Customer Reviews

Syntax Olevia LT32HV 32-Inch Widescreen HD-Ready LCD TV

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

After much searching, I recently purchased this model. I was originally going for the 30'' model, but this 32'' has come down in price so much, it was too good to pass up. Don't be scared away by the "Too good to be true" pricing of this model. The complement of features on this unit is astonishing. Other reviewers have mentioned that it stacks up to the Sharp models, and I 100% agree. The black casing on this unit looks terrific, particularly when watching movies with the lights dimmed. One nifty touch is that the Olevia name glows in a blue light when the unit is turned off. There is also a light on the back of the unit that you can use when you are hunting for your video connections in the back.

It took a month for me to get this TV, but the wait was worth it. I replaced a 20" CRT that was starting to get on my nerves when it came to watching DVD movies and playing video games. In terms of size, don't underestimate this set. The picture doesn't do it justice. This is a 32" widescreen, so it's a quite a lot wider than you'd expect. And it's heavy too, but once you set it in place, everything is so easy to set up, you'll be in heaven in no time...no kidding.

Just to note...going from a 20" with such low resolution to this TV can be a bit tiring on the eyes at first, but after a week's time, maximum, you will get used to it and you won't be able to live without it. Here's something to think about...

The picture on this TV is simply stunning from a High Definition source. If you have a progressive-scan DVD player with component output, it would be a cardinal sin not to plug it into one of the two component inputs. I put in the Incredibles to test it (it's a direct digital transfer and also has THX setup to get the picture to look its best) and all I can say is that the picture is so crystal-clear and razor-sharp you can read the newspaper Bob Parr is reading in the movie! It's unreal...really.

There is also another component input too for any other device, such as a video game console (e.g. Xbox) or High Definition cable box if you prefer (which usually have component output). I plugged in my Xbox in the second slot, and I found myself reliving my video games all over again. It's as if I've never played them before until I got this TV. Again...sharp, sharp, sharp picture...the resolution is incredible. You'd have to be one centimeter from the TV screen to see a pixel.

There are three more composite connections (red, white, and yellow cables) as well as coaxial (for analog TV signal), DVI/VGA (for computers, and some High-Def cable boxes). It's safe to say, you'll never run out of places to plug in stuff...

In terms of regular TV, the picture is what you might expect. It's not as sharp as DVDs or video games, but the problem is not with the TV, it's with the signal. Regular TV is not transmitted in widescreen, but regular aspect ratio, square-ish, like most TVs out there.

The TV stretches the picture, which makes is seem a little less detailed (imagine zooming a photo on your computer really close) so that you won't have to see the black bars on the sides. This is nice, but everything looks a bit more bloated. You can change it to display it in 4:3, although this setting affects all manner of inputs. In other words, you have to change it back to widescreen when switching to other inputs.

But, the picture is still better than regular CRT televisions. I was actually surprised how clear it is. If you are really picky, you can get really close and say you see artifacts. Nothing is perfect, and all channels are different, but for the most part, it's still a pleasure to watch regular TV.

Picture-quality is the highest point of this television for me. Then there is the price. But there are some negatives (These are minor though, nothing that deters from enjoying the set):

Like most of the reviews here, I agree that the remote is designed poorly. The buttons to switch inputs are located under a slide-down plastic cover. The cover covers up everything interesting, like aspect ratio buttons, closed captioning button, and other things too. The remote, thank goodness, is not what displays the picture and not what you'll be looking at 98% of the time.

The TV also does have a slight red-push out of the box, as with most LCDs. Everything looks more reddish than it should, but it's easy to fix. Lower the red gain a few notches, and also the color saturation and voila! If you prefer, you could use a DVD calibration utility (There are a number of them out there).

The TV stand is another negative for me...it's LONG...almost as wide as the TV. Placing this TV on anything less than a 32" surface is a mistake because the stand will not only stick outward from the side, but it makes the TV a little more unstable (in other words, don't push from the back or it'll come crashing face down).

Also, the Olevia logo glows a bright blue when you turn off the TV. It's so bright, that in a small room at night it's like a night light that keeps me from falling asleep. I covered it up, but it would have been nice to be able to turn it off like the rear-panel light (which I have not found much use for).

Here's the easy breakdown...

Pros:
1) Razor-sharp, clear picture from High Definition sources
2) A lot of inputs, including DVI/VGA
3) Black/charcoal casing fits nicely in any environment
4) Decent, clear picture from RF (coaxial) cable boxes.
5) Separate Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and Sharpness settings for each input.

Cons:
1) Wide TV stand...much wider than necessary
2) Remote control is not well-designed.
3) Needs slight picture adjustment to look its best
4) No separate RGB memories for each input
5) The bright glowing logo when the TV is off is too strong.
6) No HDMI input.

In closure, if you're going from a bulky CRT to this, you'll be amazed and stunned for quite a long time. This is a great TV to usher anyone into the era of High Definition. Next-generation game consoles and DVD players will take advantage of HDTVs, and given the high-quality/low-price combination, everyone should consider purchasing one of these sets in the future.

Just like everyone else, I was a little sceptical about the performance before buying this beauty ... especially after reading the CNET review of it. It's been a month since I've been on this TV and I must say its one heck of a product. I got cablevision HDTV service and have hooked up the HDTV receiver to this tv via DVI and the quality of picture is just outstanding. The fact that it has a 8ms responce time is a huge plus. Also, I caliberated my display using the THX mastered "The Village" DVD. I suggest everyone should do this for best performance. So, overall here it goes :

Picture Quality : ***** : Vivid natural colors, almost perfect black levels, no lag whatsoever. Does excellent up-scaling.

Audio : **** : Well I have hooked up a external home theater system with this, so don't really use these speakers. But the few days I did use it, was pretty good. I do wish the speakers were detachable as I've wall mounted the unit ... it would have been lot less heavier that way.

Interfaces : **** : Now, here is the catch ... if you have a DVI output from your cable box and a DVI DVD player then you will have to manually switch the interfaces or use an S-Video or Component video for one of them. A DVI switcher in the market is quite expensive (200 to 300). So, I hope a future version of this comes with at least 2 DVI interfaces. Also, the S-Video and Component video performance is quite exceptional.

PC Connectivity : Have not yet tested this. But am guessing its going to be great.

The Remote : forget about it. All my friends that have tried to use this remote have complained about it. So, won't even bother reviewing it. I've gotten used to it and have limited its use to power on/off.

All in all its worth the $1899 that I spent ... can't believe amazon is selling the same for 1599 in just under a month! so, go for it ... don't think twice unless you fancy spending almost the double for a Sharp :)

My husband and I bought the 32". We saw it on shop at home. Of course it looked great on tv and the price was right on target.com. After some delay it arrived. The picture was very red and needed constant adjustment. We contacted Syntax who sent a new main board and a tech to install it. That part was defective. So we were sent a replacement set. We pulled the box off the new tv to discover a very large dent on the top of the back panel. So back went the first two tv's. We now have our third tv and it too is damaged!!! Something is wrong with the stand causing it to tilt forward. We are now waiting for #4!!! We're keeping our fingers crossed. We're very disappointed in Syntax's quality control.

I just received my Olevia 32" yesterday. I was worried that I had never heard of the brand before but the panel itself was made by LG. In the end, I couldn't be happier. The picture is beautiful. There is no motion blurring that I've seen on other sets. The contrast is much brighter than my old tube and is easy to watch in full daylight. The black casing disappears when you're watching TV. The cable guys were practically drooling. Plus, it comes with a one year one home warranty that helps put me at ease.

Update two years later: The picture is still great from the DVI input, however, all the analog inputs are malfunctioning with an awful picture.

This LCD TV has changed my view on no-name-brand TV. I just bought it two weeks ago and have it set up in my bedroom with my Toshiba SD-5980 up-conversion progressive DVD play. The picture quality of this TV is astonishing! The DVI connection gives the best PQ and I am now watching every copy of my DVDs. I also have saterlite and the images are pretty good too. Sure, Sharp Aquos 32" may look a little better but why spend extra $1,500? Plus, technology changes so quickly and I am sure that the Aquos will be nothing better three years down the road. Now I am waiting for 42+" LCDs to come out so I can get one for my living room. Forget about plasma, it is too expensive and has short life.

The only minor things are (1) no HDMI (2) Screen size can be not remembered for each input.

I spent months looking at LCD and Plasma TVs for our kitchen. I wanted to use it as a computer monitor and a TV so LCDs looked like the best option. But price and lower specs kept me from purchasing till now. This TV does it all. Right out of the box I hooked everything up, and - it worked just as advertised. Now I can watch TV while I write this review! There were even functions that I did not know about that I have been using - like watching 12 channels at one time. The picture is crystal clear, it is bright, no lag, awesome sound and so far using it has been a snap. The price is great, the product is just what I wanted - this is one happy customer!

The only minor issue I have found is the remote is not as high of quality of the TV. It is nice looking but the buttons could use some improvement.

I purchased an Olevia Syntax 32HVE last July 2005 on impulse. It was very inexpensive for the size and I knew could take it back if I was not satisfied. The picture quality has been outstanding from the start. No dead pixels. Suprisingly good audio and reasonably well thought-out features. When I finally set up HD using HDMI connections, it really shined! The picture is often breathtaking.

Today I connected my PC to it and it works well. I can criticize some of the limitations in PIP combinations and I really wish it had a separate audio input for VGA and HDMI, but I doubt the LCDs twice this price have all this TV's features.

One surprising thing about this TV. Almost everyone that sees it insists its 40" or larger when in fact it is a 32" model.

We have since purchased a second LT32HV in the family and are very pleased with the value for the money on both.

This is a great tv for the value. Works just fine - looks very sleek. HDTV looks as good as on my $5,000 sony. My only quirk was programming the remote for digital cable - this brand doesnt have one so i had to experement a bit. The remote program code is 070. Hope this save anyone a lot of time. Good Luck!

Have to agree with the majority of the reviews- as a set to get one into the world of true flat panel TV's this model seems to fit. If you are a super Techno person than I doubt you would be surfing the web for a sub 2,000 set at this point but if you are interesting in finally getting rid of that bulky armoire or huge entertainment furniture monstrosity this may be the set for you.
PROS:
Nice DVD and excellent game screens - some games and DVDs may be "Dark" but you can adjust to your taste.
All the those wonderful connections- no more need to use a "switch box" with the various S-Cable, components, composite, audio output, etc it is easy to get everything set-up. Now if I could find a way to really hide some of these cords but that will come with a nice sleek stand or when it goes up on the wall.
Easy to use- just read over the manual and you should be ready to go. Even playing with the colors and such was fairly simple.
Frees up space in the apartment/house- while it is 32 inch you can move it around to fit a smaller room. Just dont expect to see some Gigantic TV screen- it is big but not like some of those 42 inch u see in the window of your electronice store down the road.

CONS
Regular TV will be a huge disappointment. If you don't have HD signal prepare for not liking what you see via regular cable or such. My building has one "trunk" for the 37 plus units so signal is weak to begin with. Even with an amplifier I am unable to get certain channels on the regular TV tuner. Luckily my TIVO picks up the channels nice and even has a "cleaner" picture- so the Tuner on the set may also be to blame a bit but it really is mostly my poor regular cable service.
Remote is a disappointment but works fine- looks like something out of the 70's. TIVO can get some of the general remote commands so I mostly use TIVO remote- works out fine. You will need the remote in order to jump between signals such as going from TIVO to XBOX and such from a distance but it works OK for that.
Sound is a bit weak but no one really use a sets regular speakers when you can just hook up the red/white AC output cables and run it into a stereo or home theatre system- remember to turn your sets speakers off (easy) before turning on the other sound system- don't want to do damage.
No way to set different view settings- if a DVD is dark and you change the settings you have to change it back when you switch to a different input.

Since I never had a flat panel it will be interesting to find out what I think of this set if I were to upgrade to Plasma or such a few years down the road. If you have the big bucks to spend maybe one of those 42 plus inch ones that cost as much as a small car would be worth it but for the wife and me this LCD is nice way to test the waters of the future of TV and free up some space in the house.
ENJOY!