Home Theater | Audio Video | Wireless Speakers | FULL LED LCD HDTV | BluRay | Remote Controls

Vizio captured our attention with its “Via” platform of interactive applications, and while it still hasn’t shipped a Via-equipped TV–the VF552XVT should appear later this month, according to the company–Vizio has announced the imminent arrival of improved versions, which it calls the VT Pro series.

What’s different? The three-model XVT Pro series delivers that trendy buzzword, 3D, and the company claims its 3D technology, which employs Sensio XpanD shutter glasses, surpasses that of other 3D purveyors. We’ll be sure to test that claim when we can review one.

Vizio has also upped the number of zones on its local-dimming LED backlight, from 80 on the VF552XVT to 120 on the same-sized XVT Pro model, the 55-inch XVTPRO550SV. The larger, 72-inch model gets 480 zones, whereas the 47-incher gets 160 (that’s not a misprint; per Vizio’s press release it does have more zones than the larger 55-incher). More zones generally equals less blooming, although in our review of the VF551XVT (another 80-zone model) blooming was not a major problem.

The company incorporates the same extra-high refresh rate, 480Hz, that we saw announced by LG and Toshiba on their respective flagship HDTVs this year. Like those models, we expect the Vizio employs a scanning backlight in conjunction with conventional motion estimation and motion compensation technology. It sounds like a mouthful, but we don’t expect much of an improvement in motion resolution over standard 240Hz models.

In addition to built-in Wi-Fi, which is also found on the VF552XVT, the XVT Pro series has another wireless trick up its sleeve. The TV has a built-in wireless receiver that can communicate with an optional base station via a 60GHz signal, designed to minimize interference with other wireless devices and preserve the full resolution of 1080p. The station has four HDMI inputs, and when you plug your gear in it can send the picture and sound to the TV without wires. A similar optional wireless system is available on LG’s models, and we like the idea.

Notably, Vizio is the only TV maker to actually announce pricing on a 3D-compatible TV. It even went so far as to promise a release date. The company has a history of inaccuracy on both counts, but at least it’s given prospective TV shoppers something to work with. And with the 72-inch model going for $3,500, it’s given other manufacturers something to shoot for. Vizio XVT Pro features:

• full-array LED backlight with local dimming
• 3D compatible
• 480Hz refresh rate
• Via interactive functionality with Amazon Video on Demand, Netflix, Rhapsody, Twitter, VUDU, Yahoo TV Widgets and more
• Optional-in Wi-Fi connection
• Optional wireless HDMI base station

Vizio XVT Pro models:

• Vizio XVTPRO720SV: 72-inch, available August 2010, $3499 MSRP
• Vizio XVTPRO550SV: 55-inch, available August 2010, $2499 MSRP
• Vizio XVTPRO470SV: 47-inch, available August 2010, $1999 MSRP

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VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company, has unveiled their new high-performance XVT Pro Series of 480Hz SPS™ 16×9 TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTVs available in 72″, 55″ and 47″ sizes, as well as a 58″ Cinema Wide HDTV that displays content in 21 x 9 aspect ratio. The 480Hz SPS™ 16×9 TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTVs incorporate the very latest in advanced HDTV technology with 480Hz SPS™, TruLED™ brilliant LEDs that pervade the entire screen, Smart Dimming™ circuitry controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame. In addition, the set’s Full HD3D™delivers stunning 3D images in FULL HD 1080p resolution, with other advanced features like VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking, a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard, and Wireless HDMI which allows the TV to receive HD video and audio from sources without an HDMI cable.

“VIZIO’s entry into custom and specialty electronics is great for the industry. VIZIO has built strong brand recognition, so offering specialty retailers and custom installers exclusive access to a line with features they can market is a nice sales tool. Customers already know the VIZIO brand and it’s an easy transition to educating them about the benefits of their advanced 3D, LED technology and unique solutions such as (21:9) 2.35:1 native aspect ratio HDTVs,” said Tom LeBlanc, Senior Writer/Technology Editor, CE Pro magazine.

“Our 2010 XVT Pro series offers a refreshing combination of the latest technology like 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ coupled with must-have features like immersive FULL HD3D™ experience and VIZIO INTERNET APPS (with built in wireless networking) and wireless HDMI and Bluetooth capabilities. We at VIZIO are setting new standards for picture quality and user experience,” said Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder and VP Sales and Marketing Communications. “50% of consumers want a 3D home theater, according to Quixel Research, and our new XVT Pro Series brings the latest technology to consumers who want the absolute BEST in class.”

Defining state of the art performance, these VIZIO 72″, 55″ and 47″ Full HD3D™ TVs advance refresh rates to 480Hz SPS™ with VIZIO’s Smooth Motion™ technology. Their TruLED™ brilliant LEDs pervade the entire display (Under 3″ profile) and have Smart Dimming™ circuitry that controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame in 480, 120 and 160 zones, respectively. The XVT Pro series offers an incredible 10 million to 1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio™ for extraordinary picture quality that delivers incredible color, and even brighter whites and deeper blacks than ever before while displaying 1.7 Billion Colors using a 10-Bit data input panel.

For environments with bright ambient lighting, the 55″ and 47″ models feature a unique anti-reflective panel that produces better contrast with rich and deep blacks even in brightly lit rooms.

FULL HD3D ™

Utilizing SENSIO® 3D technology to deliver 3D content over conventional 2D infrastructure, the new VIZIO XVT Pro Full HD3D TVs display stunning 3D content that the user can view with XpanD active-shutter glasses (sold separately). Unlike other 3D TVs that use passive stereoscopic imaging, VIZIO’s Full HD3D TVs can display full 1080p video to each eye by rapidly alternating between the left-eye and right-eye images within the same visual space. The special active-shutter glasses, which communicate with the television over Bluetooth, then transform each lens from opaque to transparent in perfect synchronization with the images displayed on the TV, which allows for delivery of the full frame rate capable by the television for the ultimate 3D HDTV viewing experience.

These sets can produce 3D images from SENSIO encoded material on conventional DVD and Blu-ray players, as well as from future distribution channels such as pay per view, video on demand, DTV and HDTV broadcasts.

“We are pleased to be working closely with VIZIO and be a part of the creation of a substantial install-base of consumers ready to watch 3D movies, live concerts, and sporting events from the comfort of their home,” states Nicholas Routhier, President and Chief Executive Officer of SENSIO Technologies.

“We are excited to partner with VIZIO as catalysts in the 3D revolution for the home,” said Maria Costeira, CEO of XpanD. “The combination of XpanD Cinema active-shutter glasses and Vizio displays will provide an immersive, dynamic and cost-effective solution for VIZIO XVT Pro owners.”

Wireless HDMI

Eliminating the need for an HDMI cable from source components to the display, the 72″, 55″ and 47″ XVT Pro Series have an integrated Wireless HDMI receiver built-in, using SiBEAM’s robust 60 GHz technology to receive HD content from high definition sources such as Blu-ray players or set-top boxes with full HD 1080p resolution when paired with a separately available VIZIO XVT Pro Wireless HDMI Adapter. The XVT Pro Adapter supports up to 4 HDMI sources and operates at 60GHz to avoid interference with other wireless devices in the home like cordless telephones and wireless networks that operate at 2.4 and 5 GHz.

SRS StudioSound HD

VIZIO XVT Pro TVs will feature SRS StudioSound HD – the ultimate all-in-one audio suite designed specifically for Flat Panel TVs. Years of excellence in audio, practical experience and patented technologies allow StudioSound HD to deliver the most immersive and natural surround sound ever using built-in TV speakers. The suite also delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass, an elevated sound stage and consistent, spike-free volume levels. StudioSound HD features optimized audio presets for movies, news, sports and music while also providing a built-in EQ toolset for peak audio performance.

VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA)

All of the XVT Pro sets feature the VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) Connected HDTV platform, delivering unprecedented choice and control of web-based content directly to the television without the need of a PC or set-top box. Able to connect to the Internet using the built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) or a wired connection, accessing on demand movies, TV episodes, music and other online content is easy, using the included Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard that makes thumb-typing easy.

58″ Cinema Wide Display

Taking a major step forward in enabling viewers to experience a fully immersive widescreen film experience without a separate projector and screen, VIZIO’s first Cinema Wide Display, the XVTPRO580CD offers the ultimate experience for the movie enthusiast. This 58″ Razor LED display has a 21×9 aspect ratio, with an incredible resolution of 2560 x 1080p, allowing consumers to view 2.35:1 “Scope” aspect ratio films using the entire display area, with no loss of resolution and no black bars. With 1 million to 1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio™, Smart Dimming™, and 120 Hz with Smooth Motion technology, the XVTPRO580CD delivers brilliant details and rich colors to bring the cinematic experience into the home.

Its striking wide appearance is further enhanced by its brushed aluminum chassis. The Cinema Wide Display also includes VIA, built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) or wired networking, and a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard.

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Sound bars have always been a bit of the redheaded stepchild of the home theater world for me, a replica of sorts for those unable to accommodate or afford a proper home theater. Of course I jumped to this conclusion before I had actually heard or even experienced a sound bar system and now that I have, I’m prepared to modify my views. I totally get it now. While I’m not about to ditch my reference home theater, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve enjoyed my time with Vizio’s new sound bar and wireless subwoofer – so much so, I actually found myself carting Blu-rays up to my bedroom system over my reference rig.

The Vizio VSB210WS sound bar retails for a very attractive $349.99 and is sold direct through Vizio’s own site as well as through a bevy of retailers like Costco. Your $349.99 buys you a single speaker that looks a bit like a Bang & Olufsen product (if I’m honest), that houses four three inch mid/bass drivers and two three-quarter inch aluminum dome tweeters. Visually, the main speaker is quite stunning and is wall mountable or table ready via its attached stand. However, upon closer examination – especially to the touch, the materials are a bit “budget” – but then again, how often do we physically interact with our speakers? The grill is technically removable, but I get the feeling Vizio would prefer you didn’t. A peek behind the curtain reveals the drivers are situated in stereo configuration with the tweeters resting along the outside edges of the sound bar. While the driver placement is better left a mystery, the inputs offered are not; located dead center on the back of the sound bar. The VSB210WS’s sound bar features two stereo RCA inputs and a single optical Toslink input allowing for a total of three sources to be connected to and switched between via the main sound bar’s remote. Source as well as input and volume control can also be handled via the VSB210WS’s top mounted manual controls, though I doubt many users will rely to heavily on these.

Along with the Vizio VSB210WS’s main speaker it also comes complete with a wireless powered subwoofer, which features a Class D amplifier driving a six and a half inch long throw driver, giving it a reported frequency response of 35Hz up to 80Hz. Not exactly a barnburner but then again the VSB210WS is built for convenience, stealth and affordability, not earth-rattling bass. The VSB210WS’s sub can be placed virtually anywhere within 60 feet of the main sound bar so long as the two share a line of sight and there is a nearby power outlet. The sub itself features no crossover and/or volume controls, those are handled by the VSB210WS’s remote, which I’ll get to later.

Unlike sound bars from the likes of Yamaha or Polk, the Vizio VSB210WS doesn’t decode and/or playback Dolby or DTS formats in a sort of faux surround sound presentation. The VSB210WS uses SRS TruSurround HD to reproduce a virtual surround sound experience from any mono, stereo or matrix encoded content. Along with the SRS TruSurround HD processing, the VSB210WS also has SRS TruBass and SRS Dialog Clarity for enhanced bass and vocal response and SRS Definition for sound enhancement and SRS TruVolume to eliminate the volume spike between program material and louder than thou television commercials. Take that Sham Wow guy.

Aside from the sound bar and subwoofer, the VSB210WS can also support up to three SRS wireless headphones and control them via the remote. Speaking of remote, the VSB210WS’s isn’t all bad. It’s compact and very thin yet feels good in the hand. There is no backlighting or even glow-in-the-dark keys here, but with only nine buttons of control, you quickly memorize the remote’s layout. From the remote you can control power, input and volume, as well as activate the various SRS features, as well as turn the sub up or down.

The VSB210WS doesn’t have a display screen nor a video out to accommodate an on-screen display, so all of the remote’s commands are displayed via a series of small white and red lights that can be a bit difficult to decipher at first but after about a day’s use begin to make total sense.

The Vizio VSB210WS arrived right on the heels of the Anthem D2v A/V processor and boy talk about polar opposites. The hardest part about installing the VSB210WS is taking it out of the box. I placed the VSB210WS below my Samsung LCD HDTV which resides in my bedroom and set the wireless subwoofer next to my bedroom rack a few feet to the side of the sound bar and voila. Oh, and I connected a single optical cable (not included) from my Samsung’s optical audio out to the VSB210WS’s single optical audio in, which automatically muted the Samsung’s internal speakers. Okay, that was it.

Once powered up I didn’t bother with the manual and pretty much had the VSB210WS figured out in about two minutes. It’s that easy. Getting the subwoofer to communicate with the sound bar was a snap. However getting it to blend seamlessly with the sound bar took some time and a wide range of source material for me to find the proper balance. I say balance because the subwoofer level control isn’t a picture of precision, as I found a click of the remote plus or minus would result in just a bit more adjustment than I was hoping for. Nevertheless, I found a reasonable setting and once set I never gave it another thought. Vizio would have you believe that you can place the sub virtually anywhere, it is wireless after all, but don’t be fooled for the rules of proper subwoofer placement still apply and will pay dividends in the overall sound quality if adhered to.

Since the VSB210WS was hooked up via a single optical cable from my Samsung LCD my sources were limited to what was hooked up to my television, mainly an AppleTV, Sherwood Blu-ray player and AT&T U-Verse HD DVR.

Also, I should point out that I carried out the review with the VSB210WS’s SRS Surround feature turned on, for when it’s off the VSB210WS’s sonic performance becomes decidedly one-dimensional and boxy if I’m honest. The SRS processing transforms the VSB210WS’s sound so dramatically, I’m curious as to why Vizio made it an option you can turn off and on. Leave it on and break the button that can toggle it off – I did.

Conclusion
Despite the current economic situation our need for entertainment continues to grow, though our ability to pay for costly entertainment-driven expenses and/or luxury goods, like a dedicated home theater, is dwindling. What’s a person to do?

HDTV’s are getting cheaper everyday, a charge no doubt led by Vizio, one of the nation’s largest HDTV manufacturers, and now with the introduction of their VSB210WS sound bar the promise of an affordable complete home theater solution may be upon us. While not quite as robust or completely immersive as a traditional 5.1 or 7.1 home theater system, the Vizio VSB210WS sound bar gets you more of the way there with less than any other sound bar before and all at a price seemingly everyone can afford. If you’re looking to build a no-frills home theater for a small to medium sized living room or simply want to add a bit of cinematic punch to your bedroom or office system the Vizio VSB210WS is a great way to go.

Source: vizio.com & hometheaterreview.com

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Want an LCD HDTV with the latest advances that costs hundreds of dollars less than comparable models? Look to Vizio and its XVT Series LED-backlit VF551XVT.

The 55-inch Vizio XVT VF551XVT (XVT stands for Extreme Vizio Technology) offers the two primary features found in today’s top-of-the-line HDTVs. There’s a full HD 1080p display utilizing the company’s proprietary 240Hz SPS (Scenes Per Second) Smooth Motion technology, along with TruLED (light-emitting diode) illumination. The full array of LED backlighting is composed of 960 tiny LEDs in clusters with local dimming. This model offers a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and response time of 5 milliseconds (ms).

The LED illumination provides very consistent brightness and contrast across the entire screen. And Vizio’s Smart Dimming allows for clusters of LEDs to be turned off, which produces improved blacks and higher contrast. The 240Hz refresh rate means that the images are refreshed 240 times per second. The Smooth Motion Effect option activates Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation (ME/MC) circuitry that, in turn, helps to suppress motion judder or “stuttering” of the image when the camera pans across a scene, or if there is horizontal motion in the scene.

The VF551XVT also includes SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround. When the programming switches to a loud commercial or when changing channel results in a volume fluctuation, SRS TruVolume provides a comfortable and consistent sound level. The SRS TruSurround offers a pleasant surround-like effect.

A 49-button remote control is included, which is programmable and supports up to three more devices: a DVD player, a home theater system or audio amplifier, and a cable or set-top box. It even has a handy HDMI button to access satellite/cable receivers or Blu-ray players.

December will bring the VF552XVT with Vizio Internet Apps (or VIA), for the same price of $2,199. The 552 will be identical to the 551, except for the additional Internet-access utilizing a Yahoo’s Widget Engine and built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) network capability, so you won’t need a wired connection in your family room.

The VIA feature will include Accedo Broadband, Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster On Demand, Flickr, Netflix, Pandora, Rhapsody, eBay, Facebook, RadioTime, Revisions3, Rallypoint Sports, Showtime, Twitter and Vudu.

It also supports Adobe Flash, and future apps will be added via firmware updates.

The remote for the 552 will have embedded Bluetooth (for easy paring of Bluetooth devices) and a sliding QWERTY keyboard hidden beneath the primary keypad. It was pretty neat and easy to operate.

So how did the VF551XVT stand up to seemingly superior TVs? Pretty darned well. I had low expectations, as I normally review top-of-the-line models from Toshiba, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Mitsubishi, Pioneer and the like.  The black levels on the Vizio were good and provided better-than-average contrast for most filmed Blu-ray content such as The Dark Knight, and including the recently released Gladiator (Extended Version), The Deep, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (Extended Version).

And thanks to the 240Hz SPS feature, film judder in fast-motion scenes was negligible, especially in the opening high-speed sequence in Quantum of Solace. DISH Network’s 1080i signals from HBO’s True Blood, Fox’s Fringe, and HD-NET’s InFocus travelogues looked clean, crisp and clear, offering very little video noise.

The sound quality of the integrated 30-watt soundbar was better than many sets, though a home theater audio system is always recommended.

Is the VF551XVT the best LCD HDTV I’ve reviewed? No, but it performs admirably and it is very reasonably priced, costing hundreds of dollars less than a comparable Toshiba or over a $1,000 less for a comparable Samsung. And the 552 model adds Wi-Fi network capability and Internet access, all for a little more than $2,000, to make it a winning combination.

Source: vizio.com

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