Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[HD NVD is China's home grown answer to Blu-ray, but does it have a chance?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/02/hd-nvd-is-chinas-home-grown-answer-to-blu-ray-but-does-it-have/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/02/hd-nvd-is-chinas-home-grown-answer-to-blu-ray-but-does-it-have/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/02/hd-nvd-is-chinas-home-grown-answer-to-blu-ray-but-does-it-have/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's Monday, which apparently means time for yet another Blu-ray fighting Chinese high definition disc format, this time NVD. With China Blue HD barely out the door and EVD conspicuous only in its absence, HD NVD players apparently went on sale today in Wuhan, featuring 12GB of storage on a red laser disc format that -- unlike the Toshiba technology backed CBHD / HD DVD variant -- is not only Made in China, but Created in China, with the hope that owning their own IP can net 4-5 times the profit for its manufacturers. 80% of the world's DVDs and players are reportedly produced in China, so now production lines can switch to NVD HD cheaply -- stop us if you've heard this before. It's clear that these companies are chafing under the royalties of foreign tech, but until we hear something about content support in any major way, it's hard to believe this format war is even worth fighting. Us? We're still holding out for VCDHD.

Read - NVD: independent innovation to safeguard national economic security
Read - China's proprietary red-ray NVD makes its debut

HD NVD is China's home grown answer to Blu-ray, but does it have a chance? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raychinacreated in chinaCreatedInChinahd nvdHdNvdnvdred laserRedLaserroyaltieswuhanMon, 02 Feb 2009 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Olevia's BD-100 Blu-ray player dropping to $149.99 at Target]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/19/olevias-bd-100-blu-ray-player-dropping-to-149-99-at-target/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/19/olevias-bd-100-blu-ray-player-dropping-to-149-99-at-target/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/19/olevias-bd-100-blu-ray-player-dropping-to-149-99-at-target/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Missed your opportunity to score a low-cost Blu-ray player on Black Friday? Worried senseless about how you're ever going to get a BD deck for that special someone at a price you can stomach? Chill, please -- you're making us all anxious around here. As you can see above, Target is planning to slash the price on the Olevia BD-100 starting Sunday to a totally delicious $149.99. Granted, the cut is slated to be for "a limited time" only, but that's all the time you need to get in, right?

Olevia's BD-100 Blu-ray player dropping to $149.99 at Target originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdBD-100blu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerbreaking newsBreakingNewsdealdealslaunchofficialoleviaprice cutprice dropPriceCutPriceDropreleaseretailsaletargetFri, 19 Dec 2008 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Olevia's BD-100 Blu-ray player spotted in Target for $229]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/07/olevias-bd-100-blu-ray-player-spotted-in-target-for-229/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/07/olevias-bd-100-blu-ray-player-spotted-in-target-for-229/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/07/olevias-bd-100-blu-ray-player-spotted-in-target-for-229/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While Syntax-Brillian proper is no longer with us, Olevia International Group LLC is (at last check, anyway). Semantics aside, that Olevia-branded Blu-ray deck we heard about way back in May has apparently made it out of the production plant and into Target's supply chain. The BD-100 has finally landed in Target stores, boasting full 1080p output, support for Dolby TrueHD, HDMI / component sockets, coaxial / Toslink digital audio ports and what appears to be a backlit remote. Of note, the unit was slated to launch this month at $299, but first-hand reports have already spotted an entirely more digestible $229 sticker in Target stores. Granted, we're not too sure who'd take a chance with Olevia when a Sony on closeout can be had for even less, but to each his / her own.

[Thanks, David]

Olevia's BD-100 Blu-ray player spotted in Target for $229 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdBD-100blu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerlaunchofficialoleviareleasetargetTue, 07 Oct 2008 23:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian waves the white flag, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/08/syntax-brillian-waves-the-white-flag-files-for-chapter-11-bankr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/08/syntax-brillian-waves-the-white-flag-files-for-chapter-11-bankr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/08/syntax-brillian-waves-the-white-flag-files-for-chapter-11-bankr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So yeah, apparently that whole attempt to "streamline operations" back in April didn't go over so well, as Syntax-Brillian -- you know, that firm neck deep in panel partnerships and responsible for Olevia HDTVs -- has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Arizona-based company has also "entered into a deal to sell certain of its assets to a newly created company called Olevia International Group LLC," which has agreed to pick up some $60 million of its secured debt. We're also told that operations in Tempe have ceased, and "about eight employees" (including the finance chief, general counsel and finance staff) are sticking around with nothing better to do.

[Thanks, Paul]

Syntax-Brillian waves the white flag, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybreaking newsBreakingNewsbusinessChapter 11Chapter11hdtvindustrymanufacturingpanelpanelsSyntax-BrillianTue, 08 Jul 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SRS Labs sneaks TruSurround XT into Sharp, Olevia HDTVs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/12/srs-labs-sneaks-trusurround-xt-into-sharp-olevia-hdtvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/12/srs-labs-sneaks-trusurround-xt-into-sharp-olevia-hdtvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/12/srs-labs-sneaks-trusurround-xt-into-sharp-olevia-hdtvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


SRS Labs is on the warpath, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. Just days after syncing up with Vizio, it now has two more partnerships to brag about: one with Sharp, one with Syntax-Brillian. As for the former, you can now sleep easy knowing that (most) AQUOS LCD HDTVs will come with TruSurround XT built right in. As for the latter, this deal ensures that the all new Olevia 2 Series and 6 Series LCD HDTVs have the same technology, which will supposedly make owners "feel as if phantom speakers are placed around them." We're getting chills just thinking about it.

Read - Sharp agreement
Read - Syntax-Brillian agreement

SRS Labs sneaks TruSurround XT into Sharp, Olevia HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2 series2Series6 series6SeriesAQUOSaudiooleviasharpsoundsrsSRS LabsSrsLabsSyntax-BrillianTruSurround XTTrusurroundXtThu, 12 Jun 2008 01:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Vizio / Olevia pitted against one another in LCD shootout]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/22/vizio-olevia-pitted-against-one-another-in-lcd-shootout/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/22/vizio-olevia-pitted-against-one-another-in-lcd-shootout/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/22/vizio-olevia-pitted-against-one-another-in-lcd-shootout/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you've been considering buying yourself a budget LCD HDTV, chances are Vizio and Olevia are still on your radar. Thankfully, LCD TV Buying Guide has taken the time to pit the two against one another in order to give you the information you need to choose the best of the pair. In the test, the 46-inch Vizio VW46L and 42-inch Olevia 242T FHD were used, and all of the important issues -- you know, image quality, shadow detail, color accuracy, motion lag, etc. -- were all covered. We don't plan on ruining it for you, so you'll have to exert a bit of effort and check out the read link below if you're interested in finding out which set came out on top.

Vizio / Olevia pitted against one another in LCD shootout originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 May 2008 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buying guideBuyingGuidecomparisonoleviashootoutvizioThu, 22 May 2008 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Olevia-branded Blu-ray player on the way]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/20/olevia-branded-blu-ray-player-on-the-way/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/20/olevia-branded-blu-ray-player-on-the-way/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/20/olevia-branded-blu-ray-player-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looking for more competition among Blu-ray players? TV and appliance manufacturer Taiwan Kolin is apparently prepping a player for the Taiwan market, expected to debut around the third or fourth quarter of this year. Built around Sharp components (not at all the first player to do so), the Economic Daily News quoted Taiwan Kolin's president as saying it would also see store shelves in the U.S. under Syntax-Brillian's Olevia brand. Unfortunately, with no features listed and a retail price only remarked as "less than NT$30,000 ($977 U.S.)" it'll probably need to be a lot less than that to make any kind of splash here.

Olevia-branded Blu-ray player on the way originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economic daily newsEconomicDailyNewsoemsharpsyntax-brilliantaiwantaiwan kolinTaiwanKolinTue, 20 May 2008 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Amex Digital launches iMON HD Mobile portable media center]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/15/amex-digital-launches-imon-hd-mobile-portable-media-center/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/15/amex-digital-launches-imon-hd-mobile-portable-media-center/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/15/amex-digital-launches-imon-hd-mobile-portable-media-center/#commentsFiled under: ,


Amex Digital has certainly dabbled in the home theater space before, but we'll be honest, we're still scratching our heads on this one. The lightly detailed iMON HD Mobile is a self-proclaimed "portable media center," but beyond that, we're pretty much left to wonder what exactly is going on. We are told that it's an advanced IR receiver and VFD display device, and aside from delivering IR commands back to your PC, it'll also scroll across useful information such as news, media information, current time, weather, a graphical equalizer and system details. Guess we'll just hang tight until it gets fleshed out and goes on sale, though we can't say that display really gets our hopes up for anything great.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Amex Digital launches iMON HD Mobile portable media center originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 15 May 2008 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amex digitalAmexDigitaliMon HD MobileImonHdMobileirir receiverIrReceivermedia centermedia streamerMediaCenterMediaStreamerThu, 15 May 2008 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian looks to streamline operations, eliminate some positions]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/22/syntax-brillian-looks-to-streamline-operations-eliminate-some-p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/22/syntax-brillian-looks-to-streamline-operations-eliminate-some-p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/22/syntax-brillian-looks-to-streamline-operations-eliminate-some-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As evidenced by the rash of partnerships entered into by Syntax-Brillian in the past several months, the company is aiming to "undertake a series of strategic initiatives to position [it] for future growth." Looking beyond the corporate speak, you'll find plans to "simplify its network of supplier relationships through which it develops and manufactures its Olevia and Vivitar product lines, streamline its channel partnerships to focus on a more targeted group of customers within Syntax-Brillian's current base of 3,000 retail and online partners, and eliminate positions representing an approximate 20-percent reduction in overhead costs." Unfortunately, we're not told exactly how many employees will be sent packing, but the firm is expecting the workforce reductions to result in "annualized savings of approximately $4 million in operating costs."

Syntax-Brillian looks to streamline operations, eliminate some positions originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessoperationspartnerpartnershipSyntax BrillianSyntax-BrillianSyntaxBrillianTue, 22 Apr 2008 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Break the FCC's digital transition rules? That's a $6 million finin']]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/break-the-fccs-digital-transition-rules-thats-a-6-million-fi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/break-the-fccs-digital-transition-rules-thats-a-6-million-fi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/break-the-fccs-digital-transition-rules-thats-a-6-million-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

As seen previously, the FCC isn't scared to put the financial smackdown on anyone it finds not playing up to the rules of the digital transition, and has dropped about $6 million in fines on 11 companies. Several of the companies fined were retailers it says did not properly mark TVs that had only analog tuners and won't get OTA TV after it's shut off next year. Wal-Mart got dinged for $992k, $1.1 million went against Sears, $712k for Circuit City, $296k against Target and $280k against Best Buy. Syntax-Brillian was one of two companies that caught a charge for importing TVs without a digital tuner after the deadline, two more were fined for V-chip violations, while Panasonic and Philips were among seven others that settled to avoid fines. That probably won't cover all those $40 coupons, but it can't hurt.

[Via Zatz Not Funny & Cable Digital News]

Break the FCC's digital transition rules? That's a $6 million finin' originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuybreaking newsBreakingNewsbroadcastchangeoverdigitaldtvfccfinetransitionwal-martFri, 11 Apr 2008 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian seeks LCD panels from Compal for Olevia HDTVs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/05/syntax-brillian-seeks-lcd-panels-from-compal-for-olevia-hdtvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/05/syntax-brillian-seeks-lcd-panels-from-compal-for-olevia-hdtvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/05/syntax-brillian-seeks-lcd-panels-from-compal-for-olevia-hdtvs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Syntax-Brillian just can't seem to have enough partners, as just four months into this glorious year, the aforementioned outfit has teamed up with Sharp, LG Display and now Compal Electronics. As predicted, the newest partnership is all about panels, and Compal will be providing 300,000 of 'em that will find their way into select Olevia LCD HDTVs. Notably, that figure is just the initial order -- the agreement suggests that over a million panels could eventually change hands between the two before 2008 comes to a close. C'mon Syntax-Brillian, we know you've got a few more partners to sync up with before Q2 ends.

Syntax-Brillian seeks LCD panels from Compal for Olevia HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscompalindustrylcdmanufacturingOleviaorderpanelspartnerpartnershipSyntax-BrillianSat, 05 Apr 2008 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[US economy hurting smaller LCD brands]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/13/us-economy-hurting-smaller-lcd-brands/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/13/us-economy-hurting-smaller-lcd-brands/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/13/us-economy-hurting-smaller-lcd-brands/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

US economy hurting smaller LCD brandsWe've already heard about how the economic slowdown in the US may be hiking up your cable bills, and it stands to reason that gadget buying will feel a pinch as well as buyers tighten their belts. But like so many other things in business, it may be the "little guys" (in this case, smaller LCD brands) that get jammed up. Even though consumers will be looking favorably at value-oriented LCDs, there are murmurs that resellers are pushing out their payment terms from 2-months to 3-4-months. It's hard to argue that a change in payment terms like this will negatively affect smaller, more tightly-budgeted manufacturers. But, we'd also like to remind folks that in the specific case intimated in the article (Syntax-Brillian), there's also the whole issue of its ill-fated LCOS efforts. On a positive note, we suggest value-oriented manufacturers tout the money-saving that staying at home with a good TV can produce (cheaper and more enjoyable than going out).


[Via TGDaily]

US economy hurting smaller LCD brands originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscircuit cityCircuitCityeconomykmartsyntax-brillianThu, 13 Mar 2008 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp hooks up Syntax-Brillian with LCD panels aplenty]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/17/sharp-hooks-up-syntax-brillian-with-lcd-panels-aplenty/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/17/sharp-hooks-up-syntax-brillian-with-lcd-panels-aplenty/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/17/sharp-hooks-up-syntax-brillian-with-lcd-panels-aplenty/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It looks like Syntax-Brillian (makers of Olevia LCD TVs) won't be scrounging around for LCD panels anytime in the near future, as the company has just announced that it's signed a deal with Sharp that'll see the company deliver a minimum of 700,000 LCD panels to 'em during 2008. That includes 32-, 37-, 52- and 65-inch size panels, with an option to buy additional panels based on market demand. Nothing too extraordinary there, but the deal does gives Syntax-Brillian and Taiwan's Kolin exclusive rights to Sharp's top-end 65-inch, 120Hz LCD panels through September 2008, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at. While the ink's still barely dry on this contract, as we heard during CES, those panels are already their way into some Olevia sets due in the second quarter of this year, making that "exclusive" period a bit on the short side, though we don't doubt Syntax-Brillian will make the most of it.

Sharp hooks up Syntax-Brillian with LCD panels aplenty originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lcdlcd tvLcdTvoleviasharpsyntax-brillianThu, 17 Jan 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian's Olevia line: Now with 120Hz and more 1080p]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/03/syntax-brillians-olevia-line-now-with-120hz-and-more-1080p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/03/syntax-brillians-olevia-line-now-with-120hz-and-more-1080p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/03/syntax-brillians-olevia-line-now-with-120hz-and-more-1080p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Newly LCD-focused HDTV maker Syntax-Brillian has teased a few details about its plans for CES, bringing a high-end feature from CES 2007, 120Hz, to its mainstream Olevia brand. No word on specific models or prices, but 1080p and 120Hz motion processing are the highlights of the 42-, 47-, 52-, 55- and 65-inch LCDs. Rounding out the CES 2008 plans are a JPEG/MP3 support, USB firmware upgrades, a new universal learning remote, and a whole slew of Olevia-branded accessories including HDMI cables, wall mounts and a wireless/waterproof LCD. Expect more details in a few days, and look for these HDTVs to hit shelves in the second quarter.

Syntax-Brillian's Olevia line: Now with 120Hz and more 1080p originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p120hzcessyntax-brillianThu, 03 Jan 2008 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian sells LCoS operations to Compound Photonics]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/25/syntax-brillian-sells-lcos-operations-to-compound-photonics/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/25/syntax-brillian-sells-lcos-operations-to-compound-photonics/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/25/syntax-brillian-sells-lcos-operations-to-compound-photonics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We knew it was in the works, and just before everyone bolted off to enjoy a little R&R, Syntax-Brillian finally completed the sale of its LCoS operations to Compound Photonics US. In the deal, Syntax-Brillian "licensed its LCoS patents and intellectual property to Compound Photonics US in exchange for a ten-percent stake in Compound Photonics Ltd.," Compound Photonics US' parent company. Furthermore, Compound Photonics US will be handing over an "annual fee" to Syntax-Brillian "meant to offset intellectual property ownership maintenance costs."

Syntax-Brillian sells LCoS operations to Compound Photonics originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessCompound PhotonicsCompoundPhotonicsindustrylcossyntaxSyntax-BrillianTue, 25 Dec 2007 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC reveals commercial grade 65-inch LCD6520 LCD]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/09/nec-reveals-commercial-grade-65-inch-lcd6520-lcd/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/09/nec-reveals-commercial-grade-65-inch-lcd6520-lcd/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/09/nec-reveals-commercial-grade-65-inch-lcd6520-lcd/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As if the 40- and 46-inch 20 series LCDs weren't impressive enough, NEC is expanding its lineup of commercial grade sets by unveiling a 65-inch behemoth. The MultiSync LCD6520 unsurprisingly checks in as the outfit's largest LCD to date, and it's also embedded with NEC's own Digital Signage Technology Suite (DSTS), which "includes more than 20 features and functions developed specifically for digital signage." Specs wise, you'll find a 1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD) resolution panel, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, six-millisecond response time and a built-in "expansion slot" that can accept third-party gear such as a CAT5 receiver, single board computer, HD-SDI, or DVI loop-thru for a daisy chain setup. There's also inputs for HDMI, S-Video and composite, optional 15-watt speakers (available in 2008) and an optional digital tuner for the landscape model. Of course, we doubt you'll be buying one of these bad boys without writing it off as a business expense, as the $18,499.99 (LCD6520L-AV) and $19,999.99 (LCD6520P-AV) price tags will essentially shoo off the casual fans.

NEC reveals commercial grade 65-inch LCD6520 LCD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 04:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pcommercialdigital signageDigitalSignageLCD6520LCD6520pmultisyncnecsignageSun, 09 Dec 2007 04:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker: HDTV price wars headed for Black Friday]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/10/23/shocker-hdtv-price-wars-headed-for-black-friday/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/10/23/shocker-hdtv-price-wars-headed-for-black-friday/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/10/23/shocker-hdtv-price-wars-headed-for-black-friday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


It's not like this type of activity doesn't happen every day-after-Thanksgiving here in the US of A, but 2007 is being seen as a banner year for "aggressive pricing" come Black Friday. As expected, competition will likely be most heated in the 40- to 42-inch range, where plasma and LCD manufacturers will both be vying for business from eager consumers. Furthermore, RPTVs and 720p sets in general are expected to sport rock-bottom pricetags as they attempt to compete with the fresher, more attractive 1080p flat-panels. As for pricing, analysts expect the lowest stickers to be found on Olevia, Westinghouse and Vizio sets, while other "top-tier brands" slash hundreds off in an attempt to still look appealing. Whatever the case, we'd suggest you gear up for madness if you're scouting a new HDTV on Black Friday, but apparently, the savings will make the mayhem worth dealing with.

[Image courtesy of MSNBC]

Shocker: HDTV price wars headed for Black Friday originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720p1080pblack fridayBlackFridaydealdealspriceprice warpricesPriceWarpricingTue, 23 Oct 2007 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian intros new 1080p Olevia LCD HDTVs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/10/15/syntax-brillian-intros-new-1080p-olevia-lcd-hdtvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/10/15/syntax-brillian-intros-new-1080p-olevia-lcd-hdtvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/10/15/syntax-brillian-intros-new-1080p-olevia-lcd-hdtvs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Just before folks really get their minds set on waiting for Black Friday, Syntax-Brillian is unveiling a trio of new 1080p Olevia LCDs. Up first is the 65-inch 265TFHD, which features the Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processor, a black aluminum bezel, built-in ATSC / NTSC tuner with Clear QAM support, USB port for firmware upgrades and a decent assortment of ports including two HDMI / component / S-Video / composite jacks and a single VGA input. We're left to assume the 52-inch 252TFHD sports a similar set of amenities, while we're told the 47-inch 247TFHD touts an MTK MDDI video processor but otherwise remains identical to its 65-inch sibling. Price wise, the 265TFHD is set to run you a stiff $6,999, while the 252TFHD and 247TFHD will ring up at $2,499 and $1,999, respectively.

[Thanks, Dave]

Syntax-Brillian intros new 1080p Olevia LCD HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Syntax-Brillian is dropping a new 65-inch 1080p LCoS HDTV at CEDIA '07 that might not win any awards, but based on previous models it should still be a quality set. This high-def rear projection should feel right at home within the ho-hum Olevia brand as it's equipped with nothing exactly ground-breaking, but it does have some of the latest mainstream HD goodies. We're talking about 1080p at a quick 4-millisecond response time, dynamic contrast ratio rated of 2000:1, and the standard set of inputs: two HDMI, two component, VGA, S-Video, composite, and of course, coax. Expect the 665H (565H pictured) at $1,999 when the set hits select dealers during the fourth quarter.

Olevia debuts 65-inch 665H 1080p LCoS RPTV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Syntax-Brillian is showing off its first HDTV above 50-inches in the U.S. at Infocomm this week, the 65-inch, 1080p Olevia 665i. This LCD is aimed at the pro AV and high end home theater market, and is the first "large area display" to include the Silicon Optix Realta HQV scaler. That, along with Olevia's Big Picture technology to reduce overscan should ensure you get every pixel expected from HD and non-HD sources. Also included for the $9,999 MSRP are two sets each of HDMI and component inputs, RS232 control, removable speakers, and optional wall mount. No word on what, if any, tuners are a part of the package, but we're sure the FCC will be taking a look before this HDTV goes on sale in October.

Syntax-Brillian goes big with 65-inch 1080p Olevia 665i LCD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olevia
Every HD fan knows that you can't sell analog TVs anymore, but evidently some manufactures just don't get it. The FCC has notified Regent U.S.A. and Syntax-Brillian that there is an "apparent liability for forfeiture" (read fine) for $63K and $2.9M, respectively, for "willful and repeated violations." Sure, budget TVs are great and all, but not if that means we have to explain to our parents why their brand new flat panel TV doesn't work with bunny ears after the analog shutoff.

Maxent and Olevia fined for trafficking analog TVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FCCTuner MandateTunerMandateThu, 07 Jun 2007 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[NHK's 15k RPM optical disc recording system utilizes Blu-ray technology]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/05/30/nhks-15k-rpm-optical-disc-recording-system-utilizes-blu-ray-tec/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/05/30/nhks-15k-rpm-optical-disc-recording-system-utilizes-blu-ray-tec/http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/05/30/nhks-15k-rpm-optical-disc-recording-system-utilizes-blu-ray-tec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pulling out the 15k RPM card this late in the game would usually be frowned upon, but in the case of NHK, its latest development to spin at 15,000 revolutions per minute has nothing to do with a hard disk drive. Researchers at Nippon Hoso Kyokai are working with engineers at the Science and Technical Research Laboratories (STRL) to create an "optical disc recording system based on consumer Blu-ray disc technology that can spin as fast as 15,000 RPM" without worry of a disc experiencing a complete meltdown and shattering within the drive. The first iteration was reportedly demonstrated just last week, and could purportedly be used to record 250Mbps HDTV streams; furthermore, researchers have seemingly dodged the disintegration issue by "making a flexible disc that is just 0.1-millimeters thick." The disc was co-developed with Ricoh and is "essentially the recording layer from a Blu-ray Disc without the 1.1-millimeter plastic substrate that is used to give the disc rigidity," thus, a "thick stabilizing plate has been added into the drive" to keep volatility at a minimum. NHK reportedly claimed that this newfangled approach was similar to that seen in the Stacked Volumetric Optical Disc, but unfortunately, it wasn't able to hand out any hard numbers as to when we'd see this stuff in action.

[Image courtesy of DigitalArts]

NHK's 15k RPM optical disc recording system utilizes Blu-ray technology originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 30 May 2007 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apparently, Syntax-Brillian is planning on making absolutely sure that you (and everyone you know) is entirely familiar with the Olevia brand of LCD and LCoS TVs, as it has just announced a $15.5 million uptick in funds to "increase awareness" of the brand. The strategic partnership involves TCV, who provides the plastic injection molded parts, and WesTech Electronics Limited, who supplies the internal components on Olevia-branded sets, and the company hopes that the deal will elevate the brand by "expanding its manufacturing base" and boosting the marketing efforts as well. Of course, this isn't the first (or second) time that we've seen Syntax-Brillian jump on the expansion bandwagon, but we're not about to complain about a bit more competition in the already saturated marketplace, now are we?

Syntax-Brillian raises $15.5 million to boost Olevia awareness originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 04:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olevia recently sent us one of their new 42-inch LCD sets to review. The 542i is a very capable set for viewing content from various sources, both high-definition and standard. While there are a few features we wish were included, or quirks we would change, for its mid-range price, it's going to be very hard to turn this display down.

Read on for the full review

Continue reading Engadget HD Review: Olevia 542i 42-inch LCD

Engadget HD Review: Olevia 542i 42-inch LCD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pfeatureslcd reviewLcdReviewoleviareviewWed, 18 Oct 2006 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syntax-Brillian opens Chinese LCD plant]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/16/syntax-brillian-opens-chinese-lcd-plant/http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/16/syntax-brillian-opens-chinese-lcd-plant/http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/16/syntax-brillian-opens-chinese-lcd-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Syntax-Brillian logoSyntax-Brillian opened a new 30,000-square foot LCD plant in Nanjing, China on Friday, which is expected to produce 300,000 units anually. The displays will be sold in the Chinese market at five major consumer electronics resellers on the Chinese coast, with additional capacity for the US and Canadian markets. Olevia-branded LCDs from Syntax-Brillian have entered the market fairly well, growing from a relatively unknown brand to the top three in the 25- to 29-inch category, and in the top ten for 35- to 39-inch displays.

Syntax-Brillian opens Chinese LCD plant originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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