Syntax Olevia LT32HV 32-Inch Widescreen HD-Ready LCD TV
Major disappointment
First, a slight disclaimer:  I do not work (nor have worked) for Syntax Groups.  Also, I am writing this review on my own accord, without any affiliation with the media.<br /><br />I bought the Olevia 32\\" based upon the very promising reviews on this and previous models, and I thought I would soon join the ranks of sharing a positive experience.  I was gravely mistaken about thinking that.<br /><br />I bought this set (in Feb. 2005) for the purpose of a wider screen format over the old 4:3, as many of you know, it is more in line with our eyes' field of vision.  I did not buy the tv to immediately step up to the world of HD, as that will come later on in life.  All I wanted was a wide screen set that could properly process analog cable video & audio.  Unfortunately, I soon discovered that is too much to ask for.<br /><br />It wasn't long after using the tv that I discovered problems with the set.  For starters, I would notice an ultra-contrast flash on many channels whenever the screen was filled with whites or yellows.  This terribly bright screen would remain until some darker objects were displayed, and then the contrast would return to normal.  I tried adjusting a variety of settings, but this did not fix the problem.<br /><br />Another problem which occurs on a variety of channels is a clear/transparent line (about 1/4\\" thick) that runs vertically down the left margin of the screen.<br /><br />Yet, another issue concerns the lack of synchronizing the video with the audio.  This \\"out of synch\\" problem is quite noticeable to me.  There can be as much as a half-second delay from the time you hear a voice until you see the mouth of the person move.<br /><br />Seeing that these problems were not going away, I decided to take advantage of the included 1 year on site warranty/repair service.  I first contacted Syntax tech support, who seemed willing to help at first, but could not come up with any explanation for all the problems I was having with the tv.  The only solution that was suggested was to replace the main/motherboard, which was promptly sent to me.<br /><br />Now, here is where things really begin to go downhill.  Syntax makes arrangements to have a local technician pay a visit to install the motherboard replacement.  (There were two technicians who arrived to do the job.)  They replaced the board, and when we turned on the set, the auto channel scan was not working correctly, and the picture quality, which was acceptable with the old motherboard, was now snowy on most channels.  What really infuriated me was the head tech thought his job was now complete, and was willing to walk out the door and leave me with poor video quality.  I was eventually able to convince him something was defintely wrong, and they took it apart again.  Come to find out, the incoming coax connection somehow got loose inside the box that houses it (internally), and this caused the snowy reception, and the inability to do a proper auto channel scan.<br /><br />As you might have guessed, the replacement of the motherboard did not fix the problems...in fact, the problems have even WORSENED.  Now the flimsy remote doesn't work properly, as there is obviously a problem interacting with the motherboard replacement.  The on-site technicians dismissed these problems as originating from the cable tv signal itself, and the only way to remedy the situation was to go HD.  Now, I certainly do not claim to be a technical wizard, but if you are going to spend some big bucks on a new tv, one would expect it to be free of flaws, and able to process basic cable tv.  I have a 4 year old analog LCD monitor connected to my Mac and the quality is far superior to the Olevia's CATV performance.<br /><br />So, with the worsening of all these problems, it was time to notify Syntax tech support again.  One slight problem though.....after a few attempts at communication, they will not correspond with me.  It would appear they have a \\"one-shot deal\\" approach to their techsupport......in other words, if the problem isn't fixed the first time, then don't bother us again.  When I had them on the phone, all you could hear in the background were phones constantly ringing off their hooks.  It would seem that I am not alone in having troubles with them.<br /><br />If you are still reading this, I am pleased, because believe it or not, I now have to share my own personal rebate horror story.  I bought the Olevia as it featured a $200 rebate, and along with that comes the usual 10-12 week waiting period.  You'll love this one.......when I emailed them for an update, they took an entire month to give me a reply!!  What was even more 'shady' was how they confirmed my rebate was in their system and how they assured me it would be on it's way.  I was left with the feeling of \\"I'll believe it when I see it.\\"  Low and behold, some 4 months after mailing in my rebate request, the check finally arrived--much to my surprise.  But wait....this is Syntax we're dealing with, which means there's going to be a problem!  Sure enough, the amount of the rebate check was incorrect, and, just to show you how screwed up this company is, the check was NOT made out to me; rather to someone who I have never heard of!!!  So, it is yet again time to call Syntax Groups and find out what pathetic explanation they'll have for me about this rebate farce.  I wonder how many more months I'll have to wait to see that proper rebate show up in the mail; I'm guessing it will never arrive.<br /><br />Well, the way I see things, all is not lost, since we do have the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission working on our side....(hint, hint). :-)<br /><br />People who see my Olevia say (while it's turned off), \\"oh, what a nice tv....\\"  My response is, \\"wait until I turn it on, then you'll think differently.\\"<br /><br />Should my horror story sound familiar and would like to compare notes, by all means you are welcome to contact me.  The same goes for any helpful info that can resolve all these matters, since tech support was barely of any help.  Bottom line: if anyone wants a good deal on a lemon, I have one here waiting for you.roach to their tech support......in other words, if the problem isn't fixed the first time, then don't bother us again.  When I had them on the phone, all you could hear in the background were phones constantly ringing off their hooks.  It would seem that I am not alone in having troubles with them. <br /> <br />If you are still reading this, I am pleased, because believe it or not, I now have to share my own personal rebate horror story.  I bought the Olevia as it featured a $200 rebate, and along with that comes the usual 10-12 week waiting period.  You'll love this one.......when I emailed them for an update, they took an entire month to give me a reply!!  What was even more 'shady' was how they confirmed my rebate was in their system and how they assured me it would be on it's way.  I was left with the feeling of \\"I'll believe it when I see it.\\"  Low and behold, some 4 months after mailing in my rebate request, the check finally arrived--much to my surprise.  But wait....this is Syntax we're dealing with, which means there's going to be a problem!  Sure enough, the amount of the rebate check was incorrect, and, just to show you how screwed up this company is, the check was NOT made out to me; rather to someone who I have never heard of!!!   So, it is yet again time to call Syntax Groups and find out what pathetic explanation they'll have for me about this rebate farce.  I wonder how many more months I'll have to wait to see that proper rebate show up in the mail; I'm guessing it will never arrive. <br /> <br />Well, the way I see things, all is not lost, since we do have the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission working on our side....(hint, hint). :-) <br /> <br />People who see my Olevia say (while it's turned off), \\"oh, what a nice tv....\\"  My response is, \\"wait until I turn it on, then you'll think differently.\\" <br /> <br />Should my horror story sound familiar and would like to compare notes, by all means you are welcome to contact me.  The same goes for any helpful info that can resolve all these matters, since tech support was barely of any help.  Bottom line: if anyone wants a good deal on a lemon, I have one here waiting for you.