Syntax-Brillian
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Syntax-Brillian waves the white flag, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
So yeah, apparently that whole attempt to "streamline operations" back in April didn't go over so well, as Syntax-Brillian -- you know, that firm neck deep in panel partnerships and responsible for Olevia HDTVs -- has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Arizona-based company has also "entered into a deal to sell certain of its assets to a newly created company called Olevia International Group LLC," which has agreed to pick up some $60 million of its secured debt. We're also told that operations in Tempe have ceased, and "about eight employees" (including the finance chief, general counsel and finance staff) are sticking around with nothing better to do.[Thanks, Paul]
SRS Labs sneaks TruSurround XT into Sharp, Olevia HDTVs
SRS Labs is on the warpath, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. Just days after syncing up with Vizio, it now has two more partnerships to brag about: one with Sharp, one with Syntax-Brillian. As for the former, you can now sleep easy knowing that (most) AQUOS LCD HDTVs will come with TruSurround XT built right in. As for the latter, this deal ensures that the all new Olevia 2 Series and 6 Series LCD HDTVs have the same technology, which will supposedly make owners "feel as if phantom speakers are placed around them." We're getting chills just thinking about it.Read - Sharp agreementRead - Syntax-Brillian agreement
Olevia-branded Blu-ray player on the way
Looking for more competition among Blu-ray players? TV and appliance manufacturer Taiwan Kolin is apparently prepping a player for the Taiwan market, expected to debut around the third or fourth quarter of this year. Built around Sharp components (not at all the first player to do so), the Economic Daily News quoted Taiwan Kolin's president as saying it would also see store shelves in the U.S. under Syntax-Brillian's Olevia brand. Unfortunately, with no features listed and a retail price only remarked as "less than NT$30,000 ($977 U.S.)" it'll probably need to be a lot less than that to make any kind of splash here.
Syntax-Brillian looks to streamline operations, eliminate some positions
As evidenced by the rash of partnerships entered into by Syntax-Brillian in the past several months, the company is aiming to "undertake a series of strategic initiatives to position [it] for future growth." Looking beyond the corporate speak, you'll find plans to "simplify its network of supplier relationships through which it develops and manufactures its Olevia and Vivitar product lines, streamline its channel partnerships to focus on a more targeted group of customers within Syntax-Brillian's current base of 3,000 retail and online partners, and eliminate positions representing an approximate 20-percent reduction in overhead costs." Unfortunately, we're not told exactly how many employees will be sent packing, but the firm is expecting the workforce reductions to result in "annualized savings of approximately $4 million in operating costs."
Syntax-Brillian seeks LCD panels from Compal for Olevia HDTVs
Syntax-Brillian just can't seem to have enough partners, as just four months into this glorious year, the aforementioned outfit has teamed up with Sharp, LG Display and now Compal Electronics. As predicted, the newest partnership is all about panels, and Compal will be providing 300,000 of 'em that will find their way into select Olevia LCD HDTVs. Notably, that figure is just the initial order -- the agreement suggests that over a million panels could eventually change hands between the two before 2008 comes to a close. C'mon Syntax-Brillian, we know you've got a few more partners to sync up with before Q2 ends.
US economy hurting smaller LCD brands
We've already heard about how the economic slowdown in the US may be hiking up your cable bills, and it stands to reason that gadget buying will feel a pinch as well as buyers tighten their belts. But like so many other things in business, it may be the "little guys" (in this case, smaller LCD brands) that get jammed up. Even though consumers will be looking favorably at value-oriented LCDs, there are murmurs that resellers are pushing out their payment terms from 2-months to 3-4-months. It's hard to argue that a change in payment terms like this will negatively affect smaller, more tightly-budgeted manufacturers. But, we'd also like to remind folks that in the specific case intimated in the article (Syntax-Brillian), there's also the whole issue of its ill-fated LCOS efforts. On a positive note, we suggest value-oriented manufacturers tout the money-saving that staying at home with a good TV can produce (cheaper and more enjoyable than going out).[Via TGDaily]
LG.Philips hooking Syntax-Brillian up with LCD panels
Not even two months after Syntax-Brillian announced that it would be acquiring at least 700,000 LCD panels from Sharp during 2008, along comes word that the firm will also be on the receiving end of a similar deal with LG.Philips -- er, LG Display, we should say. Nomenclature aside, the agreement between the two asserts that LG.Philips (or whatever it becomes) will supply Syntax-Brillian "with a minimum of 750,000 LCD panels during 2008," though it's certainly not the first deal of its kind. More specifically, it'll provide 32-, 37-, 42- and 47-inch Full HD units, and the option to purchase additional inventory remains alive. So much teamwork in the LCD industry -- those other sectors could stand to learn a thing or two.
Sharp hooks up Syntax-Brillian with LCD panels aplenty
It looks like Syntax-Brillian (makers of Olevia LCD TVs) won't be scrounging around for LCD panels anytime in the near future, as the company has just announced that it's signed a deal with Sharp that'll see the company deliver a minimum of 700,000 LCD panels to 'em during 2008. That includes 32-, 37-, 52- and 65-inch size panels, with an option to buy additional panels based on market demand. Nothing too extraordinary there, but the deal does gives Syntax-Brillian and Taiwan's Kolin exclusive rights to Sharp's top-end 65-inch, 120Hz LCD panels through September 2008, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at. While the ink's still barely dry on this contract, as we heard during CES, those panels are already their way into some Olevia sets due in the second quarter of this year, making that "exclusive" period a bit on the short side, though we don't doubt Syntax-Brillian will make the most of it.
Syntax-Brillian's Olevia line: Now with 120Hz and more 1080p
Newly LCD-focused HDTV maker Syntax-Brillian has teased a few details about its plans for CES, bringing a high-end feature from CES 2007, 120Hz, to its mainstream Olevia brand. No word on specific models or prices, but 1080p and 120Hz motion processing are the highlights of the 42-, 47-, 52-, 55- and 65-inch LCDs. Rounding out the CES 2008 plans are a JPEG/MP3 support, USB firmware upgrades, a new universal learning remote, and a whole slew of Olevia-branded accessories including HDMI cables, wall mounts and a wireless/waterproof LCD. Expect more details in a few days, and look for these HDTVs to hit shelves in the second quarter.
Syntax-Brillian sells LCoS operations to Compound Photonics
We knew it was in the works, and just before everyone bolted off to enjoy a little R&R, Syntax-Brillian finally completed the sale of its LCoS operations to Compound Photonics US. In the deal, Syntax-Brillian "licensed its LCoS patents and intellectual property to Compound Photonics US in exchange for a ten-percent stake in Compound Photonics Ltd.," Compound Photonics US' parent company. Furthermore, Compound Photonics US will be handing over an "annual fee" to Syntax-Brillian "meant to offset intellectual property ownership maintenance costs."
Syntax-Brillian to exit LCoS biz
Have you eye on a Syntax-Brillian LCoS? Well, you might want to jump on it a bit quicker now that they are pulling out of the business to concentrate in the crowded LCD market. Syntax-Brillian not only sells these rear-projection sets, but also manufacturers the LCoS microdisplays and light engines.so we aren't clear on how this will affect the rest of the LCoS market, but the RPTV market is shrinking as fast as the flat-panel market is growing. People want thin before size and we're sure that this won't be the last manufacturer calling it quits on the rear projection market.
Syntax-Brillian intros new 1080p Olevia LCD HDTVs
Just before folks really get their minds set on waiting for Black Friday, Syntax-Brillian is unveiling a trio of new 1080p Olevia LCDs. Up first is the 65-inch 265TFHD, which features the Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processor, a black aluminum bezel, built-in ATSC / NTSC tuner with Clear QAM support, USB port for firmware upgrades and a decent assortment of ports including two HDMI / component / S-Video / composite jacks and a single VGA input. We're left to assume the 52-inch 252TFHD sports a similar set of amenities, while we're told the 47-inch 247TFHD touts an MTK MDDI video processor but otherwise remains identical to its 65-inch sibling. Price wise, the 265TFHD is set to run you a stiff $6,999, while the 252TFHD and 247TFHD will ring up at $2,499 and $1,999, respectively.[Thanks, Dave]
Olevia debuts 65-inch 665H 1080p LCoS RPTV
Syntax-Brillian is dropping a new 65-inch 1080p LCoS HDTV at CEDIA '07 that might not win any awards, but based on previous models it should still be a quality set. This high-def rear projection should feel right at home within the ho-hum Olevia brand as it's equipped with nothing exactly ground-breaking, but it does have some of the latest mainstream HD goodies. We're talking about 1080p at a quick 4-millisecond response time, dynamic contrast ratio rated of 2000:1, and the standard set of inputs: two HDMI, two component, VGA, S-Video, composite, and of course, coax. Expect the 665H (565H pictured) at $1,999 when the set hits select dealers during the fourth quarter.
Syntax-Brillian goes big with 65-inch 1080p Olevia 665i LCD
Syntax-Brillian is showing off its first HDTV above 50-inches in the U.S. at Infocomm this week, the 65-inch, 1080p Olevia 665i. This LCD is aimed at the pro AV and high end home theater market, and is the first "large area display" to include the Silicon Optix Realta HQV scaler. That, along with Olevia's Big Picture technology to reduce overscan should ensure you get every pixel expected from HD and non-HD sources. Also included for the $9,999 MSRP are two sets each of HDMI and component inputs, RS232 control, removable speakers, and optional wall mount. No word on what, if any, tuners are a part of the package, but we're sure the FCC will be taking a look before this HDTV goes on sale in October.
Syntax-Brillian raises $15.5 million to boost Olevia awareness
Apparently, Syntax-Brillian is planning on making absolutely sure that you (and everyone you know) is entirely familiar with the Olevia brand of LCD and LCoS TVs, as it has just announced a $15.5 million uptick in funds to "increase awareness" of the brand. The strategic partnership involves TCV, who provides the plastic injection molded parts, and WesTech Electronics Limited, who supplies the internal components on Olevia-branded sets, and the company hopes that the deal will elevate the brand by "expanding its manufacturing base" and boosting the marketing efforts as well. Of course, this isn't the first (or second) time that we've seen Syntax-Brillian jump on the expansion bandwagon, but we're not about to complain about a bit more competition in the already saturated marketplace, now are we?
Ultimate AV Review: Syntax-Brillian 6580iFB03 1080p 65-inch LCoS HDTV
Syntax-Brillian is a brand that many normal consumers have not heard of but they are out to change that. Did you know that they actully hold the trademark term on LCoS? Ultimate AV had the chance to review one of their newest TVs that they are known for. Big LCoS sets. The 6580iFB03 scored overall rather nicely even though being on the high-end of the scale with $8,000 price tag. That price gets the owner the professional calibration we are always telling you that you need though. But most importantly, that high price tag gets you and we quote "the best overall picture of any RPTV I've seen." This HDTV is all about the picture and if you can get past the circa 1994 cabinet, you will have a great high-def experience. This TV isn't for everyone but if that $8,000 price tag doesn't make you blink, check out this review and then find a Syntax-Brillian dealer to see the set in person.[Via HDBlog.net]
Syntax-Brillian announces three new series of Olevia LCD TVs
Prepare yourselves for a slew of new LCD sets from Syntax-Brillian that will be released in the coming months, as the newly-merged company has announced three new series of TVs under the Olevia brand that each consist of numerous different models. Out of the 3-series, 5-series, and 7-series lineups, the most is known about the fives, as these four units -- the 27-inch 527V, 32-inch 532H, 37-inch 537H, and 42-inch 542i -- are shipping immediately. Like the as-yet-unannounced members of the 3-series, these models all sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, and also feature 8-millisecond response times, 1600:1 contrast ratios, built-in digital ATSC tuners, and HDMI, VGA, and HD component inputs. All that's known about the 7-series, on the other hand, is the fact that its constituent models will all offer full 1,080p resolution and RS232C control capability, along with what's being touted as "Hollywood Quality Video," which either means that picture quality is very good or stifled by DRM restrictions. No pricing or release details are available for any of the 3- or 7-series models -- they're scheduled "to be introduced to the market incrementally through September" is all we can say for sure -- and out of all the 5-series models that are supposedly shipping right now, we could only find a price for the 527V, which you can pick up for $800 or less.Update: It would appear Hollywood Quality Video refers to Silicon Optix's Reon-VX chip, a "Hollywood Quality Processing" video system with a bunch of things HD nuts are sure to love (or love to laugh at), like four-field per-pixel SD/HD deinterlacing, film cadence processing, multi-direction diagonal filter, random noise reduction, and so on. Thanks, Jason.
