Review on the 55" M
This is the 55" B2 model which has a different panel than all the other size panels. That includes models of the E and P series also.
PROS:
1. IPS panel mostly solves the narrow viewing angle of a typical VA panel (but see below),
2. FALD (Full Array Local Dimming). Not a edge lit panel that usually suffers from flashlighting and bright spots (but see below),
3. US based support (South Dakota). No worry about trying to converse with someone from who knows where,
4. Direct input selection (with an optional programmable remote). No more cycling through the input list to use another device. This is a huge plus.
5. Fast boot up (7 seconds) and fast channel changing unlike many other tuners,
6. Ability to skip the channel search and add channels later without doing a full scan thus preventing unwanted stations to be skipped in the channel list.
7. Generous advanced picture adjustments, (but no gamma adjustment),
8. No unwanted 3D or other so called questionable 'features'
CONS:
1. The fine detail (especially noticeable with facial closeups and any scene with fine detail (grass for example) is lacking. Not a huge difference, but noticeable with side by side comparisons of numerous other sets. Setting the sharpness up to 60 partly solves the problem without adding excessive enhancement though many purists will frown doing this. The 60" VA panel isn't as bad.
2. Without the local dimming on, black levels will suffer with a IPS panel. But at least you don't have to be glued to one "sweet spot" with a VA panel.
3. Local dimming will cause some 'odd effects' which are usually just noticed during 'dark scenes" (nighttime shots and dimly lit indoor scenes),
4. The only function available on the set itself is power and input selection. No column, channel and most important NO menu access. If your remote and/or IR receiver goes south you are out of luck, Bad place to cut corners,
5. One combined composite/component shared input. Another bad idea to 'cut corners'. Many still have legacy equipment that need both types. At least provide one of each.
6. The tuner signal level/condition indicator is buried under "System Info" instead of being available in the 'Info Bar' as it is for the WiFi connection and with many other sets.
7. Small remote, small buttons, small text that is hard to read, especially on the back side with the keyboard. The main side is not lighted which adds to the problems, but the keyboard side is. Where is the logic there?? Then add a short timeout of the backlight (3 seconds). If you aren't a typist, forget it unless you have decent lighting.
8. Firmware updates are fully automatic which sounds good, but there is no notice that you are getting one and no easy way to stop it from happening. It is well known that firmware updates can cause new problems. Real bad idea. At least give the owner a choice of manual or auto updates.
9. Slightly higher power consumption than some others (160 watts with the backlight on full, 100-120 watts in normal operation). Surely not a Plasma or a 4k set, but it is higher than many. (Yes, these 4k sets are the new power hogs).
10. Poor stand. The metal base that is used is too thin which causes forward & backwards rocking when bumped. It doesn't appear unsafe, but there is no reason for this. Also, the stand has to be completely assembled to the set first before placing it on the table. With other sets, their stand allows the panel to be lowered into place, then the screws are inserted. A far better design.
11. The gray/silver plastic cover to that stand is cheap looking and distracting as is that trim piece around the bezel. The stand should not stand out visually.
12. Lastly, as far as I can tell, part of the problem with damaged Vizio sets is the lack of depth to their boxes. They are too thin with insufficient packaging material protecting the panel. I was able to compare this set with a 60" Sharp that were both boxed, on the floor of a local retailer. The Sharp was much larger. More so than just a larger panel. It looked like it was a 65" set, not 60". They have much thicker Styrofoam inserts than Vizio has.
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Some of these 'Cons' can, or should be fairly easy to fix. Many are just not fully thought out when these were disigned.
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Note about the reports of problems using wireless Ethernet. I had no problem with connectivity, but my router is only 15-20' away. I had no intention of using wireless due to reception issues and the hassle of security. Besides, running a Cat5e (or Cat6) cable isn't a big deal (if you know what you are doing). You never have to worry about interference of security issues.
I can't believe some actually returned their set just because of WiFi problems. That's the same as returning a vehicle just because a radio station wasn't receivable.
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