Vizio VF551XVT LCD HDTV with LED Backlighting (Playback 25)

December 8th, 2009 -- by David Birch-Jones
Source: Playback

Just a few years ago, $2,200 would have been barely enough for a much smaller sized 720p LCD HDTV. That you can now get a much larger 55-inch 1080p set with most of the high end trimmings at that price is testament to Vizio’s leadership in the value brand segment. While the lack of Internet TV show and movie streaming is one key area where the Vizio fails to deliver, in all other respects it’s an admirable performer and a very good value. (But if access to Internet content is important to you, remember that Vizio’s slightly more costly XV552XVT should be coming along soon, which promises to support the firm’s extensive Vizio Internet Apps system—Ed.).

SPECS & PRICING

Vizio VF551XVT LCD HDTV with LED Backlighting

Screen size: 55” diagonal
Pixel resolution: 1920 x 1080
1:1 Mode: Yes
Video inputs: 5 HDMI, 2 component, 1 S-video (shared with 1 composite input), 2 composite, 1 RGB PC
Other connections: 3 stereo audio inputs, 1 3.5mm PC audio input, 1 stereo audio output, 1 optical digital audio output, 1 USB, 1 ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM RF input
Dimensions (W x H x D): 51.5” x 35.9” x 13.5” (w/stand)
Weight: 90.3 lb.
Warranty: 1 year, parts & labor
Price: $2,200

vizio
(888) 849-4623
www.vizio.com

Comments

R Wood (not verified) -- Thu, 12/10/2009 - 14:56

I'm curious about the remote control. A cursor wheel is mentioned in the description but I'm guessing the remote is still a standard Infrared type? Some of the newer high end sets are starting to include an RF remote that doesn't have the bandwidth and line of site problems typical of an infrared type.

skris88 (not verified) -- Thu, 12/10/2009 - 17:33

More and more (smart) users don't need multiple inputs or sound on their TVs. They just need a 'monitor' with a HDMI digital video input (and a DVI cable adapter). The multiple "Inputs" will come from a media centre PC (Live TV, PVR, DVD, Blue Ray, games, Internet video, etc) which sends it's (digital) audio to an AV receiver.

Why are such "monitors" - of the same (relatively low) resolution as HDTVs - so hard to get and - where available - so expensive, when they have LESS (expensive) electronics in them than full TVs?

The first manufacturer who learns to have their tuner and multiple inputs as a plug-in module will start to save themselves a lot of money, and find a lot of smart buyers! Just image the advert - $2,000 HDTV ($1,800 as a monitor). Too complicated for the average Jac Citizen?

video fan (not verified) -- Thu, 12/10/2009 - 23:24

Regarding skris88 comment: I'd suspect those $200 are the profit on the set or a good chunk of it - and probably the cost for the other inputs is on the order of $10. It's like many other consumer products in competitive segments where all the money is made on the options.

ShiraAV (not verified) -- Sun, 12/13/2009 - 02:58

These monitors do exist but they are sold to the professional market, pro AV installers and film studios. As such the electronics are actuallly better quality specs are better so they cost more and are not available at retail stores. search for the pro line of Panasonic plasmas and their interchangeable plug in input modules

idealsoundlistener (not verified) -- Fri, 12/11/2009 - 11:44

Most DVD players now offer access to internet, including either amazon or netflix for movies, and youtube, so it seems to me that the lack of internet connectivity should not be a deal breaker.

videoguide -- Sun, 08/01/2010 - 15:32

With $1400 price tag for Vizio VF551XVT I am almost ready to upgrade my 42'' older LCD for the sake of lower profile and bigger screen.