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.

Page 1 of 2
1 2 >  Next