Photo: Vizio
Vizio, which gained a foothold in the U.S. TV market with low-priced basic HDTV models sold primarily through warehouse clubs such as Costco, is now shipping its XVT series of 1080p LCD TVs. These sets offer step-up features, such as full-array LED backlights and the Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) platform, at prices lower than most of its competitors.
Three larger-sized models—the 55-inch XVT553SV, the 47-inch XVT473SV, and the 42-inch XVT423SV—use full-array LED backlights (called TruLED) that have more zones that can be locally dimmed than previous models. By enabling some zones to be dark while others remain illuminated, local dimming can help improve black levels. Other features in these sets include Vizio's 240Hz technology, and its VIA online service, with access to streaming movies from Amazon, Netflix, and Vudu, and the Rhapsody music service.
There are also two smaller XVT models: the 32-inch XVT323SV and the 37-inch XVT373SV. Both use Vizio's "Razor" edge LED backlights that can be locally dimmed, plus 120Hz technology and the VIA online service.
All the XVT-series TVs have integrated dual-band Wi-Fi, SRS TruSurround HD sound, and TruVolume (which, like Dolby Volume, strives to maintain a constant volume level when a commercial comes on or when you switch channels). All models also come with a Bluetooth wireless remote control that has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
All the TVs are now available. Here's a breakdown of models and prices:- 55-inch XVT553SV, $2,200
- 47-inch XVT473SV, $1,800
- 42-inch XVT423SV, $1,200
- 37-inch XVT373SV, $900
- 32-inch XVT323SV, $700
We'll be testing at least one of these models in the near future, so keep checking our blogs for an updated In The CR TV Labs post.
—James K. Willcox
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