VIZIO VF551XVTVIZIO’s VF551XVT is proof that VIZIO can produce not just high value TVs but high performance ones as well. Currently the lowest priced LED-backlit LCD TV with local dimming capability, the VF551XVT offers similar performance to TVs from the name brands which may sell for up to twice the price.
The set’s “240 SPS” processing is not “true” 240 Hz, but is really 120 Hz processing with a scanning backlight to effectively get 240 “scenes” per second. The feature does reduce motion blur on things like sports and live TV broadcasts, but we found that it added an unnatural video-like look to movies, not unlike other brands’ motion smoothing/motion interpolation technology. Also, off-axis viewing is fairly typical for LCD TVs, turning blacks to bluish gray and generally losing color saturation outside a 90 degree viewing angle (45 degrees in either direction).
But viewed on axis (straight ahead), or slightly off axis, the TV produces exceptional black levels for an LCD TV. Dark films on Blu-ray such as “Blade Runner” and “The Dark Knight” produced inky black images with very good shadow detail and crisp image delineation with no noticeable haloing. Colors also appear accurate, with good flesh tones once the set is properly calibrated.
The VF551XVT lacks any kind of internet streaming or IPTV features – this will be coming early next year in the VF552XVT. It’s also significantly thicker than the latest LED-backlit TVs from Samsung and LG, but if you’re looking for a big flat panel LCD TV with excellent contrast, it’s hard to go wrong with the VIZIO.
A complete review of the VF551XVT is available on Big Picture Big Sound (dot com).
Reviewed by : Chris Boylan “MrBoylan”, Nov 21, 2009
