VIZIO SV421XVT and SV471XVT 240Hz 1080p LCD HDTVs Review

VIZIO’s 1XVT LCD HDTV series includes only the 42 inch SV421XVT and 47 inch SV471XVT which are conventionally (CCFL) backlit Full HD LCD HDTVs. They are imbued with the same combination of a premium feature set and very competitive pricing which has brought VIZIO to its current LCD HDTV bestselling market position.

VIZIO SV421XVT and SV471XVT

Performance figures are dominated by a high 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a good response time of 4ms which influence picture quality and motion sharpness respectively. Color performance has attracted consistent positive assessments. Features worth highlighting include, of course, the eye catching detail of Full HD (1080p – 1920 x 1080 pixels), a 240H refresh rate (doubled over the previous model), USB multimedia access and virtual surround sound. VIZIO has done a great job with the remote which easy to use, backlit and programmable.

240Hz Refresh Rate

Motion blur is an inherent weakness of LCD displays compared Plasma and manufacturers have compensated by implementing higher refresh or frame rates to smooth motion and improve picture clarity.

As VIZIO states on its website, 240Hz is achieved by combining the interpolation of extra frames along with use of a scanning backlight. Sony and Samsung use a pure frame interpolation technique while Toshiba and LG use a backlight scanning approach. With the Motion Compensation/Motion Estimation (MEMC) system the video processor inserts extra interpolated frames between existing frames to boost the frame rate above that of the 60Hz source. The Scanning Backlight approach, like it sounds, is one of rapidly turning the LCD display backlight on and off to create extra dark frames or partially dark frames. Both approaches improve picture (motion) reproduction accuracy with any difference is difficult to discern for the average viewer.

Of the two approaches, a scanning backlight is the cheaper to manufacture. As one might suspect, black frames dim a displays brightness.

Audio

VIZIO have not been complacent about sound performance. The twin speakers have a generous 15W power output and both models come the both SRS TruSurround HD for virtual surround sound and SRS TruVolume for smoothing volume transitions between sources.

USB and Multimedia Features

Something consumers now look for with a HDTV is the ability to view their own photos, videos and listen to music. Both the SV471XVT and SV421XVT offer this in the form of a USB connection and a user interface to browse and play uploaded digital media. As many monitors have a card reading slot it’s surprising that we haven’t seen this feature with HDTVs yet.

The user interface is sophisticated enough that when you view photos as a slideshow, you can also select transition effects and background music from any MP3 files. With MP3s, you’ll get repeat and shuffle playback modes along with standard controls and various EQ settings. When in Music Mode, the screen darkens to conserve energy.

Digital media formats supported are:

Video: ASF, WMV, AVI, MP4, MOV, MPG, MPEG, VOB
Audio: MP3
Image: JPG, JPEG

Energy Use

VIZIO state that energy use is 15% below Energy Star 3.0 guidelines.

Connections

VIZIO’s 1XVT models have a good range of connection options including 4 HDMI and provision for computers and gaming consoles.

Inputs

HDMI with HDCP: 4 (1 side)
RF Connector for Internal Tuner: 1
Component YPbPr plus Stereo Audio: 2 (1 side)
S-Video: 1
Computer RGB: 1
Composite Video: 2 (1 side)
USB Port: 1

Outputs

SPDIF Digital Optical: 1
Headphones: 1 (side)

Performance and Feedback

Lab testing of the VIZIO 1XVT models has indicated that picture quality is better with HD than with standard definition. Despite VIZIO’s addition of an antiglare screen, viewing angles are still no better than average for an LCD. Some user’s reviews have noted that the logo light below the display can be annoyingly distracting.