Vizio Razor M3D550SR

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.

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

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

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.