Which Local Dimming LED LCD to get? (VF551XVT vs 55SV670U)

Hello-

I'm in the market for a 55"+ local dimming LED LCD

I've pretty much narrowed my choices down to:

UN55B8500
55SV670U
VF551XVT

Though I include the UN55B8500 (it's very sexy ) it's actually pretty much out of the picture due to cost unless some crazy deal comes out on it. So actually don't take it into account.

I can get the VF551XVT at the best price, with the 55SV670U being a little more.

Are there any advantages of the 55SV670U? From my reading it seems like the VIZIO set is actually the better choice - is this true?

I came across the claim in some threads that the VIZIO set uses the exact same panel as the set of another manufacturer (Samsung? LG?) What panel does the VIZIO set use?

I've also ran across the 55LH90 - but excluded it because it didn't seem to have any benefit over the VF551XVT / 55SV670U and is considerably more expensive - any reason to change my mind about this?

I would like to make the purchase in the next few weeks (have 'heard' that deals on displays happen right after the super bowl - but regardless of this i still wish to make the purchase soon)



TL;DR:

I want a 55" LED LCD! VF551XVT and 55SV670U are in my price range (VF551XVT cheaper / longer warranty) - which one! (or suggest another set!)

I actually had ordered a UN55B8000 at a crazy price a while back but it was canceled due to a 'price mistake.'

I was considering that set but decided against it due to the lack of local dimming and that it commands a hefty price premium over the VIZIO / Toshiba.

But I do love the UN55B8000's looks - so would you say in general the picture is significantly superior? I was under the impression that local dimming gave a noticeable gain in contrast over edge-lit.





At the moment [barring any super deals on the Samsung UN55B8X00] i'm really leaning towards the VIZIO - seems as if Toshiba has better 'on paper' specifications but i don't know if that's worth the price premium - especially as it looks as if the VIZIO operates and is calibrated better 'out of the box' - The CNET 'geekbox' test shows the VIZIO handily out performing the Toshiba (I'm very unlikely to spend hours calibrating myself unless there is a guide / utility for me to run so i can simply input settings)

My room is an open one and will be lit most of the time, though the blinds are decent enough to prevent sunlight directly impacting the set.

The LH90's are a little more than the Toshiba but still a good chunk above the Vizio.

Is there any reason to get the LH90? How many LED zones does the LH90 feature / any comments on the panel? I've read that it has the same number of zones as the VIZIO and that the VIZIO is almost a 'clone' of it.

The price jump from LH90 to UN55B8000 is again doable.. but is the UN55B8000 preferable from PQ standpoint in spite of the lack of local dimming?

bit on the Vizio from Costco. Purchased it with AMEX too so 3 year warranty.

still in the box at the moment.. Costco has 90 day return policy so holding out for a bit to see if any deals come around.. but i might get weak and open it

OPENED!

Any guides for calibration / settings?

I still do have a 90 day return period so if any of you think i should return and purchase something else - let me know!

OKAY!

So it looks like the price on the 55SV670U has dropped by a significant amount at a store - so I can actually get it for CHEAPER than the VIZIO now - and I can return the VIZIO to Costco still

So: should I?

I'm really worried about the bad 'geekbox' scores at CNET - though hometheatremag gives a glowing review of the 46" version of the Toshiba.

Stick with the VIZIO or go for the Toshiba?

bump

Any specific reasons guys?

This is the glowing review of the 46" version of the 670U i was referring to: http://www.hometheatermag.com/flat-p...670u_lcd_hdtv/


The price difference between the VIZIO and the Toshiba will now allow me to get a 'free PS3' / have cash to go towards an HTPC with the money saved


The Toshiba seems to have better technical specifications on paper than the VIZIO - but the CNET review geekbox scores are bad - but the HTM review is excellent


I think the gloss on the Toshiba will make the picture 'pop'? I'm able to control lighting in my room if necessary.


The VIZIO does have that additional extra year warranty - but I don't value that as high as getting a better set.


Comments?

Hello again guys :]

IF YOU'RE READING THIS - I need advice before the first week of May (return policy) So thank you in advance

Still have my VIZIO.. and was considering holding onto it (because it is fairly nice, and I got lazy - i'm not as altruistic as you guys about not using my costco powers )

BUT!

The TV seems to have a problem, on HD channels the audio will work intermittently - meaning there will be no audio, but if the TV is turned on/off audio may/may not work.

I've down troubleshooting with other cables etc. etc. and isolated the problem to the TV itself..

So now I have to either get a replacement of the same model... or a different one!


As of now: I can get the 55SV670U at the best price - but under $100 difference from the 55LH90 - so the price difference is not relevant between those two sets at this point - sooo i'm leaning towards the 55LH90

Any new 55"+ LED LCD sets I should be looking at??

I've also opened up my parameters to non-LED LCD's if the size is 60"-65"+ and in the same price range (a good quality set of course) - heh once the TV was in my room I realized my wall was pretty big - at the moment i've come across the LC-60E77UN and LC-C6077UN within my price range [similar prices between both models] (I think they're nearly identical sets spec wise...?)


Any advice would be appreciated!