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Review: Vizio VF551XVT LED-Backlit LCD
Vizio’s bargain VF551XVT and VF552XVT LED LCD HDTVs are A-OK.
November 13, 2009 | by Dennis P. Barker

It also supports Adobe Flash, and future apps will be added via firmware updates. 

The remote for the 552 will have embedded Bluetooth (for easy paring of Bluetooth devices) and a sliding QWERTY keyboard hidden beneath the primary keypad. It was pretty neat and easy to operate.

So how did the VF551XVT stand up to seemingly superior TVs? Pretty darned well. I had low expectations, as I normally review top-of-the-line models from Toshiba, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Mitsubishi, Pioneer and the like.  The black levels on the Vizio were good and provided better-than-average contrast for most filmed Blu-ray content such as The Dark Knight, and including the recently released Gladiator (Extended Version), The Deep, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (Extended Version).

And thanks to the 240Hz SPS feature, film judder in fast-motion scenes was negligible, especially in the opening high-speed sequence in Quantum of Solace. DISH Network’s 1080i signals from HBO’s True Blood, Fox’s Fringe, and HD-NET’s InFocus travelogues looked clean, crisp and clear, offering very little video noise.

The sound quality of the integrated 30-watt soundbar was better than many sets, though a home theater audio system is always recommended.

Is the VF551XVT the best LCD HDTV I’ve reviewed? No, but it performs admirably and it is very reasonably priced, costing hundreds of dollars less than a comparable Toshiba or over a $1,000 less for a comparable Samsung. And the 552 model adds Wi-Fi network capability and Internet access, all for a little more than $2,000, to make it a winning combination. 


Dennis P. Barker - Contributing Writer
Dennis has been involved with Consumer Electronics forever it seems. His 25+-year career includes a 12-year tour of duty at Consumer Reports magazine, as well as stints as a product reviewer, market analyst, technical editor, and consultant for the electronics industry. He lives in Ossining, NY with his two children, one demanding cat and piles of A/V equipment.


Specifications, Pros & Cons

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



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Comments (8) Most recent displayed first.
Posted by Oat  on  11/16/09  at  05:03 PM

@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.

Posted by *  on  11/15/09  at  06:37 PM

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.

Posted by David  on  11/15/09  at  08:14 AM

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!

Posted by jeab  on  11/14/09  at  02:12 PM

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!

Posted by Marcus  on  11/14/09  at  08:09 AM

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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