Offical Vizio 42" VU42LF 1080p LCD HDTV Thread

[Bclark1012]

This is the official Official Vizio 42" VU42LF 1080p LCD HDTV Thread. This TV is scheduled to be released at Costco on June 25, 2007. I was at my local Costco yesterday and they confirmed the price will be $1199.00.

**A $200.00 coupon is available for Costco Members in a mailer that was sent recently valid for June 25-July 1.

When anyone learns further details about this new model, please share within this thread.


Specification
Size: 42-in*
*Viewable: 42-in
Tuner: Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner

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

Native Panel Resolution: 1920 x 1080

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

Specification
Panel Type: 42" Diagonal*, 16:9 Wide Screen, Color TFT Active Matrix LCD
Panel Specifications: Anti-Static and hard coated surface
Pixel/Dot Pitch: 0.485mm (H) x 0.485mm (V)
Display Compatibility: Full HDTV (1080p)
Signal Compatibility: 480i (SDTV), 480P (EDTV), 720P (HDTV), 1080i (HDTV), 1080p (Full HDTV)
Response Time: 8 ms (typical)
Colors: 8 bit 16.77 Million colors
Brightness: 500 cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast Ratio: 1800:1
Viewable Angle: >178 degrees (horizontal and vertical)

Inputs
RF (F Connector for internal tuner): 1
HDMI with HDCP: 2
Analog Stereo Audio for HDMI Inputs: 1
Component YPbPr plus Stereo Audio: 2
Composite Video: 2
S-Video plus Stereo Audio: 1
Computer RGB plus Stereo Audio: 1
Service Port:

Outputs
Analog Audio out (RCA): 1
5.1 SPDIF Digital Optical Audio: 1
Headphone (Stereo Mini-Jack): 0

Additional Information
Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
Picture-outside-Picture (POP)
Closed Caption (CC)
V-Chip
3D Comb Filter
Zoom
Freeze
3:2 or 2:2 Reverse Pull-down
ATSC with 8VSB & QAM demodulation
ATSC with MPEG-2 decoding
NTSC Video decoding via RF: Yes, thru Antenna, Cable, or Satellite
NTSC Video decoding via Video: Yes, thru CVBS, S-Video, or Component
Progressive Scan Video: Yes, thru Component YPbPr, VGA or HDMI
HDTV: Yes, thru HDMI or Component YPbPr
Computer: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 thru VGA or 640x480 thru HDMI
Sound enhancement: Yes, Virtual Surround
Color Temperature: 6500K (standard), 5400K and 9300K
Color Fine Tuning: Independent Red, Green and Blue
Audio: Built-in 10W x 2
Lamp (LCD) / Panel (PDP) Life: 50000 hours
Power: IEC Connector for direct power line connection
Voltage Range100 ~ 240 Vac at 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 286W average
Removable Base

Weight
Gross:60.7 lbs
Net: 48.5 lbs

Dimensions
Carton:
Net: 40.5" W x 28.5" H x 9.7" D
Without Stand: 40.5" W x 27.3" H x 3.9" D
Without Stand and Speakers:
Certifications: CSA, FCC Class B

[TheBrandon]

I was at Costco today and they finally had these in stock. The VU42LF looked absolutely amazing. I have a 32 inch Vizio and never really cared for the quality too much. Thought I would never own another one. I know these things are hard/impossible to judge lined up with crappy analog connections but this looked extremely good sitting next to the Bravia and the Sharp all of them being thrown 1080i. It smoked the GV42L easily, and I mean easily. I am tempted to take my Ps3 up there and have a look thru HDMI. I am really trying not to get this. If any of you have any time to waist, check this unit out and post your thoughts. Maybe it was closer to the signal source? Everything was running through Component. Regardless, it looked great.

[Count Blah]

I thought they weren't going to be at Costco until the 20th. I'll have to stop by tonight to see if they have them locally.

[dnicekid]

i saw it as well today and it was ok
didn't wow me
maybe because it was in costco and not in my house

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by dnicekid

i saw it as well today and it was ok
didn't wow me
maybe because it was in costco and not in my house

I'll admit I was wowed. Again, maybe it was closer to the component source but the clarity, and color was right there easily with the Bravia and the Sharp (both models were 1366 by 768) and for 1199 (before coupon) this is great to me.

[Admiral_Ackbar]

I saw it today for the first time.

To be fair, the tv wasn't calibrated correctly. The color and contrast were off.

Having said that, I was disappointed. There was an awful lot of pixelization. It was a meh TV.

Two TV's down was the Philips 42PFL7422 and that absolutely wowed me. It was better than every TV in the place.

It could have been that the calibration for color and contracst were off but I just didn't like the screen and I've looked at enough TV';s in the past two months to develop a gut if it's just the calibration or the tv itself. My gut is tellin me it's an ok TV but not that great.

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by Admiral_Ackbar

I saw it today for the first time.

To be fair, the tv wasn't calibrated correctly. The color and contrast were off.

Having said that, I was disappointed. There was an awful lot of pixelization. It was a meh TV.

Two TV's down was the Philips 42PFL7422 and that absolutely wowed me. It was better than every TV in the place.

It could have been that the calibration for color and contracst were off but I just didn't like the screen and I've looked at enough TV';s in the past two months to develop a gut if it's just the calibration or the tv itself. My gut is tellin me it's an ok TV but not that great.

This is certainly why I would take my PS3 down there and give it a run.

[jerryrice4949]

Have you looked at the pdf manual. The CR is reallly 800:1, dynamic is 1800:1.

I am liking this tv less and less.

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by jerryrice4949

Have you looked at the pdf manual. The CR is reallly 800:1, dynamic is 1800:1.

I am liking this tv less and less.

Have you looked at the set?

[Count Blah]

Originally Posted by TheBrandon

Have you looked at the set?

I haven't, I was waiting to hear about your PS3 trip 1st

I'll probably stop by to take a look sometime today.

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by Count Blah

I haven't, I was waiting to hear about your PS3 trip 1st

I'll probably stop by to take a look sometime today.

I am almost afraid to try it!!! I am going to wait until probably middle of next week to give it a shot. They are extremely busy on weekends. I imagine no one will object as they let us try it with a 360 back in the day. Ps3 should be easier due to the power cord. I can just unplug the TV next to it instead of having a guy climb behind it. I hope everything can be done quietly though as I would like to test Crank which is the best looking BD I have seen/have. If staff is around this may be difficult (if you have seen Crank, you'll understand. The scene where Jason jumps into the pool of the big boss looks out of this world good, but alot of action.). Another thing, with the Sony and Sharp all next to each other this should be easy to give them all a quick test. Won't have time to attempt to calibrate everything so I am sure it will all be very subjective, its just it looked nice enough for me to mess around with.

[Count Blah]

I checked out the VU42 at local Costco today. It was a very similar setup/experience to Type-E's from the other thread. It was setup right next to the 46" Sony and I also notices a little blue tint to the TV as well. Costco didn't have the remote setup attached t the VU42 like they have with every other TV. So I attempted to play with the picture from the controls on the side. It gave up after getting as far as the custom picture setup and it looked like it needed the remote to do anything with it. I did manage to change the picture from standard, movie and gaming. Standard seemed to be best setting for the store lighting conditions and content.

There is some kind of video source problem at my costco, because ALL the HDTVs exhibit bleeding around any on screen graphics. Given this, it's very difficult to truly judge this TV's performance. I can only judge it by what the other TVs did with the same source, and it appeared to hold it's own against the sony. It was a lot of fun trying to catch the pixelation on both the Sony and Vizio at the same time. They both did equally bad on one sceen wher the entire screen was showing the whitetops on a ton of waves. But the soccer scenes on both TVs has minimal pixelation. Given this, I'm really hoping some other people can manage to hook up some other equipment to this TV *cough* TheBrandon *cough*

I talked to the manager at my store and he said they would NOT do a credit once the coupon became valid. But he did say they would give me a raincheck if there were none available at the time. So hopefully we'll know more about the new GV42 and some other offerings by July 1st.

Forgot to mention that the box says that it has a no bright pixel guarantee - something ot mentioned on vizio's site, and something that did concern me.

[Yiorgo]

Originally Posted by jerryrice4949

Have you looked at the pdf manual. The CR is reallly 800:1, dynamic is 1800:1.

I am liking this tv less and less.

theres 15,000:1 now .....so your right 800:1 contrast ratio is not good. but am i missing something ? is there something i dont know about the 1080p signal comparitively or is CR universally looked at the same?

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by Count Blah

I checked out the VU42 at local Costco today. It was a very similar setup/experience to Type-E's from the other thread. It was setup right next to the 46" Sony and I also notices a little blue tint to the TV as well. Costco didn't have the remote setup attached t the VU42 like they have with every other TV. So I attempted to play with the picture from the controls on the side. It gave up after getting as far as the custom picture setup and it looked like it needed the remote to do anything with it. I did manage to change the picture from standard, movie and gaming. Standard seemed to be best setting for the store lighting conditions and content.

There is some kind of video source problem at my costco, because ALL the HDTVs exhibit bleeding around any on screen graphics. Given this, it's very difficult to truly judge this TV's performance. I can only judge it by what the other TVs did with the same source, and it appeared to hold it's own against the sony. It was a lot of fun trying to catch the pixelation on both the Sony and Vizio at the same time. They both did equally bad on one sceen wher the entire screen was showing the whitetops on a ton of waves. But the soccer scenes on both TVs has minimal pixelation. Given this, I'm really hoping some other people can manage to hook up some other equipment to this TV *cough* TheBrandon *cough*

I talked to the manager at my store and he said they would NOT do a credit once the coupon became valid. But he did say they would give me a raincheck if there were none available at the time. So hopefully we'll know more about the new GV42 and some other offerings by July 1st.

You did exactly what I did. I managed to play with the settings quite a bit. I also asked if they would do a credit when the coupon became available because they had sold 3 of them while I was there and guessed maybe someone put up a fuss. Obviously they wouldn't. You didn't happen to get a chance to play with the dynamic contrast by chance? It was under the advanced settings I believe. Made a HUGE difference and the set was pleasing before it was enabled. Also, did you compare it to Vizio GV 42? In our local store it was around the other side. I realize it is not a 1080p but the newer model just killed it with clarity, colors, brightness exc. Night and day difference.

[Count Blah]

Originally Posted by TheBrandon

You did exactly what I did. I managed to play with the settings quite a bit. I also asked if they would do a credit when the coupon became available because they had sold 3 of them while I was there and guessed maybe someone put up a fuss. Obviously they wouldn't. You didn't happen to get a chance to play with the dynamic contrast by chance? It was under the advanced settings I believe. Made a HUGE difference and the set was pleasing before it was enabled. Also, did you compare it to Vizio GV 42? In our local store it was around the other side. I realize it is not a 1080p but the newer model just killed it with clarity, colors, brightness exc. Night and day difference.

At my place the GV42 was on the other aisle, the backs of these TVs were facing each other. So I couldn't compare it as I had hoped. The one thing I noticed was how amazingly similar in pixelation of action the vizio was to the Sony were. All the scenes were bright outside or well lit stadium scenes. So I didn't get to see any really dark scenes.

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by Count Blah

At my place the GV42 was on the other aisle, the backs of these TVs were facing each other. So I couldn't compare it as I had hoped. The one thing I noticed was how amazingly similar in pixelation of action the vizio was to the Sony were. All the scenes were bright outside or well lit stadium scenes. So I didn't get to see any really dark scenes.

Same here with the other unit, based on how big of a difference it was they didn't need to be side by side. I agree with the pixelation. Its really a shame that most people don't know how the set they are going to buy will really perform until you get it home without either having a friend who has one, or reading on the forums and hoping there isn't a hint of biased. Totally why I am anxious to try a digital connection. Only real noticeable difference was the reds on the Sony. To bad the Sony closest isn't 1080p for testing purposes.

[petsik]

has anyone bought one and what do they think of it

[HTSS-TR]

Went to the newest Costco in Irvine to get one but none is available. They don't know when they will have it, but told me it will be available on June 25. May try another Costco in another town tomorrow.

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by HTSS-TR

Went to the newest Costco in Irvine to get one but none is available. They don't know when they will have it, but told me it will be available on June 25. May try another Costco in another town tomorrow.

Call for availability before you road trip. Let us know, plus pics when you get it!!! Good luck.

[zroyse]

So, is the VU42LF 120hz, Cortez processor, etc as rumored, or not?

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by zroyse

So, is the VU42LF 120hz, Cortez processor, etc as rumored, or not?

I called their Customer Service. Basically, it is not the Genesis Cortex processor or 120. Atleast this is what "engineer" said. Brian Nelms was the name of the rep that was extremely helpful and polite. He grabbed an engineer and had him on the phone while I asked questions I am sure they weren't used to hearing.

[jawgee]

How does this set compare with the Magnavox 42MF437B that's going to be on sale in July for a grand?

Thanks,
jawgee

[Count Blah]

Originally Posted by jawgee

How does this set compare with the Magnavox 42MF437B that's going to be on sale in July for a grand?

Thanks,
jawgee

I don't think anyone has seen the Magnavox in the wild. There are other threads asking for any info on the magnavox, with little to no information to be had. The Magnavox is going to be offered at costco as online only. So the $200 coupon basically means shipping is free.

The main difference I see is that the Magnavox claims the typical CR is 1500:1, unlike the vizio's 900:1


Also to answer petsik, I doubt anyone here picked up the TV yet because almost all reports are that stores will NOT price match the coupon once it becomes active. And everyone here knows that there IS a coupon for the set that will be available on the 25th.

[sirdelsol]

I purchased this set Sunday evening. I called several stores and some said they would price match, some said they wouldn't. I called the same stores back later in the afternoon and the same store gave a different message. I finally talked with the Manager and explained my situation and told me I could come back on the 25th for the price match.

Let me first say I usually just read forums and never respond but in this case I am so pleased with vizio I want to put in a good word.

Previous TV was a vizio 32" lcd - before that was the 67 in 1080p monster from Costco. I think putting in a ps3 video game is a good way to test TV's...video games are something where you actually are looking at the details on screen and not just the overall feeling of the program. With that said, the vizio 32" looked much better than the samsung 67" dlp tv for video games, from that point I switched to LCD's. This 42 inch reminds me a lot of the 32, the features and the menu. The TV is in my basement where it is completely dark...aka, I have the back light turned down to 0. I don't care what each company states their brightness is or contrast ratio, what does it look like in the home. You can't go to any store and compare TV's out of the box, they need to be in the Same light, with the same source hooked up, and the same settings - then you can compare. For anyone looking at purchasing this TV but then go looking let me tell you it is a beautiful TV. You would definitely notice a difference from a Flag ship Sharp Aquos TV side by side, but lets be honest, any LCD under 2k is going to be about the same quality with only slight differences noticeable side by side. I brought this TV home and watched a low budget religious movie on it and it looked very decent. My mom and dad who don't know the difference between 720p and 1080p or lcd and plasma also thought it looked nice. Point being, this TV is a Vizio TV and looks like one. In my opinion, it looks very nice and anyone isn't a tech wizard would agree that a 42" lcd in the home setup nicely will look nice too. Don't let people tell you that it isn't a sharp or it isn't a Sony so its not a nice TV. I couldn't be more happy with my purchase and I think everyone in the home feels the same way...and what is more is I don't think anyone in the home would have noticed a difference with the sony or sharp name brand under the television set.

I am very pleased with this set and will probably keep it for many years. Vizio has excellent customer support and for the price the picture cannot be beat. Maybe if you spend $2k + it can, but this TV is on par with any high name brand budget set and do not trust the side by side comparison. This TV did not have DCR turned on right out of the box so it very well may not be as "Bright" as the tv next to it but in your home you will forget all about that and be able to enjoy it for years to come with your wife and kids who wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway.

[wow0609]

Originally Posted by sirdelsol

I purchased this set Sunday evening. I called several stores and some said they would price match, some said they wouldn't. I called the same stores back later in the afternoon and the same store gave a different message. I finally talked with the Manager and explained my situation and told me I could come back on the 25th for the price match.

Let me first say I usually just read forums and never respond but in this case I am so pleased with vizio I want to put in a good word.

Previous TV was a vizio 32" lcd - before that was the 67 in 1080p monster from Costco. I think putting in a ps3 video game is a good way to test TV's...video games are something where you actually are looking at the details on screen and not just the overall feeling of the program. With that said, the vizio 32" looked much better than the samsung 67" dlp tv for video games, from that point I switched to LCD's. This 42 inch reminds me a lot of the 32, the features and the menu. The TV is in my basement where it is completely dark...aka, I have the back light turned down to 0. I don't care what each company states their brightness is or contrast ratio, what does it look like in the home. You can't go to any store and compare TV's out of the box, they need to be in the Same light, with the same source hooked up, and the same settings - then you can compare. For anyone looking at purchasing this TV but then go looking let me tell you it is a beautiful TV. You would definitely notice a difference from a Flag ship Sharp Aquos TV side by side, but lets be honest, any LCD under 2k is going to be about the same quality with only slight differences noticeable side by side. I brought this TV home and watched a low budget religious movie on it and it looked very decent. My mom and dad who don't know the difference between 720p and 1080p or lcd and plasma also thought it looked nice. Point being, this TV is a Vizio TV and looks like one. In my opinion, it looks very nice and anyone isn't a tech wizard would agree that a 42" lcd in the home setup nicely will look nice too. Don't let people tell you that it isn't a sharp or it isn't a Sony so its not a nice TV. I couldn't be more happy with my purchase and I think everyone in the home feels the same way...and what is more is I don't think anyone in the home would have noticed a difference with the sony or sharp name brand under the television set.

I am very pleased with this set and will probably keep it for many years. Vizio has excellent customer support and for the price the picture cannot be beat. Maybe if you spend $2k + it can, but this TV is on par with any high name brand budget set and do not trust the side by side comparison. This TV did not have DCR turned on right out of the box so it very well may not be as "Bright" as the tv next to it but in your home you will forget all about that and be able to enjoy it for years to come with your wife and kids who wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway.

Thanks for the writeup. What is the model number of the TV that you purchased? I am about to take the plunge, but I have to become a Costco member first (any ideas on how to get a discounted membership??)

-w

[HTSS-TR]

The model number is VU42LF, Costco item number is 200042. Costco membership is $50 for standard (Gold Card), $100 for Executive. One of the benefits of Executive member is %2 cash back at the end of the year for anything you bought in Costco. Costco also has American Express with no anual fee and %1 cash back for all your purchases including at Costco.

[Nealageous]

I also had a chance to stop by costco yesterday and take a look. Actually, I had no clue it had come out yet, I just happened to be there . The picture looked really good, just as good as my 37" westinghouse LVM-37w3 from what I could tell. Nevertheless, I am still EXTREMELY disappointed in the specs for this TV. I had the VX37L but had to return it for the same reason. This TV is not ideal as a computer monitor. My wife and I currently run everything through our HTPC, and the Vizio TV's just don't cut it. The best picture you can get is through analog VGA. The maximum resolution via HDMI is 640x480?!?!? For most I realize this isn't an issue, but for those planning on running BD or HD via HTPC, forget about it. Like I said, all extremely disappointing if you ever plan on hooking this up to a computer to get a digital HD signal of any sort. In the meantime, I am still on the hunt for a sub 1k set that will do 1080p and QAM. Any suggestions?

[TheBrandon]

Originally Posted by Nealageous

I also had a chance to stop by costco yesterday and take a look. Actually, I had no clue it had come out yet, I just happened to be there . The picture looked really good, just as good as my 37" westinghouse LVM-37w3 from what I could tell. Nevertheless, I am still EXTREMELY disappointed in the specs for this TV. I had the VX37L but had to return it for the same reason. This TV is not ideal as a computer monitor. My wife and I currently run everything through our HTPC, and the Vizio TV's just don't cut it. The best picture you can get is through analog VGA. The maximum resolution via HDMI is 640x480?!?!? For most I realize this isn't an issue, but for those planning on running BD or HD via HTPC, forget about it. Like I said, all extremely disappointing if you ever plan on hooking this up to a computer to get a digital HD signal of any sort. In the meantime, I am still on the hunt for a sub 1k set that will do 1080p and QAM. Any suggestions?

For what it is worth, a Vizio rep/engineer told me that this set DOES do 1080p with a PC through HDMI. I know the other Vizio are a mess with a PC. Best picture is 1366 by 768 and through VGA. Pretty much all HDMI set ups were a mess and the scaling was a joke. Cut off screens exc.

[HTSS-TR]

Originally Posted by jawgee

How does this set compare with the Magnavox 42MF437B that's going to be on sale in July for a grand?

Thanks,
jawgee

No B&M around Irvine, CA has Magnavox in stock. The only way to compare these two sets is buying both VU42LF and 42MF437B and set them side by side at home. I may have to buy both, then return the lesser set within 90 days.

[Nealageous]

Originally Posted by TheBrandon

For what it is worth, a Vizio rep/engineer told me that this set DOES do 1080p with a PC through HDMI. I know the other Vizio are a mess with a PC. Best picture is 1366 by 768 and through VGA. Pretty much all HDMI set ups were a mess and the scaling was a joke. Cut off screens exc.

Well, I would say its worth a lot. If they truly have fixed this issue, then my Westy is going back as soon as these puppies go on sale. It is probably the most visually stunning TV I have seen to date as far as sheer design. If it can do 1080P through HDMI then I'm sold.