Official Syntax OLEVIA LT42HVi Thread - Page 3

Then it is probably not QAM. All cable providers are required to carry the basic HD channels unencrypted. The cable providers just do not publicly advertise this for obvious reasons.

Thanks for testing it.

I can't receive any DTV signals through my Comcast (extended cable) either. That's strange as Comcast in Seattle where I am does provide unencrypted HD feeds. And the box the LT42HVi comes in states that it has an ATSC/QAM tuner, as does Syntax's own LT42HVi press release.

I'm tempted to borrow a HDTV standalone tuner that supports ATSC/QAM to see if its my feed, or the LT42HVi.

I don't see it on the Specs page for the tv:

http://secure.syntaxgroups.com/produ...sp?pid=lt42hvi

The specs page only mentions:


and it wasn't in the manual in the specs page as the options I posted before were word for word.

Too bad though...would have been nice to have

The lack of a QAM-capable tuner is an issue for me, as I don't intend to subscribe to Comcast's HD package and would just like to get locals in HD via cable.

But another issue I find is that whenever I switch between the YPbPr1/YPbPr2 component inputs to any other input or the TV is switched off and then back on again, the sharpness setting is set to 100 (even though the value displayed is still what I set it to). This is very obvious as I can change the setting by 1 e.g. from 65 to 66 and the display looks like it goes from 100 to 66. This is very annoying as the image does not look good at sharpness setting of 100. It only affects the two component inputs and not the others.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Dan,

Comcast Cable
I currently subscribe to Comcast's Digital Package and all I had to do was trade my old cable box for an HD Cable box (Moto 6200) and I recieved all the HD channels. The cost difference was about $1 to $2 / month increase to get the HD cable box. Of course if you currently only have analog cable and do not want a cable box then the lack of QAM is an issue.

Sharpness
Seems to be happening to me too...I'm gonna drop Syntax a line this week.

Spent some time setting up my Harmony 688 and here are some notes for people that use them...

1) I had to relearn the InputComponent command, as the one in their database didn't do anything (probably bad learn stored there).

2) The default setting for repeat rate was 3 and it was doubling/tripling up on commands when in the source menu...I turned it down to 1 and seems to work great now.

3) The default download was setup such that it relied on the InputTV, InputComponent and InputDVI/VGA (this last one really should read HDMI/VGA). I found that this didn't work well as if I went from HDMI1 to HDMI2 it would go an extra input and when turning off then on it would resend the input command. (I contacted Harmony about maybe providing some more options for remotes with some input buttons in the future).

It worked much better when I changed it to use the Menu to change Inputs. For that the Source button is called InputNext (I don't know why people don't read the remote when typing their button names in...) then you use DirectionDown as the change inputs button and finally Select as your enter button...and listen carefully now tell it to save state when turning off...but DO NOT let it know that you have a way to default to tuner.

Also when using Menu the downloaded order of the inputs was incorrect...just open the source menu on the tv and rearrange correctly.

Naylia,

Not suprisingly I had the same issues with my Harmony 680. Had to relearn InputComponent and change the repeat rate from 3 to 1. And like you, ran into the same problem with switching to an input in the same 'group' i.e. TV1 to SVideo-1. The Harmony doesn't work since it continues down the set of inputs, whereas switching between input groups starts you from the first input from that group.

I tried your solution of using the Source menu to switch inputs, but it was too slow even after setting the Input delay from 1000ms to 200ms (the Syntax can change inputs as fast as you can press the buttons).

So I modified the default Input setup to first switch to a different group before anything else e.g. to switch to SVideo-1, it does: InputComponent, InputTV, InputTV, InputTV, InputTV. And switching to HDMI2 does: InputComponent, InputDVI, InputDVI.

The only problem I had was switching to DTV since the Harmony only lets you chain 6 commands together. So for that I did: InputComponent, InputTV, InputNext (i.e. Source), DirectionUp, Select. Works like a charm, except that I can't receive DTV via Cable because of the QAM issue.

Combined with the new input delay of 200ms, input switches are really fast and I don't see the blue 'no signal' screen while switching.

Now if I can just the QAM and sharpness issues resolved, I'll be happy.

Dan

I'm using a delay of only 100ms and it operates fine at that speed...I'm tempted to go faster but haven't played with it anymore yet. I had contemplated your method and am glad to hear it works well...with the harmony sometimes you just have to get creative.

I actually emailed Logitech's Harmony division to recommend some things they could do to improve it...

1)Add a Input control method that allows for inputs that are in groups...apparently some other remotes use this as their was a minor mention in one of their FAQs

2)Allow the Menu Input setup to move both up and down the menu...right now Comp1 to HDMI1 is quick...but HDMI1 to Comp1 takes forever.

The new LT42HVi Signature 1080p was just announced by Syntax at CES. Here is part of the press release:

Syntax-Brillian Corp. today announced its expansion into the high-end home theater market with the addition of the "Olevia Signature" series of HDTVs.

Premium specifications of the Olevia Signature LT42HVi and LT47HVi LCD HDTVs include 1080p HDTV resolution, high quality 42-inch and 47-inch Super-IPS LCD panels (1920 x 1080) with 16:9 aspect ratio, 1600:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 800cd/m2, and wide 178 degree (H)/178 degree (V) viewing angles. In addition to two ATSC/NTSC combination built-in tuners, the Olevia Signature series HDTVs feature a rich array of video and audio inputs/outputs including two HDMI, three component, two S-Video, two composite, VGA, two RF, a headphone jack, digital audio and subwoofer. Picture-in-Picture and split screen modes enable viewing of multiple content sources simultaneously. Using the USB port, consumers can keep their TV up-to-date by obtaining firmware update downloads from Syntax's website.

Available in Q2 2006, estimated MSRP of the Olevia Signature LT42HVi and LT47HVi LCD HDTVs will be $3499 and $3999, respectively.

You can set 'Input Delay' for this TV to 0 (that's right ZERO) and it cruises inbetween inputs in the menu

Has anyone figured out a way to put a center channel on top of the tv?

Looks like another rebate is on the horizon at JR Music World. When sending me a copy of my rebate form for the Dec 1 to 31 rebate they actually mailed me one that was labeled 1/15 to 1/28. It looks to be a $200 rebate coming up on the LT42HVi.

Just noticed Beach Camera also has them in stock again.

Hey guys....decided I wanted to take things up a notch from sending 1280x720 to the LCD. Display didn't like 1360x768 no matter what I tried but I was able to get a 1368x768 resolution dialed in pretty good. Vertically (768) it fills the screen perfectly. Horizontally I have 3 pixels underscan on the right side and 5 pixels overscan leftside

I think with an Nvidia based card I could get it on the dot at 1366x768 and have it be centered. The ATI cards do everything in increments of 8 so for I'm stuck with the over/underscan the way it is or flipped one way or the other.

Powerstrip settings for 1368x768 ATI Radeon DVI->HDMI:
Pixel clock: 84.750 MHz

Horizontal Geometry:
Scan Rate: 47.720 kHz
Active: 1368
Front Porch: 112
Sync Width: 128
Back Porch: 168
Total: 1776

Vertical Geometry:
Scan Rate: 59.799 Hz
Active: 768
Front Porch: 5
Sync Width: 5
Back Porch: 20
Total: 798


I'm pretty sure I'm just talking to myself, but I enjoy it !!

EDIT: not actually getting 1:1...there is some slight banding when I look at any 1:1 pixel test screens. Horizontally it's flawless but I do get some vertical bands I'd love to borrow a nvidia card somewhere and try out it's ability to do 1366x768.

I am in the process of doing a simple mod on this TV to setup a center channel speaker on the top and do it securely. I will take some snap shots as soon as it is all set up and explain how it was done. give me a couple of days and I will post.

Great!!! Right now my center channel is just sitting in front of the tv. With it being an LCD on a fullsize stand there was plenty of space to just put it there but I'm not really happy with it as a long term solution.

Hello,

I have been considering the Sony Bravia for such a long time and then I accidentally discovered the LT42HVi and glad I did. The picture looks just as good to me for over a $1000 less. Unbelievable. Had a couple of questions hoping to get some input on from current owners:

1. Looks like Syntax provides 1 year in-home warranty which is great! With that said, have many of you bothered to get an extended warranty based on this service the first year and the nice pricing. I could potentially see a 4 year extended warranty costing up to 30% of the cost of the TV depending on who I go with.

2. A previous post stated that there is no QAM tuner built in. With that said, what is the built in HD tuner doing for you that is beneficial?

Thanks everyone!

Check to see if any of your credit cards will extend a warranty for you for free, both my Visa and my Amex will extend the terms of the original warranty for free for an extra year. Policies are slightly different though. My Visa requires that I register a product with them after purchasing it, while the Amex protection is automatic and I just have to save the invoice/receipt and a copy of the warranty terms. My Amex also has 90-day price protection which is a bit better than stores offer normally.


Well, I do not use it beyond trying it out to see if it works since I run my OTA through a Home Theater PC. However, in many instances if you can pick up OTA HD the picture quality is superior to the image carried by some cable companies and most satellite companies.

I noticed that nobody has commented on this. I am considering this TV and went to CompUSA to check this out and agree with kylef. However, they had this unit located very low, without a stand, and in an area which produced a lot of reflection so hard to tell. Has anyone else had this issue when they brought the TV home?

I do not see blue on mine, but the black is not as deep when viewed from about 45*. I'll have my gf look also when she gets home later to get another set of eyes on it.

I recently Connected my HDTV converter box with a DVI cable using a HDMI adapter. Anyhow I wanted to ask if anyone has noticed allot more jaggies especially on red colors and graphics. I was very surprised at this. I didn't expect to see any jaggies being that I saw none using component connections. Has anyone else used a DVI or HDMI connections on their lt42hvi's?

One more thing. Please try not to laugh at me because I am a bit of a novice when it comes to LCD tv's and flat screens in general. But, is it possible to mess the tv up in anyway shape or form buy constant fussing with the calibration settings? I ask this because I am a person who constantly fusses and I am not sure but when I first got the TV I was adjusting it and when I couldn't remember the original setting's that it was set to before me adjusting I would set it back to default. The default setting didn't look all that bad, a bit on the dark side maybe but not unwatchable. Now yesterday I put the defaults on again after messing with it and it seemed very dark and it felt like I had to set the brightness pretty high to get a decent picture. Did I mess something up? Should I contact tech support to have someone come out and look at it? Or am I just delusional from so many attempts to get just the right pic?

Anyhow before I forget I am still working on the mod for the center channel on the top of the TV. Haven't finished because I had some other things I had to attend to first. should be done by Monday the latest and I will post some pics.

One more thing if someone can post some of their video settings for hdtv broadcast I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

Thanks Naylia, I'll check back in later. I am hoping this isn't a "deal breaker" for me. I am going to head out later today and check out the Sony Bravia to see how it fares with viewing angle. I'm hoping that there is not much difference as the Bravia is over $1000 more than the Olevia for a picture that looks just as good in my opinion. Guess yu can;t rely on specs. as viewing angle is posted as 178 degrees for Olevia which I'm sure is true but I'd like ot know if the color fades prior to that 178 degree angle.

I use DVI->HDMI from my computer and have not noticed any from tv shows I have recorded on there via an OTA pc card tuner. I have noticed some over component from my cable box depending on channel and show I'm watching. The only time I really really noticed it was actually an UFC match that was on INHD last night and normally INHD looks great which was what was so weird. Now if you get jaggies all the time, or on all of anything particular every single time you see it you might want to call a tech...but it's also possible that you're cable box is introducing artifacts when converting to DVI ...do you have another source you can try?

EDIT: just wanted to add that I've been watching football for the afternoon, and it is not pixelating at all over component. it looks perfect...i'll try DVI->HDMI on the same station tommorrow (figuring they will devote the same attention to a quality signal for those games also)


Shouldn't really be an issue, but what does happen is after a few days your eyes adjust to your new settings as what's 'normal' and then changing them agian can require your eyes to adjust again. I recommend getting a calibration dvd and just calibrating your tv.


can't wait to see it


haven't done this myself, but if you get INHD from your cable/sat provider they do a test pattern Saturday mornings 7am so that you can calibrate your tv...i overslept today and missed it

looking at it again what it seems to be to me is that at a certian angle you can see the glass reflect back onto the lcd panel due to the angle you are at and the color can tint the black(since lcd's aren't really black but really dark grey i think that's why you see the color). i'm only able to see it when there's a big expanse of black and you stand way off to the side, i see brigter colors reflect easier than darker colors. i'm surprised you see blue. can't really pick up on it watching something that's full screen, but is most noticeable when i have a 4:3 image and stand to the side, you can see some color reflect back onto the black bar on the side

i've noticed a similar effect on plasmas when visiting friends if you stand way off to the side where you can see both the image on the glass and the panel itself

i'd recommend just spending some time at the store with both tvs and trying to balance picture quality, features and price

i'll note that i've never once noticed it until i went and stood at the angle and looked for it

Hello,

Thanks Naylia. I just got back from a visit to a different CompUSA which had this TV located in a slightly different position than the other store I went to and this effect was not as noticeable. I think CompUSA in general is not yet set-up to display TV's and as a result, the wharehouse style lighting isn;t ideal for displaying thhese TVs. I double checked against the Bravia and still impressed enough that I think I am going to purchase. The one final hurdle for me is to convince my wife that we are not buying an inferior brand to Sony as were set on the Bravia for a long time. Can anyone comment on customer service from Syntax or their reputation so far? Also, I was planning on purchasing from Beach Camera who has an incredible deal on this set right now. Can anyone comment on them as a company that will back up the sale if there are any issues.

check resellerratings.com for good info about a store's reputation...i think Beach Camera has a rating above 9 which is quite good

i have no experience with Syntax yet beyond my email to them regarding the sharpness concern found earlier and so far have only recieved an form email thanking me for the input sort of thing. i may try calling them just to get a feel for service level. however their warranty service is 1 year in-home, double that if you have a credit card that extends your warranty (i suggest getting one if you don't)...my $30/yr Amex extends original warranty terms by 1 year and provides 90-day price protection...so I have 2 years in home service which isn't bad.

read some of the Sony threads. originally i was 100% about the Sony A10s and there are just so many issues with them. apparently some of that is just an issue with RPLCD as a technology but it's not pretty all the people that are having issues. Read the thread for the 37" olevias and read some sony threads and just try to get a feel for the number of issues people have. There are always issues...i haven't seen a tv thread yet with no complaints or problems, but you want to find something that you'll be able to accept and has a good warranty if you have any issues.

I bought my 42hvi from Beach. No problems whatsoever, so can't comment on how they would be if there were issues to deal with. Agree w/ Naylia that there will always be problems with any TV, that's just the way electronics are. Bravia XBRs look great, but so does this Syntax for many dollars less. No way to predict if your Sony or Syntax will have dead pixels, buzzing, etc, but Syntax's in home warranty is a very nice thing to have in your back pocket.

Just following up on this. I connected my cable box via DVI->HDMI today and checked out the playoff game and do not notice any difference in pixelation, or any pixelation at all for that matter with the football games. What i did notice is that i really need to wake up at 7am on saturday and calibrate the component out from my cable box from the INHD test screens.

Hello all,

I just wanted to do a final check of reviews prior to purchasing and noticed the following from a reviewer on CNET:

"The TV supports PIP and even split screen. However, you seem to lose this if you are using HDMI as the input. There was also a zoom feature that is lost when using HDMI.

When hooked to the cable box using HDMI, you lose a bit of other capability. You can't uses the TV's capabilities to adjust the picture and it did a better job on 4:3 stretching than the set top box (Moto 6214) does. Probably an issue with Moto and the HDMI feed."

Can anyone confirm or deny this. Seems odd to lose so much functionality with HDMI connection.

Thanks!

I have no issues doing PIP with an HDMI input. I often watch tv w/ the pc input (dvi->hdmi) in the pip box and then use PIP Swap during commercials to do a little websurfing until the show comes back.

By the way split screen sucks...novel idea but it creates so much distortion of the aspect ratio you'll never watch anything this way...would be way cooler to put the tv on a rotating stand and turn it 90* then do split screen top/bottom...then it'd actually be useful for widescreen content. 4:3 content might look ok on splitscreen, but 16:9 content is miserable.



It's not really a loss of functionality over HDMI, but a lack of needing that functionality. It's a digital signal all the way from cable company to box to your tv. You don't need to adjust sharpness and some of the others. You still have access to Brightness, Contrast, Backlight, and the Color Temp controls (which you can choose Cool, Warm or Custom and directly adjust RGB for calibration)

Also...I agree with the crappy 4:3 stretching done by my Moto 6200 over DVI. Just some status quo info:

- The LT42HVi disables zoom and stretch modes when fed 1080i or 720p.
- The Moto 6200 outputs only 1080i or 720p over DVI.

Following from item 2...when using DVI all 480i tv is upscaled to your choice of 720p or 1080i, and on my STB any of the methods that stretch the image do a crappy job over DVI compared to component. Using component the image stretched properly and both HD and SD shows filled the screen perfectly. Using DVI->HDMI the HD shows look flawless but stretched SD was not always centered and the cable box controls won't move it around...I attribute it to the cablebox being stupid when upscaling. Component allows you to pass through 480i and let the tv do the scaling/stretching and that works flawlessly. If I were to connect via DVI->HDMI I would personally probably elect not to stretch the image and just leave it with black bars on the side.

Thanks Naylia. Just so I am clear, you say "DVI->HDMI". Can't you connect HDMI out of the STB to HDMI into the Olevia? Do you think this would allow zoom and stretch with SD? I thought the new MOTO boxes provided HDMI out.

I dont really mind the black bars with SD if it makes the pic look better. With this being an LCD, there are no burn in issues so no big deal. What is your estimate for % of screen the black bars take up with SD and this TV?