Olevia 542i 42" LCD HDTV
Price: $1099 (Available at J&R, BuyDig.com, Buy.com, Mwave.com and other e-tailers)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Size: 42-inch (1366 x 768) High Resolution Display
Tuner: ATSC/NTSC Combo tuner
HD Capability: Supports 480i, 480p, 720i, 720p and 1080i
Response Time: 8ms
Brightness: N/A
Contrast Ratio: 1600:1
Inputs: 1 HDMI with HDCP, 3 Component YPbPr, 2 Composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA/D-Sub port, 2 RCA Inputs, 1 Headphone jack
Outputs: 1 RCA Out, 1 Optical digital audio
Weight: 96lbs. With Stand and Speakers
Dimensions: 43.3" W x 34.7" H x 14.2" D With Stand and Speakers
(inputs are aligned vertically, image has been rotated for space)
PROS:
Olevia takes on the challenge of supplying you, the consumer, with more bang for your buck by leaving out the frills and showing you that mind does indeed win over matter...sometimes. By no means the prettiest of the TVs being reviewed, the Olevia was the biggest surprise. Not for the enormous size or weight, which I'll talk about in the "CONS," but for its ability to produce a stunning picture. To be fair, the 542i has a higher contrast ratio than two of the other TVs being reviewed and it made sure to show it off.
Right out of the box, the look on some faces in the review room appeared to have the question "Is that an LCD or a rear-projection?" Its size is rather large and its look not so impressive, but man can this TV show you a good time. Using the 360s HD-DVD player and the PS3s Blu-ray player, this TV let it shine. The depth of color and the intricate blacks seen in King Kong were a sight to see. This was only topped off by the range of purple hues that are seen throughout the movie, Kung-Fu Hustle.
While going for the minimal expectations in an LCD, Olevia knows that the end consumer who spends money on a TV, like the 542i, does not need for the speakers to be a permanent attraction. Don't take this wrong way...these speakers have plenty of power. Pumping out 40 watts between its two speakers located below the screen, Gears of War had me flinching every time you hear the Screechers announcing their arrival. Plus, they are removable! That's right, if you already have your surround sound take 'em off and you instantly slim down the profile and reduce the weight of the 542i.
CONS:
Like stated in the "PROS," the size, weight and look of the TV may not be for all. It is a bulky TV that requires a lot of space, both for its footprint if being placed on an entertainment unit and if being placed on a wall.
In addition, the front of the TV is generically laid out, but the rear has some issues. Diverting from the norm of placing the inputs/outputs in the rear center of the TV, the 542i moves that panel to the right rear section. Convenient for having the ability to attach and detach components on the fly, but not so convenient for those that might have their home theater system set up on the opposite side of the TV. No one is looking at purchasing longer cables than those they already own, and unfortunately this might lead to some "oh snap" comments while being hooked up.
Taking into account the price on this 42-inch at a reasonable $1099, it wouldn't hurt for Olevia to add one thing that it lacked....cables. Straight out of the box this TV came with a User Manual DVD and a remote.....that was it. Come on now, is it that hard to give up a component cable...how about an S-video...a composite??
OVERALL:
All in all, the Olevia was the surprise of the bunch. It definitely did not have the looks of the VIZIO's or the HDMI inputs of the Viewsonic, but it stood its own ground with a genuine picture quality that should receive its due credit. Just be sure to not try lifting this TV on your own or you'll be grabbing your groin and looking for a hernia surgery faster than you can say Olevia.
The whistle signals the two-minute warning and:
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