The Vizio VF552XVT got pretty good reviews over at cnet but the design is pretty fugly. I saw the M550NV over at Wal-Mart and it is far more attractive. I'm considering the LG LE5500 as well, but have been reading mixed reviews about the local dimming and the purple bezel is a little odd.
I have been looking for reviews of the Vizio M550NV but have come up pretty empty since it's so new -- does anyone have any thoughts? The thin design is a big plus and there is a lot of natural light in the room (so matte or semi-matte is a requirement). We need a fairly wide viewing angle as well.
I am mostly concerned about the described poor black levels, peak brightness, and contrast ratio. Given the recent deal for the M550NV at Walmart, does anyone think I can find a better TV than this for the same price range?
Thanks for your help! This is my first TV purchase and is going to be my Christmas present to my family. Please help me make it a good one!
I am mostly concerned about the described poor black levels, peak brightness, and contrast ratio. Given the recent deal for the M550NV at Walmart, does anyone think I can find a better TV than this for the same price range?
Thanks for your help! This is my first TV purchase and is going to be my Christmas present to my family. Please help me make it a good one!
I've had the M550NV now for 3 weeks, and have tried many settings. While the image is superb and really vibrant as long as there is no solid black images, like when the movie credits are rolling, or if the projected image is
50-55" 1080P plasmas are priced comparable to the M550NV.
Not to mention the 3 USB input ports which are non-functional.........
Thanks for the help! Is this true with all edge lit LED TVs or just this one has serious issues with it? I would love to have a plasma, but I am concerned as I have a son that like to play video games and pause it and leave it on for an hour before anyone notices. I'm also concerned about the lines that develop after years of watching letterbox movies. Just dont want to have the potential for it to be ruined.
Quote:
Originally Posted by polizzio /forum/post/19626470
I've had the M550NV now for 3 weeks, and have tried many settings. While the image is superb and really vibrant as long as there is no solid black images, like when the movie credits are rolling, or if the projected image is
50-55" 1080P plasmas are priced comparable to the M550NV.
Not to mention the 3 USB input ports which are non-functional.........
So after reading this thread and several other reviews from Amazon and Compusa, I finally broke down and replaced my2003 Mitsubishi RPHDTV.
I was long over due. I received an Apple TV for Christmas and my old TV did not even have HDMI. So I knew with the prices the way they were and facing the expense of eventually having to replace a bulb in the Mitsu, I took the plunge on this TV.
At first, I hooked it up to my SA 8300HD and things didn't look that different. Yeah a bit brighter and sharper but I was a bit disappointed. Came back here and used the settings someone above me recommended. That along with an hour or so of warm up and the picture was stunning.
I've since adjusted the following:
brightness: 40
Contrast: 68
Everything else is the same as STMAX.
Seems kind of odd but in my situation, the playback from the DVR actually seems cleaner and sharper that the actual broadcast. I was watching avatar last night and set it to record. Came back and the recording looks noticeably better. Is this possible?
Anyway, on with the review.
Very impressed with the the internet apps. Once the novelty wears off, I doubt I will use them much though. If I did not get the Apple TV, I would probably use the NetFlix. I did test the NetFlix and it worked well but I feel the picture quality thru the iTV was much better.
Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this TV and would HIGHLY recommend it.
Oh, the one downside so far, Glare. I have windows directly behind me and during the day, there is a glare on the screen that I didn't expect.
Now if anyone can tell me how to use this wonderful remote to turn on and off my DVR and receiver, I'd be really pleased.
*edit: So I just had a chat with Vizio tech support.
They do not have SA as a DVR option so my DVR control via the Vizio remote is limited to cable box functionality only.
I can not assign my "Favorites" button from my SA remote over to any corresponding button on the Vizio remote.
I can only control the power function of 2 devices (TV & Cable box) from the Vizio remote so I will still need to turn my stereo receiver on and off via the receiver remote.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ftboomer /forum/post/19719169
So after reading this thread and several other reviews from Amazon and Compusa, I finally broke down and replaced my2003 Mitsubishi RPHDTV.
I was long over due. I received an Apple TV for Christmas and my old TV did not even have HDMI. So I knew with the prices the way they were and facing the expense of eventually having to replace a bulb in the Mitsu, I took the plunge on this TV.
At first, I hooked it up to my SA 8300HD and things didn't look that different. Yeah a bit brighter and sharper but I was a bit disappointed. Came back here and used the settings someone above me recommended. That along with an hour or so of warm up and the picture was stunning.
I've since adjusted the following:
brightness: 40
Contrast: 68
Everything else is the same as STMAX.
Seems kind of odd but in my situation, the playback from the DVR actually seems cleaner and sharper that the actual broadcast. I was watching avatar last night and set it to record. Came back and the recording looks noticeably better. Is this possible?
Anyway, on with the review.
Very impressed with the the internet apps. Once the novelty wears off, I doubt I will use them much though. If I did not get the Apple TV, I would probably use the NetFlix. I did test the NetFlix and it worked well but I feel the picture quality thru the iTV was much better.
Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this TV and would HIGHLY recommend it.
Oh, the one downside so far, Glare. I have windows directly behind me and during the day, there is a glare on the screen that I didn't expect.
Now if anyone can tell me how to use this wonderful remote to turn on and off my DVR and receiver, I'd be really pleased.
*edit: So I just had a chat with Vizio tech support.
They do not have SA as a DVR option so my DVR control via the Vizio remote is limited to cable box functionality only.
I can not assign my "Favorites" button from my SA remote over to any corresponding button on the Vizio remote.
I can only control the power function of 2 devices (TV & Cable box) from the Vizio remote so I will still need to turn my stereo receiver on and off via the receiver remote.
Glad you like the TV. I have noticed that certain content looks amazing on it, while sometimes others doesnt look as amazing. Blu Ray in 1080p looks especially amazing on the tv.
I would really recomend getting one of the logitech harmony remotes. They are seriously one of the best purchases you can make if you have 3 or more devices in your home theater. Get at least the 700 though since it is rechargable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mxpx5678 /forum/post/19719964
Glad you like the TV. I have noticed that certain content looks amazing on it, while sometimes others doesnt look as amazing. Blu Ray in 1080p looks especially amazing on the tv.
I would really recomend getting one of the logitech harmony remotes. They are seriously one of the best purchases you can make if you have 3 or more devices in your home theater. Get at least the 700 though since it is rechargable.
Just curious what other people's settings are for this tv. I have ones similar to the ones posted above, but my picture was too dark when i used the ambient lighting sensor so I have my Backlighting at 40.
Just ordered another Harmony and the ps3 adapter for boxing day. I'm currently using an older Harmony with my Vizio, Amp, Cable box, DVD Recorder, and Satellite radio... wouldn't go without one now.
I still used the Harmony without the adapter as it set up all the inputs for the Vizio, amp etc. Then just used the PS3 controller to power it on and control the movie. This worked fine but I think the adapter might make it easier for the family, sitter etc.
I'm interested to know if any one here uses their ps3 for online gaming on the vizio 55" M550NV. I'm an avid gamer and would like to use the tv mostly for gaming and movies. I do a lot of online gaming and was wondering how this model held up. Thanks for any input.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BobbyDale /forum/post/19576562
Sorry for the late reply! This all happened prior to November 19th, so I will hook it up tonight and see what happens. I may be late in responding, but at least will give some others peace of mind; I just know it has not happened at all since I disconnected from my wireless connection.
I purchased this set on Friday. Since then, I have noticed it reboot twice at least. Each time, the entire picture shakes a little for a split second, than reboots. I have it hard wired to internet. Have not used the wireless at all. I just hope it was getting latest firmware that caused the reboots. I really do not want to take this back to store! Is there a place to verify the current firmware available so I can compare what is installed on my set to latest available. Also, can I force an update?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baldodome /forum/post/19753864
I purchased this set on Friday. Since then, I have noticed it reboot twice at least. Each time, the entire picture shakes a little for a split second, than reboots. I have it hard wired to internet. Have not used the wireless at all. I just hope it was getting latest firmware that caused the reboots. I really do not want to take this back to store! Is there a place to verify the current firmware available so I can compare what is installed on my set to latest available. Also, can I force an update?
I purchased an M550NV back in late September, it's great and I love it, except for one thing.
Has anyone noticed when you turn on the TV for the first few seconds after coming on the audio is choppy? I noticed it is this way through HDMI and was wondering if anyone else had that issue. After 30 seconds the audio is fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyberslammer /forum/post/19768261
I purchased an M550NV back in late September, it's great and I love it, except for one thing.
Has anyone noticed when you turn on the TV for the first few seconds after coming on the audio is choppy? I noticed it is this way through HDMI and was wondering if anyone else had that issue. After 30 seconds the audio is fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyberslammer /forum/post/19768261
I purchased an M550NV back in late September, it's great and I love it, except for one thing.
Has anyone noticed when you turn on the TV for the first few seconds after coming on the audio is choppy? I noticed it is this way through HDMI and was wondering if anyone else had that issue. After 30 seconds the audio is fine.
Originally Posted by mxpx5678
Are you using a receiver with your tv? I notice mine is that way too but I believe it is because the receiver is turning on.
I had my first random reboot yesterday. My wife turned on the tv and the logo flashed for about 2 minutes until the tv turned on.
I'm using a Comcast Digital Receiver connected through my HDMI port for HD TV...maybe it has something to do with the digital box.
Not doing anything special, that I know of. I was only present for one of them. Family reported the other. Since it was new, I am pretty sure at least 1 of them was upgrade of firmware. Has not done it after those first two. Each time it would flash the Vizio amber/white for few minutes. Than come back up as normal. We'll see how things go.
Has anyone seen the new firmware with Blockbuster & other things added to widget's on their 550? I seen on another post about VIA, that other models are seeing it already. Just curious.
Originally Posted by Baldodome
Not doing anything special, that I know of. I was only present for one of them. Family reported the other. Since it was new, I am pretty sure at least 1 of them was upgrade of firmware. Has not done it after those first two. Each time it would flash the Vizio amber/white for few minutes. Than come back up as normal. We'll see how things go.
Yeah I havent had it do it to me, just my wife. Vizio said that it could have just been some minor update or it could have been the tv thinking there was a power issue and it cycled itself to be sure.
Also heard from vizio that the rollout of the new apps is a phased approach and people will get them at different times.
Just turned on the M550NV and got the update version:
C3.2.3.3-MF-MP Dec 30,2010
Re-booted and we are up and running.
I see Blockbuster has streaming movies for $3.99. Any idea of the quality? 720P or 1080P?
What about Hulu?
System seems kinda sluggish now though.. Scrolling the menu seems sluggish. I'll delete some apps and see what happens.
*edit* - System seems fine now. Must have just been the software settling.
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