Familiar to most of us as laptop computer screens, LCD displays have yet to win many converts among the home theater faithful. The product category is coming along, however, as evidenced by Samsung’s extended-definition SLK407W Tantus television receiver.

The SLK407W’s backlit screen is 40” wide, with images generated by a 1.4" TFT-LCD panel, with light focussed through an 11-element lens assembly and reflected onto the surface by a highly polished precision mirror---a system that Samsung calls a “high throughput optical engine.” The result: a sharp, bright, wide screen images in five different formats from a display less than 14” deep and weighing under 60 lbs. The high-contrast screen has an integrated protective coating.

The LCD unit accepts either 480I or 480P input signals, and features an internal Dolby Pro-Logic decoder system, a 26-watt stereo audio system, and side mounted input jack panel for easy hookup and installation. Component video inputs are provided for use with a DVD player. The Tantus has picture-in-picture capability, and comes with a universal remote control.

The SLK407W sells for approximately $3500, and can be purchased directly from Samsung online. Shipping dimensions are 47.5"(W) x 34.1"(H) x 19.3"(D).