Product Overview
This unit comes with Dual-NTSC tuners with PIP, Split-Screen, and Multi-Screen display capability, using a Standard RF input, as well as Composite (1), S-video (1), Interlaced Component(1), and HD-compatible Component(1) video inputs. In addition, there is a DVI-HDCP input for use with DVI equipped DVD players and HD-set top boxes. Another bonus is a standard VGA input that allows LT30HV to be used as a PC monitor.
On the audio side, there is a ten watt-per-channel audio system with side mounted speakers and a line output for optional subwoofer. In addition, a headphone output is included, as well as stereo audio outputs for connection to stereo or surround sound system.
Other features include an onscreen menu can be set to transluscent or opaqe display. All controls can be accessed either from the unit itself or via the supplied remote control.
The LT30HV comes supplied with a table stand, but can be wall mounted via optional wall mounting kit.
Lastly, the Olevia comes with a one year on-site warranty.
Setup and Testing
Next, I removed several back plates that covered the AV, DVI, and VGA connections. All the connections are either side or down-facing so that your cable connectors do not protrude from the rear of the set. This is a great space saver.
Next, it was time to hookup my video source components. For this review I used several DVD players including: Samsung DVD-HD931 (DVI input), Philips DVDR985 (Progressive Scan Component and Standard AV), Pioneer DV-525 (S-video, standard component, and Standard AV). In addition, I also used an RCA VR725HF S-VHS VCR (Standard AV). I also hooked up a standard RF cable connection (no box) the LT30HV. DVD software used included scenes from the following: Kill Bill - Vol1, Pirates Of The Carribean, Chicago, Valley Of Gwangi, Passionada, X-men2, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, and On The Town. Several VHS film editions, including; Star Wars Trilogy, Batman, and Total Recall were also used.
Using the Philips DVDR985 with a standard 480p progressive scan connection, I found that the color and contrast was also very good, just slightly below that of the Samsung's DVI connection, when using its 480p setting. The internal Faroudja DCDi processors on the Samsung and Philips also contributed to the video performance.
Utilizing the Pioneer DV-525 on S-Video, I found a basically good image, but not quite up to par with either the Samsung or the Philips. The color and contrast was fine, but reds were very slightly more overblown, which would be expected. In addition, I found little difference between the non-progressive component and S-Video connections, although reds improved with component.
There was a noticable drop in quality when using standard AV connections on both the Pioneer DV-525 and the RCA VR725. The DVD material had a more "washed out" look with standard AV connections, as well as exhibiting some motion lag.
Lastly, I tested the television's onboard NTSC tuners, using a standard, no-cable box, connection. The performance was disappointing; the video quality was inconsistent. On stations that appeared to have strong signals, the images looked good, but exhibited some motion lag. Channels that had weak signals, looked worse. In comparison with a Sony 20-inch CRT set, using the same cable connection, the Sony outperformed the Olevia in standard cable TV reception and display, even taking into consideration the difference in screen sizes.
An additional comparison I made was to input the same cable signal through the Philips DVR985's onboard tuner and viewing the cable channels using the progressive scan output from the Philips to the Olevia. I got much better results in this setup, in terms of decreased motion lag. I found this to be an interesting observation. Fixed pixel displays, such as LCD and Plasma, generally have more difficulty with analog video than standard CRT sets in real world situations; however, the LT30HV certainly needs improvement is this area.
