The Samsung SyncMaster 225BW's most prominent characteristic is an unusual 22-inch widescreen format, but it also has some impressive features for a monitor in this price range.

The 225BW sits between the more common 20-inch widescreen monitors, which usually have a native resolution of 1,680X1,050, and the larger 23-inch monitors, which typically have a resolution of 1,920X1,200. The 225BW has a native resolution of 1,680X1,050, the same as a typical 20-inch widescreen display. This means that although the 225BW is larger, it offers no additional viewing area. Instead, each pixel is slightly larger than the equivalent on a 20-inch widescreen. The larger pixels are also a bit less sharp, but the overall image is a good choice if your eyes are of a certain age.

The 5-millisecond gray-to-gray response time is more than enough to ensure fast action playback with little or no streaking or other video artifacts. Brightness and contrast levels are above average for an LCD. Coupled with a 6-bit color system, the 225BW provides rich color and grayscale reproduction.

The included stand provides tilt, swivel and height adjustments, but no pivot option. The display supports standard VESA mount options, so you can mount the 225BW to an arm- or wall-mount system. Inputs are limited to D-sub (VGA) and HDCP-compliant DVI, and there are no USB ports.

The 225BW package includes the MagicBright2, MagicTune and MagicColor applications. MagicBright2 provides six predefined image settings. Five are optimized for specific uses (Documents, Internet, Games, Sports and Movies), while the sixth lets you create your own custom mode by storing your preferred settings. MagicTune complements the 225BW's OSD (onscreen display) by allowing you to make most adjustments with your keyboard and mouse, rather than the OSD. This is generally a more preferable way to configure your display.

MagicColor adjusts hue, saturation, brightness and sharpness to produce true-to-life color. You can also apply MagicColor to a specific area of the display, such as a video playback window. This allows video playback to have a bright, more saturated color balance without affecting other areas of the display, such as an open word-processing document. A demo mode allows you to preview changes before applying them.

The Magic tools are helpful for the initial setup, but you may find that you don't often use them beyond that. After trying it out, we turned MagicColor off, mainly because we rarely run multiple types of applications simultaneously. However, if you like to have a favorite movie running while you work, you may find MagicColor useful.

Despite its limited adjustment options and inputs, the Samsung SyncMaster 225BW widescreen monitor is a good value.


Pros: Slightly enlarged pixels make viewing easier on weaker eyes, good image quality, adjustable stand, HDCP-compliant DVI input ensures that copy-protected HD videos will display without a problem
Cons: Limited inputs and no USB ports, no pivot option for rotating between landscape and portrait modes

Warranty
3 years