Syntax Olevia LT37HVS 37-Inch HD-Ready Flat-Panel LCD TV
Price-performance is perfect!
I was going to buy this TV because of its affordability, and with a heavy heart - unknown manufacturer, uncertain quality, mixed reviews. My sights were on Panasonic plasma panel TH-PHD8UK. In the stores I could check only the older model LT37HV - and it was OK but nothing special. However financial realities - almost $2K for a good 42\\" Panasonic Plasma, plus the stand, plus time & efforts & getting-help (and expense!!) to install the plasma panel, plus the greater delicacy of the plasma compared to LCD - compelled me to abandon my expensive tastes and go for this LCD TV. <br /> <br />This TV was at the low margin wrt. screen size and capabilities - I didn't consider anything smaller than 37\\". Also, this is my first Hi-Def TV, but I've experience with normal LCD TVs (used 20\\" for video editing) and LCD displays (21\\" is my main computer display, 1600x1200). <br /> <br />First impressions - this Olevia TV is great! Its functionality is pretty basic, but the quality (so far :-) is wonderful. Both HDTV and DVD displays were breathtaking. SD and digital channels were also quite fine (with some exceptions, which are not TV's faults in my educated opinion). Number of possible connections is quite sufficient for most applications. HDMI is included, and it offered me the best picture quality. Component (2 inputs) works great. I haven't even bothered with composite and S-Video (2 each). Built-in speakers are OK, but I mostly use it with my audio system.  My viewing distance was between 5 and 12 feet - I was happy with the screen size & picture. I tried over-the-air HDTV - and it worked fine. <br /> <br />PROS: <br />- Great price. <br />- Great video quality. <br />- Nice calm non-intruding finish. <br />- HDMI and plenty of other connections. <br />- Built-in speakers for those who need them. <br />- Decent capabilities (picture size, DTV reception, etc. etc). <br />- Not so \\"touchy\\" with transportation, installation, usage (LCD is  more resilient than, say plasma). <br /> <br />CONS: <br />- Doesn't have Zoom picture mode (only 4:3, 16:9, Panoramic and Full). <br />- Speakers are not detachable (not a big deal, just takes unnecessary space). <br /> <br />OVERALL: I am very happy with this 37\\" LCD TV. Picture quality is not as amazing as on 42\\" Panasonic plasma - but still very very good. It well deserves my 5 stars.