Vizio XVT3D474SV user reviews

Pros Picture quality is just amazing
Sound is also quite good
Easy setup
The internet apps are excellent
Back lit TV with smart dimming
Bluray looks excellent

Cons There is no SD slot

Summary The setup, including unboxing, took all of 15 minutes, thanks to easy onscreen directions. WiFi and bluetooth (for the great remote) are both nearly automatic to set up. The remote with QWERTY keyboard makes entering long strings and searches really simple and intuitive. In the middle of the setup, I added a new Apple TV, and both Apple and Vizio made it really simple. I had to wait on both units to do their automatic firmware updates before using the system, but it was worth it, as new services have been added.

The TV is all black and the lighted "Vizio" name at the bottom quickly gets out of the way- non obtrusive, unlike some brands. The stand comes preinstalled and is plenty sturdy. I wish the TV had a matte screen, but so far glare has not been a problem for my application. When you first turn the TV on, it takes a few seconds for anything other than the homescreen to come on, probably because it has to initialize the web connection and some of the apps, the only minor negative I've encountered.

Picture quality is just amazing- I defy anyone to show me a TV with any other as good (and I looked a lot). The presets are great right out of the box, and I don't feel a need to do a full custom calibration. Sound is also quite good, thanks to some decent wattage, speakers (although small) and virtual surround sound. Most other TVs totally skimp on sound, figuring you'll use a home theater sound system anyway. If you want to go that route, it is easy to connect to audio, in half a dozen different ways. There are also plenty of HDMI ports for multiple devices. 3 USB ports are also there, and I understand the latest firmware update finally turned them on. (A full-featured Blu-Ray player can easily add other peripherals such as SD card readers and other USB support.) My Panny 210 3D BR player, and Vizio 3D glasses (get them through Amazon- cheaper...) have arrived, and the 3D experience is pretty good, although there is a little ghosting. I consider any 3D at all a bonus and not a deal-breaker.

It's not just about the awesome specs- this picture delivers. Colors are accurate and nearly jump off the screen. Depth of field is remarkable- almost looks like 3D on some high-end TV shows (and just with an antenna so far). One reason for this is there are so many shades of grey available and viewable, along with true black, that one sees much more detail in the background of a scene than one may be be used to. Mixed with the decent built in sound, this is a true HD experience. (Sales people in my local BestBuy know this set and said they wish BB would carry this and other Vizio TVs for the value they offer.)

The internet apps are excellent, launch quickly, and can stay out of the way. Regular programming is always viewable while you use/watch an app. The whole system is really intuitive and simple to navigate. HuluPlus and Pandora are two of the most recent additions. No YouTube yet, but it's available on most WiFi Blu-ray players and Apple TV anyway.

There is no iPhone app to control the TV, but there probably will be. In the meantime, the bluetooth remote that comes with the TV is simple and straightforward to use, very powerful.

Conclusion: This TV is a great size for an average living room. It is beautiful to look at even when turned off. It is a real performer that has as good a picture as the over-the-top specs would lead one to expect. The sound, while not as good as a dedicated home theater system, is much more than decent, and likely good enough for most people. There are many, many inputs and outputs. If you care about it, the TV comes with active 3D. It is fairly thin and hardly uses any electricity. The warrantee (and add on warrantees) are good and not overpriced. Shop around all you want- then take a look at this one. It is the best value in its class IMHO.

P.S. You can compare for best price before you buy this TV at: www.lowest-pricing.info/VIZIO-XVT3D474SV

Good Luck!