Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i Review

What the reviewers like:
The 47-inch Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i delivers an image that reviewers say is stunning, in spite of some minor shortcomings. Colors are described as vivid and bright, and the picture quality is noted as smooth and silky. Sophisticated image processing circuitry helps the Syntax Olevia 747i do a better job than most other LCD TVs in displaying standard-definition signals, and a superb job upconverting and deinterlacing DVDs and 1080i HDTV to the panel’s native 1080p resolution. The noise reduction is good, and the styling is attractive.

What the reviewers don't like:
Some reviewers comment that the Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i's black levels and shadow detail fall short of the best LCD TVs, but experts say they are in the same ballpark. A relatively narrow viewing angle could be an issue if you have a large family that likes to watch TV together, since reviews say image uniformity isn't great when viewed from off-center seats. Picture settings lack numerical values, making adjustments more difficult, and the manual is provided only on CD. But overall, the good far outweighs the bad. The main drawback may be the price, which is higher than most other highly rated 47-inch LCD televisions.

Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i review highlights

Reviews of the 47-inch Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i LCD television say that it holds its own against the 1080p competition from better-known brands such Sony and JVC. What really sets the Olevia 747i apart in the eyes of critics is its sophisticated signal processing circuitry that does a better job displaying standard-definition signals than most other LCD TVs. It also does a superb job upconverting and deinterlacing DVDs and 1080i HDTV to the panel’s native 1080p resolution. Black levels and shadow detailing are a hair below that of other well-regarded models, such as the less expensive Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR2 (*est. $3,000) and the JVC LT-47FN97 (*est. $2,530), but the image is otherwise described as stunning in reviews.

We found great reviews of the Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i (*est. $3,360) at both Sound & Vision and Ultimate AV magazines. Both magazines review LCD TVs in lengthy and in-depth reports that are chock full of technical and practical information. The magazines do not provide numerical ratings however, which makes it tough to compare LCD TVs to competing models. However, they do make recommendations as to which LCD TVs they believe are best overall. There’s not a lot of user feedback on the Olevia 747i on the Internet, but this LCD TV does get a bit of discussion at AVSForum.com.

Also see full report: LCD TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Sound & Vision Magazine
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Olevia 747i 47-inch LCD HDTV review
Al Griffin
Apr. 2007

Sound & Vision magazine regularly tests LCD TVs in highly detailed single-set reports. Although scores are not given, making it hard to compare TVs to each other, the best performing sets are recognized with a Sound & Vision Certified and Recommended designation. This is one of the few reviews that goes into great detail about the sophisticated signal-processing circuitry on the Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i, which does a better job than most at displaying all types of programming material, particularly standard definition.

2. Ultimate AV Magazine
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Olevia 747i LCD 1080p Television review
Thomas J. Norton
Dec. 2006

This review of the Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i is detailed and complete. There’s a lot of technical nitty-gritty along with a good discussion of picture quality and ease of use. Ratings are not given, but Ultimate AV recommends LCD TVs in categories based on performance and value. While not directly comparative, editors do measure LCD TVs, including the Syntax-Brillian 747i, against their peers.

3. AVSForum.com
LCD Flat Panels
Contributors to AVSForum.com

This discussion site includes lots of general information about AV equipment, in addition to specific forums for most types of TVs, including LCDs. The Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i gets its own official thread (in conjunction with the 42-inch Olevia 742i). Although not as long as some, there’s plenty of great information, and the Olevia 747i is also discussed in several other threads.

Also see full report: LCD TV

Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i Review