January 7, 2009 5:00 AM PST

$1999, 55-inch Vizio goes for LED price jugular

by David Katzmaier

At just $1999, the 55-inch VF551XVT hits a new low for LED-backlit LCD TV pricing.

(Credit: Vizio)

More often than not at the January Consumer Electronics Show, manufacturers refuse to divulge pricing information until closer to the product's launch later in the year, usually citing vague competitive reasons. Not Vizio. The bargain flat-panel brand isn't shy about pricing, especially when the price is as good as this.

The Vizio VF551XVT represents a new low price point for LCD-based HDTVs with LED backlights. This 55-inch HDTV will cost a mere $1,999 when it hits store shelves in June.

Compared with current 55-inch LED models such as the Samsung LN55A950 and the Sony KDL-55XBR8, which sell for at least $3,500 and $6,500 respectively, the Vizio's price is groundbreaking. It puts LED backlight technology within the realm of affordability for big screen flat-panel shoppers. We can't wait to see how this set performs, but if it provides the same kind of picture quality improvements of current LED TVs, it will be a very good bargain.

LED backlights like the one on the Vizio VF551XVT, as well as on the Sony and Samsung models cited above, use "local dimming" technology, which turns off or dims the backlight in dark areas while leaving it turned-on in brighter areas. The result is significantly improved black-level performance, a major ingredient in picture quality.

Vizio also hit the other big feature buzzword with this model, endowing it with a 240Hz refresh rate. Compared with standard 120Hz with dejudder processing, the extra Hz supposedly improve picture smoothness. The company has said it's improved its dejudder processing over the 120Hz SV470XVT we reviewed last year. Vizio is touting the set's antiglare screen and improved viewing angles, and includes an integrated sound bar with simulated surround capability.

The set also offers a USB input that can play back MPEG-2, H.264, WMV9 Video, along with JPEG photos and MP3 music files, and the company throws in a USB thumbdrive with a preloaded 1080p video.

David Katzmaier reviews HDTVs for CNET. E-mail David.
Recent posts from CES 2009
3D is coming to a living room near you
Haier launches new line of Rhapsody Ibiza players
Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack adds easy amplification
CES 2009: Computers and hardware wrap-up
CES 2009: Home audio wrap-up
CES post-show wrap-up: HDTV
CES 2009 home video wrap-up
CES 2009 wrap-up: What killed in the monitor category
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (19 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by sticks1839 January 7, 2009 6:11 AM PST
I'm skeptical of the "improved viewing angles" claim considering current LED backlit tvs from Samsung and Sony were given terrible off-angle scores as far as one seat from dead center being affected.
Reply to this comment
by tubaloth January 7, 2009 9:06 AM PST
Can't wait to see it
Reply to this comment
by fammoney January 7, 2009 10:01 AM PST
Sounds like a winner so far. All I have to do is wait for Costco to sell it at a lower price and wait for the reviews to come in on AVS forums.
Reply to this comment
by costcomember January 16, 2009 10:26 AM PST
It is there at Costco at the price of $1799. Just saw today. Lokks good, only thing did'nt like spekers attachment.
by gabecp January 7, 2009 11:10 AM PST
From someone who owns a Vizio, you get the same quality, if not better, from vizio all for a much lower proce
Reply to this comment
by Wannabe Actuary January 7, 2009 11:18 AM PST
It will be interesting to see. Havnig seen the Samsung 950 in person, the LED backlighting is wonderful. If Vizio can deliver a top notch state of the art product, then the other benefit is that it will force the competition to lower their prices as well.
Reply to this comment
by djk_norman January 8, 2009 5:48 PM PST
At $2,000, Samsung and Sony have a significant pricing problem on their hands for similar sets (ln55a950 and 55xbr8). I applaud Vizio on the aggressive pricing and look forward to seeing the TV in person!
Reply to this comment
by the_iceman January 9, 2009 9:40 AM PST
Will they offer a 46 or 52" model also? LED back-lit technology is sweeet! Not sure if the 240Hz is that big a deal compared to 120
Reply to this comment
by gordonsh January 14, 2009 10:41 AM PST
Worth waiting for, on my shopping list come June.
Reply to this comment
by Mozo535 January 31, 2009 12:21 PM PST
I wonder if this TV is even real? I saw it in person at sams club for 1500$. It only advertised 120hz and no led backlights. I even went to the vizio website, and the model does not advertise led or a 240hz processor? strange?
Reply to this comment
by ichychau February 1, 2009 9:50 AM PST
This tv seen in Costco? Did any one read this part?

"This 55-inch HDTV will cost a mere $1,999 when it hits store shelves in June."

Can you compare this brand with either Sony XBR or Samsung? We're talking Lexus and Kia here...
"AH HEEEEEE"
Reply to this comment
by ichychau February 1, 2009 10:05 PM PST
This tv seen in Costco? Did any one read this part?

"This 55-inch HDTV will cost a mere $1,999 when it hits store shelves in June."

Can you compare this brand with either Sony XBR or Samsung? We're talking Lexus and Kia here...
"AH HEEEEEE"
Reply to this comment
by zirrah February 3, 2009 11:27 AM PST
You saw the current model. It's on Vizio's website. The tv featured in this article doesn't hit shelves til June.
Reply to this comment
by chidino February 23, 2009 3:54 PM PST
Actually, you saw the 550, not the 551. Similar design, but the 551 isn't in stores yet.
Reply to this comment
by March 6, 2009 6:38 AM PST
I've checked out the vizio 55" at sam's. It is not the LED that is supposed to come out in June. It is the LCD version. Still a great deal though! http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=422793
Reply to this comment
by brandon21m March 16, 2009 6:01 PM PDT
March 6, 2009:
I've checked out the vizio 55" at sam's. It is not the LED that is supposed to come out in June. It is the LCD version.


You are using LED and LCD to describe the same thing and they are not. LED is how the backlight is made, using LEDs, as opposed to the current mainstream technology called CCFLs. The one in June is still LCD but uses LEDs to create the backlight. Plasma doesn't use a backlight at all. it makes sense that the one in stores now is not the one coming out in June....since it isn't supposed to come out until....you guessed it, June.
Reply to this comment
by weggemana March 18, 2009 5:40 PM PDT
wow this looks awesome I cant wait for it to come out!
Reply to this comment
by sjaxkingpin June 1, 2009 1:47 AM PDT
Per Vizio Customer Service, this won't be shipping out until the end of July :( This being the 551 model with LED backlighting etc.....
Reply to this comment
by altr0s June 10, 2009 4:38 PM PDT
I enjoyed the cheaper price and the fair quality of the television until something went wrong then I found out the true side of VIZIO. The warranty covers everything... everything but the TV. They completely bend the consumer over and really ram home the fact you bought the cheaper TV. Oops should have sprang another couple hundred for a decent TV and an honest company. Don't waste your money on this, spend the extra $300 and deal with a company who cares about their customers.
Reply to this comment
(19 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

CES awards and nominees

Best of CES, 2009

Best of CES and People's Voice Award

Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

LATEST FROM MACWORLD

Wife exposes chief spy's personal life on Facebook

Posted by Chris Matyszczyk July 5, 2009 7:43 AM PDT

Report: Problems stymie U.S. cyberspy protection

Posted by Natalie Weinstein July 5, 2009 6:13 AM PDT

Spiral Jetty, earthwork extraordinaire

Posted by Daniel Terdiman July 5, 2009 6:00 AM PDT
See our full Macworld coverage

RSS FEEDS

CES 2009 Awards


Best of CES and People's Voice Award

Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

See all CES 2009 coverage


About CES

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world's largest consumer electronics trade show. CES 2009 is scheduled for January 8 through 11 in Las Vegas, and it will feature thousands of exhibitors showcasing their latest tech products. CNET's team of reporters and reviewers will be at the show, covering technology's heavy hitters and previewing thousands of products before they are released to the public.

Each year, CNET, in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association, produces the Best of CES awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show. The CNET editorial team recognizes the best new products at the show with awards in 10 categories, an overall Best of Show award, and the People's Voice award, which is selected by CNET's online audience.