Vizio XVT472SV TV Review: LCD LED HDTV

Model: XVT472SV
Description: 47" LED LCD TV
Resolution: 1920 X 1080
Power Consumption: 130W
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Spring/Summer 2010

Though Vizio often advertises itself as America's TV company, the TVs are actually made in China as anyone can see by looking at the serial tag plate on the back of the TV.The new XVT472SV series (not to be confused with the SV472XVT, what's up with the confusing model numbers?) from Vizio has the latest and greatest that promises to keep Vizio competing with the Tier 1 manufacturers. This series has LED local dimming backlighting, a 240Hz refresh rate (listed as 480Hz but that is back light manipulated spec), and a new black drive system. This is the top end feature and price offering from Vizio for 2010/2011.

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 11 feet

Calibration: There are low barrier governors on the Vizio XVT series so it's important to properly calibrate this TV to avoid light bleed, color shift and other irregularities. Dont push the contrast and brightness to far. For full post calibration picture settings please see the XVT472SV calibration page.

HQV Processor Testing: Overall testing of the XVT472SV processors was very positive. Blurred edges were apparent in many of the test objects and this problem carried through to video content as well. We were most impressed with the HD Stadium seating test for which this TV registered the best result we have ever seen. There was no moire' pattern in the seating and panning side to side was extremely smooth.

480i Video Content (cable, DVD): Picture quality from 480i and similar resolution appeared soft and blurry around the edges as did all content on this HDTV. HQV processor testing yielded very good results for the XVT series indicating an excellent internal chip set. There was no banding or mapping apparent. There was judder and jerkiness in many scenes both in 480i and HD from side to side panning as we were forced to turn off the Smooth Motion 240/480Hz rate feature due to unwelcome background information.

HD Picture Quality: The two problems that we had with viewing content from HD sources was 1) the picture presentation was overly dark (post calibration), causing dark areas in dark scenes to run to black with no definition and 2) image edges were continually blurry which surprised us considering the inbuilt processors. This occurred no matter what back light setting we used. As mentioned above, judder and jerky side to side panning were problems when turning off the Smooth Motion feature but worth it in general. See below 240Hz rate feature evaluation. The LED backlighting occasionally introduced some negative effects by reducing shadow detail in the top corners of some scenes.

Black Level/Contrast Ratio: Black levels appear saturated though not deep. They take on a dark charcoal appearance at times.

Dark Shadow Detail: This is perhaps the toughest issue for the XVT472SV as it struggles to maintain detail in dark scenes from a post calibrated picture setting – especially in the top left and right corners of the screen.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: We did not note oversaturation of color information after proper calibration. However, color shift will occur in this TV at higher contrast and brightness settings. Keep them reasonable.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: We almost always find that viewing angle is better on local dimming LED back lit LCDs than any other form of LCD. The XVT472SV is no exception. Contrast does not degrade significantly at angles and begins to shift at about 30 degrees. Though not as good as plasma TVs in this category, the XVT472SV has closed the gap some.

LED Back Light Evaluation: The Vizio XVT472SV has local dimming controlled LED back lighting which can be a feature enhancement. When testing with a static lit gray screen there was obvious displayed lighting irregularities around the side edges of the screen in a rounded arc formation. Back lighting seemed more concentrated to the center of the screen. As a result, content scenes when there was dark material in the top corners of the display, shadow detail suffered. Overall brightness from the LED back lighting seems plenty sufficient, however color shift will occur when turning it up over 45%.

Motion Blur: We did not note any motion blur with the Smooth Motion 240Hz feature turned on. There was jerky motion effects when turning it off. See below a review of this feature.

False Contouring/ Mapping: Due to excellent internal processor chip set there was no mapping, grouping, banding or the like apparent in either HQV testing or video material.

Features: As mentioned above use the Smooth Motion feature on Low but do not use the Cinemotion feature in conjunction unless you want to add lots of jerkiness and a nasty background effect to the picture.

240/480HzHz Rate Feature Evaluation: Vizio calls their back light manipulated 240Hz rate feature Smooth Motion. They claim that manipulation of the LED local dimming backlight increases the spec to 480Hz. It's of no matter. As with most LED/LCD TVs, there are unintended adverse consequences of this feature which eliminates natural background blur during scenes with motion. Sony, Sharp and Toshiba models are the exceptions. The unwelcome effect typically occurs when the scene is changing from static calm to side to side motion. It can be most distracting and we recommend turning the feature off for film based content and using it on the Low to setting for sports and other fast motion programming. Unfortunately, when turning the feature off judder and jerkiness when panning side to side will be apparent.

To access the Smooth Motion setting:
Click on Menu and scroll down
click on Advanced Video scroll down
click on Smooth Motion
Keep on Low to Off setting.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: Zoom 1 &2, 4:3, Panoramic, Stretch Mode. 1:85:1 DVD source material will use Stretch mode which did a reasonable job of interpolating.

Inputs: 4 HDMI inputs (1 on the side), RGB PC input, 2 Component, USB port, lacking Ethernet port.

Aesthetic Considerations: Though the XVT472SV is a hefty 4.5" deep it does at least have nice thin bezel framing at only an inch around the screen. The finish is gloss black and there is a metallic silver accent under the Vizio logo. The included gloss black table stand does not swivel side to side.

Remote Control/Menu Funtionality: The top buttons on the non-backlit remote control are inexcusably small. Though the remote looks small and sharp, it will be very difficult to use this remote control in a dark room. Remember, form follows function. P.input button scrolls through input options if you can find the button. The menu system is plenty adequate and the accompanying manual is very informative, though it is not available through the TV's menu.

Audio Output: Sound volume output from the 15W X 15W speakers was impressive as was the virtual surround effects and definition (listed as 15W in manual, some sources say 10W). It's nice to see a manufacturer not over look speaker quality as it is so important for those that do not choose to implement their own surround sound system.

Internet Options: The XVT472SV does not contain Internet options. The SV472XVT does have Internet options.

At $1299 this 47" LCD/LED has some positives and negatives from a value perspective. It has a top end feature set from Vizio except without Internet options and an ethernet port. The Smooth Motion 240Hz feature will work well with sports programming and the LED local dimming back lighting will allow for good side angle viewing and bright lights while adding some irregularities elsewhere. Competition comes from the Sony 46EX700, the Samsung LN46C750 and UN46C6300, the LG 47LE5500 as well as the Toshiba 46UX600 and the Sharp LC-46D78UN.

Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

 

Review Equipment Used: Sony Blu Ray BDP-S1 High Definition DVD player, Sony DVP-S50 DVD player, Sencore Color Pro 5000, Sencore Auto Cal Pro, Sencore signal generator.

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