Olevia 32 inch LCD HDTV

[FRANKSnBEANS]

Ok, so I really need to upgrade the thing that says "Montgomery Wards" on the front lol.

Never heard of this brand name. Is this Olevia worth it in the long run? It has all the features, and an attractive price tag. But then again, I don't want my $500 blowing up in 4-5 years.

Thanks.

[uncle_jimbo]

In the long run? No. Olevia is one of those brands much like Vizio, how they sell so cheap is the warranties packed with them, they don't do in home service and would force you to eat the shipping costs.

I would look for a good deal on a Samsung or a Sharp. Buy local too... wouldn't want to return one of these via mail order...

[RobRich]

Interesting response, considering Syntax Olevia and Vizio are two of the highest rated entry-level brands in the flat panel television market.

Case in point, various Vizio models have even scored higher reviews than considerably more expensive models from first-tier manufacturers.

For whatever its worth, go take a look at the $600 Vizio 32" LCD HDTV at Sam's Club if you have a Sam's Club card. As Jimbo noted, you can buy it locally, plus return it locally if required.

Wal-Mart also offers a similar $600 Vizio 32" LCD HDTV model, but its display panel has a lower contrast ratio than the Sam's Club model, again for whatever that is worth considering there is no industry standard for measuring contrast.

[Whir]

What worries me most is that there is no way to get parts for these TVs if they die outside of "return with the box" warranty. A TV is an investment, and like any other investment, most people want to be able to depend on them. If you can't get it repaired if it breaks down, it's more of a money sink if it does fail.

I have nothing to say about the picture quality of those sets as I have never seen one on anything other than the crappy local Walmart's split 25 ways analog coaxial system.

Though if you want to consider the long term, I would suggest LG and JVC over Samsung. The prices are not much different from Visio and Olivia now due to the price wars and cheaper manufacturing processes. However, be wary of the LG LB7 models, ask the dealer if they've been repaired as per the recall yet. Apparently the manufacturer of the video board put the wrong resistor in somewhere and it fails and so does the output section. Simple repair though.

[RobRich]

LG.Philips is a given for good quality display panels. Assuming someone wants an all-around decent medium-price display, then both LG and Philips offer several great models.

The difference can be the backend electronics. Some prefer LG, while some prefer Philips. I have a Philips, but I purchased it for a few specific filtering features I desired.

As for warranties, I am not too concerned with electronics under $1000. I can attempt servicing it myself (RCA RPTV anyone? ) or just simply replace it.

If purchasing a cheap flat panel television, look into purchasing it with a credit card offering an extended warranty program. For example, some cards will automatically double some warranties.

[Whir]

Quite true. But some people aren't financialy stable enough to purchase a new $600 TV when the last one dies.

IMO, if you're just looking for a cheap TV to be cheap, you will reap the rewards of your thriftiness. And we've had enough calls from people that have bought various Walmart sets asking if we can repair them because Walmart won't help them that I have confidence in my position.

On the other hand, I would really like to see one of these TVs next to a brand name. I believe they're just as good in picture from the various reviews I've seen, but I'd like to see it first hand. Not to mention what they look like on computers and various degrees of upscalers and their own upscalers.

[RobRich]

Surprisingly, Olevia has what many consider to be the "best" consumer-grade scaler on the market: the impressive Realta HQV. However, you have to purchase an expensive 7 series model to obtain it. Then again, compared against purchasing a Realta HQV external scaler....

[FRANKSnBEANS]

So basically, I'd be better off in the long run spending the $800-$1000 on a brand name TV like LG, Phillips, Sony, or Samsung?

[RobRich]

If you are willing to pay the difference for a mid-tier brand name model, the short answer is "yes." You (should ideally) receive a decent television backed by the service you would expect from a big ticket electronics purchase.

As for cheap televisions, buying a entry-level model can have pitfalls, as noted, though it is a huge YMMV situation based upon specific models and one's level of electronics expertise. I don't have much of a problem tearing into sub-$1000 electronics, and I can usually work around poor technical support from a manufacturer. However, these are annoyances most consumers prefer to avoid.

[Gomer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRich

look into purchasing it with a credit card offering an extended warranty program. For example, some cards will automatically double some warranties.

Before I hit up the google, you don't happen to have a link to a write up laying out the best of such credit cards and their merits? Someone has to have written up some sort of review.

I don't care about the APR so much... but something with no annual fee would be great. Does such a beast exist? I'll pass on the "trial offer" as well if there is going to be an annual fee at some point later down the road.

As far as TV's go.. people still get them fixed? I thought the TV repair guy was going the way of the dodo. But maybe that was before everyone started to think a $600 TV was a need not a want.