Samsung Monitor Suggestions??

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/11/2008, 9:14 AM

Hi,
After reading tons of reviews, it seems that Samsungs are pretty hard to beat. If you use a Samsung monitor for video editing what would you suggest and what to stay away from? I want to setup a two monitor system one for editing with the other for viewing. I need both monitors to be capable (switchable) of viewing 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios correctly.
I am currently looking at the following monitor, but I've heard that TN monitors are a no no. Is this true? Other than that I like the specs; 2ms, digital/analog interface, etc.. Please give me your professional opinion. Camcorders that I use are the Sony DCR-VX2100 and the Sony HDR-HC7 Thanks, Ray
P.S. I know about the "S" and "A" series issues on this particular monitor. S is preferable.

Samsung 226BW
Panel Type: a-si TFT/TN
Viewable Size: 22.0" Wide
Pixel Pitch: 0.282mm
Brightness (typical): 300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio (typical): 3000:1 DC
Response Time (typical): 2 ms (G to G)
Viewing Angles (H/V): 160/160
Native Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Aspect Ratio: 16:10
Maximum Color: 16.7M
Interface: Analog/Digital
Input Video Signal: Analog RGB, TMDS Digital Link, DVI
Sync Type: Separate H/V, Composite, SOG
Input connetcors: 15-pin D-sub, DVI-D
Plug and Play: DDC 2B
Power Consumption: 55 Watt (max.), <2 watt (DMPS mode
Stand Type: Simple
Cabinet Color: Piano black
VESA Wall Mount: 100 mm
Magic Technologies: MagicTune with asset management, MagicSpeed, Magic Contrast, MagicBright 3
Special Features: DVI (HDCP), Swivel and tilt
Dimensions (W x H x D): 20.3" x 16.6" x 8.6"

Comments

Jay Gladwell wrote on 4/11/2008, 11:06 AM

As an owner of a Samsung 245BW, I would caution you.

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/11/2008, 12:53 PM

Well, could you tell me the problem? Thanks, Ray

JFJ wrote on 4/11/2008, 2:00 PM

If you're set on the lower-priced Samsungs then maybe look at the 226CW (gaurenteed "S" series essentially). I have one on a system and it's ok (nothing to write home about though, you should definitely be facing the system straight on if using one during editing when using most of these flat screens).

IMO, nothing beats a nice big CRT still (and if you can, an added TV monitor for testing). I know, it's nice to do away with the bulk though. Most of these flat screens are so-so in comparison (just my opinion) - but it's still doable.
I'd also suggest avoiding using/installing the magictune (magic anything) with any of these models.

I think it's akin to your choice in audio monitoring, you want to get to know and learn how your monitor translates to playback with other devices (no matter what monitors you're using).

Jay Gladwell wrote on 4/11/2008, 2:40 PM

First of all, it's not for editing video, i.e., doing color correction. More importantly, it has such a narrow field of view it's very disappointing. You have to dead center at least three or more feet away so as to get an even tone across the entire monitor screen. If you're too close, the top or bottom of the screen is too dark or too light (depending if you're above or below center).

I can live with it (I don't use it for video), but i f I had it to do over, I would not buy a Samsung.

John_Cline wrote on 4/11/2008, 4:27 PM

I've been very satisfied with my Dell 2408WFP 24" monitors. They look great and have a zillion inputs: VGA (Analog), DVI-D (Digital) with HDCP, S-Video, Composite, Component and HDMI. They are 1920x1200 and have a 178º (horizontal)/178º (vertical) viewing angle. Kinda spendy, but you get what you pay for...

pmooney wrote on 4/11/2008, 4:49 PM

I've got a dual monitor setup from Dell, too. On one editing system, I have the 27" as a primary and the 20" as the secondary. The other system has the 24" primary and the 20" secondary.

Both systems work well. If you can get a big widescreen, you'll never go back. I also prefer monitors with a native 1920x1200 versus the 1080. I feel like you're getting cheated losing those vertical pixels!

Harold Brown wrote on 4/11/2008, 6:50 PM

I have dual Gateway FHD2400 24 inch monitors. Very nice and no dead pixels. The only way to go is dual 24s.

John_Cline wrote on 4/11/2008, 8:22 PM

I forgot to mention that the Westinghouse line of monitors have been getting high ratings and their prices are very reasonable. I've worked on a few of them and they seem to be very well constructed and look great. Sam's Club Warehouse has the L2410NM 1920x1200 24" for $299 and the L2610NW 26" for $399. Certainly something to consider.

NickHope wrote on 4/11/2008, 11:12 PM

Very happy with my Dell 2407WFPHC. Someone told me it uses a Samsung panel. I don't know if that's true. It works great with Vegas as a secondary display and displays HDV and DV automatically exactly as you would want it to.

For smaller LCD monitors Benq have served me much better than Philips.

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/12/2008, 7:07 AM

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the replies! Well, here is my latest find; A Samsung 2253BW 22" monitor which I'm told replaces the 226BW. What I like about this monitor is the ability of using it as DVI or Analog RGB. Correct me if I'm wrong, if I was to have two of these one setup as a main monitor with the other setup as analog would'nt the analog monitor be close to what you would see on a TV? If so, I could use the analog setup for color correction during editing. One of the things I like about this monitor is that it is switchable for differant aspect ratios.
Another scenario which may be much better is to use this monitor as a monitor and use a LCD TV such as the Samsung Series 4 450 for viewing/editing purposes. This LCD TV is also 22". The link for this LCD TV is also found below. I couldn't figure out how to attach PDF files for the above, but the Samsung site has them.
I know I probably sound a little ignorant on this, but I want to know which would give me the best setup for video editing. This is why I'm turning to you folks that are experienced for your help. I appreciate all of your input and help.Thanks, Ray

Jay Gladwell wrote on 4/12/2008, 7:33 AM

You're gonna be sorry.

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/12/2008, 11:05 AM

Seems your the only one thinking this way...

JFJ wrote on 4/12/2008, 11:20 AM

>>I know I probably sound a little ignorant on this, but I want to know which would give me the best setup for video editing. This is why I'm turning to you folks that are experienced for your help. I appreciate all of your input and help.Thanks, Ray <<<

The 245BW has it's own little issues (like the hunt for the S series), plus most people who say they can't calibrate them usually have installed some of that "magictune" crapola or whatever.
They aren't "awful" really (at least in regard to some overblown reviews from customers who probably don't know jack sh*t)..they aren't really the greatest either.

J. Gladell is correct in hinting it's not the bees knees in monitoring, (although I don't mind the 226cw we have here which is quite similar) and steering you towards some higher priced models that might better suit the needs.

But, personally I'm not impressed with ANY of these flatpanels yet...in any price range. Right now imo, I'd say at first (and at least) incorporate a quality CRT (your choice in size) for a 2ndary monitor (or use a working existing CRT you have), and add a flat panel of choice/budget if you really want for your pri mon. You then have different references to work with. Put up with the CRT bulk but they're still the better monitoring option compared to the flatpanel sh*t that's out there.
*If you're editing on a laptop? Yikes (possibly the worst flat panel offenders out there). BTW: if you ever find out you've hired an editor who chooses working on a laptop, RUN - do not walk away from them.

musicvid10 wrote on 4/12/2008, 8:13 PM

Hopefully, a voice of moderation here.
I would not suggest something so drastic as going back to a CRT. I've owned the best, and even average flat panels are better for several reasons which I will not elaborate here.
That being said, as a Samsung oem owner, I have to say it will be my least considered choice next time around for the very reasons Jay mentioned and a few subjective ones of my own.
In other words, he is not "the only one thinking this way . . . "

Jay Gladwell wrote on 4/13/2008, 7:48 AM

Sorry, Ray, the only glowing endorsement of Samsung I read above was yours.

You asked those who owned Samsung monitors to chime in and to suggest to you "what to stay away from". I've strongly suggested you stay away from Samsung monitors, especially for video editing. If I didn't say what you wanted to hear, I'm sorry.

Perhaps your expectations and demands are not as high as I mine. If a monitor cannot give me a uniform image from top to bottom, side to side, corner to corner, that is unacceptable for the level of work I do. At this point, there is little I can do about it (unless you'd like to buy it--it's about three months old). Currently, it's on my Internet computer, not my editing computer.

After all, it's your money and your life, right? In any case, I wish you only the best regardless of what monitor you purchase, and I mean that sincerely.

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/13/2008, 8:59 AM

Hi Jay,
First of all I haven't heard of any other suggestions from you. I have read many glowing statements about Samsung in many, many forums. Secondly, I haven't read any 100% positive anything on any TN monitor. Monitors in my price range $500.00. As far as I can see all of them have light bleeding, color, contrast, etc. issues. I have never owned a LCD anything, but "I do" realize that a TV monitor would be best for video editing/viewing (as a second monitor) due to it being truer in color. All I can do is weed out the bad from the good. I'm not hell bent on Samsung; it's just that they have had the most positive feedback since I've been researching.
I did not join this forum to hear what I want to hear. I joined to get good suggestions from "on hand experienced" user's. As for expectations; I am simply looking for a two screen setup for video editing that won’t break the bank. I’m not looking to spend thousands on a couple monitors. I’m not a pro and I do not do this for a business.
So, what's your monitor suggestion for a uniform image from top to bottom, side to side, corner to corner that is unacceptable. "Obviously you know what price range I'm in." No hard feelings and wish you the best. Thanks, Ray

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/13/2008, 9:04 AM

Hi,
I would like to thank you guys for your input/suggestions. I'm still researching. Thanks again, Ray

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/13/2008, 12:37 PM

Hi,
Hey Vegas users, just looked at a computer build of John Rofrano. He has quite a workstation. Check it out from the link below. BTW he uses 2 SAMSUNG Syncmaster 215TW Monitors. Hmmm.......

www.johnrofrano.com/pcequipment.htm

John_Cline wrote on 4/13/2008, 1:21 PM

It seems that your mind was already made up before you started this thread. Now, you're looking for some approval for your decision. Well, let me help you out.... They're not the best, nor are they the worst, pull the trigger and buy them.

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/13/2008, 2:18 PM

Just showing you what you run into. Some approve, some don't, but then it's like that with everything on the market. Like I said, I'm still researching......

Tinle wrote on 4/13/2008, 5:29 PM

Ray & Paula,

From a recent thread, I like Coursedesign's suggestion to avoid the 22" monitors, in favor of the resolution bump up which comes with the 24" monitors.

"Subject: RE: New PC Build - Where to Spend The $$$
Reply by: Coursedesign
Date: 4/13/2008 3:51:05 PM

Why get a low resolution 22" monitor when you can get one or two 1920x1080 24" Westinghouse L2410NM for $350.00 each at Newegg?

I've retired my 22" LCDs to my admin computers.

When you work with creative stuff, there is no such thing as too much resolution."

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I own a Samsung 226BW. It works well enough at a good price, but I don't use it for previewing. It does change with the angle of viewing as others have stated. I don't move around enough for it to be a problem to me. With the easy availability of the 24" higher res. monitors, I'd suggest a hard look in that direction.

Ray & Paula wrote on 4/13/2008, 6:35 PM

Hi,
I'm starting to lean towards the 24" . 1920x1080 resolution would be a nice jump from 1680x1050. Make good sense. I'll check out the Westinghouse L2410NM. Thanks for the help, Ray

Coursedesign wrote on 4/13/2008, 7:35 PM

I have read many glowing statements about Samsung in many, many forums.

It's important to check how recent reviews are, and to look primarily at exact models (and sometimes Revision letters).

Samsung LCDs used to be very very good, and I bought many of them when they were #1 for quality and value.

What's happened since? I don't know, it could be the company is now run by accountants, with a focus on cost reduction to "improve profitability" (assuming the customers won't notice of course...).

musicvid10 wrote on 4/13/2008, 7:44 PM

Go into the store, compare the monitors side by side, and choose the one that looks the best to you. If that is a Samsung, then it was meant for you. Don't banter around specs or reviews, just look at them. Hope this ends the discussion because I am a bit weary of your seeking validation here for a decision you have made preemptively.