Customer Reviews
Excellent Value 
2008-03-25
Let me first start by saying that yes, Vizio is a value brand. However, after having seen 1080p Samsung units that are twice the price, I can definitively say that the Vizio is able to hang with the big boys.
Straight out of the box, there were some calibration issues, and each input retains its own settings; you'll have to go through the process for each device you have hooked up. After bumping down the brightness and backlighting, image quality is phenomenal. HDTV is crisp, smooth, and rarely jagged. SDTV scales nicely with an OTA antenna, and is much less pixelated than I had assumed it would be. The remote layout does leave something to be desired, but it has all of the important functionality on it (sans backlighting). PIP settings are very useful, although you cannot use PIP on certain combinations of inputs (i.e. component and RGB at the same time). This is not a huge problem, however, since you more than likely will want to flip between the tuner and another input.
I can't comment on how the XBOX 360 or PS3 look on it, but I can tell you that the Wii performs extremely well with component cables. I even have cables with extra thick jack sleeves, and they fit without any issue.
Sound is just as mediocre as any other flat panel tv in this price range; that's why I hooked it up to the surround sound as quickly as possible.
For those worried about the illuminated Vizio logo, it quickly dims after power up; I've not been distracted by it once, plus it looks pretty classy.
Long story short, at under $900, you will not be able to beat this deal in terms of overall quality and value.
Pros:
Great image quality
No ghosting
Works excellently as a computer monitor
Wii looks fantastic!
Good PIP functionality
Value, value, value
Cons:
Slight light bleeding from upper right hand corner (probably just my set)
So-so speakers
Remote layout
Great picture quality at an affordable price!!!! 2008-03-17
The Vizio VX42L 42" LCD HDTV, brings a sharp vibrant picture to life with just the right number of bells & whistles that will make anyone happy to own this affordable LCD HDTV.
This has to be the easiest setup for a LCD TV that I have ever seen. Once the source is plugged in Cable, Dish, or DirectTV and all the channels located use the low budget remote to navigate to the menu screen and setup your color scheme for perfect viewing or use one of the several presets. The preset color schemes are not to my liking, spend a moment or two and fine tune your viewing pleasure. Once these items are set you are on your way to enjoyable entertainment.
Want to be totally blown away by HD clarity watch anything in HD and you will be hooked. Connect a HD DVD via HDMI connection and you will appreciate this set even more. I would have loved the set to have an auto source when a device is turned on but I can get over this.
Some great features include freeze frame, screen zoom, PIP and the many AV inputs.
I managed to get this set NEW at an unbelievable price of $700. Do some extensive homework before you buy and I am sure you will find this set comes out on top.
Amazing TV 2008-01-27
This is our first HDTV. I was nervous that only getting a 720p set would not be good enough, but I was pleasantly surprised. It has plenty of connections for our TiVo, Apple TV, PS2 and DVD and we have a few left over! It is definitely worth every penny (even though Sam's Club had it for $897).
great deal 2008-01-15
this is our first tv upgrade since our 34'' tube tv. the vizio is awesome quality for the money spent. it's got all the connections and plug-ins needed for every sort of accessory. i use an antenna to pick up HD channels and it is a great picture.
the settings and menus are easy to navigate and great for minor adjustments for different uses (i.e. games, movies, sports).
it's relatively lightweight (~50 pounds).
the remote is easy to use and has all the options on there that make switching from TV to compenent to AV easy as well as changing settings.
if you've got an extra $500, the samsung and sony 42" LCDs looked more vibrant in color in comparison to the vizio, but the Vizio is a much better buy for the money.
Great Value LCD HDTV (and lots of equipment connections). 2008-01-13
We have been using this for a year now.
When my 52" Projection TV that costs 1400$ broke only after 3 years of use. Repair cost is almost the cost of this LCD TV. My Panasonic is as big as an upright piano and this one fits on top of a medium size table. I am sure the Sony's, the LGs, the Samsung are technically superior. But unless you are very discriminating, the difference for me is not enough to spend the extra hundreds of dollars.
Pros:
-Price. (It was available for 875$ from Sams Club at the time I bought it last year).
-2 HDMIs, 2 Components, 2 VGA, S-Video, etc. With HDMI, you have audio and video in a single cable.
-Works with my Fios TV HDMI, Macmini HDMI, Upconverting Phillips HDMI DVD player, Wii, etc.
-Viewable even at sharp angles
-No burn-in as opposed to Plasma
-Lighter than Plasma displays
-1080i
-Excellent computer monitor if you want it big. I use it to watch videocast from Itunes with a wireless Logitech V200 Cordless Mouse.
Cons:
-It does not look like something you would like to show off. Not very elegant, but looks alright
Excellent set for the money! 2007-11-01
VIZIO's VX42L High Definition Liquid Crystal Display blends high performance with an incredible value. Only the best ingredients reside within the thin 3.9" display (wall mounting capable) including 1366 x 768 native resolution, wide 16:9 aspect ratio and multiple video input sources, two of which support HDMI technology. Vivid colors with breathtaking response times are sure to carry you into the high-definition future. The VIZIO VX42L. Pure HDTV. Pure value.
