Warning: Avoid the Samsung 930B 19-inch flat panel

[BillFerny]

I'm on my second of these monitors. Everything you read about them is true. To summarize:

1. The 930B is simply the worst job of backlighting I've seen on a flat panel or laptop in the last 10 years. The lighting is uneven and bleeds around the edges, causing the top and the bottom of the sceen to be washed out.

2. The monitor supports DVI and looks good with a DVI cable, but analog suffers greatly. Everyone will tell you that the 930B looks much better with DVI than analog, but what I've found by direct comparison is that my Samsung 912N looks as good in analog as the 930B does with DVI. The 930B in analog is very noisy (can see noise in dark colors), and the monitor has very little contrast when using analog.

Also, I simply don't believe the contrast ratio stats on this monitor (viewed in analog or digital). Its plenty bright (setting of 40/100 is about as bright as I can tolerate), but everything looks washed out - especially different levels of gray.

All in all, it is a very poor monitor with obvious quality control issues. Perhaps people who swap from a CRT don't notice, but this is my 3rd plat panel, and the 930B is by far the worst of the 3.

Avoid - dangerous - do not confront - run for your life .

 

[xtknight]

I tend to dislike these "avoid at all costs" paranoia posts. Not everyone's experience is going to be the same. A lot of people are crazy about this monitor.

1. It depends per unit.
2. There's lot of ways to adjust the analog. Auto usually works well, or just adjust phase and clock (or coarse/fine). Did you use the same VGA cable?

Every monitor (nearly) has inflated contrast ratio, like deflated response time.

The monitor's contrast isn't affected by what it's connected to.

Most LCDs do have grayscale issues.

 

[ascarytiger]

I have two 930B's, and I love them both very much. They run all my games perfectly and look amazing.

 

[BillFerny]

Fair enough, just a couple notes to you reply...

>>>
1. It depends on the unit
<<<

- True, but 2 out of the 2 I had showed the same issues

>>>
2. There's lot of ways to adjust the analog. Auto usually works well, or just adjust phase and clock (or coarse/fine).
<<<

- I tried auto. It was not a sharness issue - there was noise (some color "swimming" within the solid colors). I only could see it on my desktop with a very dark green solid color. It was not there when I used the DVI, and it was not there on my other monitor (Samsung 912N) in analog.

>>>
Did you use the same VGA cable?
<<<

No. I used the VGA cables that came with there respective monitors. So if a cheap VGA cable is at fault, than that is a Samsung issue as well (both 930B monitors I tried - and thus 2 different cables - had the analog noise isses).


>>>
The monitor's contrast isn't affected by what it's connected to.
<<<

Well, I disagree with you on this one. The contrast was much worse in analog mode. I realize the contrast of the physical panel doesn't change, but I care about the contrast of the image I see - not the physics of the panel.

>>>
Every monitor (nearly) has inflated contrast ratio, like deflated response time.
<<<

Ok, but that doesn't change the fact that there are many monitors out there with worse stats that look better than the 930B. I guess that stats are almost worthless. They are not even relative. How do I compare a Samsung clain of 800:1 contrast against someone else's clain of 600:1?? All I know is what I subjectively see, and the bottom line is that the Samsung 930B doesn't look very good when put next to even other (cheaper) Samsung models. They screwed something up with this monitor. Too bad they won't event come forward and admit it. I'll bet the 930B won't be around much longer - I'd be surprised if any are around after Christmas.

 

[Vernor]

Why would I use a 400$ LCD with an analog cable ?

 

[BillFerny]

Originally posted by: ascarytiger
I have two 930B's, and I love them both very much. They run all my games perfectly and look amazing.

I'm happy you got hold of a couple of good ones. I've heard that some people don't have the backlight issues, and if you're using DVI, the analog issues won't apply.

However that doesn't change the fact that if you buy one at any given point in time, you're just as likely to get one like mine - then you wouldn't be so happy.

If I were looking for a monitor, I'd pick brand/model that wasn't such crap shoot. Try searching on "930B" and "light" on google and you'll see many people with the same problem.

I'm just here to say that its true. If you decide to buy a 930B, there's a good chance you'll get one like mine. More than that, I can't attest to.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: BillFerny
No. I used the VGA cables that came with there respective monitors. So if a cheap VGA cable is at fault, than that is a Samsung issue as well (both 930B monitors I tried - and thus 2 different cables - had the analog noise isses).

I think phase/clock changes more than just sharpness. There is a separate option called sharpness.

You sure your video card's VGA port is up to snuff? I ask because this is really odd that the contrast would get worse, even if the monitor isn't the best thing in the world. Then again most people will probably use DVI anyway.

I have heard people say this monitor is blindingly bright.

Stats on LCDs are worthless. No way to compare them. Some use Tr+Tf or gray-to-gray for response time, some deflate that more than others. Some use ANSI standard for contrast ratio, some develop their own tests...

The Samsung 193P+ is supposed to be their flagship (and I hear it's amazing). The 930B is a 'value' model. Some people love their 930Bs. Some have different expectations (or got it from a different batch) I suppose.

 

[BillFerny]

Originally posted by: Vernor
Why would I use a 400$ LCD with an analog cable ?

Its a $330 montior now, but you're right. Anyone who isn't going to use DVI should look for another monitor. If you are going to use DVI, add the price of the cable to the $330, then be ready to see glowing edges on the top and the bottom any time you're playing in the dimly lit room.

 

[BillFerny]

Originally posted by: xtknight
You sure your video card's VGA port is up to snuff? I ask because this is really odd that the contrast would get worse, even if the monitor isn't the best thing in the world. Then again most people will probably use DVI anyway.

Well, I can try that tonight - put on the 930B and then swap in the 912N using the same cable, then I'll know. Even with a DVI cable, the backlighting still bleeds around the edges. So the analog issue only cost me another $40 for a cable, but there is no way that I know of to correct dark images from getting washed out on the top and the bottom from the backlight bleed.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Vernor
Why would I use a 400$ LCD with an analog cable ?

Better yet, who would buy a 19" monitor for $400 with a measley 1280x1024 native res, when you can buy a 20" Dell 2001 or 2005 for around $400 when they are on sale, with a 1680x1050 or 1600x1200 respectively resolution. I really dislike 19" LCD's (even 17's are just a much better value that's all)

 

[Chopstick217]

I also would not recommend the Samsung 930B. Basically, its a 6 bit LCD , max rez is only 1280x1024, colors are "washed out, " and so forth (yes i exchanged it for a new one in case you think i had a defective monitot). Like the previous poster mentioned, simply get a dell 2001 or dell 2005. I am completely pleased with my Dell 2005 thus far.

 

[Polish3d]

Dude you need to be getting a Dell

 

[nealh]

wow..I amazed at thebashing of this LCD

I have owned several LCD panels...Samsung, Envision, Proview...not the most expensive...they all seem to have some bleed through at the edges...I think my Samsung 930B is an excellent monitor for the price

I use DVI and would not consider an analog LCD at this time..seems a step back since many video cards support this

I agree the Samsung is very bright even set low the way I like it

However, I got a Princeton 19in LCD first from Costco(wish they were selling the 930B) and had to return for >10 dead pixels and I was unable to get any setting that was comfortable for my eyes(ability to make adjustments was terrible)..it was 12ms vs 8ms on the 930B

I also agree at some settings colors can get washed out..this true of any monitor

I paid $320 plus a $40 GC from CC...

show me all the 19in monitors that match it specs that are better...I hear there is a Viewsonic 19in that is supposedly better

I refuse to buy one online..too much risk of issue with no return ability(without high cost on my end)


As for the Dells...I wanted a minimum of 12ms response..I have a 2yr old Envision 9110(I love this LCD as well but 25ms looks so much worse when I game than the Samsung)...I do not recall there specs but thought they were 20-25ms

I do not watch movies on my Computer so this is of no importance to me but maybe an issue for others..I have a TV for this

 

[BillFerny]

Originally posted by: nealh
wow..I amazed at thebashing of this LCD

I have owned several LCD panels [...] they all seem to have some bleed through at the edges

I use DVI and would not consider an analog LCD at this time..seems a step back since many video cards support this

I also agree at some settings colors can get washed out..this true of any monitor

show me all the 19in monitors that match it specs that are better...

I agree on all the faults (it sounds like you do too). I just disagree with the assumption that all LCD panels have these faults. I think picking out a monitor by using specs is where I went wrong on the 930B.

I know is that the old Samsung 912N kicks the heck out of the 930B. The specs are meanless next to side by side comparison of the two. The 912N has better color and no ghosting on games. The 912N also has perfect backlighting and is far superior on analog input.

I think the 930B was rushed out and cost reduced to the point of being unviable. I wish I knew how the backlighting was calibrated. I wonder if any skilled labor is involved in this step. Regardless, although I'm sure there are other cheap monitors out there that look as bad as the 930B, that doesn't mean there aren't some good ones for the same price.

 

[nealh]

There are some issues..but overall I do not think there are many..backlight issue is minimal on my monitor...not visible except if the panel is black

Colors look good but I set contrast/brightness low as I do on my Fujitsu N5010 which has the best LCD, I have ever seen...for my personal needs which does create a slight washing out of colors..but this is my fault

I love this monitor...it great for gaming, IMHO

 

[BillFerny]

Originally posted by: nealh
There are some issues..but overall I do not think there are many..backlight issue is minimal on my monitor...not visible except if the panel is black

Well, it sounds like you got lucky. I've had 2 of these, and both have visible light bleeding on dark colors (say the lower 25% of the color range), but obviously the effect is most disturbing on very dark screens.

Some people have said that they don't have any light bleeding. Others have said that after 3 or 4 returns they were able to get one without light bleeding. On the one I returned, it was a wash. The new one has less bleeding on the sides, about the same on the top, and more on the bottom.

I'm sure there are some perfectly calibrated 930B's out there that look fantastic (at least when connected with DVI). My point was that why should you take the chance? When the odds are about 4 to 5 against getting a monitor w/o a substantial amount of light bleed, doesn't it make sense to first consider another brand? Also, I think the specs in this case are very misleading. The 530B is MUCH brighter than the 912N, but for the 930B's 8ms vs. the 912N's 25ms refresh - I can't tell the difference between the two when playing first person shooters or when dragging windows across the screen. Thus either the 25ms number or the 8ms number is misleading. For contrast, the 912N looks a little better to me than the 930B, and if you go by specs, you'd expect it to be reversed.

I wish I had taken the time to research these monitors before I made my purchase, and I wish that Samsung still made the 912N - or at least that I had picked up another when they were being sold off for under $300.

 

[SPARTAN VI]

Originally posted by: BillFernyWell, I disagree with you on this one. The contrast was much worse in analog mode. I realize the contrast of the physical panel doesn't change, but I care about the contrast of the image I see - not the physics of the panel.

My experience says the same. When I first got my Dell 2005FPW 20.1", I used the analog connection first and ran CS:S. Not only was the picture funky (discolored hue, and picture was shifting left/right/up/down/diagonally every time the resolution was adjusted) but the contrast was awfully washed out. Switched to DVI and bam! Optical orgasm. Darker blacks and light whites and grayer... grays.

 

[DoobieOnline]

Sorry to hear that some people have problems with the 930B. I bought it for gaming and couldn't be happier. I picked up a DVI-D cable for $10 and have only used that connector, so I can't comment on VGA cable performance. Battlefield 2 looks and plays spectacular on mine.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: SPARTAN VI

Originally posted by: BillFernyWell, I disagree with you on this one. The contrast was much worse in analog mode. I realize the contrast of the physical panel doesn't change, but I care about the contrast of the image I see - not the physics of the panel.

My experience says the same. When I first got my Dell 2005FPW 20.1", I used the analog connection first and ran CS:S. Not only was the picture funky (discolored hue, and picture was shifting left/right/up/down/diagonally every time the resolution was adjusted) but the contrast was awfully washed out. Switched to DVI and bam! Optical orgasm. Darker blacks and light whites and grayer... grays.

I think it depends a lot on the TMDS transmitter/DAC's quality. The VGA connection on my Radeon 9500 PRO is more contrastful than my DVI-connected GeForce 6800 IMO. However my GeForce 6800's VGA hookup is quite washed out. Neither my HDTV tuner or Radeon 9500 PRO's VGA look washed out however.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: DoobieOnline
Sorry to hear that some people have problems with the 930B. I bought it for gaming and couldn't be happier. I picked up a DVI-D cable for $10 and have only used that connector, so I can't comment on VGA cable performance. Battlefield 2 looks and plays spectacular on mine.

Games run fine, but dark areas suck on this monitor. I guess if it's your first panel, you can be ok with it. I wasn't too happy with it at first, but I got used to it. Then I returned it and stuck to my CRT. After a month, I decided to try LCD again, and I was STILL disappointed in a new 930B.

So then what? I bought myself a Viewsonic VP191b (now the VP930b) and compared it HEADS UP against a Samsung 930B. And guess what? Viewsonic KILLS Samsung and still does today, and so I know for a fact the Samsung 930B can blow me.

 

[Wolfsraider]

I Picked up mine today Samsung 930b) I read a few reviews and stopped at radio shack got part# 15-1063 as seen Here.

I then plugged it in added the software, popped in a dvd set it to a very dark part.

What light bleeding?

No issues here at all. No dead pixels either.

I have a 14 day no hassle exchange, and a full three year warranty. It blows my 21 inch crt away in contrast and color vibrancy

What I do know:

1.Every product has a percentage of failures.
2.Every body has had at least one product fail on them that was "supposed to be the best".
3.We all differ in what is acceptable and what is not.

I went to 10 stores and set the 930b next to all the ones I liked and it was comparable to lcds costing as much as a hundred dollars more and in some cases a few hundred more..

I know that the view angle on my 930b needs to be tilted up for my height to look perfect.

I hope you found one (not necessarily the 930b) that pleases you, I know I did.

Mike

 

[slvrsol]

mine developed a dead pixel.. damnit..

 

[Hammer67]

Just so everyone is aware. The 930b comes with a little and unadvertised program called "Natural Color"

I was having problems with the monitor contrast and brightness washing out colors and brightness in the corners and along the bottom of the monitor. I inistalled this little program which "calibrated" the monitor and now the picture looks AWESOME!!

THis is not the magic tuner program. You have to search the disc for the NAtural Color program.

Just some advise for Samsung owners...