Updated comparison - Samsung 226BW S, A & C panels

Behardware has compared two out of the three panels used, by the Samsung 226BW monitor. The much desired "S" panel, and the less appreciated "A" panel.

http://www.behardware.com/articles [...] rdict.html

Behardware was also kind enough to provide two profiles that will greatly improve colors from the default factory settings. There is a Windows XP version and Windows Vista version. You can download them from page 3 of the review.

Profiles and installation instructions.

Note: These profiles did not work for everyone who tried it. Page 4 contains instructions on manual calibration, but it will not be as good.

Here are a couple of interesting quotes from the article:

This suggests that Samsung may have outsourced their 22" LCD panel technology to AUO for their 226BW monitor. This is contrary to the belief that AUO produces their own 22" LCD panels for Samsung to use.

Basically what this means is that Samsung's version of "overdrive" to reduce response time is called RTA. This feature is buried in the OSD menu of the 226BW "A" panel. This further strengthens the case that AUO is manufacturing the "S" panel on their production line.

Thanks for posting that, it was an informative read. I just ordered the monitor from newegg. Hoping for an "S", but at least I'm a little more confident about improving the performace of the A or C if I get caught with one of those.

cdos has already posted a link to the review of the Samsung 226BW "C" panel, but I figure I'll update this thread as well.

http://www.behardware.com/articles [...] 6bw-c.html

Interestingly enough, this story does not appear to listed in Behardware's Monitor section which is probably why I missed it.


Anywaste, the "C" panel does certainly seem to be the runt out of the three different 226BW monitors. Behardware provided a link to a monitor profile that should help with the color calibration of the “C” panel. Unfortunately, the results are inconsistent based on user responses.

The “C” panel has a blue bias and color calibration seems to have very little effect on the LCD’s colors. This is unlike the “A” panel, which seems to be at least adjustable by the user to make it acceptable.

In addition, backlighting seems to be an issue. While the brightness homogeneity seems to have an acceptable 21% variance (the average LCD variance is 35%), it is concentrated in a very peculiar way. When displaying a black background, the Samsung 226W C seems to show a faint horizontal “H” on the screen. See the screenshot in the article.

In short the Samsung 226BW C is a monitor to avoid.

Here's a disturbing quote from the Behardware article:

It seems that it is time to simply give up on the Samsung 226BW and move on to a different LCD monitor if you are in the market for a 22" LCD.

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One such monitor could be the Samsung 226CW. I’ve only heard about this model recently since I’m not really in the market for a 22” LCD monitor (I’m looking at 24”+).

What’s the difference? The BW series use panels with a 72% color gamut (which is typical of most LCDs). The CW will use LCD panels that has a 92% color gamut. Such a high color gamut is usually reserved for graphics professional LCDs; perhaps the cost of such technology has dropped.

Based on some reports 92% color gamut may seem a little weird to some people because the colors will look different than on an LCD with 72% color gamut. Graphic professionals generally prefer wider color gamut because the colors are more precise. Again for the average person, the colors may seem weird.

No release date yet.

Samsung is cheting ppl sending the s to all the test sites and selling the a/c crap to most ppl
should be a law about staff like that , and this is what they have to say when i e-mail them
Dear asaf david

Thank you for contacting Samsung E-Mail Support.

There are no physical differences between the 226BW A, S, and C panels. They all have the same specifications.



Have a great day!

rrr

I got a C, and there was a large discoloration in the center of the screen. Great QC guys.

One would think that if they were going to outsource the manufacture of their panels, they would at least hire a chop shop that could produce them to demand. I called the manufacturer the day after I received it, and have been waiting over a month while they have 226BW monitors on backorder.

I think they have that response on their clipboard at this point. I got the exact same response.

Sorry to hear that.

If possible I would return it. If you bought it from an on-line store, then ask if you can exhange it for another monitor of equal or greater value. You'll have to pay the price difference and the return shipping though.

I really doubt that a class action lawsuit will work in this case. The reason is because no where is it advertised by Samsung that they only sell LCD monitors using only their own panels. Regardless if you get the A, C, or S panel, you are purchasing a monitor made by Samsung.

If you want to argue on the technicals, then Samsung can simply state that they are simply selling 22" LCD monitors that use 6-bit LCD panels. All of the panels meet that criteria. Due to the global consumer demand, it is unrealistic to expect that a manufacture can and will manufacture all the components that goes into their own products. Like car companies and many other consumer products, the manufacturer contracts out components to not only meet consumer demand, but also to reduce costs. A Toyota Camary is still a Toyota Camary whether the engine in manufactured in Japan, or somewhere in the US.

I'm not defending or attacking the way Samsung manufactures and markets their products. I am basically giving a point of view. The case against Creative has more solid footing since they advertised their 16-bit cards as 24-bit cards. Whereas Samsung is simply stating, "This is a 22" 6-bit LCD monitor."