2009 Vizio XVT Series: 240Hz, USB input, LED backlight [NO PRICE TALK] - Page 167

Yes, that is what I am saying, sorta. Keep in mind that the mp4 container can carry lots of different audio and video codec files within it. So not all mp4 files are the same. I hope that makes sense.

Hello, I have the SV472XVT 47" LED, just with out the Internet apps. Everything else is the same.

When I play anything in 1080P and it's a movie, it seems like the screen isn't filling in all the way. Example, on a 1.85:1 film source, there's about an inch of black on the top and bottom, when there shouldn't be anything. Same no 2:35:1, I know there should be black bars on the top and bottom, but it almost seems that the picture is too small.

I've tried going into the settings, but you can't edit any picture size settings on 1080P. This isn't a complaint about the black bars, just that I know on a 16:9 screen, a 1:85:1 film source should fill the screen.

Any ideas?

Anyway, I've noticed it for awhile, and just figured I would come here to ask the question.

Thanks!

Whatever became of your smart-dimming issues? Still occurring or did it work out on your 553? I received a replacement VF552XVT (had a problem with a section of dimming where it was always black). I've been out of the loop on this thread the past few months, but I've tested for the smart-dimming you mention and do not see it after a couple of days of viewing. I checked my firmware and it is version: Vizio_c1.2.22_RC2.

I have a 552.

My banding problem ("mini-blinds") has disappeared. Maybe from a firmware update.

I have no problem with smart dimming. Sometimes my picture does "jump" to all black, usually during opening or closing credits on a movie, but this does not bother me.

The problem still plaguing my TV is severe pixellation when scenes have flickering fire or quick flashes, like lightning, explosions and flash bulbs (concert footage). No one else has reported this problem, so maybe it's my cable signal and not my 552.

If it's comcast it probably is. A lot of my pixellation went away after I switched to DirecTV. But it still depends on the signal being sent. I seems some stations are better than other.

My banding problems have gone away too. Comcast compresses HD signals pretty bad so that may be the issue.

I'm glad to see the banding issue was corrected. It also seems my previous settings on my SV472XVT are a little bright and not as much contrast.

What picture settings are people with this set running?

My 553 still has the dimming problem- I've given up and just keep the smart dimming turned off. Last time I talked to someone at Vizio they said only 'discriminating' viewers have noticed it. He didn't make it clear whether this was ever going to be fixed, but this'll just be something else I'll have to look for when selecting my next TV in a few years.

BTW the aspect ratio of a widescreen TV is 1.78:1, so slight letterboxing is still needed to display a movie shot in 1.85. The way some of those are shot they can 'cheat' a little and have it fill the whole screen, do a Google search to find explanation on that.

So I read a post two pages back that discussed the LEDs flashing/strobing when the screen goes completely black (i.e. when going from a program/movie to a commercial).

I have this exact same problem. I have only seen it on my cable feed (Comcast), not during blu-rays/DVDs. I know my TV has been updating its firmware, as I now have the "V" symbol when it turns on.

Is this flashing/strobing a commonly-known problem? Has Vizio acknowledged it or responded? Is there anything I should do besides wait for another firmware update?

Other than that, I am VERY impressed with this TV. This issue doesn't happen often. Usually TV stations cut directly from the program to commercial without any dead-time. But any time there is a pause between programming and commercials, the issue is very evident.

Thanks,
Cook

I applaud you for getting Vizio to replace your 552 with a 553, but find it hard to believe it was do to the backlighting turning "OFF". We've been interested in getting a Vizio since the introduction of the 551 and always understood from their description of achieving extreme black levels is by turning "OFF" the backlights (LED's).

Maybe I just do not understand? Care to explain?

FYI, the following is from Vizio's website...

Form the Vizio 551 website: TrueLed - "This direct type, backlit LED HDTV is comprised of 960 LEDs divided into 80 control blocks and utilities Smart Dimming to intelligently control these blocks turning them on and completely off based on the content you're watching.", and "Smart Dimming creates 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio enabling us to achieve the richest black levels by intelligently controlling these 80 blocks of LEDs, turning them on and completely off - and richer blacks mean brighter, more bold colors."

From the Vizio 552 website: TrueLed - "This direct type, backlit HDTV is comprised of 960 LEDs divided into 80 control blocks and utilities Smart Dimming to intelligently control these blocks turning them on and completely off based on the content you're watching.", and "Smart Dimming intelligently controls each blocks of LEDs, turning them on and completely off achieving richer, darker blacks with better uniformity and brighter, more bold colors."

From the Vizio 553 website: TrueLed - "This direct type, backlit HDTV utilizes Smart Dimming to intelligently control LED blocks turning them on and completely off based on the content you're watching.", and "Smart Dimming intelligently controls each blocks of LEDs, turning them on and completely off achieving richer, darker blacks with better uniformity and brighter, more bold colors."

From the Vizio 554 website: TrueLed - "This full array, backlit HDTV is comprised of hundreds of LEDs divided into 120 control blocks and utilizes Smart Dimming to intelligently control these blocks turning them on and completely off based on the content you're watching.", and "Smart Dimming intelligently controls each block of LEDs, turning them on and completely off achieving richer, darker blacks with better uniformity and brighter, bolder colors."

And from the Vizio 3D650 website: Smart Dimming intelligently controls each block of LEDs, turning them on and completely off achieving richer, darker blacks with better uniformity and brighter, bolder colors.

Tom

note: in August, 2010, we finally ended up with two 553's and could not be happier with them and with how their extreme blacks are achieved.

I'll chime in with my experiences with my 551. I too had the dimming problem with my 551. When watching a show on cable, the whole screen would get lighter (grayer), whenever white credits would appear on the screen. When the credits would go away, the screen would get dark again (it was like turning "on" and "off" a light switch). This was very distracting and made such shows not bearable to watch (for me).

After talking to Vizio (who said it was a bad set), they informed me that I could purchase a 553 at my local Costco (and get refunded for the 551). Now watching the same shows, I do not experience these problems. Is it the new set? Is it some different settings? I dunno. I will say this, however, it is a superior set to its 551 sibling. The PQ is much better, the blacks are better, and VIA is pretty cool to have. I'm happy with the 553 and how Vizio took care of me.

I had this using DirecTV. I disabled the 480i Format and left 480p, 1080i and 1080p video output. This stopped the problem. I don't know if you have that option on the comcast box or not.

I think there is in the setup menu. Power DVR off and press either Guide or menu and that will take you to it. change 480i override to 480p. I think that's how you do it, it's been a while.

Just ordered my SV422XVT yesterday. Nice price drop through Dell. Getting ready to order my wall mount. Was planning on ordering the 4652 from Monoprice, unless anyone else has a better suggestion.

So on the back of my 551 I can see through the plastic grill there is a red blinking light. Does anyone else notice this? It's fairly obvious and easy to see and it's on the top back left of the tv.

If you have a 551 and can look at your back easily please help me out and have a gander = )

Thnks

I'm wondering if anyone has success with pairing the 552 remote with a PS3 yet?

About every three months I try it out, but cannot get them to sync. I've also sent Vizio tech a few letters trying to get help on this (confirming one way or the other if it works or not) and have never heard back about it.

If they cannot be paired, can anyone suggest a cheap* universal remote that works for both, including the use of the VIA widgets?

It is just so inconvenient to use the PS3 controller for blu-rays and Netflix, especially with the auto shutoff. Before purchasing a PS3 remote, I'd like to know what other options I have.
_

*I say 'cheap' because the PS3 and 552 are the only devices I use a remote for and have no need for a Harmony that would [not] control several other devices.

Well, have had the VF552XVT for about a month now - was great, up until last nite. Started with the wifi not working a few days ago, a few random reboots, and now these lovely messed-up pixels/lines. Sadly, its even in the V logo at bootup

Waiting on a call back from Vizio, sent these pictures their way.

Mind the quality (phone cam) but well - things are a wee bit screwed up!

Well, for anyone wanting to know (for the sake of the search button), Vizio got back to me, said it looked like Wifi card problems, and display issues - offered to repair, or replace it (my choice)

Due to the display issues, I opted for a replace, a new set should be here in 8-10 days, they said the delivery guys will drop the new set off, and take the old one with them.

I'll admit, its a tad annoying watching some shows, but as long as Vizio comes thru, +1 to them, made this exchange painless (for now!). Much better than waiting for a tech to come out, to say "yep, it's broken"

Just not sure if they will send a 552 out - only as its OOS on their website, but they said to call in a few days for tracking, etc!

Well, my 19 month old SV421XVT LCD HDTV just bit the dust today. Up until now, it's been pretty much a flawless performer.

We had Meet the Press on this morning and after about 30 to 45 minutes, the HD picture quality took a major dump, with super graininess, distortion, pixelation up the wazoo, and generally weird colors.

I turned off my 421 and Dish HD DVR satellite box. I checked all connections & cables to/from my 421. I then reset the 421 picture quality to factory default settings. I then swapped in new HDMI cables. Finally, I played a Blu-Ray in my BD70V player. Unfortunately, none of the above did anything to improve the extremely low definition and distorted image quality seen on my 421 (although the process eliminated everything else and directly implicated my 421).

Interestingly, we find that if we leave the 421 off for about an hour and then turn it back on, the HD picture quality comes right back. However, about 1/2 hour later, the picture quality takes a dump again. So, whatever it is, it appears to be heat dependent. Additionally, anything in black & white (like movie credits), are crystal clear.

Luckily, we have a 4-year warranty through Square Trade, so I have initiated a claim. Trouble is, we live out in the middle of nowhere, so it likely means that we have a very long drive ahead of us to a distant repair center or a pricy shipping bill.

Anyone get the new firmware update? My internet went down while it was trying to pull the update and I never got it. Interesting though... this was the first time I've seen a message on the screen about a new firmware.

Does Vizio ever release what the firmware is actually fixing?

I have not seen any notice of an update yet. What is your new firmware number, please?

Well, it never downloaded the firmware due to lost internet connection but I had written down the number on the screen. Msg said it was downloading MP-CFE-SF0713. I wonder when my tv will try to get the update again.

I've looked on some of the newer Vizio tv threads and people are reporting they've received an update.

I wish there were a way to turn off automatic updates, apart from disconnecting from the internet. My 552 is working perfectly. I really don't want my tv to update. I need it connected to the internet so I can stream Netflix. This was my one gripe about Vizio. You should always have an option to update or not. I never liked these rolling updates.

Completely agree but.... I still see imperfections in the picture that need to be fixed from the last firmware. These problems I still see are from 'blinds' effect, fire, scrolling text (espn). I find that none of those things are perfected yet.

I just got an update thus morning. the version is the same, so I am assuming (didn't check) that the widget sever/code got updated.

Hello,

New to the forums. I got the XVT473sv a couple of months back, and as most people on here, the tv is connected via WiFi. I turned the TV on this morning and it said that it was doing a firmware update and it will restart. But of course it didn't. I waited and waited, but the Vizio light just blinks from amber/white for a while, and then just stops trying. I tried holding the power button down for 30 seconds and keeping it unplugged, but got the same result. Any thoughts on how to fix this?

Cheers,

My 552 updated tonight when I got home from work. I have yet to see any changes that are visible.

Re-post: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...7#post21703027

I feel for you lokilarry. A $2000 paper weight is no fun, although I don't notice jerky motion. I feel very mixed about Vizio and this particular VF552XVT model. I had a XVT470 and liked it so I wanted to get the VF552XVT when it came out. By the way, my original 47' is still cooking just fine after about 6 years. I bought the VF552XVT as part of some VIP program and was pretty excited since I liked my 47" and at the time the VF552XVT sets were just coming out. Side note; I received a blu-ray player and High Def sound bar and sub woofer for filling out a series of six reviews. Funny thing is I'm looking to my left here in my office and the High Def Soundbar and wireless woofer is boxed -- I still haven't opened it. Geezz - What a promotion!

Anyway, I started having issues not too long before my warranty was about to expire on my VF552XVT. It was an 8" circular area on the screen that was always black. It was annoying and quite noticeable on a white background.

Then, when I contacted technical support they wanted a set of pictures to show the defect. Well, every time I took a picture there was glare or some other problem they saw so I was asked to repeat the picture. Hey, the room is dark, I'm not a liar, and I'm not a professional photographer. Needless to say, I was getting annoyed feeling like I was getting the run around, and I was in a bad mood anyway as I was leaving town for a major surgery. After more tries than I can remember sending photos back and forth I just wanted to invite somebody from Vizio over for popcorn and a movie. They would see the defect before Andy Dufresne was arrested for murder in The Shawshank Redemption. I eventually had a good idea and contacted the guy I bought the TV from during the VIP program who took care of me nicely without a hassle. I had a replacement TV shipped out and I got a four year warranty-- which I HATED TO DO, on the TV but I was worried I'd end up with a $2,000 paper weight in a month. Like I said, I feel for you man.

I can't say my experience with Vizio's technical support was anything but a frustration and an absolute total waste of time!! On the other hand the replacement TV has been working fine and the original guy I bought it from supported me well. Still, I'm usually not a repeat buyer from a manufacturer if I feel they requires an extended warranty -- and especially after such a terrible and total lack of technical support. I definitely can say I'm not a loyal Vizio customer but both my 47XVT and VF552XVT replacement set seem to be chugging along -- if of course I haven't just jinxed myself. I guess I need to knock on some wood.

Finally decided to give this one a shot. I had fallen in love with the PQ of the LG LE8500 last year, and looked at a xvt473sv which seemed pretty close in PQ to the LG.

However, with the 553, I am not seeing the clarity that I saw in the LG or the 473. Any explanations on this? Do smaller TVs give greater clarity?

I am just not seeing the dynamic range of detail in contrast. Images look either brutally contrasty (vivid) or dull in movie mode. I have tried several calibration settings that I found on this site and Cnet's as well and have played with the settings, but I am just not awed by the PQ on this set. Clarity and sharpness varies to scene to scene in the same movie.

Would love any help, as I really want to love this TV.

Ain't THAT the truth! Their Facebook page today says their customer service department just won an award too, but come to think of it I've contacted a few electronics companies in the past few years and most were incredibly inept- Pioneer had the only people who sounded like they actually had an idea how their stuff worked.