$2,199, 55-inch Vizio goes for LED price jugular
At just $2,199, the 55-inch VF551XVT hits a new low for LED-backlit LCD TV pricing.
(Credit: Vizio)Update 11-06-2009: The full review of the Vizio VF551XVT is now live.
The Vizio VF551XVT represents a new low price point for LCD-based HDTVs with LED backlights. This 55-inch HDTV will cost a mere $2,199 when it hits store shelves in September. That's $200 more than when the set was first announced at CES in January, but still relatively inexpensive. The company raised the price and delayed the TV's release in June.
LED backlights like the one on the Vizio VF551XVT 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. CNET recently reviewed the LED-backlit LG LH90 series, for example, which exhibited excellent black level performance, although the 55-inch member of that series costs $2999.
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.
On Sale Now:
$1,876.00
View the latest prices for Vizio VF551XVT
David Katzmaier reviews HDTVs for CNET. 
"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"
"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"
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.
ichychau February 1, 2009 9:50 AM PST also stated: "Can you compare this brand with either Sony XBR or Samsung? We're talking Lexus and Kia here." Having sold Vizio's for going on 5 yrs with Costco... I can speak as somewhat of an authority. They are not Kia. I would agree that Sony is Acura, but I see Vizio as a top-of-the-line Honda Accord with all the trimmings. Samsung's are over-rated, but still a good TV.
As far as Vizio, I have had members ask me about them, only to have another member walk up and interrupt me, and take over the conversation going on and on about how much they love their Vizio that they have had for 6/12/18 months. I hear this all the time. And as one that handles both sales, returns, and comparisons every single day for nearly 5 years... I can attest that Vizio is an excellent company providing a tremendous service to the HDTV buying public.
As Wannabe Actuary January 7, 2009 11:18 AM PST noted, Vizio's agressive pricing will continue to force the prices down... which happens to be the express purpose that Vizio's CEO stated. I also know first-hand as one that handles the price adjustments for HDTV's in our warehouse, Vizio get's the majority of the credit for HDTV prices falling so far so fast.
Back in 2005, Sony was still the company of choice. But after seeing 32" Sony's going for 2k and 32" Vizio's going for $999.00... people jumped ship, and gave Vizio a try, because that was back when you could return a TV to Costco for any reason at any time. The rest, as they say is history. Where there a lot of Costco's, that clientèle will always love Vizio. Where there are few Costco's, that clientele will typically be wary of Vizio, because no one sells them like Costco, and people are not as comfortable taking a chance with our competitors, due to their differing return policies, restocking fees, etc.
Vizio will no doubt continue to pave the way with their new LED when it hits. I look forward to see how it stacks up.
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by truxrme
August 11, 2009 1:48 PM PDT
- Here is the latest on the 55" LED with picture
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