When it comes to low price plasma and lcd televisions, Vizio is the leader and continues to gain market share against the big manufacturers like Panasonic, Sony, and Samsung. They compete just fine against the major brands because they have insanely lower retail prices that the big names just won't match or can't. Many consumer review companies like CNET and Consumer Reports were skeptical at first when Vizio started selling their low cost tv's in stores like Costco, but customers have shown enough satisfaction that now everyone is taking them seriously. Vizio uses plasma technology which provides for deeper dark blacks and clear whites. Their flat panel tvs are great for watching sports and movies. They recently got NFL running back LaDanian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) to do some commercials for them. The Vizio tvs range from 21 inches all the way up to 60 inches. The most popular sizes still are the 42 inch and 50 inch plasmas and the 37 inch LCD's. You can get the 52" LCD 1080p television from Vizio for under $2000.
Consumer Reports latest article on LCD and Plasma screen tv's in March 2008 had Vizio listed as a "Best Buy" with the Maximvs VM60P HDT-V10A 60-Inch for $2500 compared to similar models from Panasonic and Pioneer that were over $5000. Amongst the lower priced brands (Norcent, Maxent, Vizio), Vizio gets the most respect in the industry for a quality product as a huge discount. The biggest sellers these days are the newer 1080p flat panels with insane resolutions, but they are not that good compared to the 720p screens to justify such a big market. I have a Panasonic 50 Inch screen which is only 720p but it looks spectacular on the HD channels that Comcast provides for $5/month. Sports and movies are excellent and I have seen the new 1080p model in the store but can't bring myself to paying such a premium for minimal visual improvement on screen. Vizio offers up both 720p and 1080p televisions in stores like Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Circuit City and Sears. As recent as 2007, Vizio was the #1 selling flat panel tv maker in North America with a 12% market share. That was above big guys like Samsung, Sony, and Sharp. The reason they are dominating these other proven names in the electronics industry is because they are competing on price and consumers are much more educated these days with the Internet and magazines when it comes to consumer goods. So far the reviews are favorable for the cheaper priced Vizios that deliver good enough quality at a steep discount. You can find out all about the latest Vizio plasma and LCD screens online at
Vizio.com. Which should you buy, LCD or plasma? The energy minded people say you should use and LCD to conserve energy since the plasma screens are notorious for sucking up the juice. As for picture quality, it was once thought that the plasma screens could deliver better images but LCD technology has caught up and now LCD screens are becoming more popular than plasma. Both styles are easy to mount on the wall for the best viewing experience and both are offered in 1080p HD formats so you can enjoy high definition programming of your favorite sporting event or movies. Pricing is still cheaper for most plasma screens, but LCD's have really dropped in the last year and shape up to be very competitive in 2009.
Vizio 42 Inch TV:
When it comes to 42-inch LCDs, the Vizio GV42LF ($1250) is a premier 1080p flat panel television. It's compatible with all HD formats and available from Dell, Sears, and Circuit City. Features include full HD 1080p compatible, large viewing angle, and a quality picture that owners appreciate. Other top models include the VP423, VP422, VW42L, SV420XVT, VW42LF, and the VO42LF. See the complete line of Vizio tv's ranging from 42 to 49 inches
HERE.
50 Inch Vizio Plasma:
The Vizio VP50M ($1200) is a top selling plasma screen with just 720p but delivering a brilliant picture. You get 3 HDMI inputs, 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio, and a great HD experience. The Vizio rates well compared to similar tvs from competitors and once again their price is the reason many people go with this model. Find all the details online HERE. Other models from Vizio include the VX52LF, VP504F, VP503, JV50P, VP505XVT.
37 Inch Vizio LCD TV:
Vizio has stood up against the likes of LG, Sharp, JVC, and others with their line of LCD flat panel tvs. The Vizio VW37L HDTV ($700) is the top of the class with 16.7 million colors, an enhanced 1080i resolution, and a viewing angle of up to 178 degrees. You can find this model in stores like Kmart or Wal-Mart as well as other electronic retailers. The pictures quality when compared to other 720p televisions rated the same. The only drawbacks to this TV from Vizio are the remote and the sound quality. Keep in mind that it is a good $300 cheaper (that's at least 30% off) when you look at the competitors prices that rated better in the Consumer Reports tests.
Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.
BUYING GUIDES
