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Product:
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Samsung SyncMaster 225BW TFT-LCD Monitor |
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Price:
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$480 (CAN) / $432 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Samsung Canada
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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October 23rd, 2006
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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As part of the feature set, the Samsung SyncMaster 204B TFT-LCD Monitor includes an On Screen Display that provides easy
access to the configuration options. The menu system is well designed, easy to navigate and covers all the basic settings
such as vertical and horizontal positioning, OSD (On Screen Display), image size, auto tuning as well as brightness and
contrast settings.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Natural Color application software is an easy to use management system that assists consumers in monitor image
alignment on screen or via print. Magic Tune v3.6 is essentially the software equivalent of the OSD Menu allowing you
to customize your monitor settings from your desktop. An easy to use wizard guides you through the menu options where
you can make the necessary adjustments for your own personal preference. Magic Tune incorporates the Magic Bright
function allowing you to adjust your monitor settings based on the type of environment and application used.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Testing:
The Samsung SyncMaster 225BW TFT-LCD Monitor was run through a series of applications at different resolutions ranging
from 2D and 3D programs, DVD's, and games. Overall performance was good when connected to an Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV
128MB Video Card and a pair of Gigabyte GV-NX66T256DE 6600GT's in SLI mode. I had good results with the 225BW using
every day applications for web development, web surfing, e-mail and word processing. Overall picture clarity known in
most of the SyncMaster product line is good but varies at different viewing angles. I did note that the 225BW does
suffer from what many have reported as black light bleeding. During dark coloured scenes in wide screen mode there is
consistent white backlight that shines through the top and bottom of the monitor. In full screen mode this issue is not
as noticeable but definitely annoying in wide screen mode with the lights turned off.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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DVD playback using Intervideo WinDVD 7 was exceptionally smooth while watching a few scenes from the Star Trek 8 - First
Contact. The display on the 225BW using a full screen custom configuration setting in Magic Bright menu was excellent
with crystal clear image quality and vibrant colours. Video game playback was good with no dead pixel issues and some
slight ghosting noticed when playing a few rounds of Quake 4 at a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1050. The 5ms response
time of the 225BW is decent even though the unit has a much lower contrast ratio of 700:1. All contrast and sharpness
options can be adjusted in the Magic Tune v3.6 software but there are other Samsung models have a much sharper image
than the 225BW.
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Conclusion:
Samsung Electronics continues to provide a wide selection of affordable TFT-LCD monitors suitable for
all types of different computing environments. The 225BW is certainly not the largest monitor in Samsung's
product line with the latest announcement of the new 30" SyncMaster 305T. As a complete package, the 225BW
can be considered an affordable mid-range monitor that provides decent image display and good picture
quality thanks to the inclusion of the bundled applications Natural Color and Magic Bright. Consumers will
appreciate the all black design and easy to navigate On Screen Display menu options as well as built-in dual
monitor support for standard VGA and DVI. While VGA and DVI should be suitable for most consumers, there is
no support for Composite or S-Video. The 225BW offers a basic level of ergonomic support with height and tilting
options but it would have been nice to have some additional pivot features for portrait and landscape modes.
During my evaluation period, I didn't notice too many negative aspects for the SyncMaster 225BW TFT-LCD Monitor but there
are some points worth mentioning. By far the biggest issue is the black light bleeding problem during dark scenes
in wide screen mode which can become annoying while enjoying a good movie or game play. As previously mentioned in gaming modes
I did notice some slight ghosting issues but the fast 5ms response time should please most hard core gamers.
Finally, to round out this package it would have been nice is Samsung included the optional VESA wall mounting bracket
as well as incorporated some type of cable management for the rear cables. Aside from a few minor issues, I'm rating
the SyncMaster 225BW LCD-TFT Monitor a final rating of 8 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Samsung Canada
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Good picture quality
- Three year warranty support
- Easy to navigate on screen display menu
- Dual monitor support
- Adjustable stand
- Bundled application software Natural Color and Magic Tune
- Low response time of 5ms
- Low profile
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Cons:
- No pivot features
- Black light bleeding issue
- No cable management options
- VESA Wall Mounting Kit must be purchased separately
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Error processing SSI file
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Error processing SSI file
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