Olevia: the best LCD television you've never heard of.

Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, Philips, Samsung... Syntax-Brillian?

Turns out Syntax-Brillian (makers of Vivitar cameras) have pulled off a bit of an upset. After a few years getting beaten up by the giants, their sturdy Olevia line of LCDs are starting to make a dent in the U.S. television market, and an even bigger impression with electronics reviewers.

Earlier generations of Olevias were largely known for being uber-cheap alternatives to budget-busting Aquos HDTVs, but now they're going upscale. A new high-performance panel, the 47-inch Olevia 747i,  just appeared at the top of Wired's list of the nine best 38-49" LCD TVs. Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, Philips, Samsung... they all came in as Not #1.

Sure, it's a 1080p LCD HDTV, but what's really wowing the more cynical journalistic wretches among us is the Olevia's Realta HQV processing, which keeps images sharp even in the busiest pictures... like the kind you find in every movie you bought a widescreen flatpanel for. Noise reduction is a notch above "smart," and if your sound system is the stuff of legend, you can detach the 747i's speakers so they won't disrupt your sonic equilibrium. It has an output for your subwoofer, too.

Syntax-Brillian even lowered the pain level on TV menus with a slick 3D interface. Don't be shocked if those other guys take that example to heart in coming years.

The $2499 price tag is pretty good for what you're getting, but likely means Accidental Damage Protection won't be available for its SquareTrade warranty. You will get a chance to add an extra year to your coverage, though.

LCD warranty, HDTV warranty, Square Trade warranty