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Date: 2005-07-18 High Definition...this is the future 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. Date: 2005-07-15 Reaction I felt I was taking a bit of a chance in this purchase, but the quality is outstanding......a terrific value Date: 2005-07-06 My Beautiful TV Wow! 2 weeks after delivery of this TV I am in broadcast heaven. Immediately got HDTV from the cable company and this TV rocks! I upgraded from a 1980's era 22 in. Sony TV so I'm not an electronics freak, but I am completely impressed and don't notice any flaws, although I just want to watch the HDTV channels now (they look better than real life!). The slow-response remote doesn't have much of an impact as I use the remotes from the cable box and the surround sound system. When I need to shift 'aspect' or 'source' the TV's remote hot keys are just fine. I can't really figure out the PIP and split screen functions - the manual doesn't cover them well, but I have enough to keep me occupied right now. I did hook up my computer to it and that works great and easily as well (but I'd rather watch movies and cable with the set). A terrific value, a good looking set and buying from Amazon was a pleasure. Date: 2005-07-04 Awesome Price & Quality There's been enough in depth reviews that I don't think I need to say much except as the price of LCD TVs fall, these are definitely the best TVs for the price. I was surprised to find out how many inputs there are, that the resolution isn't really low like you'd expect for such a cheap TV, and that even if this weren't the best priced LCD it could still compete with plenty of bigger named brands. Great quality, price (obviously), and even without the familiar brand name this purchase doesn't come with much risk due to the nice 1 year on-site warranty from Syntax. So maybe wait a few months for the 32" model to fall below 1k (6/1/05@$1,500) and don't forget to register the TV. Date: 2005-06-18 Outstanding Widesreen HD-Ready LCD TV I purchased this TV at ABC Wharehouse for $1149.00 before $150.00 Rebate and 6% Tax. Total price appx. $1168.00. Sale ends today 6/18. This TV is a steal for this price. I agree with all the 5 Star reviews. * Price is subject to change. |
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