Audio Video News

At CES 2006 the Syntax-Brillian Corp. announced it would be diving into high-end home theater with the "Olevia Signature" line of LCD flat panels. The first two models will be the 42" LT42HVi and 47" LT47HVi. Obviously intending to make a big splash out of the gate, Syntax revealed that both sets will feature full 1920x1080 resolution and Silicon Optix' vaunted Realta video processor with HQV.

Silicon Optix' HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) is referred to in marketing literature as "powered by Teranex." Teranex video technology was born in military applications and its video processors had the unique distinction of having integral boards stuffed with tens of thousands of microprocessors. The Teranex solutions were hideously expensive, but created stunningly gorgeous pictures, as Editor Tom Norton found out when he reviewed the Reference Imaging CinePro 9x Elite front projector with a Teranex processor.

Silicon Optix acquired Teranex' technology and managed to "chipify" it- that is, Silicon Optix claims its Realta processors with HQV are capable of performing more operations per second on a single chip (over one billion per second!) than the megabuck Teranex boxes could perform with banks of microprocessors. Home theater enthusiasts have been dreaming of this kind of technology appearing in affordable products for years, and now they're starting to trickle in.

The Olevia Signature models are outfitted like premium models, with built-in over-the-air ATSC digital tuners, dual HDMI inputs, and an audio system featuring D2Audio's Intelligent Digital Amplifier sound system. Customers will have the option of mounting the stereo speakers horizontally along the bottom of the panel, or on the sides with an optional conversion kit. A USB input will allow users to obtain the latest firmware updates from the web and upload them easily.

Both sets feature an all-glass front bezel with anti-reflective coating spec'd for a wide viewing angle, and both feature a claimed 1600:1 contrast ratio. The LT42HVi and LT47HVi will be available in the second quarter of 2006 at $3499 and $3999, respectively.

At the other end of the pricing spectrum, V, Inc. continues to make waves by offering a lotta bang for very few bucks. The company's most popular LCD flat panel, the $999 VIZIO L32HDTV, is being upgraded with an integral ATSC off air tuner and a QAM digital cable tuner, and will remain in the line at the same price.

V, Inc. is headquartered in California, its products are manufactured in Asia, and the company sells its products direct online and through large volume retailers like Costco and Sam's Club. V, Inc. made its first noise in the industry a few years ago with the Bravo D1, an upconverting (720p/1080i) DVD player with a digital video output at the then unheard of price of $250. But it wasn’t just a cheap player- it was good. The company has continued its roll, expanding into plasma and LCD flat panel TVs, and the occasional microdisplay rear projector, all the while maintaining a reputation for price to performance ratio.

In addition to the built-in HD tuners, the VIZIO L32HDTV offers a Zero Bright Pixel Defect Guarantee (no word on dead pixels), 1366x768 resolution, a specified 8ms response time, and VGA-PC and HDMI inputs. Look for the newly outfitted L32HDTV in stores and online in March of 2006.