Vizio XVT LCDs have high-end features

Vizio VF551XVT 1080p LCD TV
Click to enlarge.
[ Photo courtesy of Vizio. ]

Vizio, a company whose low prices have helped make it a top-selling brand of LCD TVs, is coming out with a new series of 1080p HDTVs offering step-up features, such as 240Hz technology and LED backlights, at prices well below those of more established brands.

In July, we’ll see the first Vizio sets (“240Hz SPS”) that combine 120Hz refresh rates with a scanning (flashing) backlight to produce a 240Hz effect—the same process used by models from LG and Toshiba.This fall, Vizio will offer its first TVs with LED backlights: 47- and 55-inch XVT-series "TruLED" models.

The company is also introducing its first VIA (Vizio Internet Apps) Internet-enabled models, which use Yahoo's widget platform to access online content from various providers, including movie services from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and Vudu. Also in the pipeline are two new slim-line models—in 32- and 37-inch screen sizes—that are just 2.5 inches deep.

Vizio's new TVs use full-array LED backlights with local dimming, bucking the recent trend toward edge-lit LEDs from companies such as Samsung. Vizio executives told us that for larger-sized screens, full-array LEDs offer better brightness uniformity and viewing angle. The company also said its LED backlights can be completely turned off, which could improve black-level performance. In our tests, we’ve found that models with full-array backlights offered better black-level performance than edge-lit sets, although a halo effect may be visible at times. The company said it will likely use edge-lit LEDs in smaller screens later this year.

A unique feature in some XVT sets is that they contain enough built-in memory to buffer up to 15 minutes of video—allowing you to pause, rewind, and fast-forward. The sets also have a USB port that will accept an external hard drive. While the purpose is to be able to play content downloaded from a PC, theoretically it could store TV shows, though the TV currently lacks the ability to schedule DVR-like recordings.

"Vizio Internet Apps" (VIA) are based on Yahoo's Internet widgets, which we've seen in sets from companies such as Samsung and Sony. Two interesting features are the inclusion of built-in dual-band wireless (802.11n) and a unique remote control with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard that can be used to enter passwords, type keywords for favorite shows or movies, or even chat. The remote operates via Bluetooth, so it doesn't have to be pointed directly at a TV's IR sensor to work.

Here is the planned XVT LCD line-up of 1080p models:

• SV320XVT ($750, September): 32-inch 120Hz thin-line model
• SV370XVT ($850, September): 37-inch 120Hz thin-line model
• SV421XVT ($1,200, July): 42-inch 240Hz set
• SV422XVT ($1,200, November): 42-inch 240Hz set with VIA Internet
• SV471XVT ($1,500, July): 47-inch 240Hz set
• SV472XVT ($1,700, October): 47-inch 240Hz LED set with VIA Internet
• SV550XVT ($2,000, currently available): 55-inch 120Hz model
• SV551XVT ($2,200, September): 55-inch 240Hz LED set
• SV552XVT ($2,200, December): 55-inch 240Hz LED set with VIA Internet

We now have two new Vizio models in our labs, and expect to have full TV Ratings (available to subscribers) posted in the next few weeks. And we'll likely test some of these new XVT-series sets once they become available. —James K. Willcox

Comments

[Roxanne]

We purchased one of the Vizio TV's just over a year ago, about a month ago we noticed a rd line going from the top to the bottom of the screen and this week there is now two. I do not know if this is common in the Plasma style TV's but it does suck. Before this we had a projection TV that lasted over 10 years. I have this one just over a year and it is already going bad. NEVER again, we purchased the 55 inch screen size so not a small amount was wasted. I am so upset, I can not believe a company would sell such a shoddy item and not stand behind longer then a year.
Signed,
Not a Happy Buyer

[everett whitney]

Laurie -

You and ~ ~ 37 others in this Electronics Blogs - television !

No chance! Just scrap.

everett

[Bill]

Our Vizio is going on almost 2 years, no problems at all. Great Picture. We love it and are going to purchase a smaller Vizio for the bedroom.

As to the above comment, any tv can go bad, I have a friend who does repairs on tv's and no one is immuned. Samsung, Sony, he's seen them all come through his door.

He recommends, if mounting having the proper wall mounts and enough space between the tv and the wall. He said that is the biggest culprit for fried boards. Improper mounting(the tv is too flush to the wall) and he also recommends ext. warranty's. Tv's to fix outside of Warranty can be pricey and the big name brands are no exception.

Overall we love our Vizio and it seems they keep stepping up their products and keeping the big boys in check and keeping their prices reasonable as well, which is always a good thing.

Love Vizio

[Layna]

No matter how good of a reputation a certain brand or product has someone can always get a lemon. I have 2 vizio televisions and I love them. In fact, I love them so much that I prompted my friend and her husband to buy one and they love thiers. I would and do recommend them to everybody. You can't beat them for the price, I purchased 2 32" HDTVs for less than $1300 and that was 2 years ago.

[Randy]

My 32" Vizio Plasma TV lasted 17 months before it died. Prior to that, I absolutely loved this TV, and then it just died. This is why Vizio TVs are doing so well, and why they get such good reviews, because right out of the box it is a very impressive TV. Unfortunately they seem to have a ridiculously short life span. And when you phone Customer Service they talk to you very much like a company that gets a lot of complaints, they're overwhelmed and just not interested. I would never buy another Vizio product ever!

[Laurie]

My 32 inch VIZIO has a big red line down the middle. After 2 years. VIZIO is not interested in helping. My Sony has lasted 10 years. Can consumer reports find out where we can get a refund or something? This is unacceptable

[rose mary]

we bought a 32" visio lcd tv 16 months ago and it just went dead.
we tried to turn it on but nothing. we called customer service and they told us our 12 month warranty is up and basically, tough luck.
then they gave us repair shop contacts. we brought it in for diagnosis, which cost $50 up-front, and were told the power board is shot and can be repaired for $350. our tv cost $550 and needs $350 in repairs 16 months later? How can this tv get such good reviews?