Do Top-Selling HDTVs Stand Up To Strict Scrutiny? Part 6
David Upstages Goliath
Vizio has emerged as the top-selling flat panel HDTV (LCD and Plasma combined), ahead of Goliath brands like Sony, Samsung and Panasonic, riding on its low-price appeal.
The VP42 Plasma HDTV has been praised for its "relatively accurate" color, including deep blacks. That apart, the set has a fairly clean picture without much false contouring; its user menu has fine color temperature controls. Two HDMI and one PC input make connectivity a strong feature.
Similarly, reviews of the Vizio GV42L LCD HDTV have been flattering, and draw attention to its "sophisticated styling" and "detachable speakers".
The Price Attraction
Offering more bang for the buck, Vizio's chief attraction is its price which is way below those of the name brands. Given this fact, the average buyer is, more often than not, aware of the compromise he/she has made, with regard to not getting assured premium quality.
The Quality Conundrum
The Vizio VP42HDTV (Plasma) delivers shadow detail of less than average quality. Darker areas have a reddish tinge; and a buzzing sound is perceptible.
The Vizio VX32L LCD cannot be watched at an angle; not everyone is likely to approve its funky styling.
The sound on the VX37L is less than pleasing, and the PIP functions do not work except with HDMI, Component or RGB. The remote response is sluggish; menu selection without the remote is tedious. The aspect ratio does not get automatically adjusted when you switch from SDTV to HDTV and back; you have to do this manually.
Channel surfers will find the slow changing of channels irritating. There is also a sound lag when you view digital channels.
In the Vizio 42" LCD TV, the contrast ratio is an abysmally low 1000:1. (A comparable set from Samsung has a 10000:1 ratio.) The response time is slow, just 8ms.
How Vizio Manages Its Low Price
Vizio keeps its price low by buying surplus parts from other manufacturers and repackaging under its brand name. The unknown factor in this for a prospective buyer is that one set in a Vizio showroom could be a Pioneer, while another could be a Toshiba. Thus, buyers are never certain about what they are buying.
Warranty Blues
Vizio offers a one-year warranty on its sets. However, onsite repairs are offered only on sets that are 30" or bigger, assuming that such repairs are within the terms of the warranty. In case you own a smaller set, you would have to ship it to the company at your own cost (about 0).
Extended warranties are available at a price which some may view as being disproportionately high, given the relatively low cost of the TV.
Last Comment
When you buy a low priced product such as Vizio, you must remember that you can only expect to get what you pay for. If you are prepared to make some compromise on quality in order to save some money, weigh the benefits carefully before you decide to buy.
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