Samsung’s
LTM1575W Wide LCD Panel TV
LCD
panel TVs are being adopted by many people these days; maybe it’s because
of their great look, maybe it’s because they take little space, or maybe it’s
because…who knows! Anyways, the point is that there are plenty of different
devices of that kind on the market and the LTM1575W is one of them.
Made by Samsung, this TV was claimed to have been designed to offer maximum
versatility. Therefore, let us check out how multitalented this product really
is.
The
Love Story Starts…
It was only a few weeks ago that we received the unit; additionally, I only
got a chance to open the package last week. When I opened it, all I found
in the box were a HDTV monitor, a remote, an AC adapter, and a female 15-Pin
D-sub connector. At first I was asking myself where the rest was, but after
a few minutes I realized that this was a TV and not a monitor; therefore expecting
CDs and the usual bundle was useless. After that little analysis, I examined
the unit tidily.
The
examination revealed itself to be quite satisfying. I was more than pleased
of what I saw. There was an integrated TV-Tuner, a PC VGA connector and Audio
port, a DTV component, a DVD component, and a standard TV antenna connector.
Moreover, the unit itself looked quite stylish even though its stand could
have looked better. Nevertheless, it looked quite good while standing on my
white desk.
Before
going any further, I would like to mention that the LTM1575W is the
wide (16:9 formats) of the LTM1575 (4:3 formats). That would also explain
the use of the letter “W” at the end of its name. Now
on to a more in depth look at this product’s features and specifications.
The
Features
I’ve
mentioned its connectivity a few lines before, so I might as well start with
that. First, let’s start with the DVD and DTV components. As for the DVD feature,
I shall only say that it isn’t an option anymore; it’s a necessity. With more
and more people buying DVD players and leaving the VHS behind, it is crucial
to have a TV which offers this type of connection. Meanwhile, in the case
of the DTV (Digital TV for unfamiliar readers) it is not a need due to the
fact that not everybody has satellite TV, but it sure is a nice option to
have on a TV (we all know how popular it is getting).
Next
up is the PC component. It features a VGA male 15-pin D-sub connector and
an audio input. Pretty basic connectivity, but it sure does the job (even
though I would have liked to see a DVI-I connector because ‘almost all modern
GPU cards are equipped with one). Therefore you can use the LTM1575W
as your PC monitor and use its integrated speakers which are virtual Dolby
compatible (it’s a TV so I hope it has its own speakers!!) as your PC sound
system (if you have low or average quality speakers).
Now,
let’s move on to the internal TV tuner. It is equipped with an S-Video input, standard VCR plugs and a headphone jack. That way
you can hook yourself to another TV, watch movies on your VHS, play videogames
on your favorite entertainment system, or use your speakers as your LTM1575W
sound system.
The
only connectivity feature left is the TV antenna\Cable connector. This is
pretty much a must (how can anyone watch TV if they have no antenna or cable
cord hooked to it?); no need to explain why its there…
Apart
from the connectivity section, the LTM1575W has other features and
specifications worth mentioning; one of them is its 15.3” viewable size. Personally,
I find that dimension ideal for a bedroom (especially for a room like the
one I have because it is quite small). Another feature proper to the LTM1575W
is its wide aspect ratio. I talked about it earlier, but I am repeating it
because I think it is important. The 16:9 formats is not only best for DVD
playback, it is also less stressing on the eyes. Still, the wide screen format
has its disadvantage; some games (both console and PC) and desktops can look
quite weird when in that mode.
Other
features true to the LTM1575W are its 400:1 contrast ratio, its 1024x768
maximum resolution, and its wall or stand mountable capabilities. In my 191T
review, I mentioned that the contrast ratio is quite significant; still, after
viewing pictures and information on the 19” LCD (it had a ratio of 500:1),
everything seemed darker; maybe a little to dark…as for as its maximum resolution,
I was a bit disappointed because all the latest Samsung LCDs
have had one of 1280x1024. Still, this is a 15.3” multifunction HDTV, so there
is no real need for such a resolution except in certain games. Now, about
this TV mounting capabilities, it is great to have thought about an extra
wall possibility (for example, it is ideal for a kitchen or private/small
office).
All
of this also comes with a very nice and detailed menu. Unfortunately, because
it is so complete, it would have taken me too long to explain it all (about
one to two other pages of writing). Therefore, to make short and sweet, I
will resume it to you in one word: awesome!! Moreover, the PIP (picture-in-picture)
option is also available. Consequently, you can watch TV and work on the PC
all at the same time (neat, isn’t it?).
In
the End…
The
LTM1575W is a very attractive product. This HDTV is quite versatile
with all its connectivity. It also features Virtual Dolby, PIP, wide aspect
ratio, and stand/wall mountable capabilities. Moreover, it is also available
in 17” and/or in normal 4:3 formats.
Still,
this unit has its weaknesses and areas to improve. The wide screen format
is a double-edge sword as for it is great for DVD playback, but is not supported
by all devices and games. In addition, its contrast ratio is a bit low; perhaps
a 500:1 ratio would do the job. Also, when used as a monitor, a higher maximum
resolution and DVI-I connectivity would be best (maybe a utility CD too).
However,
when pros and cons are put on against each other, I would no problem what
so ever to recommend the LTM1575W to people looking for a bedroom or
kitchen TV which takes little space and offers great connectivity. This if
they are willing to pay 1400$ USD.
David
Dorgerville
02.08.27
