Syntax Groups was at one time best known for its motherboards. But no more – their entry into the consumer electronics field has many other companies scaling back plans, as Syntax in its first year has already captured approximately 5% of the North American LCD-TV market. Let’s see what is making the Olevia brand so successful.
When Syntax decided it wanted to take on the North American TV market, it made a number of deals to build up a mini multinational corporation to get the job done. The end result is DigiMedia Technology Company, a joint venture between Syntax, Taiwan Kolin Company (with the manufacturing background to run the factory), and Prokia Technology Company (with a specialty in LCD backlighting and optical projection), designed for research, development, and manufacturing of the raw TVs in Taiwan, and then shipping them to Syntax in the US. In addition, Syntax made an alliance with Chi Mei Optoelectronics (a leading LCD manufacturer) to supply top underlying TFT panels for the Olevia LCD line. The combination is an impressive array of expertise and quality behind the Olevia brand.
Let’s take a quick look at the raw specs of the Syntax Olevia LT30HV LCD HDTV from their website:
FEATURES
30″ 16:9 Cinema-Style Widescreen Aspect Ratio
HDTV Display Ready (480i, 480p, 1080i, 720p)
750:1 High Contrast Ratio
Wide XGA 1280 x 768 Resolution
High Brightness 700 cd/m2
Dual Built-in TV Tuner
PIP & Picture Grid Views
Digital 3D Comb Filter
HDTV Progressive Scan
16ms Response Time
170 / 170 Degree Wide Viewing Angles
VGA (DB15) & DVI/HDCP Inputs
Detachable 10W + 10W Surround Speakers
VIDEO
Digital 3D Comb Filter Yes
Progressive Scan Yes
2:2 / 3:2 Pull Down Yes
Digital Picture Noise Reduction Yes
Resolution Scan VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, WXGA
De-Interlacer Yes
Adjustable Color Temperature Yes
VGA Auto Frequency Correction Yes
TV Auto Frequency Tuning Yes
I/O Ports:
1 x HDTV Input: Y/Pb/Pr (480i, 480p, 1080I, 720p)
1 x Component Input: Y/Cb/Cr (480i)
1 x Composite Video Input: RCA
1 x S-Video Input: 4-pin DIN
1 x DVI/HDCP Input: DVI-I
1 x VGA Input: DSub-15
1 x TV Tuner Input: TV / CATV RF, NTSC Only
1 x Service Port: RS232
Audio Input:
4 x RCA L/R
1 x Mini - Stereo Jack
Audio Output:
1 x RCA R/L preout and Sub-Woofer Preout
1 x Earphone Output: Mini-Stereo Jack
2 x Speaker: 10w Detachable
Other:
Wall Mounted Type: VESA 200, WM-10D / WM-20D
Horizontal Frequency: 30 - 80 KHz
Vertical Frequency: 50 - 80 KHz
PC Frequency Support: 1280 x 768 @ 60 Hz (Max)
Tuner Box: Removable for ATSC Replacement
Power Consumption: AC 150 Watts (Max)
Dimensions:
21.8″ (H) x 35″ (W) x 8.8″ (D) with Stand
19.5″ (H) x 35″ (W) x 4.2″ (D) without Stand
28.5″ (W) without Speakers
Weight: 50 lbs with Stand, 40lbs without Stand
Safety Certification: CE, FCC, UL, CUL, CB, TUV
Energy Star: Yes










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Great review. What were the true measurements with & without the speakers? (Width). Since a lot of people have limited space. I heard that the 27″ was the same size. The only diffrence on the 30″ was the use of a wider opeing on the bezel. ( To show more LCD Panel). Any input would be helpful.
Easy Street said:Thanks
Great Review, Just upgrading satellite to HDTV (w/Tivo) almost paid $1k for 30″CRT in HD. I needed more information like your review. Looks like Olevia 30″ which will fit into our entertainment system and not break my back to move around is the way to go.
Thanks
BostonGuy said:Thanks for the thorough review! I paid $1k after rebates and couldn’t be happier. The remote is its only real weakness, but as I use this right now solely as a TV, my cable remote suffices.
David said:Any recommendations for a DVD player to take advantage of the DVI?
I’ll try to put together a quick roundup article of the couple of ‘hi-def upconverting’ DVD players that are reasonably priced (i.e. $150-250 or so) – though I found my progressive scan player looked pretty good all by itself.
John P. Hoffman said:I just ordered the Olevia 27″ model thru TigerDirect and they sent me confirmation that it has shipped a few days ago. Now I find that they have quit selling the 27″ altogether, You would’t know why would you?
David said:Interesting. Well, it’s no secret that there are newer, larger, more expensive models coming. We’ve all seen these huge discounts, but don’t know if they are clearing the channel or what. Tiger still has the 30″, but click through my links to Amazon, as they still have stock, and it’s much cheaper.
Benjamin said:I just got this for Christmas and while the picture quality is good with DVD and HDTV inputs, regular broadcast and CATV is just crappy. Also, the remote is the WORST I’ve ever used! The distance range is no more than 3 feet! Thank goodness for a Logitech Harmony remote.
Jay Brewer said:I have read and reread your review about 100 times. Thanks for all the insights and also helping my wife and I understand why pay more now when we can add to this LCD over time. Also - 30″ inches is plenty to start - and as prices come down this will be a killer display for our bedroom or play room.
Thanks again also for an amazing site.
Dumpsterlad said:The new 32″ and 37″ models (due in January 2005) seem to be redisgned. Press releases claim that the 32″ models will ship in full force this month with an MSRP of $1999. Any idea when these will be available for review?
Benjamin said:The IR board on my unit was replaced by an on-site tech, yey! Now, the remote works perfectly from long distances. So it seems like the replacement IR units have better design.
Jason said:I got my Olevia 30″ two days ago and very happy with it. The sharpness of the picture really impress me. I was very surprised at how good the quality is for the amount of money I spent for the unit. Thanks for the review, it was what made me decided to buy a Olevia and I am so glad I did.
Mike said:I am looking to buy this LCD TV, but am wanting to know if it is multi voltage (110-240v) and 50/60hz.
jim said:Reason? I am stationed overseas.
great review!! thanks i’m sold on it
hey ppl target.com as this unit for $1199.00
and free shiping, also check for a 10% off coupon
OliviaOlevia said:not sure where i saw it but check any of the coupons sites i’m sure u’l find it… happy hunting
Just got the 27′ for $999 plus another $100 from Compusa and $200 form Syntax! Waited and waited and bam! $699 and got 21 mos no intrest from them to celebrate their 21st birthday! Thru thurs march 10th the sale. The 23′ sony looked a bit better, more black, but I can get THREE of these for the same price! This is a very nice unit, but at that price any shortcomings are well forgiven!
Morgan said:That had to be the most in depth review ive ever read, took me forever to read it, cant imagine how long it took to write it, but i love the details. I ordered one today, then i got bored so i tried to find some reviews and stumbled across yours, its better than every other consumer review put togather that i have found so far. The new models look amazing, the 37inch is $1700 and ive seenthe 32inch for $1300. I want more people to know about these sweet lcd’s so syntax can keep making them, but Cnet gave them a horrible review, i contacted them and told them to review the new 37inch, but they wont respond.
one happy guy said:got the 27 inch, all i can say is WOW!!!! great unit for the price $699.00. picture is clear even with digital cable feed from cablevision, can’t wait to see what it looks like in HD i will get the HD box next week i’ll keep you posted. didn’t try to hook this unit to a computer, i’m sure it will be fine. and no dead pixels yeeeeee lol. overall i recomend this unit!!!!
judy said:got the Olevia LT26HVE and am verrrry satisfied. Great picture….AND….i rec`d a $125.00 rebate!
Bob LaFont said:Total price was $674.00
This is the most detailed and comprehensive review that I have ever read. I have owned the 30” for 6 months now and agree totally with this review. This TV is awesome. If Syntax keeps this quality / price ratio up they will sweep Sony under the rug.
Calvin J. Vo said:Hey guys i’ve just read today’s add Fry’s has the 30′ Olevia for $ 777.00 that is incredible cheap!!!
Trevor said:I have the 27″ tv and its great however when I try to play DVD’s from my LG3510A at 1080i I get the error message “The disc is not available for viewing using he DVI monitor withour HDCP capability” strange thing is that the HDTV this using receives gets transimitted to the TV just fine using 1080i. Any ideas to what my problem is?
trevor said:Any idea where to find the ntsc tuner upgrade, did it ever materialize?
Wanda said:Just got a 32″ installed last night. Love the picture. Still don’t know how to work the remote. I’ll have time to play with it today. I know fellows, it is probally just a women thing - that I can’t work the remote. Just don’t know how to get local channels.
Michael said:I got the 32 under 1k. My eyeballs have been changed forever!
mdeva said:DON’T take a chance with Olevia. My set died in less than two years - and I’m not the only one (http://www.fixya.com/support/t240455-olevia_lt23hvx_not_power#SameProblemContinued).
Power problems.
Very disappointing.
Friday said:Olevia LT 30 HV goes black after one minute, sound stays on. Syntax Olevia seems to have a problem they won’t acknowledge. Local TV place can’t find a problem. Olevia support says ship to Seattle.
Gordon said:No more Olevia for me!
I have had my h37 Olevia for about a year now. So far the HDMI port and the speekers have gone out,right after the warenty has expired. The tv is a peace of junk.
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