Samsung LN22B360 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Reviews

Review by MollyDawg for Samsung LN22B360 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
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I originally bought the LN22B350, the latest unit in this series, but had to return it. You can read my review on it, but in short, it was because despite the literature stating that it has one composite AND one component input, it actually should read one composite OR one component. You could only use one or the other because they share the video input jack. So, after viewing an actual image of the input panel on this unit, I took a baby step back and ordered the B360.

Wait a minute! Amazon gave me a backhanded “upgrade” by erroneously shipping the LN22A450. The 4 series is better than the 3 series, but the A series is older than the B series. They were willing to let me keep it, but after doing a little bit of research I found that the technology has leapt forward since it was made. Among other things, it had only a 3000:1 contrast ratio whereas this one has 15,000:1. These days there’s little difference between the massive numbers spun out by manufacturers unless you’re in a high tech calibration setting, but when you talking one that low, it’s not a good thing. So, one more swap and I got the LN22B360.

I really like this set. Unless you’re an audiophile, there’s not a single thing wrong with the sound. There are different settings and a bit of an equalizer to customize, and at the level of 44, the volume is excellent. People just need to understand that no manufacturer is going to put high end audio in a unit at this price point. The 22-inch set is not the one you want to pay $500 for, or should need that kind of audio. You’re not going to get a lot of the bells and whistles you get with the bigger sets because that’s not what people are using their small TVs for.

So after one that was too new for my old equipment, and one that was too old for the new technology, this one is just right. I chose Samsung for the on/off timer, of which this unit has three, and the options there are better than expected–select all days, weekdays, weekends, etc. The set-up was easy, the remote balanced (though no back light), buttons are a good size and arranged fairly intelligently. The smaller screen makes the 720p and 60hz non-issues. Since I don’t pay for premium services, it was nice to see several channels airing in HD without a converter box. And on the down-low, I’m getting intermittent On Demand broadcasts, though I do wish whoever ordered them would take fewer potty breaks. Too much pausing and rewind. LOL!

I’m very satisfied with this purchase and hope to buy its big brother (46″) in the future after I’m sure Samsung is the way to go (and I think it is).

UPDATE 12/22/09 — Just wanted to add that I’m still liking this TV. It completely meets my needs and expectations, although the On Demand feed stopped, darn it!

Review by Okemdi Oparaeke for Samsung LN22B360 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
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I got this T.V. off amazon in march and I’ve had it for a little more than two weeks. I am very impressed with the product; it is a great T.V. for my ROOM, which is why I can’t understand the problems people are having with the sound. First of all, the T.V. has good sound for one that is more suited for a bedroom (not a master sized); I don’t believe it’s best suited for either the kitchen or living room (both too big). If you are that concerned about the sound, you can just plug in some computer speakers in the headphone jack for some richer sound, samsung didn’t just build that in the set to make it look pretty. And if you’re looking for a more expensive solution, then there’s always digital audio. It’s silly to expect that you’re going to get the same kind of sound from a 22′ inch that you would get on a 32′ inch or larger. But everyone seems to agree that it has an excellent picture; images are clear and crisp, even in standard definition. Don’t be influenced by the “bad sound” comments, it’s a good buy.

Review by T Brown for Samsung LN22B360 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
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This is a top notch HDTV for an excellent price… well below the equivalent at a Best Buy.

To begin with, this TV is attractive even when off. When on, the screen is bright and crisp. I’ve had no problems using it with either my PS3 or Wii… the “game mode” seems to do its job very well in minimizing the lag common in HDTVs. Assassin’s Creed looks amazing, as does Mario Galaxy.

The TV has very full customizeability of picture, and I’ve had no problem making dark movies bright enough.

Contrary to some of the reviews here, I think the speakers are very satisfactory. They don’t have a completely full bass sound, no, but they are plenty loud for my apartment. Despite a lack of deep bass the speakers give generally full sound, and do a good job mimicking surround output. A little tip – turning on the “true surround” feature lowers the volume by quite a bit. Sound a little quiet? Then turn off the surround setting and “settle” with excellent stereo sound… at volume 45 the TV is plenty loud (and it goes to 100). I compared the sound of various TVs at Best Buy and I honestly think this little unit has phenomenal sound for its size class… if you want better speakers built into a ~3″ deep flat screen, well you are probably going to have to go for a fatter and larger TV. What do you want for such a slim unit?

The TV not having 1080P output isn’t much of a con… most TVs this size do not offer that, and when they “do” it is usually just a downscaling of 1080P signal to the screen rather than truly displaying it. 720P and 1080i look pretty darn slick compared to a CRT analogue TV, let me tell you! Again, the PS3 looks awesome.

So – good sound for the size-class, crisp bright screen, high contrast, good performance on games… all for ~$[…]!

It should have an S-video input. I’m not sure why it doesn’t. That made me a little sad, but I knew it didn’t when buying it. Just upgrade to component or HDMI where possible if you’ve got an s-video device 🙂

I have one real con for this TV – NOWHERE did I see this indicated – the TV has a completely unadjustable stand. On larger TVs, the stands don’t have to be adjustable because their viewing angles are so large. But a smaller TV at 22″ with a 160 degree viewing angle… it really does need to be able to tilt. I have it up on a dresser so I tucked some cardboard under the rear of the base to give it a slight tilt down. Thankfully the bright screen and decent viewing angles make this an acceptable arrangement, but if you have an off-optimal location for your TV consider the lack of adjustability when buying.

Still – excellent TV with better picture than a lot of the ones I’ve seen in stores. Definite steal at this price

Review by A. Mason for Samsung LN22B360 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
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Nice little TV,especially for a bedroom.If it’s hooked up to regular digital cable,then it’s difficult to get sharp image and color adjustments,however,if it’s hooked up to HD~BAM!~the picture is clean,crisp. Only one drawback,the speakers are weak..hook it up with external speakers and you’re good to go.