Want an LCD HDTV with the latest advances that costs hundreds of dollars less than comparable models? Look to Vizio and its XVT Series LED-backlit VF551XVT.
The 55-inch XVT VF551XVT (XVT stands for Extreme Vizio Technology) offers the two primary features found in today’s top-of-the-line HDTVs. There’s a full HD 1080p display utilizing the company’s proprietary 240Hz SPS (Scenes Per Second) Smooth Motion technology, along with TruLED (light-emitting diode) illumination. The full array of LED backlighting is composed of 960 tiny LEDs in clusters with local dimming. This model offers a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and response time of 5 milliseconds (ms).
The LED illumination provides very consistent brightness and contrast across the entire screen. And Vizio’s Smart Dimming allows for clusters of LEDs to be turned off, which produces improved blacks and higher contrast. The 240Hz refresh rate means that the images are refreshed 240 times per second. The Smooth Motion Effect option activates Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation (ME/MC) circuitry that, in turn, helps to suppress motion judder or “stuttering” of the image when the camera pans across a scene, or if there is horizontal motion in the scene.
The VF551XVT also includes SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround. When the programming switches to a loud commercial or when changing channel results in a volume fluctuation, SRS TruVolume provides a comfortable and consistent sound level. The SRS TruSurround offers a pleasant surround-like effect.
A 49-button remote control is included, which is programmable and supports up to three more devices: a DVD player, a home theater system or audio amplifier, and a cable or set-top box. It even has a handy HDMI button to access satellite/cable receivers or Blu-ray players.
December will bring the VF552XVT with Vizio Internet Apps (or VIA), for the same price of $2,199. The 552 will be identical to the 551, except for the additional Internet-access utilizing a Yahoo’s Widget Engine and built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) network capability, so you won’t need a wired connection in your family room.
The VIA feature will include Accedo Broadband, Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster On Demand, Flickr, Netflix, Pandora, Rhapsody, eBay, Facebook, RadioTime, Revisions3, Rallypoint Sports, Showtime, Twitter and Vudu.
AT A GLANCE
Specs:
> Full HD 1080p panel (1920x1080)
> TruLED (full-array) backlighting with local dimming
> 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast
> 240 Hz refresh rate
> 5 ms response time
> 500 cd/m brightness
> SRS Labs TruSurround HD with TruVolume
> Bottom-mounted Soundbar-type speaker (2x15W)
> 5 HDMI 1.3 (4 rear, 1 side)
> USB multimedia port (side)
> Internet-access via Yahoo’s Widget Engine (VF552XVT)
> 802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi (VF552XVT)
> 35.9 inches high x 51.5 wide x 13.5 deep (with stand)
> 90.25 pounds (with stand)
> $2,200
Pros:
> 1920x1080p screen resolution
> Full Array LED backlighting with local dimming
> 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast
> 240Hz refresh rate
> Built-in Wi-Fi (VF552XVT)
> Improved TV sound
> Great price
Cons:
> Not a long-standing brand
My biggest problem with the Vizio TVs are they are not “control friendly.” Maybe they have cleaned up their act with the more recent models including this one, but at one time none of their models have discrete IR codes, and certainly no serial connections.
I have always purchased what the reviews rated (and the high cost should reflect) as top of the line products. The last LCD TV I purchased is a Vizio. I went back to the store several times just to look at the picture quality and make sure it was the same serial number that was running all day and being used by countless people over the course of a month. Sure enough it has been a great TV with a sharp, bright picture, and no service problems at all.
I agree that the article reads more like an overview than a review, but junk?! Nope, the Vizio that I own is a low cost, great performing TV. I will be closely looking into purchasing this new Vizio!
What article are the other posters commenting on? I sure isn’t about the Visio VF551XVT. Anyway Dennis Barker failed to mention that this set has PIP which most of the “top-of-the-line models from Toshiba, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Mitsubishi, Pioneer” no longer offer. I guess you can call those sets, CHEAP!
Mr. Wise, care to elaborate why the TV is junk. If you own it, explain? Have you tested it? Have you used one? I personally don’t own it, haven’t see it in action and don’t plan on buying it? Don’t own a Vizio. Have considered buying a Vizio for secondary locations in my home. Bedroom or study. I’ve seen them in stores. Look to be quality products. Some readers may be thinking about buying. If you post negative comments at least back up your statements. Some people will be happy to save $1000 versus 30 pounds.
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Awesome article. Hoping to do something similar with my new home and iPhone/Creston… 
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@Matthew Wise
While a agree this article reads like an ad, please due some research before posting such misleading info. While i admit Vizio is not at the top of my list, they due use the same parts as other manufacturers. The LCD panel they use is from LG, the same LG XXLH90 panel that I have which approaches the display quality and black level of the Pioneer Kuro. Don’t take my word for it, read the reviews at PC Mag and Cnet.
Secondly, the LED LCD Samsung 8000 you reference uses edgelit LEDs not backlit LEDs. This is a different tech all together. A better comparison would be the new Samsung 55B8500 which is twice the price of this display, but not even close to twice the improvement. And the Samsung B8500 scored almost the same on Cnets reviews as the Vizio. It scored exactly the same as the LG XXLH90 that I have which cost half the price. Even the Sony XBR8 is better than the TV you present.
Thirdly, Samsung was once viewed as a junk brand also by many consumers.