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Samsung SyncMaster T220
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: LS22TWHSUV/ZA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Samsung T220 might be the most stylish LCD monitor we've seen, but average feature set and performance diminish its overall appeal. Despite its flashy looks, it's best used as a simple, productivity display.
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CNET editors' review
Samsung SyncMaster T220 price range: $145.00 - $277.75
- Reviewed by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 05/12/2008
- Released on: 05/09/2008
The good: Smashing good looks; matte finish means less glare than with glossy screens.
The bad: A tad on the pricey side; merely average performance and feature set; wobbly stand.
The bottom line: The Samsung T220 might be the most stylish LCD monitor we've seen, but average feature set and performance diminish its overall appeal. Despite its flashy looks, it's best used as a simple, productivity display.
Is it possible to base an LCD purchase strictly on the display's bezel? If so, Samsung has an LCD to sell you. The Samsung SyncMaster T220 features the company's new Touch of Color bezel, which presents a most attractive visage. The black frame features slightly curved edges along the top and bottom, and a pleasing translucent strip of deep red runs along the bottom edge. The bezel is covered with a smooth, clear plastic coating, which extends past the display's black frame to create a narrow border around all four sides. Its design looks like that of an HDTV destined for the living room than a computer display, which makes it even more surprising to find only the most basic features onboard. The $299 Dell SP2208WFP costs less and provides an HDMI jack, USB ports, and a Webcam--all of which are absent on the T220. The SP2208WFP proved itself to be a better performer, too, though we found the Samsung T220 provides a more than adequate image overall. Samsung quotes a street price of $359 for the display, though it can be found for closer to $300 at the time of this writing. The Dell SP2208WFP remains our pick among 22-inch LCDs, but the Samsung T220 makes a strong case for those who want a great-looking monitor and can do with a thoroughly average feature set.
Design
The Samsung T220 has a similar shape to the Samsung 2232GW we looked at last month. The new Touch of Color bezel adds a clear plastic coating over the black bezel and subtle red highlights, which is most visible along the bottom edge and under the power button, in particular. The result is a striking look and one we prefer to the plain, glossy black design of the 2232GW or the Dell SP2208WFP's silver bezel.
Unfortunately, the T220 uses the same oval base as the 2232GW, which is prone to wobble and even more so in this case since the T220 sits up a bit higher than the 2232GW. If you bump your desk, the screen is sure to shake. The only physical adjustment the T220 affords is about 30 degrees of backward tilt.
Samsung hides all of the menu buttons along the right edge of the display; the only control on the front panel is a touch-sensitive power button (really, it's just an icon). The onscreen display is straightforward and easy to navigate. You can also adjust the brightness, switch between analog and digital inputs, and select among seven image presets--Custom, Text, Internet, Game, Sport, Movie, and Dynamic Contrast--without entering the OSD.
Manufacturer's specs:
Resolution: 1,680x1,050
Pixel-response rate: 2ms
Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
Connectivity: DVI, VGA
HDCP compliant? Yes
Included video cables? DVI, VGA
Features
Underneath its shiny exterior, the Samsung T220 has a sparse feature set. You get the basic pair of VGA and DVI ports; no HDMI here. Also missing are USB ports and a Webcam. If those features are important to you, we'd direct you to the Dell SP2208WFP.
The T220 does include HDCP support for displaying high-definition copyright-protected content. As with any 22-inch display, the native resolution of 1,680x1,050 means you won't be able to display 1080p video without scaling.
Like the Dell SP2208WFP and the Samsung 2232GW, the T220 boasts a fast 2ms (gray-to-gray) pixel response time. Movies and games showed no signs of ghosting, though it lacks the glossy screen coating found on those other two displays. Finer details in DVDs appeared soft and not as sharp as we would have liked, but the argument for a matte finish is reduced glare and reflection from overhead lights and windows. The choice between a matte and a glossy screen finish is largely personal preference, though we'd say a matte finish is best if you are buying an LCD for office use. If it'll be used more for entertainment purposes rather than productivity, a glossy screen might suit you better.
Performance
Like its feature set, the Samsung T220's performance was merely average. It posted a composite score of 83 on our DisplayMate-based suite of tests, which is a good score in and of itself but trails the scores the Dell SP2208WFP and the Samsung 2232GW achieved. It did well on the sharpness, grayscale, and screen uniformity tests, but it struggled with color accuracy. We saw compression on the color scales and intensity color ramp tests. Color tracking errors were evident, with some red visible on the grayscale. Also, its reproduction of color near peak white was very lackluster.
Samsung trumpets a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (Dynamic meaning the backlight is manipulated to improve black levels in dark sceens). The static contrast ratio is rated as a pedestrian 1,000:1. On CNET Labs contrast ratio benchmark, we got an acceptable 894:1 ratio, though Dell's leading SP2208WFP was better in this regard. Its brightness score was right in the middle of the pack of 22-inch LCDs we've seen recently, and we found that its maximum brightness was more than sufficient in a bright office on a sunny day.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
In anecdotal tests, we found the picture to be quite good, with accurate skins tones and vibrant colors. The Royal Tenenbaums on DVD exhibited no color problems, showing accurate colors from Royal's ruddy complexion to Richie's tennis whites to Pagota's pink slacks. Finer details were a bit blurry, and edges weren't as sharp as we would have liked. A glossy screen finish would have likely helped smooth the rough edges, though we had no such sharpness issues when playing F.E.A.R.
Service and support
Samsung backs the T220 with a three-year parts-and-labor warranty, which includes the backlight. Also included is 24-7 toll-free support for the display. The drivers, quick guide, and user manual were very easy to find on Samsung's Web site.
Find out more about how we test LCD monitors.
User reviews
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UNDERRATED BY CNET DO NOT BELIEVE THEM
by rooneylegend88 on August 9, 2008
Pros: Gorgeous monitor/ screen, excellent for gaming, professional photoshop, etc.. Accurate colors! no dead pixels, wonderful monitor buttons
Cons: no vesa mount capability(i dontmind us neither i nor anyone i know uses a vesa mount), found out that the dvi port does not support HDCP.
Summary: do not listen to cnet reviews. the video is so biased. i have a little desk on wheels and a huge cpu that i always bump with my knees under ...
Summary: do not listen to cnet reviews. the video is so biased. i have a little desk on wheels and a huge cpu that i always bump with my knees under the table as well, and i have still yet to see my monitor wobble. there was a recent earthquake in LA county in California and my monitor barely shook. LIEs i tell you. i was mad ecause i almost didnt by this monitor because of such lies. also, the colors are very accurate in DVI. VGA is worthless unless i need to watch hd movies which i simply just switch inputs to do so. gaming is cool but at such a high reolution you'll need a video card to handle high settings on high end graphic games. overall picture quality is the best i've ever seen on dvi but is average with the vga input. dvi is the way to go. also the screen doesnt support 1080i or 720p but believe me , watching hd on this baby is practically worth charging an admission ticket. dust cloth is handy, the glass perimiter is stunning, color is VERYYY accurate unlike cnet review says. but im guessing they tested it on VGA. but you won't get much using a VGA output for a 300 dollar monitor. if you do some research VGA is old school. get with the program and stop hating. id like to sa that i almost didnt buy this product cus of the reviews by i did and those complaints are rubbish
12 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Agreed: CNET you've gone too far this time.`
by tfcolligan on August 19, 2008
Pros: Absolutely superb graphics, excellent for video / photo work, fine reading, name it.
Cons: Stand issues. Needs more flexibility / maneuverability.
Summary: The answer to expensive Hi-Def is right here, folks. If you like to watch video on your monitor, prepare to be dazzled. Add the HDMI cable and it's "hog ...
Summary: The answer to expensive Hi-Def is right here, folks. If you like to watch video on your monitor, prepare to be dazzled. Add the HDMI cable and it's "hog heaven". I have an LG in one room, and now this one for my secondary workstation. Both manufacturers are amazing performers. I can't tell which I like better. Price dictated my selection this time around, though. This little Samsung is outstanding. I do a lot of writing and as a hobby work with photos and video. I could not be happier in a 22". Add Samsung's Warranty and you've got yourself perhaps the very best value and quality out there. No exaggeration. Go to the store and see for yourself.
I grow a little bit annoyed at some of the CNET technical reviews. I am detecting a hint of bias. But there is value to be had in that bias, folks. CNET trashes something and the prices drop. Winner: consumers! Yippeee! Seriously, though, CNET you were a bit harsh on this one. Love you guys though.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome monitor!!! Love the 20000:1 ratio!
by H-MAN_TECH on January 12, 2009
Pros: Awesome design and amazing performance. The power button is sweet!!! 20000:1 contrast ratio, (not 1000:1, as specified by cnet) has a nice dynamic contrast feature.
Cons: Cannot be mounted on the wall. That's about it.
Summary: I don't know if CNET reviewed the right model. My monitor clearly has SyncMaster T220 and 20000:1 contrast ration printed on the bezel, yet CNET says its 1,...
Summary: I don't know if CNET reviewed the right model. My monitor clearly has SyncMaster T220 and 20000:1 contrast ration printed on the bezel, yet CNET says its 1,000:1 this is a huge discrepancy. Bottom line, price isn't bad and if you like deep vibrant colors you will definitely love this display. It's great for movies, gaming and just web surfing. The design will bring touch of color & elegance to your desk as well.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Backlight bleeding problem
by MDew1 on November 6, 2008
Pros: Picture quality is great, looks amazing at full resolution.
Cons: Horrible distracting backlight bleeding in 2 different models I tested. White glow emanates from all of the edges, particularly noticeable against dark backgrounds or games and full-screen videos.
Summary: Bought this monitor after reading good reviews, and took it home to discover the light leaking in from top & bottom edges. Eventually I couldn't stand it any longer ...
Summary: Bought this monitor after reading good reviews, and took it home to discover the light leaking in from top & bottom edges. Eventually I couldn't stand it any longer and returned it to the store. I got another one and quickly noticed it had the same problem but worse: the light was coming in from all sides. Now I'm waiting for Samsung to do an exchange but am not very hopeful that it's going to make any difference. Surprised to see nobody else with the same problem - am I just too picky or really unlucky to get the only defective ones in the line?
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Dead On Arrival
by regal5303 on December 25, 2008
Pros: I don't know of any as of yet. But I hope to get a replacement and find out.
Cons: The monitor would not turn on. I believe the porblem may have been with the touch sensitive power switch. This worries me how long a new one will last when I get this D.O.A monitor replaced.
Summary: I worry about the touch sensitive power switch's longevity! Mine didn't work right out of the box.
Summary: I worry about the touch sensitive power switch's longevity! Mine didn't work right out of the box.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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KUDOS SAMSUNG!!! YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN.
by NOBLEBOBOY on November 5, 2008
Pros: NEVER GETS HOT, VERY GOOD COLOR AND BRIGHTNESS, IDEAL FOR GAMING AND VIDEOS, NO DEAD PIXELS, EXCELLENT LOOKS, FAST RESPONSE, AND EASY TO USE!
Cons: HOW I WISH FOR HDMI INPUT FOR MORE COMPLETE INTERCONNECTION WITH OTHER GADGETS.
Summary: I BOUGHT THIS MONITOR AT A MUCH CHEAPER PRICE HERE IN MY COUNTRY-- MANILA,PHILIPPINES. EVALUATED SEVERAL BRANDS BUT FOUND THIS ABOVE THE REST. WHEN IT COMES TO PRICE, PERFORMANCE ...
Summary: I BOUGHT THIS MONITOR AT A MUCH CHEAPER PRICE HERE IN MY COUNTRY-- MANILA,PHILIPPINES. EVALUATED SEVERAL BRANDS BUT FOUND THIS ABOVE THE REST. WHEN IT COMES TO PRICE, PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY NOTHING WILL BEAT THIS MONSTER AS SAMSUNG DEMONSTRATED FOR YEARS NOW WITH ITS PRODUCTS.
I FOUND OUT THAT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON WHO DID A REVIEW ON SAME MODEL AT BEST BUY. YOU ARE CORRECT WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE. MY OBSERVATION WITH FLAT PANEL BASED TV/COMPUTER MONITORS IS THAT TRUE EVALUATION BY A CUSTOMER CAN BE EFFECTIVELY DONE BETTER AT THE PLACE HE/SHE WILL BE USING THEM. BY THE WAY I AM FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND EVERYTHING I MENTIONED HERE REFERS TO MY EXPERIENCE IN MY COUNTRY.
I RESPECT CNET'S REVIEWS BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS IT IS US THE CONSUMERS WHO WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY. AND THAT IS ---- SAMSUNG, OOPS YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Updated on Nov 7, 2008
Updated on Nov 7, 2008I FOUND OUT THAT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON WHO DID A REVIEW ON SAME MODEL AT BEST BUY. YOU ARE CORRECT WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE. MY OBSERVATION WITH FLAT PANEL BASED TV/COMPUTER MONITORS IS THAT TRUE EVALUATION BY A CUSTOMER CAN BE EFFECTIVELY DONE BETTER AT THE PLACE HE/SHE WILL BE USING THEM. BY THE WAY I AM FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND EVERYTHING I MENTIONED HERE REFERS TO MY EXPERIENCE IN MY COUNTRY.
Updated on Nov 7, 2008I FOUND OUT THAT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON WHO DID A REVIEW ON SAME MODEL AT BEST BUY. YOU ARE CORRECT WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE. MY OBSERVATION WITH FLAT PANEL BASED TV/COMPUTER MONITORS IS THAT TRUE EVALUATION BY A CUSTOMER CAN BE EFFECTIVELY DONE BETTER AT THE PLACE HE/SHE WILL BE USING THEM. BY THE WAY I AM FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND EVERYTHING I MENTIONED HERE REFERS TO MY EXPERIENCE IN MY COUNTRY.
Updated on Nov 7, 2008I FOUND OUT THAT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON WHO DID A REVIEW ON SAME MODEL AT BEST BUY. YOU ARE CORRECT WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE. MY OBSERVATION WITH FLAT PANEL BASED TV/COMPUTER MONITORS IS THAT TRUE EVALUATION BY A CUSTOMER CAN BE EFFECTIVELY DONE BETTER AT THE PLACE HE/SHE WILL BE USING THEM. BY THE WAY I AM FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND EVERYTHING I MENTIONED HERE REFERS TO MY EXPERIENCE IN MY COUNTRY.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Samsung T220 is one of the best Monitors around!
by Spyromon on June 30, 2009
Pros: Excelent colours, quality design, low power usage (compared to other top monitors)
Cons: This monitor is excelent only with DVI, but it's stupid to use the VGA on a toop monitor like this. A bit pricey but it's worth it (you can find it very cheap if you buy it on-line).
Summary: CNET is soooo wrong about this monitor.
It's probably one of the best monitors around (for year 2008-2009)!
Also bought T220HD (also to use it as tv and as ...Summary: CNET is soooo wrong about this monitor.
It's probably one of the best monitors around (for year 2008-2009)!
Also bought T220HD (also to use it as tv and as a second display). Both are excelent.
As an owner of this monitor i am fully satisfied. Go to a shop and see it for yourselves if you don't believe me. CNET i am very dissapointed with your reviews. This monitor is worth 5 stars. -
Best display I've ever had!
by vestige on June 9, 2009
Pros: ...and I've had quite a few. Color, sharpness, construction quality?it's all there, IMHO. And as far as its being "pricey", well, you can find these on sale at PC shops for substantially less than the list price.
Cons: The artsy-craftsy touch-responding on/off switch takes a bit of getting used to. But I have to admit, it has geek appeal.
Summary: I usually appreciate and trust CNET's reviews, but I can't believe how nit-picky they got this time. As a technical writer and software developer, I'm just as ...
Summary: I usually appreciate and trust CNET's reviews, but I can't believe how nit-picky they got this time. As a technical writer and software developer, I'm just as pleased as I can be with this display. Be sure to check it out for yourself, rather than taking any reviewer's word for it.
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awesome monitor
by flyerdog on May 30, 2009
Pros: been using for a while now .. absolutely beautiful ... more than i expected ..
Cons: nota none nota
Summary: cnet has a tendency to either overhype .. or for what ever reason not see what the majority see ... i take cnets opinion with a grain of salt on basically anything ...
Summary: cnet has a tendency to either overhype .. or for what ever reason not see what the majority see ... i take cnets opinion with a grain of salt on basically anything they review ...........
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great pc monitor/ tv for the price
by G.D.H. on March 31, 2009
Pros: 1080 p resolution, dual HDMI ports, design, vga, dvi, audio ports
Cons: the screen is not calibrated to look the best out of the box (kinda dark) but is easily corrected by going through the options menu yourself
Summary: this works as a great computer monitor and tv, it has a quick enough response time for most of my gaming uses and looks great with digital HD tv channels. ...
Summary: this works as a great computer monitor and tv, it has a quick enough response time for most of my gaming uses and looks great with digital HD tv channels. I've had this tv for about 5 months now and it has been great!.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: LS22TWHSUV/ZA
- Description: Marketing description is not available.
General
- Display Type LCD display / TFT active matrix
- Width 20.5 in
- Depth 8.5 in
- Height 17.4 in
- Weight 12.8 lbs
- Enclosure Color Black rose
Image
- Image Color Temperature Adjustable
- Display (projector) image aspect ratio 16:10
- Image brightness 300 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio 1000:1 / 20000:1 (dynamic)
- Max horizontal view angle 170
- Max vertical view angle 160
Display
- Diagonal Size 22 in - Widescreen
- Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.282 mm
- Max Resolution 1680 x 1050 / 60 Hz
- Color Support 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Max Sync Rate (V x H) 75 Hz x 81 KHz
- Video Bandwidth 146 MHz
- Response Time 2 ms
- Controls / Adjustments Contrast, Sharpness, Brightness, H/V position, Color balance, Gamma correction, Color temperature
- Display Positions Adjustments Tilt
- OSD Languages French, German, English, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Portuguese
- Video Output None
- Signal Input DVI-I, VGA
- Features HDCP, MagicSpeed, MagicBright 3, Sync on Green, OSD-Digital Display Director
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Contrast Ratio 894:1
- Maximum Brightness 265.22 cd/m2
Video Input
- Analog Video Signal RGB
- Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Input Device
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x VGA cable
- Features Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Compliant Standards RoHS, DDC-2B
Power
- Power device form factor Internal
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Operational power consumption 45 Watt
- Operational power consumption (standby) 1 Watt
Software / System Requirements
- Software type Natural Color Pro, Drivers & Utilities
Environmental Parameters
- Min operating temperature 50 °F
- Max operating temperature 104 °F
- Operating humidity range 10 - 80%
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 3 years
Sustainability
- EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Silver
Manufacturer info
- Samsung
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.samsungusa.com/
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
