Syntax Olevia LT27HVX 27-Inch Flat Panel LCD HD-Ready TV
Unacceptable audio hum at low volume, Syntax LT27HVX
I have owned the Syntax Olevia LT27HVX now for about 2 months.  Except for the terrible hum (buzz) at low volume levels, the TV is fairly decent.  As an Electronics Design Engineer with over 25 years of experience, this problem (hum) is a MAJOR design flaw!  Based on many comments and reviews, it seems that this is a common problem to this model and possibly to other Syntax TVs.      Syntax's \\"solution\\" to this problem is to change the default Back Light setting from \\"Middle\\" to \\"Bright\\".  It looks like the Middle and even the Dark setting is sufficient in most ambient lighting.  Being an Engineer I wanted to understand the consequences of such a setting.  I was afraid that such a change would have an adverse effect on the Back Light life span.  A simple power consumption measurement revealed that my suspicion was justified.  Changing the setting to Bright increased the TV power consumption by almost 20%.  The problem is that this power increase represents about 40% increase of the Back Light power and a proportional life expectancy DECREASE of the Back Light.  This may be a quick \\"fix\\" to the problem, but customers should not pay with substantial Back Light life decrease because of Syntax's poor design.  In plain language, changing the Back Light setting to \\"Bright\\" will give you a TV with a life expectancy of 36,000 hours instead of 60,000 hours.  Bear in mind, the 60,000 hours is a typical manufacture's spec; if this number is inflated, as many times manufactures do, then the 36,000 hours would be also much lower.  As long as Syntax doesn't fix this problem, I would NOT recommend this TV to any new customer.  As far as existing customers, I am still looking for better solutions from Syntax or anyone else.