Vizio Moves to Ultra-Large 55"-70" LED TVs

Vizio just unveiled six new ultra large LED TVs ranging from 55” to 70”, poised to be value leaders in the market. Although the model numbers are about as nonsensical as they come (E701i-A3, XVT3D580CM, M3D651SV, M650VSE, E601i-A3, M550VSE), the feature list and prices of these TVs make a lot of sense.

Each model comes with built-in WiFi and a whole host of internet apps, including Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, and Hulu Plus. You can navigate the internet apps using the supplied Qwerty remote, which is a nice inclusion because typing in text using a D-pad can be difficult.

All of the TVs are 1080p and use an edge LED backlight. The 65” M3D651SV is the top of the line (but not the largest) with 3D support and a 240Hz effective refresh rate. This is not an actual 240Hz refresh rate, Vizio uses backlight scanning technology to simulate a 240Hz refresh rate. Each TV has a reported dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. There is no standardized way to measure contrast ratios so this information can only be used to compare Vizio TVs against each other and openly display the power marketing has over any sort of rational common sense (we're expecting someone to actually come out with a billion-to-one or more any day now to prove our point).

The 58” XVT3D580CM is of special attention because it has a 21:9 (2.33:1) aspect ratio. A typical HDTV has an aspect ratio of 16:9, which will cause black bars to appear on the top and bottom of the screen when watching most movies. The “Cinemawide” 21:9 format is designed to allow a viewer to watch a movie without black bars; however, that means that there will be black bars on the sides of the TV when watching broadcast HD programming. Of the entire line, only the 21:9 58” TV and 65” M3D651SV are 3D sets. Both utilize passive 3D technology and come with 4 pairs of glasses.

The real story with each of these sets is the price, ranging from $999 to $1999 (listed in the specs table). Vizio is known for producing TVs that are a great value, and they seem to have done that with these new models. If you are looking for the absolute best picture quality on the market, look elsewhere, but be prepared to pay more. If you are looking for an ultra-large LED TV with built-in WiFi at a great price, then Vizio might have what you want with one of these.

The new TVs are currently for sale at Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Amazon.com, Target, BJ's Wholesale, VIZIO.com and other retailers.

For more information visit Vizio

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