Vizio XVT553SV

*Est. $1,600

Reviewed

June 2011

Pros

Great picture quality
Internet features
Value
Remote control with keyboard

Cons

Some blooming artifacts
No 3D
Styling
Off-angle viewing isn't the best

Where to Buy

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Like many Vizio TVs, reviewers are very impressed with the value of the 55-inch XVT4553SV. However, what really blows most away is the picture quality and the features -- especially Internet features. This is an LCD TV with a full-matrix LED backlight with local dimming. That technology helps the XVT553SV produce blacks that put it in the upper echelon of flat-panel displays. Picture quality is further enhanced by colors that critics say are accurate and well saturated. Uniformity is excellent -- something that can't be said for all LED TVs, and especially for those that use edge lighting in place of the full matrix used here. However, like many full matrix displays, blooming -- an artifact that shows up as a halo around very bright objects surrounded by dark areas -- is present. Off-axis viewing isn't a strength of this TV, but the XVT553SV is also not the worst in that regard. The TV's styling, while not out-and-out ugly, elicits more yawns than raves.

On the features front, Internet capabilities steal the show. Vizio has an extensive lineup of partners that covers all the major bases, and most of the minor ones as well. But what sets things apart even more is the XVT553SV's remote control, which includes a slide-out QWERTY keyboard that makes using those Internet features a whole lot easier. One thing that is missing is 3D. If that's a must-have, the Samsung UN55D8000 (*Est. $2,600) offers a satisfying 3D experience, great Internet features of its own and solid picture quality with terrific blacks but only so-so uniformity. However, it is also notably more expensive. If you are looking for a smaller screen sizes, the series includes the 47-inch Vizio XVT473SV (*Est. $1,400) . Also, note that while this set is current, it was introduced in 2010 and is due to be replaced later this year by a new version that includes passive 3D.

Lots of reviews are available for the 55-inch Vizio XVT553SV. Most will find the one at CNET pretty useful, though the technically obsessed will also appreciate the report at TelevisionInfo.com. PCMag.com also weighs in with a testing-based report. HDTVSolutions.com and AVGuide.com test the 47-inch version of the TV, but, as both reviewers note, conclusions can be accurately applied to the 55-inch Vizio XVT553SV as well. User reviews haven't had a chance to really accumulate as of yet, but a good handful can be read at Amazon.com.

Samsung UN55D8000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver) [2011 MODEL]

from Amazon.com

New: $3,599.99

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

VIZIO XVT473SV 47-inch Class Full Array TruLED LCD HDTV 240 Hz SPS with VIZIO Internet Apps

from Amazon.com

New: $1,299.99

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

VIZIO XVT553SV 55-Inch Class Full Array TruLED with Smart Dimming LCD HDTV 240 Hz SPS with VIZIO Internet Apps
(217 reviews) Buy new: $1,699.99 2 Used from $1,217.99

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
543 store reviews	In Stock.	$1,347.74	See It
466 store reviews	In Stock.	$1,049.98	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. CNET

CNET puts the Vizio XVT553SV through its paces and, at the end, names it an Editors' Choice LCD TV for 2010. Features -- save for 3D -- are the most complete and usable of any tested TV. However, despite more blooming than in some local dimming LEDs, picture quality seals the deal, with great colors and black levels that hold their own against the best LCD TVs and even most plasma TVs.

Review: Vizio XVT553SV, David Katzmaier, Updated Feb.16, 2011

2. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

The Vizio SVT553SV scores a solid 4-star rating here. John R. Delaney finds a few more nits to pick than CNET, but still comes away pretty impressed with performance and features. Delaney says that value is excellent and that "The Vizio XVT553SV offers top-notch HDTV tech, wireless and wired connectivity, loads of Web apps, and very good HD picture quality."

Review: Vizio XVT553SV, John R. Delaney, Sept. 14, 2010

3. TelevisionInfo.com

Those who enjoy reading about TV reviews in all their "nerdy detail" will love the review of the Vizio XVT553SV posted at TelevisionInfo.com. David Kender says that it "is probably the first Vizio to actually impress us," which is saying something considering this site is very rarely impressed with any TV. Black levels don't come in for as much love as from some other reviewers, but the rating of the viewing angle is better than most and color performance is among the best the site has ever tested.

Review: Vizio XVT553SV HDTV Review, David Kender, Aug. 19, 2010

4. HDTVSolutions.com

HDTVSolutions.com looks at the 47-inch version of this TV but adds that its conclusions can be applied to the 55-inch Vizio XVT553SV as well. The TV scores well enough with Dick De Jong to earn a very rare Highly Recommended award here. Except for 3D, De Jong writes that the TV "is packed with almost all of the whiz bang features that a videophile would drool over." In addition, picture quality is "consistently excellent" and pricing is "highly competitive."

Review: Vizio XVT473SV Review, Dick De Jong, Sept. 2, 2010

5. AVGuide.com

AVGuide.com's The Perfect Vision also looks at the 47-inch version of the TV. David Birch-Jones is sufficiently impressed to grant the TV a Recommended award. He says, "Vizio has another winner here (well, three actually if you count the other two sizes in the series)." Though not as impressed with the remote control as some, he says that picture quality is impressive, highlighted with the best color accuracy he's seen in recent years.

Review: Vizio XVT473SV LED-Backlit LCD HDTV, David Birch-Jones, Aug. 18, 2010

6. Amazon.com

The 55-inch Vizio XVT553SV has accumulated an impressive track record at Amazon.com. To date, more than 140 owners have left feedback on the TV, and it earns a very solid rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Review: VIZIO XVT553SV 55-Inch 240 Hz TruLED LCD HDTV, Contributors to Amazon.com

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