WHV307.dmtech_lm17b

4/4/06

4:53 PM

Page 056

On test
17in LCD/DVD combi TV G Approx price: 400

Fact file

I Built-in DVD player I 1,366 x 768 native resolution I 350:1 claimed contrast ratio I MP3/JPEG/WMA playback I PC compatibility

Also Consider >>

DMTECH DML-4120SD An extra 100 gets you basically the same TV but 3in bigger Reviewed: Issue 295 PANASONIC TX-17LX2 If you can live without the DVD player and find 100 more, this Panasonic 17in set offers exemplary picture quality Reviewed: Issue 303

DMTech LM17DB

Test Data

Test Reading

COLOUR Fair FREQUENCY RESPONSE Average
For a full explanation of test data, please see page 104

Details

FEATURES
Screen size and shape: 17in, 16:9 Tuner type: analogue Sound system: Nicam stereo Resolution (pixels): 1,366 x 768 HD Ready: No Quoted contrast ratio: 350:1 Quoted brightness: 500cd/m2 Screen dimensions: 510(w) x 433(h) x 88(d)mm Weight: 9kg Other features: Graphic equaliser; Teletext; built-in DVD player; MP3 playback

SOCKETS

1 Scart; RF input; S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input; headphone jack

CONTACT

5425 www.comet.co.uk
hatever else we end up saying about the LM17DB, youve got to admire DMTech for its initiative. The Korean company seems to be doing very nicely by offering something a little different; namely a range of LCD TVs with built-in DVD players.And here today we have the smallest of these all-in-one clutter-busters, the 17in LM17DB. It seems that trying to fit a DVD player into such a small TV has given DMTechs designers a headache or two, as the DVD tray sticks out a good few centimetres from the TVs side.While this spoils the sets symmetry, though, it doesnt stop the tasteful black screen surround, widescreen shape and silver speaker section from creating an overall winning impression. Connectivity is reasonable. Theres only one Scart, but youre compensated with D-Sub PC and S-video inputs. Plus, you could argue that having a DVD player built-in reduces the need for a second Scart anyway. In an ideal world some sort of video and digital audio outputs from the DVD player might have given the product more flexibility, allowing you to use the DVD section with a different TV and sound system. But realistically we doubt many people would really ever want to use the LM17DB this way. Aside from the built-in DVD player and PC compatibility, the
LM17DB isnt especially burdened with features. In fact, the only thing really worth mentioning is the DVD decks ability to handle MP3,WMA, and JPEG files as well as DVD video and CD fodder.

performance

As with most of DMTechs combis, the LM17DB is an adequate rather than outstanding performer. There are a few main highlights with pictures. First, images look unusually crisp for such a small screen, thanks to a combination of good fine detailing,sharp edges free of colour bleed,noise or haloing,and impressively little motion smearing. This crispness is maintained by the built-in DVD player,too. Next, colours at the brighter end of the spectrum look unusually rich and well saturated, giving instant and dramatic impact to the image. This vibrancy at the bright end of the spectrum is not delivered at the expense of a natural tone, either. As a final plus, the picture is mostly free of noise, be it grain or dot crawl from the screen, or MPEG blocking noise from the DVD player. The TVs main problems concern its black levels. Blacks arent very profound, meaning dark scenes can look rather flat, grey and bereft of subtle shadow details.Some deeper colour tones also glow in quite an unnatural way. The LM17DBs sound is just about

OK for normal TV viewing, but a bit flimsy for movies thanks to a lack of bass, harsh trebles, a narrow soundstage, and a thinness to voices. Lets be realistic, though.The LM17DB is not intended to be a full-on home cinema machine. Its a convenience product targeted at second room use, and so some performance compromises are inevitable.And the LM17DBs compromises are reasonable especially given its approachable price tag John Archer

Ratings

WHATS GOOD
Price; DVD deck; pictures with bright sources; PC compatible

WHATS BAD

Weedy sound; black levels; slight glow to some dark colours
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value
##### ##### ##### ##### #####

OVERALL VERDICT

An attractive and very affordable convenience option for a second room
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