Audio Video News

In a market that's rapidly becoming crowded with LCD TV suppliers, manufacturers need to do something to differentiate themselves - preferably something other than simply lowering the price. (Although, all other things being equal, a lower price sure gets our attention.)

Syntax Groups Corporation, a company that humbly calls itself "one of the fastest-growing manufacturers of LCD TVs in North America", continues their all-out push for name recognition and market share with a soon-to-be-introduced 42" widescreen LCD HDTV with built-in ATSC+HDMI and NTSC TV tuners. The new Olevia LT42HVi will also feature a new black bezel design that's meant to catch consumers' eyes and offer "a compelling alternative to similar sized plasma TVs."

The Olevia LT42HVi will include a proprietary digital video processing technology from Syntax known as "iDEA" (Innovative Digitally Enhanced Architecture) that includes a variety of preprogrammed and user-selectable video adjustment parameters, such as Dynamic Brightness and Contrast, Pure Edge Enhancement, Dynamic Noise Reduction, Black Level Extender, and White Peak Limiter - to name a few. Audio synchronization is achieved through the set's built-in Advanced Digital Sound Processor (DSP).

The most innovative element of the Olevia LT42HVi's design is its adjustable speaker mounting system. Powered by a 25-watt stereo amplifier, the panel's speakers can be mounted vertically on each side of the TV, horizontally at the base of the TV, or left off and placed in a drawer for safekeeping if your kleptomaniac uncle happens to be coming over for dinner (or maybe because you've done the right thing and connected the TV to a proper home theater system). The included table-top stand is also detachable for on-the-wall mounting (an especially nice option for disgruntled renters who would like to really annoy their landlords).

Some of the other specifications and features of the Olevia LT42HVi will include 1366 x 768 native resolution, 8 ms response time, dual progressive-scan component video inputs (with 3:2 pulldown), and an HDMI with HDCP compatibility input.

The Olevia LT42HVi is scheduled to be released in June 2005 for $3,699 and will come with what the company calls "a unique free first year on-site service plan." (There they go trying to differentiate themselves again.)