Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The dirty little secret when buying consumer electronics is to not buy them when they first come out, because there are bound to be bugs and defects among the first units manufactured. The manufacture is bound to discover these problems, make the necessary correction(s), and the subsequent lots should not have the same issues. This Vizio model is no exception.
I too have had the audio problem, where the audio distorts after a set amount of time. When I went to exchange it, I made sure the replacement was from a different lot than the first, that way I am bound to get a unit that shouldn't have the same problems as what I had before. My new unit works perfectly. For reference my first unit was made on 11/09 and my new unit was made 02/10.
Vizio has also made several firmware updates between the two sets I tried out. The first TV had version 2.06 and the second 2.13. I have no idea what improvements were made, but it could relate to the audio problem.
What I like about this TV is that since it has a glass panel, the image resembles what a HD CRT would produce. It really smooths out the picture and gives a better image quality that a matte finished LCD panel can't deliver. A typical LCD TV can produce a sharp picture, but at the same time it looks a little hazy to me. You certainly can't get a glossy panel for a TV of that size anywhere that I know of. If you like the look that a CRT TV or a plasma gives you will probably like this TV. I am also surprised that Vizio was able to deliver a LED TV at this price point.
I also really like the styling of this TV. It has the appearance of a high-end TV, something like what Bang & Olafson would produce. An the fancy touch panel controls are a nice touch. I would like to purchase a 27" or 32" of this same style of set, but unfortunately Vizio only makes this style in in 19" & 23".
The sound, if you get a properly working unit, is quite good. It looks to me Vizio put a smaller version of their HD sound bar into this set, because the SRS Surround technology really expands the sound coming from the TV. I didn't find the sound to be "tinny" at all. As others had reported the sound quickly goes from silent to loud.
The remote control only has one IR emitter on it, so if you are fairly close to the TV you need to point it toward the IR receiver to work properly. If you stand back a few feet, then you should have less problems. You best bet is to use a universal remote control (like the one provided by your satellite of cable provider), because many of them have at least 2 IR emitters giving you a wider range for transmission.
This TV also features a light sensor that can automatically adjust the picture in relation to the light in the room. Be aware you can't use this feature at the same time as the 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio feature. For me the dynamic contrast ratio feature works better for me.
For some reason Vizio doesn't advertise the fact that you have the ability to pause live TV (like a DVR), if you plug in a flash drive on the back of the TV. This TV also can play a play a slide-show of pictures on a flash drive.
For those that already own this TV and are unhappy with it, I would encourage you to exchange it at the store of purchase or have Vizio replace it. No one should have to live with the defect(s) if Vizio corrected it in later runs.
**UPDATE: I have seen that several other retail outlets are no longer carry this product, it appears it is being replaced by a more conventional design, that lacks the glossy screen. If you are interested in this product, be sure to get it as soon as soon as possible.
**UPDATE 2: Vizio as released a firmware update for this product (version 2.23), if you are having problems with this prodcut, be sure to download it. It may correct your issue.
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VIZIO VM230XVT 23-Inch XVT-Series 23-Inch 1080p LED LCD HDTVWith a profile that tapers down to less than an inch, the 23-inch VIZIO VM230XVT Razor LED LCD HDTV offers full 1080p High Definition resolution for crystal clear images, brilliant color, rich detail and deep contrast, all in a sleek, razor-thin design. This HDTV is a pleasure to look at on or off, with a full edge-to-edge cover glass and invisible proximity touch controls that illuminate as your hand draws near (and fade away once you're done). The LCD LED TV also includes an ambient light sensor, ensuring you always get the best picture and most efficient energy use by adjusting the TV's brightness based on the lighting conditions of your room. And when you're not watching TV, the VM230XVT can be used as a digital picture frame to enjoy a slideshow of your family and friends. Advanced sound technologies from SRS Labs and green, energy-saving technologies seal the deal.
Razor LED VIZIO is the first to bring LED technology to smaller-sized LCD HDTVs. This mercury-free, energy-efficient, razor-thin HDTV achieves a 20,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, giving you deeper blacks and brighter whites.
1080P Full HD Full 1080P High Definition resolution gives you over 2 million pixels, making the clarity and detail of your picture razor sharp.
Slim Profile and a Clean, Contemporary Look These TVs have an ultra-slim profile, tapering down to less than an inch thick, and just 1.65 inches at their thickest point.
They feature a stylish, modern aesthetic with full edge-to-edge cover glass, and can be tilted up to 25 degrees
Illuminated Touch Controls with Proximity Sensor The VM230XVT features proximity sensitive touch controls that illuminate when your hand draws near, and fade away once you're done, adding further to the unit's sleek and buttonless design.
Ambient Lighting Energy efficient sensors auto-adjust brightness for the perfect picture regardless of room conditions.
SRS Audio Technologies SRS TruVolume evens out dynamics to limit volume inconsistencies between programming. SRS TruSurround HD delivers immersive virtual high-definition surround sound out of the unit's two speakers.
Green Technologies VIZIO's Eco HD models exceed the current Energy Star guidelines by 56% below Energy Star 3.0, which saves you money on your utility bills while limiting the impact on our planet.
Thought was put into construction as well--the display's LED backlights do not utilize mercury, an environmentally harmful substance used in other backlights.
Digital Photo Viewing The VM230XVT also lets you enjoy a slideshow of your family and friends (via USB Drive).
VM230XVT Inputs
HDMI with HDCP: 2
RF Connector for Internal Tuner: 1
Component YPbPr plus Stereo Audio: 1
S-Video: 1
Computer RGB: 1
USB Port: 1
VM230XVT Outputs
SPDIF Digital Optical: 1
Headphones: 1 (side)
One-Year Warranty VIZIO provides a one-year warranty on its products for extra peace of mind in your purchase.
What's in the Box Vizio VM230XVT XVT-Series 23-inch 720p LED LCD HDTV, Remote Control, Power Cable, Stand, User's Manual
Click here for more information about VIZIO VM230XVT 23-Inch XVT-Series 23-Inch 1080p LED LCD HDTV
