What, you seriously expected the
$999 VP422 to perform like a $5,000+
KURO? In your dreams, bub. Vizio's latest 42-inch plasma, which certainly looked a-okay on paper for the price, recently hit the test bench over at
CNET, and while the overall package was deemed enough to "satisfy casual viewers," those with even a single videophile gene in 'em should be wary. The unit managed to snag an extremely rare 6.0 out of 10 rating, with "highly inaccurate green primary color and poor grayscale tracking" as the two biggest knocks. Granted, reviewers did appreciate the rock-bottom price, respectably array of inputs and the "relatively clean image," but at the end of the day, you can only expect so much from a sub-$1,000 42-inch PDP. Give the full review a look and determine if it's sufficient for your
wants needs.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andy Sullivan @ Jul 16th 2008 6:51PM
Why can you only expect SO much for $999? Don't let Vizio off the hook like that. Or anybody else for that matter. A grand is not chump change, unless we allow it to considered so. Any company that takes the time and effort to bring a product like a plasma TV to market in todays atmosphere of more enlightened electronic awareness (hopefully) should be castigated by their shareholders. No excuses accepted here, regardless of price.
Patrick @ Jul 16th 2008 7:19PM
You can actually get quite a decent Panasonic 720p plasma at Costco for less than $1000.
Andy Sullivan @ Jul 16th 2008 7:49PM
The CNET review states a retail price of $799. Where do you get the $999 price? That's a 20% overstatement which is huge when you are at a $1000 price point.
T-bone @ Jul 16th 2008 9:22PM
These are $747 at Wal-Mart. I have a 42" Vizio (last version) plasma for my casual TV watching (OTA only) needs and it looks great. Of course, I have properly calibrated the machine.
Actually watching golf on it is better than on my brother's 46" Sony Bravia LCD as his exhibits ghosting and plasma (of course) does not. Picture quality is about the same on both when properly calibrated.
I have a nice front projection DLP setup for my movie and serious sports watching :)
GhostDoggy @ Jul 17th 2008 5:40AM
I'm still amazed people are trying to get anything out of any direct-view or flat-panel product considering the common application involves ambient lighting (that affects color, black level, etc.). If you want critical viewing technology then start with a controlled viewing environment first.
Even a $5,000 KURO isn't going to present a picture for movies with a lot of dark scenes when operating in a room with light. Yet, cows will be marketed well no matter the price point.
David Susilo @ Jul 17th 2008 8:04AM
so if you know good HD vs so-so HD you should be buying an Elite Kuro, not Panasonic... which is just so-so (and yes, Vizio is utter garbage).
jonathan trump @ Aug 26th 2008 2:09AM
I love and in love with my vizio 42" plasma HDTV great buy people with bush smashing 3.99 per gal.I can not complain so take your 5,000 and put it in your tank 20.99 gal soon!