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"Nice TV but has some real problems with "firmware"" on by onebrit
Pros: Excellent value, Good picture, full feature, high written specification.
Cons: Slow startup, poor sound, appears not 100% feature/firmware tested
Summary: I am not an avid TV review specialist. More like a basic consummer. Purchased this TV after looking at different reviews including CNET that gave a 'very good' average. Purchased for under $1,400.00 (Costco). Unpacked and found easy to assemble although surprised how small/short the stand fixing screws are.
After first experience tried a compatible LG 55" TV. Found the picture quality did not match the Vizio. More 'blooming' across the screen. As Vizio could not use my existing Bose 321 sound system with the TV's Apps
Switched on and followed on screen directions without difficulty. Like to use "Pandora" music channel. Not installed by Vizio but looked at provided manual and found how to add under "Widget Gallery" and soon added and easily accessible. Manual says to exit press 'red button' on remote. This worked BUT when TV picture came on lasted only 3 seconds before automatically returning to Pandora? Tried again and this time 'blank screen' and controls locked up ??
Called Vizio support who were very courteous. After carrying out various tests, including returning to factory settings and re-booting. After this reboot I needed to add Pandora App again BUT noted the "Widget Gallery App" no longer available? I asked how I get Pandora back and was told "Yes, we removed 'Widget Gallery' - use 'Yahoo shop'. I found this difficult to accept as users always refer to the manual and this clearly states "Go to Widget Gallery App to add/remove new App's". NO ALTERNATIVE OFFERED? After 30 minutes advised should return for warranty repair or replacement (within 14 days).
Preffered to return to Costco for replacement. To my amazement and concern the second TV had identical Pandora problem. Called support again and after 30 minute discussion was told that after consulting technical department, who had tried two identical TV's in laboratory, acknowledged the problem and said "a Firmware update needed and should be sent (via built-in WiFi) as soon as possible".
I have used a smallet LCD Vizio TV for about 5 years and been very satisfied and really surprised a new model would be released to consummers without 100% testing/approval of ALL features.
Vizio did not offer any compensation for the problems which, of course, cost me half a day before I could use (less of course Pandora)?
Updated on Jan 26, 2012
The 3D feature was 'better'on LG. I really didn't like LG 'on screen menu's' - not as intuitive or flexible as the Vizio. Hated
the LG 'remote'. To many small buttons. I did see that there is an optional $50 online 'magic remote' but surprised Costco does not include as standard? Decided the Vizio the better choice.
Older Bose 321 system. Vizio had told me the problem of not being able to use decent sound system with, for example Netflix or Pandora, "could not be corrected at this time?".I found response unbelievable. On signing up with Direct TV asked technician-told me simply buy a cable with the I-Pod style plug coverting to twin 3.5 mm flying plugs. Connect the 3.5mm plugs to the Bose 321 sound in and connect the single to the TV audio out socket. He was correct. -
"Great TV with some 3D issues" on by SuperSoup2222
Pros: Great picture quality, great sound, and the Vizio Internet Apps work great.
Cons: The TV doesn't detect 3D from all sources.
Summary: Great TV but the 3D thing is a bit of a let down. Grant it I'm trying to use the 3D through an Xbox 360 which isn't a "3D ready device" per say but it does have games with 3D abilities on them. I just wish that you could turn on the 3D without having the TV detect it from an external device.
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"Huge Engineering Flaw Ruins TV" on by Justin5326
Pros: The picture quality is good, it could be a fantastic rival to Samsung with a timeless design
Cons: Vizio is an impossible company to navigate through when you have a problem, and this TV has a critical problem.
Summary: I bought this TV at the end of December - the unit was shipped to the retailer December 14th and I picked it up on December 29th. The picture is fantastic, Vizio apps were a nice added touch, the internet hooked right up . . . and then I hooked my HDMI cable box up to it.
Any HDMI cables broadcasting a signal to the TV create a high frequency squealing noise. If you're over 35-40 or don't have sensitive hearing and don't mind just turning the volume up a couple clicks its no big deal. For me at 28, it's maddening.
I called Vizio and they were very prompt in having a repair technician come out to the house. They sent him out with a new main board, power board, and bluetooth module for my TV, as well as his own blu-ray and HDMI cables to test it. He tested and confirmed hearing the issue, much louder now that the case of the TV was off. He replaced the parts one by one, testing each time to see if it helped the problem and each time the problem was identical. After this Vizio escalated my issues and said they were sending me out a new TV. This is where things got ugly.
The shipping company was so inconsiderate and incompetent that taking a half day off work wasn't enough, they completely missed their 4 hour delivery window by more than 2 hours and had to make me take a second half day to deliver the TV. When the TV finally arrived it was a refurbished unit with paint chipped off the stand mounting brackets and clear signs of wear and tear, I guess a new case was just too much money for Vizio to spend on a replacement unit for a TV that had left their factory less than 11 weeks ago. Icing on the cake, exact same identical issue as verified by their repair technician weeks prior.
I refused delivery and called Vizio back. I got snotty service from their Utah CSR and the call center supervisor. It took threatening small claims to recoup a days lost wages and the full cost of the TV to get the issue escalated to their corporate office. When I got a call from Irvine the next day the CSR read the same script with the same 'I don't care' attitude and was more concerned with regurgitating the same 3 sentence replacement policy rather than using their head and getting someone involved who could help. I've since gone to a few retailers and verified that floor models of the TV are making the same high frequency squeal, audible as far away as 15-20 feet to my ears.
I come from an engineering background, and told them on the phone from the start (as did their on site technician) that its a design issue with the electrical on the main board. Here I am two months later and countless hours wasted on the phone all trying to help a company out. It's so bloated and incompetent that each person I talked to refuses to even acknowledge there could be a problem with the TV design or involve someone that can speak to it.
Two months ago I was excited about a US based electronics company and wanted to help them fix an issue and avoid a larger recall or worse - as with the Samsung LNT line - a massive class action lawsuit that would cost them millions. Instead, I'm now taking my TV back to the retailer for a full refund and there's no chance I'll ever own a Vizio product for the rest of my life. -
"These reviews more helpful copy/paste >> *******/xmVEWi" on by McArketling
Pros: Vizio is always a great value and pound for pound, no other LED LCD maker comes close to giving you as much for this amount of money.
Cons: 3D could be a little better
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"Okay, but not great internet services." on by spdickey1
Pros: Has Pandora
Cons: No YouTube. Beginning 1/3/12, you won't be able to watch movies from Blockbuster On Demand on your Vizio device.
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