Vizio VP50HDTV - 50" Plasma HDTV

[cbohlman]

http://www.vizio.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=23

Size: 50-in*
*Viewable: 49.98-in
Tuner: Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner

Supported TV Formats
1080i, 720p, 720i, 480p, 480i

Native Panel Resolution: 1366 x 768

Supported PC Resolutions
1366 x 768, 1280 x 720, 1024 x 768, 854 x 480, 800 x 600

Specification
Panel Type: 50" Diagonal*, 16:9 Wide Screen, Plasma Panel
Panel Specifications: N/A
Pixel/Dot Pitch: 0.81 mm (H) x 0.81 mm (V)
Display Compatibility: HDTV (1080i)
Signal Compatibility: 480i (SDTV), 480P (EDTV), 720P (HDTV), 1080i (HDTV)
Response Time: N/A
Colors: 1.07 Billion (10 bit)
Brightness: 1,500 cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1 (max)
Viewable Angle: >178° (horizontal and vertical)


Must have a new panel over the p50hdtv, this one has a 15,000 contrast ratio and is brighter.

[haque]

So it's lighter and the audio is less powerful.
What is the effext of going from a 720p native display to a 1080i native display?
Will it be clearly obvious when watching sports?

Not sure if Vizio has introduced a "cheaper (less quality)" plasma or a "cheaper (better quality)" panel.

The old one was beautiful to behold and watching programs like "Nature" on PBS and "Lost" were mesmerizing experiences. Basketball games and hockey games were stunning to watch as well.

I hope the new one isn't a step down.

Feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

==================
Old Model: $1,700
==================
Analog Stereo Audio for HDMI Inputs: 2
Display Compatibility: HDTV (720p)
Audio: Built-in 15W x 2

Weight
Gross:144 lbs
Net: 122 lbs
Without Stand: 108 lbs

==================
New Model: $1,500
==================

Analog Stereo Audio for HDMI Inputs: 1
Display Compatibility: HDTV (1080i)
Audio: Built-in 10W x 2

Weight
Gross:144 lbs
Net: 85 lbs
Without Stand: 76 lbs

[MuffinManIV]

I am looking to purchase this TV from a local retailer. I currently have an older Vizio 32" LCD. When I purchased the older LCD I was told that Plasmas were terrible for Gaming, I do a large amount of gaming, as well as view TV shows through my computer. I was looking to see if this Plasma would be ok for me to run both of these options without having "burn in" problems, or any other issues anyone may know of running these. If anyone could give me some input, it would be highly appriciated.

[coltrane69]

I'm very interested in hearing some feed back as well. I just stopped by my local Costco, and saw this TV .

[haque]

I purchased mine form Costco last night and will be returning it ASAP. There was a huge amount of noise present when I was watching off-air programs and stations like ESPN. I will be trying to re-purchase the older 50" Vizio plasma that I returned. That extra 40 lbs. of electronics in the older plasma did the trick... it's actually the native 720p display that's better suited to displaying 720p and 1080i source material. The 1080i to 720p conversion seems to be introducing lots of noise. I don't have a BluRay or HDDVD player, so I can't attest to the performance of these.

[boxtv]

Originally Posted by haque

I purchased mine form Costco last night and will be returning it ASAP. There was a huge amount of noise present when I was watching off-air programs and stations like ESPN. I will be trying to re-purchase the older 50" Vizio plasma that I returned. That extra 40 lbs. of electronics in the older plasma did the trick... it's actually the native 720p display that's better suited to displaying 720p and 1080i source material. The 1080i to 720p conversion seems to be introducing lots of noise. I don't have a BluRay or HDDVD player, so I can't attest to the performance of these.

Were you using an HD source? Through HDMI?

[MikeJ927]

I just saw the new 50inch vizio at costco. I know it was in the store so you cant really tell how good the picture quality is but i thought it looked pretty darn good. It was set up next to the 50inch panasonic and it looked just about as good as the panasonic. Plus it cosmetically looks 100 percent better than the panasonic. I am thinking about getting it myself. the 15000:1 contrast must make a difference.

[modawg73]

Just got one today. I am in the process of hanging it. I'll let you know what I think. Costco has a great deal on it!

Ken

[modawg73]

Originally Posted by haque

So it's lighter and the audio is less powerful.
What is the effext of going from a 720p native display to a 1080i native display?
Will it be clearly obvious when watching sports?

I am not sure if the native display info is correct. Native display is going to be roughly 720p, because that is the only resolution the tv displays. It will have to scale all input signals, so the 1080i isn't native, it is just accepted. I'll let you know what I find out about the picture as soon as I can.

Ken

[modawg73]

sweet TV.

Got her up on the wall at about midnight last night. Hooked up my cable and it found a bunch of digital channels (Locals, plus discover HD and TNT HD)

Picture looks great, no noise issues. Hooked up the xbox 360 and played some quick Guitar hero 2 on it, and it looked sweet.

I have the Brightness and contrast set low (31, 35) just for a while.

No complaints. Great picture.

Ken

[haque]

>> Were you using an HD source? Through HDMI?

Nope. Just the coax cable from my cable company, which was the exact same as before.

After reading about Ken's trials, I'll try to adjust the set, reconnect the cable, and play with some settings. Don't get me wrong, I want to keep this beast. I am quickly running out of friends and family that will help me lug this monster back and forth from stores.

I'll keep you all posted. Best wishes Ken.

[MikeJ927]

hey modawg, how are the black levels on it? I know it says 15000:1 on the box but i dont really think that is true. Also how are the hd channels?

[coltrane69]

Originally Posted by modawg73

sweet TV.

Got her up on the wall at about midnight last night. Hooked up my cable and it found a bunch of digital channels (Locals, plus discover HD and TNT HD)

Picture looks great, no noise issues. Hooked up the xbox 360 and played some quick Guitar hero 2 on it, and it looked sweet.

I have the Brightness and contrast set low (31, 35) just for a while.

No complaints. Great picture.

Ken

Thanks for the info Ken, please try and keep us updated. I'd really like to know how standard def looks on this TV, it's not that great on the Vizio 60".

Pete

[lcd-bob]

Originally Posted by modawg73

sweet TV.

Got her up on the wall at about midnight last night. Hooked up my cable and it found a bunch of digital channels (Locals, plus discover HD and TNT HD)
Picture looks great, no noise issues. Hooked up the xbox 360 and played some quick Guitar hero 2 on it, and it looked sweet.

I have the Brightness and contrast set low (31, 35) just for a while. No complaints. Great picture. Ken

------------
What was your previous TV Ken?... did it also get 'discover HD and TNT HD' with a QAM Tuner?
Looks like these newest Vizio QAM tuners may have greater capability.
My Vizio GV42 LCD does not get 'discover HD and TNT HD', just the 6 major networks.
My Cable company is COMCAST; what is yours?
Thanks, lcd-bob

[coltrane69]

Originally Posted by lcd-bob

------------
What was your previous TV Ken?... did it also get 'discover HD and TNT HD' with a QAM Tuner?
Looks like these newest Vizio QAM tuners may have greater capability.
My Vizio GV42 LCD does not get 'discover HD and TNT HD', just the 6 major networks.
My Cable company is COMCAST; what is yours?
Thanks, lcd-bob

Hey LCD_BOB, I know this won't help you too much.... but via QAM the Sceptre 42" LCD I had before my Vizio 60", Received Discovery HD, National Geographic, Music Channels and tons of other on demand programming. Now with the Vizio I get none of that. I really wish I knew why, as I really miss Discovery.

[modawg73]

Originally Posted by lcd-bob

------------
What was your previous TV Ken?... did it also get 'discover HD and TNT HD' with a QAM Tuner?
Looks like these newest Vizio QAM tuners may have greater capability.
My Vizio GV42 LCD does not get 'discover HD and TNT HD', just the 6 major networks.
My Cable company is COMCAST; what is yours?
Thanks, lcd-bob

The Plasma is looking sweet. I watched american idol last night in High def with surround sound via the digital optical out and it was good. I also have a 120" projector in my basement, and while it doesn't match that, it looked and sounded really good.

My previous TV was a SD Mits 35" Tube. It used only the Cable ready functions. It didn't have a QAM, nor could it do HD. In the basement, I have a HD Box/DVR. I pay for the HD tier, so I can get ESPN HD and the like in the basement, but I don't have a box attached to the plasma, so I am running it like a cable ready tv. I have Time Warner in Cinicnnati. I wish I could get ESPN and the like in HD via my plasma, but I don't want to fork out another $20 a month for 6 channels......

Standard Def looks good depending on the channel, but I am sitting about 13-14' away from the screen. When I stand close (1') to the set and watch SD, there is noticable graininess, but from about 3' and farther, it looks great.

I have a Nintendo Wii set up with Component input doing 480p widescreen, and it looks great. I have a dvd player running through Composite (AV1 input) and it looks great too. I hooked up the component outs to get 480p dvd, but I think I have bad cables. The picture was wavy. Rock solid with composite, rolly with component from the same source. Have to try with new cables.

I had the XBOX 360 hooked up yesterday, and it looked totally awesome. I think this is a great set up for gaming as well.

The only negative comment I have so far is that it is a tedious process to remove some of the digital channels that the autoscan found (It found about 30 channels, but about half of them were TW ads or community access channels, none of which I want to keep). There may be an easier way, but I don't read the manuals fully, so I haven't figured it out yet.

I have left the Plasma on for about 60 hours straight now, and will probably leave it on for the next two days. I just tune it to Discover HD when we are not watching it. I have it set on low brightness and contrast settings (31 31) for the initial breakin period. From what I have read, most suggest a breakin period, so I thought I'd break it in while I wasn't using it. Played Zelda on the Wii for about 2 hours last night, and I didn't have any IR (the Wii has a burn in protection function that I have enabled.)

All in all, we are very happy!

I'll keep you posted as time goes on.

Ken

[shasta]

Originally Posted by coltrane69

I'm very interested in hearing some feed back as well. I just stopped by my local Costco, and saw this TV for just under $1400. Seems like a pretty good deal.

Before you make a move like that I recommend you take look at the Panny 50PX60U or even the Panny 50PX6U. These are both vastly superior plasmas for only a few hundred more. Also Toshiba has a nice product in the same range.

[lcd-bob]

Originally Posted by shasta

Before you make a move like that I recommend you take look at the Panny 50PX60U or even the Panny 50PX6U. These are both vastly superior plasmas for only a few hundred more. Also Toshiba has a nice product in the same range.

-----
Shasta, (I know you are talking from past viewing experience), you cannot say existing Panasonic TV's are vastly superior to the newest technology VIZIOs.
Wait first 'till the VP50 is tested by CNET, or PerfectVision Magazine.
Hopefully the new VIZIO VP50 Plasma has the same "HQV chip" deinterlacer as the new VIZIO VM60 Plasma.
If so, the VIZIO Plasma is superior to the lower tech Panny's. lcd-bob

Read about VIZIO's new superior deinterlacer "HQV chip".

VM60P - Passes 1080i deinterlace test

http://reviews.cnet.com/Vizio_VM60PH...sageID=2404702

"1080i deinterlacing test" - VIZIO Passes, but Panasonic (& others) FAIL!!
by Parallaxel - April 5, 2007

... I've been researching HDTV for over a year, and one thing that really bothers me is that no matter which brand name, most displays do NOT properly deinterlace 1080i content! [from numerous sources like cable/satellite signals, HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs, etc]

I've read dozens of reviews in a/v magazines, gobs of online sites, and have noticed that very few HDTVs properly deinterlace 1080i signals, without adding the usual noise/false contouring, etc.

The deinterlacing processing is the most important step overall before your eyes view the signal at the set's native resolution (720p, 1080p etc). And it REALLY matters(!), regardless of what screen size or type of display you purchase [plasma, LCD, DLP, Front/Rear Projection]

Those that have FAILED are surprising, plasma models from Panasonic, LG, Samsung etc, and also premium LCD models from Sony.

Those that usually PASS the test are Sharp LCDs, JVC LCDs [Genessa processing], and now even the "junior varsity" brands like Vizio and Syntax-Olevia have also passed! Why? It's because they've gone the extra step by adding the newer FULL-1080i deinterlacing processing chips, such as the Silicon HQV chip, among others.

[FYI: Olevia's latest 47-inch 1080p LCD set includes the HQV chip, along with this particular Vizio 60" plasma]

So, before buying any HDTV, regardless of the overall specs featured, make sure the set has PASSED a 1080i deinterlacing test [either read reviews to find out, and/or for buyers, to use a test DVD like Video Essentials] - believe me, your EYES will thank you for it!

Finally, for the record THIS Vizio plasma looks appealing to me, and it indeeds, thankfully, does pass the 1080i test!

[shasta]

Originally Posted by lcd-bob

-----
Shasta, (I know you are talking from past viewing experience), you cannot say existing Panasonic TV's are vastly superior to the newest technology VIZIOs.
Wait first 'till the VP50 is tested by CNET, or PerfectVision Magazine.
Hopefully the new VIZIO VP50 Plasma has the same "HQV chip" deinterlacer as the new VIZIO VM60 Plasma.
If so, the VIZIO Plasma is superior to the lower tech Panny's. lcd-bob

Read about VIZIO's new superior deinterlacer "HQV chip".

VM60P - Passes 1080i deinterlace test

http://reviews.cnet.com/Vizio_VM60PH...sageID=2404702

"1080i deinterlacing test" - VIZIO Passes, but Panasonic (& others) FAIL!!
by Parallaxel - April 5, 2007

... I've been researching HDTV for over a year, and one thing that really bothers me is that no matter which brand name, most displays do NOT properly deinterlace 1080i content! [from numerous sources like cable/satellite signals, HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs, etc]

I've read dozens of reviews in a/v magazines, gobs of online sites, and have noticed that very few HDTVs properly deinterlace 1080i signals, without adding the usual noise/false contouring, etc.

The deinterlacing processing is the most important step overall before your eyes view the signal at the set's native resolution (720p, 1080p etc). And it REALLY matters(!), regardless of what screen size or type of display you purchase [plasma, LCD, DLP, Front/Rear Projection]

Those that have FAILED are surprising, plasma models from Panasonic, LG, Samsung etc, and also premium LCD models from Sony.

Those that usually PASS the test are Sharp LCDs, JVC LCDs [Genessa processing], and now even the "junior varsity" brands like Vizio and Syntax-Olevia have also passed! Why? It's because they've gone the extra step by adding the newer FULL-1080i deinterlacing processing chips, such as the Silicon HQV chip, among others.

[FYI: Olevia's latest 47-inch 1080p LCD set includes the HQV chip, along with this particular Vizio 60" plasma]

So, before buying any HDTV, regardless of the overall specs featured, make sure the set has PASSED a 1080i deinterlacing test [either read reviews to find out, and/or for buyers, to use a test DVD like Video Essentials] - believe me, your EYES will thank you for it!

Finally, for the record THIS Vizio plasma looks appealing to me, and it indeeds, thankfully, does pass the 1080i test!

I don't have anything against Vizio Bob, and am in fact considering the purchase of a 42" model for our guest house, the "Man-Shack" as it's been nicknamed, because we host Sunday football games in the fall, and it's where all us guys hang out. That being said Vizio has a long way to go before it is anywhere near the league of Panny, Pioneer, or half a dozen other proven performers. As for the what individual test the Vizio passes or doesn't pass, when you compare the overall product, to say the Panny PX60U, or the Pioneer 5070, the Vizio falls short in overall performance and picture quality. Thats what eyes tell me and most others that have done the research as well. That doesn't mean they won't one day come out with panel the competes on the top tier level, but I doubt it. Vizio is a company that did well to carve out a market in the flat panel business buy providing a quality, but "lower end" product, and not trying to compete with the marquee brands.

[cbohlman]

The previous models P50HDTV,P50hdm also passed the 1080i and 3:2 pull down also.

http://hdguru.com/?p=17#comment-3169

[modawg73]

Originally Posted by MikeJ927

hey modawg, how are the black levels on it? I know it says 15000:1 on the box but i dont really think that is true. Also how are the hd channels?

Mike,

I haven't been able to really test the black levels yet, I am running it on low contrast/brightness for the first 100 hours. then I'll use Avia and set them. It has good black right now

When we have used it for a short period of time on the movies setting (bright/contrast about 50/35 if memory serves) it looks good to me, but please understand, that while I enjoy cool things like this tv, I am not a videophile. I have much lower expectations than most. My pj in the basement is a Panny ae900u, and I have it throwing onto two sheets of parkland plastic with the joint not sealed. It throws an incredible picture in my estimation. I think videophiles would laugh at my evaluation!

Anyhow, I just wanted you to know that I am not the pickiest, although I know the difference.

My only point of comparison is my eyeballs, and the black level was better than my panny in a pitch black room, which is pretty good.

Ken

[modawg73]

Cat Fight!!!!

[modawg73]

Originally Posted by cbohlman

The previous models P50HDTV,P50hdm also passed the 1080i and 3:2 pull down also.

http://hdguru.com/?p=17#comment-3169

Bob, you made me feel much better after the flame of the vizio.....

Thanks,

Ken

[xphan99]

Originally Posted by modawg73

Bob, you made me feel much better after the flame of the vizio.....

Thanks,

Ken

I wonder how many people actually compared panny 60U and Vizio side by side at home. I had/have 50" panny 60U and Vizio P50HDTV. To my own eyes, their PQ wasn't even in the same league. Panny 60U was vastly...inferior.

According to Vizio spec, VP50 uses DCDi, not HQV. My Dell P4200HD plasma was said to use a predecessor chip of HQV. It has good color and very good picture details even though Dell glass has gray-ish black.

[MikeJ927]

xphan do you mean that the 60u picture is far better or worse?

[xphan99]

Originally Posted by MikeJ927

xphan do you mean that the 60u picture is far better or worse?

60U had the worst PQ compared to my Vizio and Dell.

[shasta]

Originally Posted by modawg73

Bob, you made me feel much better after the flame of the vizio.....

Thanks,

Ken

I hope you aren't referring to my post, because it wasn't a flame, it was a statement of fact. Vizio produces a fine lower end product that performs well for the cost. That said it it in no way comes close to the P.Q. or over all performance of products produced Panny, pioneer, and most major brands. Again that's not a flame, it's a statement of fact that any objective person can figure out for themselves by comparing the two products. On the flip side, if Vizio owners want to convince themselves that their product is equal to, or better then the mayor brand manufactures then thats their choice. The Bottom line is that there's a reason why Vizio can sell a 60" panel for under what major manufactures sell their 50" panels for, and still make a profit.

[cbohlman]

Originally Posted by shasta

I hope you aren't referring to my post, because it wasn't a flame, it was a statement of fact. Vizio produces a fine lower end product that performs well for the cost. That said it it in no way comes close to the P.Q. or over all performance of products produced Panny, pioneer, and most major brands. Again that's not a flame, it's a statement of fact that any objective person can figure out for themselves by comparing the two products. On the flip side, if Vizio owners want to convince themselves that their product is equal to, or better then the mayor brand manufactures then thats their choice. The Bottom line is that there's a reason why Vizio can sell a 60" panel for under what major manufactures sell their 50" panels for, and still make a profit.

Because they don't spend millions of dollars telling people there stuff is the best. Vizio has a much smaller structure and doesn't have the operating cost Panasonic has.

What looks good to some might not look good to others. SD was much better and Reg. DVDs looked much better on the Vizio to me. I bought the Panny 60U and thought the HD look a little better but the SD and DVD look better on the Vizio. Panny went back,also bought a Sammy 5053 that went back. The Vizio being able to process 3:2 helps it out. The panny can't pass the 3:2 pull down. Thats a Fact.....

Now Vizio came out with a new screen in the VP50 and it sound like its better than the Old P50HDTV(the one i have). Give it a chance, it maybe better than the old Panny 60u.

Panisonic is great, on this board you hear it a million times a day. It maybe a little better overall. I for one didn't think so. Make you mind up by what you see.

[xphan99]

[quote=shasta]I hope you aren't referring to my post, because it wasn't a flame, it was a statement of fact. Vizio produces a fine lower end product that performs well for the cost. That said it it in no way comes close to the P.Q. or over all performance of products produced Panny, pioneer, and most major brands. Again that's not a flame, it's a statement of fact ...[quote]

I wonder where the "fact" came from. Did you see them side by side in person, in your home?

People said same thing 20 years ago. Just replace "panny" with "RCA" and "Vizio" with "panny/sony/anything Japanese"

Panny is fine in most cases. 60U is what they screwed up big time.

[shasta]

[quote=xphan99][quote=shasta]I hope you aren't referring to my post, because it wasn't a flame, it was a statement of fact. Vizio produces a fine lower end product that performs well for the cost. That said it it in no way comes close to the P.Q. or over all performance of products produced Panny, pioneer, and most major brands. Again that's not a flame, it's a statement of fact ...

I wonder where the "fact" came from. Did you see them side by side in person, in your home?

People said same thing 20 years ago. Just replace "panny" with "RCA" and "Vizio" with "panny/sony/anything Japanese"

Panny is fine in most cases. 60U is what they screwed up big time.

Every one is entitled to their opinion and yours is in the vast minority.