With the first wave of 3D HDTVs behind us, it's time for round two, only this time many manufacturers, including Vizio, are choosing to learn from their collective mistakes with active 3D technology and are going with a more passive approach. The Vizio E3D320VX reviewed here is the smallest of Vizio's new, passive, 3D HDTVs at 32-inches diagonal. Along with being the smallest, the E3D320VX is also the cheapest, retailing for $549.99. The E3D320VX is part of Vizio's new E-Series lineup of LCD based 3D HDTVs which also includes 42 and 47-inch models.

Additional Resources
• Read more 3D HDTV reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find a 3D-capable Blu-ray player and AV receiver.

All E-Series 3D HDTVs are LCD backlit, feature Vizio's own Theater 3D technology with two pairs of passive (polarized) 3D glasses included and feature Internet connectivity courtesy of their built in 802.11n built-in WiFi. In terms of the E3D320VX's performance - specifically it's a native 1080p display with a reported contrast ratio of 200,000:1 (dynamic) with a 60Hz refresh rate and SRS sound support via its dual, internal 10-Watt speakers. The E3D320VX also features Vizio's new Ambient Light Sensor technology, which automatically adjusts the overall brightness of the display to account for changing lighting conditions in the room.

In terms of connection options the E3D320VX has three 3D compliant HDMI inputs along with component, composite, RGB (computer), RF and Ethernet inputs as well. There are even two USB 2.0 inputs, which are MP3 and JPG compatible located along the side of the E3D320VX as well. The E3D320VX comes preloaded with a barrage of popular Internet Apps which include, Netflix, Blockbuster, Hulu Plus, Flickr, Yahoo, Vudu, Facebook, Twitter and Vizio's own App store to name a few.

The E3D320VX itself is a minimal design clad in a piano black bezel complimented by a matte black speaker bar that runs below the screen itself. The E3D320VX measures just over 31 inches wide by 21 inches tall and three inches deep without the stand. With the included stand the E3D320VX's height increases to 22 and a half inches and its depth increases to seven inches. The E3D320VX is easy enough to handle and move by a single individual thanks in part to its total weight of 20 pounds.

In terms of performance out of the box the E3D320VX does require some basic calibration, which isn't difficult to accomplish with the help of a simple calibration disc thanks to its stellar on screen menus. Once calibrated the E3D320VX's performance is anything but average, possessing an image that is both accurate in its color reproduction and movement as it is in its contrast, sharpness and overall clarity. The E3D320VX's image is decidedly cinematic in look; thanks in part to its matte screen surface making images feel more organic and less "digital" than the competition. Its black levels are superb; however they aren't as deep as some, though the texture and detail contained within is class leading in my opinion. The E3D320VX does display a slight vignette effect at the corners during brightly lit scenes or while viewing white graphics such as those often found at the end of a number of car commercials.

The E3D320VX's 3D performance is among the best I've seen from any 3D HDTV, for it's flicker free and possesses a clarity you won't find, at least in my eyes, with active 3D designs. The included 3D glasses are comfortable and easier to live with and are inexpensive to replace if damaged or lost. In fact, RealD glasses from your local theater will work on any Vizio E-Series display as well.

Read about the high points and low points of the Vizio E3D320VX 3D HDTV on Page 2.