such as the Viewsonic is in DVI-D mode, it's analog sucks in comparison to Samsung, and the colors are much paler, lacking the richness that the Samsung has. Anyway, thanks for that tip about changing panel makers. I will try to check out that 204b to see what it says. I have it lent-out to someone right now as a replacement monitor, but when I get a chance, I'll give it a go.