Vizio hits $600, $800 prices for 32- and 42-inch plasmas

In conjunction with retail partner Wal-Mart, Vizio—a company whose sets have typically fared well in our Ratings of plasma TVs (available to subscribers)—is now offering 32- and 42-inch 720p plasma models at prices of $600 and $800, respectively. The 32-inch screen size for plasma, popular in Asia, is new to the U.S. and will enable plasma to compete for the first time with smaller LCD models.

The company has also announced a new higher-performance series—called XVT—that will include both 1080p plasma and LCD models.

The VP422, the 42-inch model, is especially low-priced compared to 720p models from other well-known brands, which typically cost $1,000 or more. While there are no other 32-inch plasmas, the VP322's price compares favorably to 32-inch LCD models in our Ratings, which are typically priced at $800 or more. One exception: Vizio's own VW32L HDTV, which sells for the same $600.

Both models have 3 HDMI inputs, plus component video and RGB PC connections, and offer multiple color temperature settings and independent Red/Green/Blue adjustments.  The company claims that these latest models use new glass for improved brightness for use in brighter rooms. The TVs are now available in all 3,400 Wal-Mart retail locations.

XVT: A step-up series

There are three models in the new XVT series: two 1080p LCDs with 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur, and a 50-inch 1080p plasma. The two LCD sets—the 42-inch SV42XVT ($1,500) and 47-inch SV47XVT ($1,900)—include video presets customized for specific types of content (movies, sports, TV, etc.) and SRS Labs' TruSurround XT virtual surround audio processing. The 50-inch 1080p plasma, the VP505XVT ($1,700), includes Silicon Optix's Reon video processing circuitry as well as the SRS audio technology. The plasma set also sports a "Brandy Wine" colored speaker grill, and includes an HDMI cable. The new models will be available in July in consumer electronics retailers such as Circuit City and Sears, as well as warehouse clubs including Costco and Sam's Club.

Vizio sets have done well in our Ratings, generally offering very good performance at an especially low price, occasionally earning them a CR Best Buy designation.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[ScottyDog]

We own two Vizio's and have not had any problems with the oldest set being 2 years old. They offer extended warranties on their website up to 5 years total, I believe which we purchased after the sale.

I would not purchase a LCD TV or Plasma without an extended warranty due to the cost of repairing them. Like someone said; they are really are like computers inside and have very expensive parts.

Sears will service and sell parts for Vizio TV's after the warranty expires BTW.

[Evelyn Adams]

We purchased a Vizio 42" Plasma TV no more than 3 years ago. Recently the screen went dead and according to Vizio is too expensive to fix. I was offered a refurished 42" LCD to replace my Plasma for approx. $750. The same TV can be purchased now for $829. Does this sound like a good deal to you? Come on Vizio......really?????????

I don't recommend ever buying a Vizio anything!!!!

[everett whitney]

TO: Sherry S - "IN SHOP 6 Months already...?

All HDTVs are essentially very special Computers, not "TVs" in the context we used to consider our CRT sets. So, IF our P.C. s go down / we've waited that long for the repair shop, the message IS "... get another one."

Only, this time, do get a proper Top Tier, Brand Name plus an extended warranty, in spite of the constant objections from C.R. ---- being "self-insured" IS a frightfully costly experiment, as you have now found out!

Sony - for only (1) example - does offer (5) years In-Home, all inclusive Plans starting for under $89 on their sets bought from their web site --- they also have periodic "special pricing" - www.sonystyle.com

[Sherry Shelton]

I bought a Vizio and it lasted only 1 year and 2 months. It has been in the repair shop for 6 months now, and the repair man said the parts is on back order. My question is "what take so long to get a part to repair my television. It needs the main board, which should not have gone out after only a little over a years use. Please help. Thank you, Sherry Shelton

[Josh Bestold]

When will Vizio be shipping the VP505XVT?

[Alan Blake]

If Vizio is the number 3 selling brand why are they not listed in the reliability and repair table?