A Reader asked:

I need a budget priced LCD HDTV for use in my office as a TV/Computer Monitor and the same TV will also be my christmas present to my Dad for his first HDTV.

I have shopped and searched relentlessly to find a value priced 1080p TV that is good quality and I think I have it down to two options, but I need help from you (someone that knows HDTV, videophile, tech guru, electronics salesmam, technophile etc..)

Which TV is better?

Olevia 42 in. LCD Full HD (1080p) Television model # 242FHDTV for $899
or
Vizio 47 in. LCD Full HD (1080p) Gallevia HDTV model # GV47LF for $1449

Which TV is better?

Does anyone have any review information or knowledge on the HD technology, picture quality etc?
Please steer me in the right direction because it is a toss up for me. I prefer the 47″ size but i prefer the $899 price??HELP….

New Olevia 42" LCD HDTV 1080p 242T - LOCAL PICKUP ONLY US $850.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 17:40:55 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Olevia 42" Inch HD LCD TV Television HDTV LT42HVi 1080i US $99.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Dec-08-2008 7:18:06 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NTSC Analog and ATSC Digital TV Tuners / 1600:1 Contrast / 1366×768 Resolution / 480i - 480p - 720p - 1080i image display / PC Monitor Mode / HDMI 1600 - 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio SuperFast 8ms Response Time 178-degree Ultra Wide Viewing Angle RF Inputs - Standard definition TV, 480i, Component Input for 480p, HDMI input for 720p, 1080i Video Inputs - 1 ATSC/NTSC combo tuner input, HDMI, 3 component, VGA,2 S-video, 2 composite PC Input - VGA 1360 x 768 60 Hz Full Picture-in-Picture/Split-Screen Easy To Use Remote Control Includes Table Stand May be used with an optional VESA 100 x 200 wall mount FREE onsite service for the 1st year from the manufacturer Unit Dimensions - Height - 29.33 x Depth - 10.24 x Width - 36.73; Weight - 52.9 lbs (with stand)
Customer Review:
Best price on the web
I decided on the Olevia 537 because I subscribe to Consumer Reports and that model had the best review in the price range I could afford. The

was easily the cheapest I found when searching the web.

Customer Review:
Good Goods
The Olevia 537H was definitely the right choice for us based upon all our research. With free shipping from Amazon and no sales tax it was less money than the 237T on sale locally at Target and it’s a upscale version of the 237T based upon a consumer forum I visited. It worked right out of the box and was the simplest setup I’ve encountered with a TV or other components since the Black and White days.

I spent the first few days of and on just getting familiar with the menu and adjustments. The only negative I’ve found so far is the labels on the remote control - small text and very hard to see in low room light conditions. Otherwise I love it so far after a month of use. It’s also easy to move and keep clean and isn’t a dust magnet like our old conventional tube TV. The only challenge now is trying to sort out what kind of Program Subscriber package to choose.

Amazon.com price

Ebay Listings

*BRAND NEW* Olevia 537H HDTV 37" LCD TV, UP TO 1080i US $773.10 Auction Ends: Monday Dec-01-2008 23:56:32 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

OLEVIA LCDTV 537H 37" HDTV Built-In 16:9 1600: NEW NIB US $867.33 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Dec-04-2008 23:11:39 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

SYNTAX OLEVIA 537H 37" LCD HDTV Excellent Condition US $799.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Dec-18-2008 9:09:20 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

OLEVIA LCDTV 537H 37" 16:9 Black Retail NEW!!! US $599.99 Auction Ends: Thursday Dec-25-2008 13:46:55 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Olevia 2 Series 1080p 42″ LCD TV - 242TFHD

High contrast ratios and fast response times mean rapid-action viewing such as sporting events or adventure films is displayed with super clarity and truly come alive! With a super-wide 178-degree viewing angle, images look spectacular wherever you are seated. Perfect for home or office viewing These LCD HDTVs also excel as computer displays with support for TV resolutions up to 1080i, and PC resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 through HDMI and VGA.

Customer Review: Great Value
I just bought this television. It’s and amazing value. After adjusting the settings some, it looks every bit as good as my friend’s Panasonic, and I paid at least $400 less (he won’t say what he paid after he found out what I paid..) $400 might not mean a lot to some of you, but it does to me … especially if I can get similar quality at this price.

Tigerdirect.com Price

Ebay Listings (current) for Olevia 252TFHD

HDTV OLEVIA LCD TV 1080P 242TFHD SEE NOTE HURRY!!! US $849.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 13:02:58 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW HDTV OLEVIA LCD TV 1080P 242TFHD SEE NOTE HURRY!!! US $929.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 13:04:47 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1600:1 Contrast Ratio, 1366 x 768 Resolution, 8ms Response Time, 178/178 Degrees Viewing Angle, PixelWorks DNX Technology, Big Picture Technology, Built-In ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner High contrast ratios and fast response times, mean rapid-action viewing such as sporting events or adventure films is displayed with super clarity and truly come alive! With a super-wide 178-degree viewing angle, images look spectacular wherever you are seated.

Perfect for home or office viewing These LCD HDTVs also excel as computer displays with support for TV resolutions up to 1080i, and PC resolutions up to 1360 x 768 through HDMI and VGA. Olevias surround sound audio processor creates an awesome listening environment while watching TV, movies or playing games. RS-232 control enables you to connect your Olevia HDTV to a home entertainment system. Once you see the new Olevia, youll agree that youve never seen HDTV like this! User Friendly On-Screen Display (OSD)

Amazon.com Price

Tigerdirect.com Price

OLEVIA SYNTAX-BRILLIAN OLEVIA 237T 37" LCD HDTV US $785.00 Auction Ends: Monday Dec-01-2008 21:12:37 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

*BRAND NEW* Olevia 537H HDTV 37" LCD TV, UP TO 1080i US $773.10 Auction Ends: Monday Dec-01-2008 23:56:32 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

HDTV OLEVIA LCD TV 1080P 242TFHD SEE NOTE HURRY!!! US $849.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 13:02:58 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW HDTV OLEVIA LCD TV 1080P 242TFHD SEE NOTE HURRY!!! US $929.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 13:04:47 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

New Olevia 42" LCD HDTV 1080p 242T - LOCAL PICKUP ONLY US $850.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 17:40:55 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Flat LCD Olevia 27" HDTV & Monitor for PC US $5.50 (3 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Dec-02-2008 22:17:51 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Olevia 232T 32" LCD TV 720p/1080i HDTV only $279 US $399.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 20:13:49 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

OLEVIA LCDTV 537H 37" HDTV Built-In 16:9 1600: NEW NIB US $867.33 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Dec-04-2008 23:11:39 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

SYNTAX-BRILLIAN OLEVIA 237T 37 LCD HDTV WITH BUILT-IN A US $152.50 (8 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Dec-05-2008 10:05:02 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

SYNTAX-BRILLIAN OLEVIA 237T 37 LCD HDTV WITH BUILT-IN A US $112.50 (9 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Dec-05-2008 10:05:45 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Customer Review: Big Bang Theory
I bought this TV (from SC) because it is simply the best large (65″) flat screen TV for the money. Period. Not without flaws, blacks could be blacker, backlight uniformity could be better, heavy as heck, not the thinnest flat panel of this size… but it has a high end video processor built in, it is very well built, and unless we are talking dark and murky scenes, a terrifically detailed image (as long as the source signal is good) with excellent color rendition.

The screen has a factory calibrated 6500k color temperature setting, but for some crazy reason, it isn’t the factory default. A few of the usual adjustments after chooisng the 6500k setting such as turning the brightness down and adjusting the contrast, football looks fantastic. I chose this TV after considering the Panasonic 65″ 1080p plasma, the Samsung 63″ plasma, and the Sharp 65″ LCD. Since this isn’t in a dedicated home theater, reflections and light pollution are negatives on the plasma side of the equation. The Sharp 65″ was a lot more money and the value equation landed firmly on the side of this Olevia 65″ LCD. After two weeks, I have yet to find a single bad pixel.

After 11 years of working in A/V technology at a university, I can say that finding a few bad pixels is on an LCD display is an all too common occurrence. Olevia obviously means to become a player in the industry and I would say if this TV is an example of their ability to ship a first rate quality product out the door, then they are well on their way to doing so.

Amazon.com Price

Tigerdirect.com Price

NEW 65" Olevia 265TFHD 720P/1080P LCD HDTV HD TV US $2,999.99 Auction Ends: Friday Dec-26-2008 14:06:47 PST Buy this Item   | Watch this Item