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.
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Where to buy
Samsung SyncMaster T220:
$249.95 - $300.25
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$259.99 | Yes |
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$257.87 | Yes |
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$259.99 | Yes |
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$249.95 | Yes |
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