Vizio intros 55-inch 1080p XVT HDTV, soundbar, more goodies
by Darren Murph 
posted Nov 20th 2008 at 9:35AM
Chrismakwanzika has come early for anyone remotely interested in Vizio kit, and quite honestly, even for those that aren't. From the top, we've got the 55-inch VF550XVT1A, a 1080p HDTV with 120Hz Smooth Motion Video technology, a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, five HDMI inputs, SRS TruSurround HD and a $1,999 MSRP. Next up is the firm's own soundbar and wireless subwoofer kit (VSB210WS), which has finally escaped rumor purgatory to pop official. The kit sports four 3-inch speakers alongside a single 1-inch tweeter for each channel, and the long throw 6.5-inch subbie makes sure the lows are well addressed, too. Just a single cable is needed to connect the VSB210WS to any flat-panel, and just $349.99 is needed to bring it home. On deck are a trio of smaller LCDs: the 19-inch VA19 ($249.99), 22-inch VA22 ($349.99) and 26-inch VA26 ($449.99), with the middle guy becoming Vizio's smallest 1080p HDTV ever. Closing things out is the 26-inch VMM26, a 25.5-inch "multimedia monitor" with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, HDMI / USB ports, touch-activated menus and a $429.99 sticker. All but the first two products mentioned are on sale now, while the first two will be available just before your '09 Super Bowl bash.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ike Skelton @ Nov 20th 2008 10:52AM
What’s the word on Vizio? I’m in the market for a large TV and would like a 55”, but 52” is generally the norm, so this is very appealing to me. Is Vizio a quality brand? My brother has a 42” Vizio, and it looks good and all, but it was from Walmart, and I don’t generally equate TV’s from Walmart with highest quality, but maybe things have changed in the past few years? I was almost settled on a Samsung 52”, but this 55” is the perfect size for me!
daaper @ Nov 20th 2008 3:07PM
From what I hear they are a decent, budget TV. You're getting what you pay for (i.e. not the best black levels, contrast, color accuracy). The problem I always hear about (and the reason I've never bought one) is with their customer service. If/when something goes wrong with it, good luck getting help.
GhostDoggy @ Nov 21st 2008 5:28AM
daaper, I can speak of their customer service. I bought a 42" LCD two years ago last August. Around the 10th or 11th month the video board went out making the picture on the screen look like it was on LSD. I snapped a picture and posted it to a couple of theme boards and then sent an email into Vizio's support.
In the email, I included the URL to where the pictures could be seen online. I was asked if the display was wall mounted and when purchased. I provided this information in within days I had a pair of individuals in my home unmounting the broke display and installing a new unit.
The cost to me was nothing. The amount of aggravation to me was one email and one reply. I guess this must have been an anomaly if others had grossly different experiences. Will I buy another Vizio? Of course I will. I bought this one to replace the family room boob-tube and it has more than performed that role.
What is more daunting if the fact that most cowsumers buy into marketing than anything else. For instance, if you were to buy a 55" 16:9 1080P HDTV then you better not sit more than 6 feet from it (if you have 2-/20 vision) or you will not be able to resolve that 1080P resolution.
disciple83 @ Nov 20th 2008 3:59PM
Vizio has been budget brand until very recently. It used to be that anything Vizio put out was considered the very cheapest of the lot. That isn't true anymore with these XVT units. While quality control is still a little iffy, the contrast ratio and refresh rates of these panels are pushing even the highest rated panels currently on the market. If this 55" is even remotely up to the task of these stats, I'd gladly put it up to a Samsung or even a Panny Plasma, for that price who wouldn't?
Soxman @ Dec 5th 2008 1:21PM
I definitely think it's time for an upgrade with this 55" at that price. My parents have the Vizio 47" XVT and it has been better than anything they have had before. I saw that Vizio is doing text alerts now too. I signed up just so I can find out when this giant goes on sale!
vizio to 67463.