Syntax Olevia... Best Value TVs
Written: Jan 11 '07
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Pros: Cost, picture, inputs, features.
Cons: Audio, no built in HD tuner, little things
The Bottom Line: This TV produces a great picture at minimal price. Great to those new to the HD realm.
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| jmc980's Full Review: Olevia LT26HVX 26 in. TV |
Most people reading this review right now are probably thinking that the prices they've seen for this TV are just too good to be true. A 26 inch HD ready TV... and it won't put a dent in your pocket? Must be a catch, right? Well, in my few months with this set, I can say, if there is... I haven't found one.
Background
Last August my old 1990's Magnavox tube CRT finally gave in and decided it was time to move on to TV heaven. Now, I am a home theater and TV junkie, so I had to have a replacement... and fast (moving into dorms at my college was only a few short weeks away). However, this led to a wonderful opportunity... if I'm getting a new TV, I decided, I'm going HD.
Now, I am a poor college student, which means two things: 1) I have very little to spend and 2) I look for the best value option for my buck since I have so little. I decided I wanted something HD, at least 19" widescreen, inputs to cater to my every need, and most important flat panel... all for under $500. A lofty goal, but this TV fit that bill perfectly, and did better than I could've imagined.
Specs
Active Screen Size 26" Active Matrix
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Response Time 8ms
Video Processor 1366 x 768
Viewing Angle 178 (H) / 178 (V)
Contrast Ratio 1600:1
Video:
2:2/3:2 Pull Down
Color Temperature Adjust
Digital 3D Comb Filter
Progressive Scan
480i, 480p, 720P, 1080i Capable
Audio:
Stereo RCA Audio Output
Earphone Output
Speakers @ 10w x 2 (w/ DIVA)
I/O Ports:
2 Component Inputs
2 S-Video Inputs
2 Composite Video Inputs
1 Digital Input (DVI)
1 NTSC RF Tuner
1 VGA Input
Functions:
Channel Return
Clock/Alarm
Closed Caption
Favorite Channel
Language supports: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese
MTS
PIP/Split Screen
Sleep Timer
V- Chip Parental Control
Warranty:
1 Year Parts and Labor w/ Onsite Coverage for 1st Year
Other:
Dimensions 35"(W) x 19.7" (H) x 8.3" (D) w/ Stand
Gross Weight 44lbs
Net Weight 31 lbs w/ Stand
PC Resolution Support 1280 x 768 @ 60Hz
Power Consumption AC 120 Watts
Energy Star
Remote
Wall Mounted Type VESA 100 x 200
I'm going to break up the video portion of the review into two sections, Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD). Too often I see people write reviews that give good TVs bad reps because they don't know enough about it. Plus, it should give you a better idea, based on your viewing habits, about how this TV will perform for you in your situation. So let's get to it!
Video Experience (Standard Def)
Ok to break it down simply, this TV was meant for HD. Plain and simple. All HDTV’s are made for just that... HD. Because they're meant for a picture with way better quality and loads more picture information, watching standard def on any HDTV, is going to be kind of disappointing. Not because the TV is bad, but because the signal (SD) isn't all that great.
Having said that, this TV does a darn good job at taking something that isn't so great and making it bearable.
Watching SD through my cable looks alright. I'm not going to complain. Colors are spot on, picture is good, and everything is alright. Because of SD as a signal though, it ends up being kind of fuzzy at times, with not so much clarity as you might be used to on that old CRT of yours (which, keep in mind, was probably made JUST for SD signals, so of course it looks a little sharper).
Watch a movie from your DVD player or VCR though, and you might be a little more surprised. DVD's for me play at great quality on this TV... even when output is in SD. In fact, I was surprised at how good it looks when compared to its counterpart in HD. Again, colors are spot on, picture is good, and because of the signal being provided, it’s definitely less fuzzy. If you have the option though, try to give this TV as many higher quality inputs as you can.
Video Experience (High Definition)
Ok, so here is where this TV will blow you away. I've had every kind of signal thrown at this TV (for HD junkies: 480p, 720p, and 1080i) through every HD input available (Component, VGA, and DVI) and I am always amazed.
Colors will literally jump off the screen. Spots are so sharp in some cases; you forget it’s an image. The near-3D effect is very evident. I'd say if you want to compare with a known name brand, Samsung actually makes a similar picture with most of their HD's I've seen. Whites are the whitest, blacks are the blackest. When you're feeding this TV a clean HD signal, no doubt you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
Some good testing material I've used for picture in HD are downloaded IMAX, Xbox 360, and PS3 trailers through the VGA and DVI inputs via my computer. A particular IMAX coral reef trailer I have looks absolutely amazing. Colors are so real and vivid; you'd swear you were underwater if you weren't dry. Halo 3 trailers for Xbox have never looked so good.
Broadcast HDTV is also something to behold. It’s different in a showroom like at your local Best Buy, where every TV is pimped out according to what sellers know buyers will like with all sorts of fancy images of football and various other HD content that you probably will never ever experience while just watching normal TV. But I do swear, watching even things as mundane as Jeopardy, is just that much better with HD. You will get to the point with this, that even if it’s on in SD, you'll think twice before switching the channel... first you'll look for the same program in HD. Other things I've watched in HD like CSI, Alias, 24, and all those other wonderful prime time and late night shows on NBC and the like, take on a whole new life. It brings new meaning to the words "home theater". You WILL notice the difference in your favorite programs that are simulcast in HD... And you can take that to the bank.
My progressive scan Yamaha DVD player (also reviewed) gives a very clear, crisp signal. Again, colors, picture, sharpness... all are enhanced and make the experience that much more enjoyable. Movies like Star Wars take on a totally new life, as well as films like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, and others. Just more proof that double the lines in resolution doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference.
Audio
Ok, I'll be honest... this isn't the TV's strong point. All of that (if you couldn't tell) was in the Video HD portion. These speakers don't pump out much, but at 10 watts, they really can't. I've noticed the audio also tends to be a little distorted and not to great. You'll do yourself a favor in this case by getting some worthwhile speakers with a cheap amp and hooking the system through the outputs (which I have done). However, the audio system does come with lots of little things you can tweak, such as bass, treble, and even two EQ channels which you can have going at the same time. All things considered, it isn't bad, but if you have the option, external speakers in this case are the way to go.
Yes, I love these features!
Ok, on the specs above this thing has lots of little doodads that are really nice... here are a few of my favorites:
First, picture-in-picture and split screen. The first one I'm sure most of you have heard of. And it’s pretty sweet. You can move the smaller picture to all corners of the screen, and still control specific options for it (like aspect ratio). Split screen is just how it sounds... two pictures, both occupying half the screen. Now, both features are dependant on input selection, and some inputs you can't have going simultaneously, but that’s just a minor annoyance.
Second, inputs. Plain, simple... I'm a guy who needs those inputs. I've got this thing hooked up to everything but the sink, and technically, I still haven't run out! It’s hooked up to a VCR, DVD player, HD Tuner, PC, and PS2. I still have 3 inputs to spare. Using it as a second monitor has been very convenient and fun. My comp also is a media hub for me, so whenever I want to watch a movie, I load it, turn on the TV, and let a rip! Because of all the inputs as well, I can have up to 4 HD devices, which isn't half bad.
Though there are many more features, those are the two I love the most. Other nice things about it... its light and its flat. Meaning? It is actually quite portable. I take it home with me from college (where it then doubles as my primary PC monitor) and even to LAN parties, where showing this thing off can be loads of fun in of itself.
Oh yea and one more very important thing... it is dirt cheap as far as HD flat panels go. Best part is, the new generation from Olevia is about the same, with even more options and upgrades. I got mine refurbished at Newegg.com for under $500 which includes shipping. Now that's a deal.
Things that I'm nitpicking about...
Ok... it’s mainly the little things with this TV I don't like.
Early on, the fact that there was no aspect ratio button on the remote frustrated me. I've since not had the need to actively change the aspect so much, and have become accustomed to the menu scheme (which at first is also hard to grasp for some new users).
Occasionally in the VGA input, you might have some troubles. It says max PC resolution in the specs is 1280 X 768, but I usually crank it up to 1360 X 768. All this resolution switching though can cause the picture to not sync right with the monitor. BUT! Quick go into the TVs menu and select "Auto Adjust" (or something similar) and the TV will fix it for you... however the whole screen has to have an image on it... black areas at the edges can cause it to be thrown off, adding a little bit of frustration.
The inputs on the back aren't exactly labeled the best way. Since there are two of most of them, you have to guess in a way which input of the two you're actually trying to use sometimes. Just an extra little annoyance. Also, no HDMI... but this is easily fixed with an DVI to HDMI converter.
No HD tuner built in. Yep. Most of today’s HD displays have one built in. But, the good news is, Olevia's newest-gen TVs have them... for around the same price.
For you remote lovers, it isn't universal... sorry kids. However, it does have luminescent lighting, so it will stay lit for a little bit after the lights go out, which isn't all too bad.
Final thoughts...
I searched far and wide for an HDTV under $500. To actually find one was a feat in itself. One with such great specs, features, and picture quality for that requirement is quite a bargain indeed. I had never heard of Olevia before getting this TV, but I suspect I'll hear about them a lot more. Most other HDTV’s in my residence hall are... that's right, Olevia's, and for good reason. They're affordable, have just as good a picture as the big guys, and are definitely a bang-for-buck deal. Granted, there are better HD displays out there, but my guess is, they aren't cheaper. If you're looking for a good HDTV for a bedroom or even a small system you're working on, this is a good bet. My next HDTV will probably remain with the Olevia brand.
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
"But this isn't TV... it's HDTV! It's got more resolution than the real world!
-Phillip Fry, Futurama
Just my own little personal thoughts here for your consideration. Undoubtedly, if you're here at epinions, you're probably doing all the research you can before your purchase. However, if you haven't researched HDTV and all its ins and outs, I HIGHLY STRESS you do. In these days of SD, ED, HD, Total HD, and all sorts of other funky terminology and little words and features floating around, it can be extremely confusing for us, the consumer. So, in order to get the best possible deal on HD and not be tripped up by some guy at a store trying to sell you stuff you don't need, make sure you know all these little things. Trust me, they'll come in handy. Some good places to do the research?
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-6310141-1.html
http://www.hdtvfaq.org
Thanks for reading and good hunting!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 475.00
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Epinions.com ID:
jmc980
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Member: Jon Christensen
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 0 members
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