Vizio dethrones Samsung as LCD king in Q2
by Matt Burns 
posted Aug 21st 2007 at 2:53PM
Whoa, where did Vizio come from and what the heck is happening to Sony? We've heard of the Circuit City/Aldi/Walmart/ brand for sometime now, but didn't have any idea they were such a major US LCD player. TGDaily is reporting that the budget brand shipped 130k more LCDs than the former leader, Samsung, during '07's second quarter. Vizio's shipment increased an impressive 76% over last year and now surpasses not only Samsung, but also Sony, Philips and Sharp. Keep in mind that these are simply units shipped and not units sold, however, the two stats do share a bed. The same report indicates that while Vizio is increasing at a neck breaking speed, Sony just might be breaking their neck. Their quarter two shipments dropped a whopping 43% over last year. There seems to be a major shift in the LCD market and with the holiday season right around the corner, yeah - it's that time again, we can't wait to see the Q4 shipment and sales numbers.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Iscariote @ Aug 21st 2007 3:25PM
Apparently, the most important spec on an HDTV isn't resolution or color depth, it's the price tag.
RobH @ Aug 21st 2007 3:42PM
you may want to review this before posting about how crappy you think their tv's are:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_14_3/vizio-gv47l-lcd-tv-7-2007-part-1.html
(not saying they aren't crap, but I found this interesting)
mracca @ Aug 21st 2007 4:38PM
A real techie would know that, just because something is cheaper in cost doesnt mean that it isnt good!
DEEZNUTZ @ Aug 21st 2007 6:04PM
I think this is great for mass adoption of HDTV's. Not everyone can afford an LCD BRAVIA or PIONEER ELITE. I own a 32" VIZIO for the bedroom and it looks awesome for a $560 tv. VIZIO has consistently reviewed great on SOUND and VISION mag as well as the majority of forums. It's hands down the best of the lower priced LCD's and VIZIO stands by it's product with great customer support and a zero dead-pixel guarantee.
For my main TV I would want a higher end PLASMA but I would recommend this TV to anyone without hesitation.
Ed @ Aug 21st 2007 7:12PM
I hope they start making HD DVD Players. That'll really make $ony angry.
TDG01 @ Aug 21st 2007 7:31PM
don't look now, but they have a 52" 1080P, GV52L FHDTV, that was also just released....Same deal....not for the hardcore elitist, but a tremendous value.....personally....I think an important criteria for me is 120hz....I don't believe this one has it....
Joseph R @ Aug 21st 2007 7:41PM
I read this latest news recently, but usually when it comes to REVENUE FROM SALES, it's always Sony that is #1 because they have the highest priced LCDs overall in the consumer market [NEC is even more expensive than Sony in LCD, but their models are mainly sold for business use].
As for Vizio, while they do make some decent, low-cost LCD displays, I've never prefer the image quality of their plasma line [noisy images], even with the Faroudja processing included. Despite this chip, their plasmas still look too noisy from up to 8 feet away, so unless you sit farther back, I'd avoid buying a Vizio plasma.
GhostDoggy @ Aug 21st 2007 9:04PM
"Apparently, the most important spec on an HDTV isn't resolution or color depth, it's the price tag."
I think most are probably spending money replacing the boo-tube sets in the family room, which is what I did. So, why would I pay an arm and a leg for performance my family room will never allow me to enjoy?
And I would never consider my home theater a 'theater' with a 60" and smaller flat panel (LCD or otherwise), and Vizio ain't making anything in the 92" and above department. BTW, why would I pay $100K for a 100" flat-panel for the home theater when I can spend one-fifth and get much better performance?
So, you may looking at your application for the flat-panel you are spending an arm and a leg for, but for the majority of folks I know that are shopping and buying this is the NEW boob tube, and price is very important.
cybereality @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:47AM
This is great for the market. Once everyone gets cheap HD sets the market will explode. I was under the impression that Vizio was low-quality (based on some older store models I considered buying). Based on that review, and their recent sales, it looks like Vizio might become a real player. Thanks for the link RobH.
Joseph R @ Aug 22nd 2007 3:22AM
Revealing info about warranties....
http://hdguru.com/?p=107
"Your New Disposable Flat Panel TV"
- Vizio, Polaroid and others
followed by http://hdguru.com/?p=107
"Disposable TVs - Vizio responds"
Joseph R @ Aug 22nd 2007 3:25AM
LINK should be http://hdguru.com/?p=108
for "Disposable TVs - Vizio responds"
Caveat Emptor.
Derek P @ Aug 28th 2007 8:48PM
It would have been interesting to see the warranties for the "Name Brand" TV's as well so we could compare.
MAK42868 @ Aug 22nd 2007 8:30AM
I bet the same people who hate Vizio's because "they suck" are the same people who love Toyota. Even though the same argument holds that Toyota (originally) was cheaper and that's what drew people to them, not the quality.
Hate to say it, people, but Vizio is easily the best quality for the money. And isn't that what the general consumer is all about? We're not all driving Buicks and Lexus', right? So if you wasted your money to buy a $3-4K TV and someone has the ability to buy the same size TV for $1K and is happy, don't be disappointed. Buyer's remorse is inevitable for most people.
Aaron Smith @ Aug 22nd 2007 10:09AM
The people buying the Vizios in droves are folks that can't tell the difference between a Vizio and a Sony in the first place. Black levels what? Contrast who? It doesn't matter to them. Oprah and football look the same on either tv because they're watching it with the RF connector from the cable box. Component cables...what's that? They aren't even watching HDTV but hey they got a flat panel for $700. It would be pointless for them to spend $3K on a tv just to watch SD channels.