Vizio M3D550SV
55" Razor 3D LED TV
The M3D550SV is one of two 55" 3D LED TVs in Vizio's M line of Razor LED TVs. 3D isn't the only upgrade, the M3D series also bump up to 240Hz processing where the non-3D M TVs are 120Hz.
Picture and Viewing Features
The Razor LED, edge lit panel is 1080p with 240Hz processing, this is a feature that we feel adds more picture problems than it does away with and if you are a regular reader of our reviews you'll see that we often recommend turning it off.
In their 3D TVs Vizio is using passive 3D rather than the active 3D found in most 3D flat panel TVs. The circular polarized 3D glasses are the same type you find in theaters that use the RealD 3D system. THis also means that you can take your glasses with you to the theater and that the cheaper, polarized glasses mean that Vizio can include up to 4 pairs with some of their TVs. Any extra pairs you have to buy will ding your wallet for a lot less as well.
Vizio calls thier local dimming "Smart Dimming" and it has the edge lighting divided up into 32 control zones. These can darken areas of the screen individually allowing for higher contrast in dark scenes. It also cuts down on the energy use of the TV (minmally) but unless you watch a whole lot of TV you probably won't notice it on your power bill.
Appearance
For the last couple years Vizio has produced some pretty good looking TVs, 2011 remains no exception. The M55SV is sleek and modern looking and will look impressive when you show it off.
Internet Applications and Connectivity
VIA is Vizio Internet Apps and they are no longer confined to just televisions, with both tablets and smartphones coming out Vizio is jumping into the app market with both feet. This is good news for anyone who wants online connectivity with their TV. Vizio's internet options are myriad, including but not limited to: Amazon Video On Demand, Facebook, Flickr, Netflix, Rhapsody, Pandora, Twitter, VUDU, and Yahoo! TV Widgets, Fandango, iMemories, MediaBox, My-Cast, TuneIn Radio, Web Videos, Wiki TV and Yahoo Fantasy Football.
The remote has a slide out QWERTY keyboard to make searching for your favorite content a snap and the television includes built-in WiFi to make connecting it to your home network just as easy.
Standout Features
Razor LED Edge Lighting features local dimming and makes the M3D420SV extremely slim.
Passive 3D using circualr polarized glasses. Vizio's 3D TVs include more pairs of glasses than their competitors and extra pairs will cost you a lot less than the active glasses used with most 3D TVs.
Vizio's already strong internet options are even stronger for 2011 with Vizio adding many new streaming services. Vizio has one of the most full featured Internet TV features on the market.
QWERTY Remote and Built-In WiFi are both great conveneince features, selecting letters on an onscreen keyboard is very slow and not having to run long lengths of Cat 5 cable is a bonus. We'd like to see more TV manufacturers offering both of these features.
Connections
The M3D550SV has enough connections for all your gear, multiple HDMI 1.4 inputs, component and composite analog video, digital and analog audio, PC input, USB, ethernet and the built-in WiFi.