Vizio’s VF552XVT and VF472XVT models combine the picture quality leap of the latest LED backlit LCD display technology with a suite of cutting edge technologies including Wi-Fi connectivity, a Bluetooth remote, SRS audio technologies and a collection of Internet sourced interactive content services. The slideout QWERTY keyboard on the remote (similar to a cellular phone) and some of the VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) have not been seen on a HDTV to date. Importantly, for consumers, VIZIO has combined this leading edge technology featured Full HD (1080p) LCD HDTV with very aggressive pricing.

LED backlighting delivers a range of improvements over conventionally CCFL backlit LCD displays including blur reduction, higher dynamic contrast ratios, a larger color gamut, improved reliability, lower power consumption and environmental benefits such as being mercury free. Local Dimming (VIZIO call it Smart Dimming) further improves black levels and the contrast ratios through finer control over display backlighting. This is how the huge dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 is delivered. Blur reduction is also boosted by the 240Hz refresh rate (current maximum available) for motion smoothing.

Like antenna cable outlets, Ethernet connections always seem to be positioned away from where you would like to site your HDTV. Built-in Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) makes this sort of problem disappear. Your connection to the Internet becomes a conduit for movie and TV show streaming, news, sports and weather forecasts. The remote keyboard makes interaction much easier. LG, Panasonic and Samsung all have models with Internet connectivity but at the moment VIZIO exceeds them with content access options (eg. Blockbuster on Demand (available soon with Samsung), Pandora and Showtime).

240Hz Refresh Rate

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

VIZIO achieves 240Hz by combining the interpolation of extra frames along with use of a scanning backlight. Both Sony and Samsung use a pure frame interpolation technique while Toshiba and LG use also use the backlight scanning approach. Running a Motion Compensation/Motion Estimation (MEMC) system the video processor inserts extra interpolated frames between existing frames boosting the frame rate well above 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 display brightness.

Audio

VIZIO have included SRS audio technologies in the form of 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 VF552XVT and VF472XVT have a USB connection backed by a user interface to browse and play uploaded digital media.

The user interface is allows you view photo slideshows for which you can 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

Both HDTVs have an energy use that is a very impressive 50% below Energy Star 3.0 guidelines.

Connections

VIZIO’s 2XVT models have a good range of connection options including Wireless, Ethernet, 5 HDMI and provision for computers and gaming consoles.

• HDMI with HDCP: 5 (1 side)
• RF: 1
• Component: 1
• S-Video: 1
• Computer (15-pin D-Sub): 1
• Composite A/V: 1
• Digital optical audio out: 1
• USB Ports: 3 (1 service, 1 side)

Performance and Feedback

Vizio’s VF552XVT and VF472XVT models do not have a performance matching equivalent Sony or Samsung but, the leap in picture quality with the introduction of LED backlighting and local dimming has brought a consistent approval feedback from purchasers. Combined with the largest technology feature set available and the aggressive pricing these are well worth considering.

The VIZIO VF551XVT is identical to the 2XVT models except for the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity and VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA).

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

VIZIO VF552XVT 55-Inch Class XVT Series TRULED 240Hz sps LED LCD VIZIO Internet Apps HDTV

VIZIO Class XVT Series TruLED XVT472SV 47-Inch 240 Hz sps LCD HDTV (Black)