VF550XVT Vizio 55" LCD TV

[cratch]

Looking for advice:

I've been contemplating buying this TV in the next few month. Here's my dilemma:

I have niche/cabinet above the fireplace with a width of 48.5". It's 5" deep and then the hole opens up... see images below.

I was thinking two options:

1. Hire someone to frame the hole and drywall it with a hole to access electrical outlet. I then would hire someone to install wall mount (monoprice) and hang the TV.

2. Or I could place the TV behind the 5" wall and let it sit back in the cubby hole.

Obviously, #2 is a helluva lot cheaper, but want some opinions.


Thanks!

[SystemShock2]

Originally Posted by bcope01

Really? [Fox news] is the only reason I subscribe to cable.....

Condolences.
.

[d34dl1n3r]

Originally Posted by weidner6

That is my exact dilemna right now, I am about a month out from purchase and have narrowed down to three. The VF550, VF551, and the Sammy 650. Right off the bat the Vizio's have the larger screen which is a big plus to me. The Sammy has the good blacks but VF550 owners say it is not that big of a difference although the Sammy is superior in that area. The flat versus glossy screen is a non-issue for me as there are trade-offs to both. The big wild card seems to be the VF551 but I don't want to wait until July, it is bad enough I have to wait one more month.

The LED backlighting of the 551 is really enticing. Improved blacks, brighter display, and lower power draw all signal a possible big jump to the next model. Now I am back full circle, don't know what to do. If all three are close enough to where an untrained eye like mine won't see the difference then the VF550XVT is the obvious answer. SO CONFUSED!

All in all I'd hold off & wait for some reviews on the VF551. I've seen many Vizios sitting side by side to Sammys & to me there was absolutely no contest. In all instances the Sammys annihilated the Vizios in black levels. However, the 551 may kill the 650.

I'd take the 550 out of the equation & wait for a 551 vs 650 comparison.

[johnnymacUK]

Originally Posted by weidner6

That is my exact dilemna right now, I am about a month out from purchase and have narrowed down to three. The VF550, VF551, and the Sammy 650. Right off the bat the Vizio's have the larger screen which is a big plus to me. The Sammy has the good blacks but VF550 owners say it is not that big of a difference although the Sammy is superior in that area. The flat versus glossy screen is a non-issue for me as there are trade-offs to both. The big wild card seems to be the VF551 but I don't want to wait until July, it is bad enough I have to wait one more month.

The LED backlighting of the 551 is really enticing. Improved blacks, brighter display, and lower power draw all signal a possible big jump to the next model. Now I am back full circle, don't know what to do. If all three are close enough to where an untrained eye like mine won't see the difference then the VF550XVT is the obvious answer. SO CONFUSED!

I hate to suggest it, but you could always buy the VF550 from SamsClub and return it in July for the VF551. I don't want to get into an ethical discussion here or anything, but it is a viable solution to your problem... Sams has a 90 day return policy so if you wait a month to buy the VF551, you could just swap it out for the VF551 this summer if you want.

[orangegrower]

Originally Posted by johnnymacUK

I hate to suggest it, but you could always buy the VF550 from SamsClub and return it in July for the VF551. I don't want to get into an ethical discussion here or anything, but it is a viable solution to your problem... Sams has a 90 day return policy so if you wait a month to buy the VF551, you could just swap it out for the VF551 this summer if you want.

And what happens if the release of the VF551 is delayed?

[davyo]

Originally Posted by johnnymacUK

I hate to suggest it, but you could always buy the VF550 from SamsClub and return it in July for the VF551. I don't want to get into an ethical discussion here or anything, but it is a viable solution to your problem... Sams has a 90 day return policy so if you wait a month to buy the VF551, you could just swap it out for the VF551 this summer if you want.

I know you said you dont want to get into an ethical discussion about your suggestion to return the 550 for the 551,,, so I wont start a discussion about it, I will only comment.

Not cool at all to buy the 550 with the intension of sneaking in under the 90 day return window to swap it out for the 551.

Just because Vizio and Sams club are big companys that does mean they dont get hurt when people do that stuff to them and take advantage of their return policies.

Cheers
Davyo

[SystemShock2]

Originally Posted by orangegrower

And what happens if the release of the VF551 is delayed?

Excellent point.
.

[johnnymacUK]

Originally Posted by SystemShock2

Excellent point.
.

It's a role of the dice, but, no matter what, the 550 is a great panel at a great price, you can't really lose.

And as far as taking it back before the 90 days, it may not be cool, but if it's within the return period, I don't see anything wrong with it. $2000 (price +Tax) is a lot of money and if you're not happy with it, I don't see anything wrong with returning it for something that you prefer. I bought a 52 1080P Sharp from Costco on January (Can't remember the model). And it looked like absolute crap when I got it home. Unfortuantely I got it the same day that I signed up for AT&T U-verse so I thought that it was the AT&T's fault and not the television. But a few weeks later ....after I spent $1499 at Costco on the Sharp panel, the Sharp's price dropped $200. They told me to bring it back and that they'd let me return it and then re-purchase it at the lower price. I ended up getting the Visio instead......

[davyo]

Originally Posted by johnnymacUK

It's a role of the dice, but, no matter what, the 550 is a great panel at a great price, you can't really lose.

And as far as taking it back before the 90 days, it may not be cool, but if it's within the return period, I don't see anything wrong with it. $2000 (price +Tax) is a lot of money and if you're not happy with it, I don't see anything wrong with returning it for something that you prefer. I bought a 52 1080P Sharp from Costco on January (Can't remember the model). And it looked like absolute crap when I got it home. Unfortuantely I got it the same day that I signed up for AT&T U-verse so I thought that it was the AT&T's fault and not the television. But a few weeks later ....after I spent $1499 at Costco on the Sharp panel, the Sharp's price dropped $200. They told me to bring it back and that they'd let me return it and then re-purchase it at the lower price. I ended up getting the Visio instead......

Returning a TV because you honestly dont like it or its defective is fine.

But buying a TV only to "use it" until the model you really want comes out is very unfair.

Sams and Costco really do treat their customers pretty good, they dont deserve to get screwed over for being so good with their return policies and great customer service.

Sorry for sounding a bit pissed on the subject but I own my own business and I know what it feels like to be screwed over by a customer thats you know for a fact is just running a scam on you or trying to get something for nothing or for free.

Cheers
Davyo

[weidner6]

You make a good point, I am happy with my local Costco and don't think I would buy a TV that I know was going to be returned. But on the same hand many people have become jaded from dealing with business's that take every opportunity to be deceptive to their customers. Just saying it is a two way street.

I have another month before coming back to the US so no need to rush. I have yet to see it in person and may not be able to deal with the soundbar like you said anyway. I have seen the Sammy 650 here in Qatar and it looked outstanding. Samsung is very popular here. I figure $2K is my ceiling on what I want to spend and both Vizio and Samsung make an excellent product. It is nice to have choices.

[cratch]

Originally Posted by cratch

Looking for advice:

I've been contemplating buying this TV in the next few month. Here's my dilemma:

I have niche/cabinet above the fireplace with a width of 48.5". It's 5" deep and then the hole opens up... see images below.

I was thinking two options:

1. Hire someone to frame the hole and drywall it with a hole to access electrical outlet. I then would hire someone to install wall mount (monoprice) and hang the TV.

2. Or I could place the TV behind the 5" wall and let it sit back in the cubby hole.

Obviously, #2 is a helluva lot cheaper, but want some opinions.


Thanks!

anybody?

[Smuuth]

Not that anyone asked, but as a long-time customer of Costco, I know the reason they changed what used to be an unlimited return policy to a 90 day return policy for electronics and computers. It was to stop the number of unscrupulous customers who would buy such devices and keep them only until the next newest model would come out and then return them.

For those who might be contemplating such an action anyway, I have also observed that when Vizio discontinues one model for another in the same size range, there does seem to be about a 3 month delay in the newer model reaching the Costco stores. I don't know whether that is intentional so as to limit the above practice, but it would seem to be effective.

[weidner6]

Originally Posted by cratch

Looking for advice:

I've been contemplating buying this TV in the next few month. Here's my dilemma:

I have niche/cabinet above the fireplace with a width of 48.5". It's 5" deep and then the hole opens up... see images below.

I was thinking two options:

1. Hire someone to frame the hole and drywall it with a hole to access electrical outlet. I then would hire someone to install wall mount (monoprice) and hang the TV.

2. Or I could place the TV behind the 5" wall and let it sit back in the cubby hole.

Obviously, #2 is a helluva lot cheaper, but want some opinions.


Thanks!

If setting it back won't cut off the display due to the viewing angle than I would personally go with option #2. Option #1 would probably look better if the TV is facing a larger room and needs to be seen from an angle that would be obstructed otherwise.

[cratch]

Originally Posted by weidner6

If setting it back won't cut off the display due to the viewing angle than I would personally go with option #2. Option #1 would probably look better if the TV is facing a larger room and needs to be seen from an angle that would be obstructed otherwise.

Ah! I didn't think about the possibility of obstructing the view. Thanks.


I wonder what it costs to have someone frame/drywall? I want to get a quote but I don't want to hassle with a contractor trying to sell me. This is something I want to do in a few months.

[cratch]

I just got a quote (from the contractor who initially set up my home theater) for $329 to frame/drywall/mount TV!

[vwimports]

Originally Posted by cratch

I just got a quote (from the contractor who initially set up my home theater) for $329 to frame/drywall/mount TV!

That sounds like a good deal.. Anyone know someone in the Baltimore area that does this sort of thing?

[tor2ga13]

I have the same problem with the PS3 via HDMI running 720P signals and the WII running component cables at 480P. The PS3 playing Blu Ray movies at 1080p look great, not as good as the Vizio 42" XVT but great. Do I have a bad Vizio 55 set? Is anybody else having this problem? I know at 720p and 480P the image will not look as good as a 1080P signal; but I am seeing jaggies and artifacts in the images that do not appear on the 42".

[johnnymacUK]

Originally Posted by tor2ga13

I have the same problem with the PS3 via HDMI running 720P signals and the WII running component cables at 480P. The PS3 playing Blu Ray movies at 1080p look great, not as good as the Vizio 42" XVT but great. Do I have a bad Vizio 55 set? Is anybody else having this problem? I know at 720p and 480P the image will not look as good as a 1080P signal; but I am seeing jaggies and artifacts in the images that do not appear on the 42".

You probably need to tweak your settings.

I have finally turned off the smooth motion. I couldn't take it anymore. On scenes where there was slow movement, everything looked fantastic, but if there are fast actions scenes, everything looks juttered and streaky. -My fiancee who normally wouldn't notice things like this was complaining about it.

No matter what setting I left it on, low, med, or high, action scenes look terrible.

Can someone explain to me what the Real Cinema does? I don't really notice much of a difference in the different settings. I have it set on precision.

[johnnymacUK]

Need help.

Does this TV not remember the Smooth Motion and Real Cinema settings from profile to profile????

I have Smooth motion set on HIgh for the "Component" input for my Nintendo Wii. (It's the only thing that I want to use Smooth motion with. BUT, when I switch back to HDMI, it automatically (and correctly) switches the profile to "Movie" but it keeps the Smooth Motion and Real Cinema settings.... Is this right. Do I have to change the settings for Smooth Motion and Real Cinema eveytime I switch between devices if I want them set differently? Thanks

[d34dl1n3r]

Can someone answer a few quick questions for me?

1) Does the 550 have a specific Game Mode for reducing gaming lag? (i don't mean just a "game" picture mode - I already know it has that)

2) If it DOES have a Game Mode, do you still have access to basic picture adjustments when it is turned on?

3) If it does NOT have a Game Mode, can you gamers comment on the lag (if any) on the 550?

Thanks!!!

[boo]

Originally Posted by d34dl1n3r

Can someone answer a few quick questions for me?

1) Does the 550 have a specific Game Mode for reducing gaming lag? (i don't mean just a "game" picture mode - I already know it has that)

2) If it DOES have a Game Mode, do you still have access to basic picture adjustments when it is turned on?

3) If it does NOT have a Game Mode, can you gamers comment on the lag (if any) on the 550?

Thanks!!!

No game mode but no lag that I have noticed (and I have a PS3, XBOX 360, Wii), games look f'ing great on it(just bought Bioshock for the PS3, amazing picture in 1080P).

[avjunkie555]

Does anyone have a working code for the Direct TV H21 HD receiver? I would like to change the channels on the Direct TV receiver box using the Vizio remote control.

I've tried all the codes in the manual and also in the quick setup but no luck. ??

Thanks!

[cosmo234]

Anyone have any settings they found work good on the 550 ?

And if I screw up is there a easy way to get back to default ?

Also has anyone heard of a early release on the 551 ?

[SystemShock2]

Originally Posted by cosmo234

Also has anyone heard of a early release on the 551 ?

I sure haven't. AFAIK, it's still set to be released in June or July.
.

[urwhomped]

Originally Posted by cosmo234

Anyone have any settings they found work good on the 550 ?

And if I screw up is there a easy way to get back to default ?

Also has anyone heard of a early release on the 551 ?

1. Read through this thread and you'll find some.

2. "reset" should do the trick. Also, only modify 1 or 2 (I chose golf and custom, but you can chose whatever) of the 8 or so profiles you have and you'll have the rest left at default.

3. Nope.

[cosmo234]

Thanks urwhomped , but the settings given on previous posts did not work well for me , way to dark , I have a pretty bright room and the settings did not work well for that , anyone care to share some settings for a bright room please ?

[irish80122]

I have a strange problem that I am hoping you can help me figure out. The TV works beautifully for everything except ESPN and ESPN2 HD. On those channels every now and again I will get muffled sound just for a second and some distortion in the picture. It is kind of like it is a weak signal or something. It doesn't have to be fast motion and I believe this is a new development.

I tried my other HDTV and it does not have this problem. Additionally, the TV doesn't seem to have a problem with any other station, including HD stations. I don't think it is related but I recently added a surround sound system (connects from the TV through optical, so the signal does not go from it to the TV).

I turned off the smooth motion a while ago, but I think this happened after that. Any ideas?

[TVbc]

Originally Posted by irish80122

...... I don't think it is related but I recently added a surround sound system (connects from the TV through optical, so the signal does not go from it to the TV).

//// Any ideas?

the first step is to rule out that possibility by taking it out of the equation.


TVbc

[nemesis099]

Originally Posted by johnnymacUK

Need help.

Does this TV not remember the Smooth Motion and Real Cinema settings from profile to profile????

I have Smooth motion set on HIgh for the "Component" input for my Nintendo Wii. (It's the only thing that I want to use Smooth motion with. BUT, when I switch back to HDMI, it automatically (and correctly) switches the profile to "Movie" but it keeps the Smooth Motion and Real Cinema settings.... Is this right. Do I have to change the settings for Smooth Motion and Real Cinema eveytime I switch between devices if I want them set differently? Thanks

I noticed the same thing. I turn on Smooth Motion and Real Cinema for watching Blu-Ray movies then have to turn it off when I go back to cable. I would have thought this would have been set with the different settings such as Movie or game so I can easily turn it off without going through the menu.

Other then that I love the TV and Blu-Ray movies look amazing. I still need to play with the settings but so far my wife and I love the TV.

Oh the speakers are terrible with the sound turned down but this was easily fixed with running the sound through the stereo.

[irish80122]

Thanks for the help. I actually played around with it and think it is a Comcast problem. It seems to be doing a little better (fingers crossed).