REVIEW: Samsung 226BW Part 12

The maximum brightness of the Samsung 226BW within factory settings is 259 cd/m², which is significantly lower than the 300 cd/m² advertised. However, the 22-inch is still bright enough in all cases. When the monitor has been calibrated and the contrast reduced from 75 to 50, there is much less scope to increase the brightness. Since a setting of 89 is about equivalent to a brightness of 140 cd/m², the maximum brightness is still only 159 cd/m². Those who want a brighter picture will have to force the contrast up higher or choose a different image mode.

Brightness distribution in LCD monitors is always a bone of contention, which can even vary from monitor to monitor within the same LCD series. In this category, our test machine achieved a very even result.

Brightness distribution in darkened surroundings at brightness 140 cd/m² (contrast 50, brightness 89).

However, we did come across some discrepancies within the left side of the picture. Here, brightness is up to 31 cd/m² less than in the central point. This is visible in normal use when you look closely and the desktop background is one colour.

Because no ghosting, stripes or bright margins are visible when the brightness distribution is examined and because the monitor is therefore suitable for use in games, office work and DVD playback in this regard, the Samsung 226BW scrapes a rating of good. However, discrepancies in colour distribution could be irritating for users doing graphics work.

The brightness in the left margin is significantly lower than in the rest of the image. The difference can only been seen with the naked eye if you look closely and if the desktop background is a plain, mono-coloured background.

Overall, the Samsung 226BW offers a pleasing image quality that is very good for a TN panel. Only the viewing angle is below the level that modern TN panels can achieve today.

Users should make use of image improvement technology such as MagicColor and Optimal Contrast with care. Although a subjectively colourful image with more striking tones is created, colour gradients and levels tend to deteriorate. With Optimal Contrast, the automatic backlight regulation is rather irritating. If you like colourful, contrast-rich images, you should use the MagicColor function.

The possibility to change from one setting to another at the touch of a button is particularly practical and user-friendly. This allows you to be able to enjoy each mode after a moment’s application.

Applications

The image height on the Samsung 226BW is exactly sufficient to display a DIN A4 page in its original size. However, because most programs have toolbars at the top and the task list at the bottom, a DIN A4 page does not usually fit 1:1 into the actual workspace. However, when reduced a little in size, two pages can be placed comfortably beside each other with sufficient space for the gadgets popular in Windows Vista.

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