Samsung LTN LCD Projection TV - a 2006 review, updated context

The Samsung LTN series offered a compact LCD projection design with a 1280x768 WXGA panel, a feature set that included 5.1 decoding, multiple aspect modes, and a remote with a status LCD. Out of the box the picture ran bright and cool; calibration brought gray scale close to the 6500 K standard. The set showed decent grayscale tracking but a slight red/green color bias. Today the LTN represents legacy projection technology compared with modern LED/LCD, OLED, and current projectors.

Design and control

The Samsung LTN series presents a compact, minimal look compared with larger Samsung projection sets of its era. A slim silver bezel sits inside a darker trim that frames the screen. The overall footprint is smaller than the company's larger HLN models.

The remote is a compact universal-style handset with a small status LCD to show which component it controls. The keys are not backlit but are logically arranged, and the TV's on-screen menus are straightforward.

Video features and performance

The LTN uses a 1280x768 fixed-pixel LCD projection panel (WXGA). That resolution will display HD material, but it is below full 1080p - incoming signals are scaled to the panel's pixels. In our original testing the set required an external HD tuner or set-top box to receive over-the-air HDTV in some markets; check your model and region for built-in tuner support .

Video processing included 2:3 pulldown handling and a combined digital filter for composite sources. Samsung's "Digital Natural Image" processing acted as a vertical edge enhancement; we recommend turning it off if you prefer natural picture detail.

The set offers multiple aspect modes including a "panorama" option that stretches the sides more than the center. Dual tuners were part of the convenience package on some LTN models, useful for viewers who wanted to monitor two channels at once.

Audio and connectivity

Samsung equipped the LTN with surprisingly broad audio capabilities for the era: onboard Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, coaxial and optical digital audio outputs, a subwoofer output, and speaker outputs for a center channel and surrounds. The internal amplifier drove five channels at roughly 10 watts per channel in our review sample.

Calibration notes

Straight from the box the image tended to be over-bright and cool (a blue push). In our measurements color temperature ranged high - roughly 12,700 K at the dark end to about 15,500 K at the bright end - producing a bluish cast. After calibration we achieved a gray scale tracking close to the 6500 K standard. The LTN tracked grayscale well once adjusted, better than many direct-view LCDs of its time.

Color decoding showed a tendency to exaggerate reds and push them toward orange; greens could also appear slightly skewed. Skin tones looked a touch greener in some scenes.

Today's perspective

LCD projection TVs like the Samsung LTN are legacy devices. Modern buyers will usually find more accurate color, higher resolutions, and smarter tuners in LED/LCD, OLED, and current laser or DLP projectors. However, the LTN is a useful historical example of mid-2000s prosumer features: decent scaling, built-in 5.1 audio support, and generally good calibratability if you take the time to adjust picture controls.

1. Confirm whether the specific Samsung LTN models included a built-in ATSC/HD tuner or required an external tuner in all regions [[CHECK]]