Vizio VM60P Review

What the reviewers like:
Although slightly smaller plasma TVs are available at competitive prices, reviewers are most impressed by Vizio VM60P plasma TV's ability to deliver a 60-inch image at a sub-$3,000 price point. Reviews say picture quality is good, although black levels don't quite reach those of the best plasma TVs. Color is also very good. Styling is attractive, although the bronze bezel gets a mixed reaction from critics.

What the reviewers don't like:
Some reviews say they noticed occasional picture irregularities and video noise on the Vizio VM60P plasma TV, and some say the controls aren't as easy to use as they could be. Color memories are not independent, meaning changes affect all inputs. Although reviews say HD performance is good, testers are not as positive about the Vizio VM60P's performance with non high-def content. Some reviews say the TV is more susceptible to temporary image retention (ghosting) than most plasma TVs.

Vizio VM60P review highlights

Reviewers are blown away by the value of the 60-inch Vizio VM60P plasma TV. Critical opinion on image quality is more mixed, but even the pickiest concede that it is pretty good -- and more than acceptable for most families. Black levels are good, though certainly not up to the best plasma TVs. Reviews further indicate that color performance is also good, although a bit of tweaking is required. The feature lineup is adequate, and connectivity is generous. Pioneer's 60-inch PDP-6070HD (*est. $4,000) provides a somewhat better image and more features, but it’s also far more expensive.

The 60-inch Vizio VM60P plasma HDTV has received a number of thorough reviews. The best of all is the write-up at CNet.com, where the Vizio plasma TV is tested and compared to its competition. The discussion at HDTV Solutions.com is also chock full of information on the Vizio VM60P, including lots of helpful practical tips, but the site does not test as many plasma TVs and does not do as good a job comparing different sets. The single-TV report at the Hartford Courant does a good job of discussing the Vizio VM60P from the typical user's point of view.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. CNet.com
Vizio VM60P HDTV Review
David Katzmaier
Mar. 9, 2007

CNet.com's editors add reports about new plasma TVs on an ongoing basis. The reports are well detailed, and all TVs are subjected to a battery of standard tests. The Vizio VM60P makes the site's list of top plasma displays, but just barely. CNet.com says that though there are certainly better performing plasma TVs, the Vizio's value is hard to ignore. Several user reports are also posted here.

2. HDTV Solutions.com
Vizio VM60P 60" Plasma HDTV Review
Dick De Jong
Apr. 7, 2007

Dick De Jong puts the Vizio VM60P plasma TV through its paces in this review. While he concedes that this TV won't please some videophiles, the value it represents outweighs the shortcomings -- including some false contouring, difficulty in getting color just right and a bit of temporary image retention in some scenes. However, none of these factors made a big difference for normal TV-viewing.

3. Hartford Courant
Vizio's Value Dazzles
Kevin Hunt
Mar. 30, 2007

The Hartford Courant's Kevin Hunt finds a lot to like -- and a few things to question -- in this single-set review of the 60-inch Vizio VM60P plasma TV. In the end, he says that the TV's size, cost and good looks are "hard to resist," as long as you have a room that's large enough to accommodate it.

4. AVSForum.com
Plasma Flat Panel Displays
Contributors to AVSForum.com

This very busy site includes a thread dedicated to the Vizio VM60P plasma TV. Most owners seem very pleased. In addition, there's a lot of talk about fixes, settings and more. The image retention issue gets a bit of discussion, but most owners don't seem overly concerned.

Also see full report: Plasma TV