Samsung B2230HD – More Than Just A HD Monitor
The Samsung B2230HD represents a growing segment of monitors which can be called a hybrid between computer monitors and the LCD TV. This supports the growing trend that more people are mixing work and play together and there are some people (like me) that don’t even watch TV anymore.
Rather, we watch our high definition content whether it be Blue Ray, recorded cable, Internet TV, etc in the same area as our workspace. That said, if you don’t require things like HDMI, USB port, etc, then I recommend you go for the cheaper alternative – Samsung B2230.
Samsung B2230HD rear view
Screen Size and Resolution
The B2230HD has Full HD compatibility and displays in native 1920×1080 resolution. Aside from allowing you to have more workspace (by essentially making everything smaller), you should have no issue viewing wide screen content such as HD movies and serials.
Energy Consumption
The Samsung B2230HD is Energy Star compliant and is rated 45W power consumption during normal use. It has a standby power usage of less than 0.3W.
Design and Ergonomics
This monitor is slightly chunky in size compared to LED monitors, but it is still relatively light and really easy to set up. There are no physical buttons on the monitor, so any adjustments to things like brightness and contrast are done through touch sensitive buttons (which can be slightly finicky sometimes).
While it does not have any height adjustment (nor would you expect it for a monitor of this price), VESA wall mount capability is available.
Samsung B2230 Key Features
The monitor also comes with a TV Tuner though with regards to Freeview, you can only receive standard definition and not HD which is a pity. You can still use the Conditional Access Module to access paid TV though.
One feature unique to this monitor is the Picture-in-Picture function which basically allows you to watch TV while working. This feature is handy and allows you to choose which source has audio and where you want the box to be.
Samsung B2230HD Picture-in-Picture
TN panels are quite well known for having limited viewing angles. To address this issue, Samsung came up with a feature called Magic Angle which basically allows you to optimize the monitor viewing angle whether you are viewing it from the top, bottom or from either side.
Because this monitor is meant to double up as a TV, it seems that Samsung made effort to ensure the integrated speakers were at least of some quality. The built-in speakers feature Dolby Digital Plus and SRS Theatre sound processing. According to user feedback, the sound is of reasonably quality and has the volume to back it up.
Input Connectors
One of the obvious key features is of course the various types of connectors provided. Samsung provides a full complement of connectors which include support for HDMI, USB, Component and VGA.
For audio, there’s a 3.5mm line-in, a headphone socket, and both optical and analogue audio outputs.
Included Accessories
Aside from the usual VGA and audio cables, Samsung also provides a TV remote with this monitor.
Image Quality
The default setting offers good picture quality which is crisp and detailed. While it will not satisfy graphics professionals, it should suffice for movie goers and the occasional gamer.
Testing has shown that using the HDMI input yields better results compared to the VGA input. The colours were much more vivid and accurately represented. For console gaming, the best results would be achieved by using the Component input.
Warranties
Samsung offer a 36 month warranty for parts and labour. If you buy it online, usually the retailers also offer a warranty that covers physical defects upon delivery as well. For example, Amazon offers a 30 day money back guarantee for goods that are “dead on arrival”.
Dimensions
- 20.62″ x 16.41″ x 7.76″ With Stand
- 20.62″ x 13.8″ x 2.67″ Without Stand
- 23.59″ x 16.65″ x 5.59″ Shipping Dimensions
Pros
The Picture-in-Picture(PIP) function is pretty handy and allows you to do things like email while advertisements are showing during shows or games. The image quality is also good though adjustments on the settings may be required depending on which input you use.
This monitor is offered at a good price point especially if you buy it through online retailers. Sometimes you can even get it for lower than $200 when discounts are offered. The wide selection of inputs definitely adds to the value of this monitor.
The sound quality is pretty good for a monitor and is loud enough to fill a small room without getting distorted.
Cons
In terms of image quality, sometimes backlight bleed might be apparent. Sometimes the image settings are not adjustable depending on input.
If you are using an NVIDIA graphics card, you may have to use the NVIDIA control panel to display the optimum resolution as well as the right refresh rate.
Samsung B2230HD User Feedback
In terms of video quality, high praise has been given by users when using the HDMI input, TV tuner and component connectors. The VGA connectors however did not fare well for one reviewer and recommended to just stick with HDMI.
Others have reported that the VGA worked fine with their laptops and computers so it could be an isolated incident.
Check Out More Samsung B2230HD User Reviews
Price
The price of this monitor ranges anywhere between $170 and $250 at the time of this writing. Among all the online retailers, Amazon gave the lowest price.
However, when you do a search in Amazon, do be aware that sometimes there is more than one supplier selling this monitor as was the case when I was browsing for information on the B2230HD. To save you the trouble, here’s the link to the lower priced version on Amazon – Click Here for Lowest Price for This Monitor
Conclusion
The Samsung B2230HD can probably be classified as a jack of all trades but master of none. If you use your workstation for both work and play, then this monitor will suit your needs especially with useful features like the Picture-in-Picture capability that allows you to watch a movie and work on your spreadsheet without having two monitors. More than that though, the connectors provided makes it possible to handle your Blu-ray player, gaming console, cable/satellite box or digital camera all together. So if you’re inclined to use those things, this would be a good monitor to consider.
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I own one of these. I think this is fantastic bargain to get a high quality computer monitor and television in one package. My studio apartment is cramped and I appreciate the space savings. I love being able to watch TV and work at the same time! No complaints here about the picture quality. I hooked this up to my computer speakers by Logitech and it sound good too. =)
Kudos to Samsung for providing consumers with a three year warranty on their monitors. Saves me from having to buy a third-party one or extending a short one with the manufacturer. I prefer to buy products from companies that stand behind their products! Thanks for the informative review.
I purchased this monitor for my bedroom a few months ago and have been very happy with it. A few thoughts: The audio via the internal speakers is surprising good and sufficiently loud to fill a room. Also, the tuner has additional sound options depending on the type of programming. HDMI connections are present, it does not have a DVI port. This is not a problem for me since all my devices have HDMI and DVI is an older standard.