HDTVs - Vizio VF551XVT worth the wait? (bought Samsung UN46B7000 instead)

***Lupine*** · Apr 10, 2009, 12:52 PM

4/22/09 edit - bought a Samsung UN46B7000 instead)

With my tried & true (and long ago paid for) 32" RCA boob-tube gasping its last breaths, we're finally in the market to step up to an HDTV. While budget is a primary concern, so is bang for buck - ie I'm not interested in saving a few hundred bucks at the cost of quality. With the size of the family room in mind, along w/ our budget (under $2k if possible) I've been focused mostly on the 45-55" range.

I really like the specs & reviews for the Samsung LN55A950, but there is simply no way to justify the entry cost. While researching that, though, I discovered that Visio will be releasing an LED screen of its own shortly - Vizio VF551XVT:

Model: VF551XVT1A *NEW*
Size: 55" LED
Contrast: 1,000,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz (Correction from 120 Hz made 1.14.09)
HDMI inputs: 5
Game Port: Yes
Audio Enhancements: Integrated Sound Bar, SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume
Availability: Summer 2009
Price: $1999.99

Source: http://www.vizio.com/about.aspx?cid=2888&id=1318

Video Preview: Cnet @ CES2009

Among the many LCD HDTVs Vizio introduced this week (no new plasmas were announced), the most interesting is its first LED-backlit set. As you might expect from this company, the VF551XVT is aggressively priced considering that the LED technology is only now being pushed by companies other than Samsung: $1,999 for a 55-inch LED set is going to be tough to beat when it becomes available in the summer, though how its performance will compare to Samsung’s more mature implementation remains to be seen. The VF551XVT is one of a few new Vizios that will come with an integrated sound bar, which also includes SRS TruVolume. That new audio enhancement lets you set a volume threshold that prevents extra-loud commercials from blasting your ears when you’ve been watching a quieter program.

Source: ZDNet

Redshirt_X · Apr 10, 2009, 04:44 PM

Apparently the VF551XVT is still pending...folks at AVS Forum seem to like its predecessor, the VF550XVT. For the price, admittedly, it seems to be a hell of a set (stuck pixels notwithstanding).

***Lupine*** · Apr 10, 2009, 06:36 PM

The VF551XVT is due this summer, perhaps July. Assuming our CRT doesn't die before then, on paper it looks more than worth the wait.

Stuck pixels?

Bires · Apr 10, 2009, 09:27 PM

I've read mixed reviews about Vizio in general. I really want them to succeed (esp since a Costco brand), but for LCD I would only buy Sony and for plasma I would only buy Panasonic. (I've owned and returned two Samsungs and one Westinghouse.) I've bought (for family) two Sony LCDs and one Panasonic plasma. I currently own a Panasonic plasma.

The biggest deal that most reviews don't touch on is the power supply. For most retailers and wholesalers, a faint buzzing is acceptable. NOT FOR ME, and of the half-dozen or so sets I've had in my house, only the Sony and Panasonics had power supplies that were totally dead silent when a bright picture was onscreen.

Bottom line: Vizio is still a mid-grade brand, so I suspect their power supplies will still be OK, but not great.

Qb2k5 · Apr 11, 2009, 04:47 PM

I can attest to bires. You cant go wrong with the plasma. Only time I hear a bit of buzzing on my panny pz85u is when the screen is completely white. Other than that the pq owns.

Dawg · Apr 12, 2009, 12:05 AM

Can't find it in the website but that Vizio is an IPS panel right?

***Lupine*** · Apr 22, 2009, 05:22 PM

Guess not.

Bought the Samsung UN46B7000 today. 46" seems about right for the room size, and Frys was running a solid promo w/ the TV @ $2395 including a bundled Samsung BDP-1600 Blu-Ray player.

traitoR · Apr 22, 2009, 07:38 PM

Congrats on your new TV.

High def is cool until you get used to it, then it`s just TV again.

***Lupine*** · Apr 22, 2009, 11:17 PM

Yeah, I'm not a big TV buff - heck, would probably continue using that old 32" CRT indefinitely if it weren't failing. We'll see if we get ~15yrs out of this round.

On a serious note, already having a bit of buyer's remorse. Haven't even hooked it up yet, and will give it a few weeks to decide, but I didn't realize the LED lighting was edge only, which according to the reviews isn't nearly as effective as the LED tech used in the 9 series. So I'm a bit bummed by that, but we'll see. If it does prove to be a detractor, may return it and get last year's 950 model.

Encyclopedia_b · Apr 23, 2009, 07:58 AM

your gonna love watching movies on blu-ray ... its a whole new experience.

u got a nice audio pieces to compliment that beautiful tv?

***Lupine*** · Apr 23, 2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Encyclopedia_b

your gonna love watching movies on blu-ray ... its a whole new experience.

u got a nice audio pieces to compliment that beautiful tv?

Not too bad, though I haven't invested in our audio system in years.

Receiver is a Yahama RX-V1000, about 5yrs old - doesn't have some of the current bells & whistles but is quite good. Speakers are ... oooooooooooooold. Infinity something or other in the center channel, Bose AM5 left & right, with Bose 151 or something (not in here atm) in the rear - all about (holy crap) about 15yrs old. Added a Klipsch Sub-12 a year or two ago so have 5.1 sound. So not the best overall config but quite good.

acroig · Apr 23, 2009, 10:10 AM

Congrats and enjoy, Charlie.

Encyclopedia_b · Apr 24, 2009, 08:59 AM

let us know what the first blu movie you watch on the tv is!

Apr 10, 2009, 12:52 PM	#1	Advertisement (Guests Only) Login or Register to remove this ad
*Lupine* censored admin Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Graham, WA Posts: 26,986	HDTVs - Vizio VF551XVT worth the wait? (bought Samsung UN46B7000 instead) 4/22/09 edit - bought a Samsung UN46B7000 instead) With my tried & true (and long ago paid for) 32" RCA boob-tube gasping its last breaths, we're finally in the market to step up to an HDTV. While budget is a primary concern, so is bang for buck - ie I'm not interested in saving a few hundred bucks at the cost of quality. With the size of the family room in mind, along w/ our budget (under $2k if possible) I've been focused mostly on the 45-55" range. I really like the specs & reviews for the Samsung LN55A950, but there is simply no way to justify the entry cost. While researching that, though, I discovered that Visio will be releasing an LED screen of its own shortly - Vizio VF551XVT: Model: VF551XVT1A NEW Size: 55" LED Contrast: 1,000,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio Refresh Rate: 240 Hz (Correction from 120 Hz made 1.14.09) HDMI inputs: 5 Game Port: Yes Audio Enhancements: Integrated Sound Bar, SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume Availability: Summer 2009 Price: $1999.99 Source: http://www.vizio.com/about.aspx?cid=2888&id=1318 Video Preview: Cnet @ CES2009 Among the many LCD HDTVs Vizio introduced this week (no new plasmas were announced), the most interesting is its first LED-backlit set. As you might expect from this company, the VF551XVT is aggressively priced considering that the LED technology is only now being pushed by companies other than Samsung: $1,999 for a 55-inch LED set is going to be tough to beat when it becomes available in the summer, though how its performance will compare to Samsung’s more mature implementation remains to be seen. The VF551XVT is one of a few new Vizios that will come with an integrated sound bar, which also includes SRS TruVolume. That new audio enhancement lets you set a volume threshold that prevents extra-loud commercials from blasting your ears when you’ve been watching a quieter program. Source: ZDNet __________________ The beatings will continue until morale improves.

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Apr 10, 2009, 04:44 PM	#2
Redshirt_X plays it safe. Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,365	Apparently the VF551XVT is still pending...folks at AVS Forum seem to like its predecessor, the VF550XVT. For the price, admittedly, it seems to be a hell of a set (stuck pixels notwithstanding). __________________ The three stages of [whatever] fandom: 1. "OMG IT'S COMING!!!" 2. "OMG IT'S HERE!!!!!" 3. "....wait a minute. This isn't the Second Coming! This sucks!"

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Apr 10, 2009, 06:36 PM	#3
*Lupine* censored admin Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Graham, WA Posts: 26,986	The VF551XVT is due this summer, perhaps July. Assuming our CRT doesn't die before then, on paper it looks more than worth the wait. Stuck pixels? __________________ The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Apr 10, 2009, 09:27 PM	#4
Bires Rage3D Veteran Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,180	I've read mixed reviews about Vizio in general. I really want them to succeed (esp since a Costco brand), but for LCD I would only buy Sony and for plasma I would only buy Panasonic. (I've owned and returned two Samsungs and one Westinghouse.) I've bought (for family) two Sony LCDs and one Panasonic plasma. I currently own a Panasonic plasma. The biggest deal that most reviews don't touch on is the power supply. For most retailers and wholesalers, a faint buzzing is acceptable. NOT FOR ME, and of the half-dozen or so sets I've had in my house, only the Sony and Panasonics had power supplies that were totally dead silent when a bright picture was onscreen. Bottom line: Vizio is still a mid-grade brand, so I suspect their power supplies will still be OK, but not great.

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Apr 11, 2009, 04:47 PM	#5
Qb2k5 Alienware Certified Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Florida Posts: 9,865	I can attest to bires. You cant go wrong with the plasma. Only time I hear a bit of buzzing on my panny pz85u is when the screen is completely white. Other than that the pq owns.

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Apr 12, 2009, 12:05 AM	#6
Dawg Rage3D Veteran Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 4,202	Can't find it in the website but that Vizio is an IPS panel right? __________________ Pentium e5200 @ 333 GHz (333x10), 1.325V (bios) (Zalman 9700) 2x2GB G.Skill 1066 (533 mHz, 5-5-5-15) EVGA 260 GTX SC (192)

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Apr 22, 2009, 05:22 PM	#7
*Lupine* censored admin Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Graham, WA Posts: 26,986	Guess not. Bought the Samsung UN46B7000 today. 46" seems about right for the room size, and Frys was running a solid promo w/ the TV @ $2395 including a bundled Samsung BDP-1600 Blu-Ray player. __________________ The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Apr 22, 2009, 07:38 PM	#8
traitoR Galactic Butterfly Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: . Posts: 5,229	Congrats on your new TV. High def is cool until you get used to it, then it`s just TV again. __________________ It is regrettable that many personal fortunes are made by people who simply manipulate money and contribute nothing to their society. Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

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Apr 22, 2009, 11:17 PM	#9
*Lupine* censored admin Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Graham, WA Posts: 26,986	Yeah, I'm not a big TV buff - heck, would probably continue using that old 32" CRT indefinitely if it weren't failing. We'll see if we get ~15yrs out of this round. On a serious note, already having a bit of buyer's remorse. Haven't even hooked it up yet, and will give it a few weeks to decide, but I didn't realize the LED lighting was edge only, which according to the reviews isn't nearly as effective as the LED tech used in the 9 series. So I'm a bit bummed by that, but we'll see. If it does prove to be a detractor, may return it and get last year's 950 model. __________________ The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Apr 23, 2009, 07:58 AM	#10
Encyclopedia_b Purveyor of OFN Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Capitol of the free world : Wash DC Posts: 9,334	your gonna love watching movies on blu-ray ... its a whole new experience. u got a nice audio pieces to compliment that beautiful tv?

Apr 23, 2009, 10:10 AM	#12
acroig Back with ATI Join Date: May 2004 Location: GA Posts: 20,117	Congrats and enjoy, Charlie.

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Apr 24, 2009, 08:59 AM	#13
Encyclopedia_b Purveyor of OFN Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Capitol of the free world : Wash DC Posts: 9,334	let us know what the first blu movie you watch on the tv is!

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