Vizio VL470M LCD HDTV Reviewed

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter Print this article

HTR Product Rating

Performance
4 Stars
Value
4 Stars
Overall
4 Stars

Disagree with our product rating? Email us and tell us why you think this product should receive a higher rating.

Page 1 | Page 2
vizio_vl470mp-LCD-HDTV-reviewed.gifVizio's new VL series of televisions sports a new industrial design with an attractive, dark java brown finish. The speakers are hidden behind a monochromatic grill underneath the screen that blends in better with the bezel than Vizio's traditional contrasting silver grills. Some may prefer the bolder contrasting grill but for my application the understated design of the VL series worked great. I installed the VL470M in a room with plenty of natural lighting during daytime hours. At $1,299 the VL470M reviewed here leans towards the less expensive side of the Vizio lineup of televisions in this category but is still fairly well stocked with features.

Additional Resources
• Read more LED HDTV reviews from the staff at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find a Blu-ray player to get the most out of the VL470M.
 

The VL470M has a full HD, 1080p, 47 inch panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Vizio claims a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a 5ms response time. Video processing is handled by proprietary processing circuits. Some of the video control options proved to be more useful than others. I usually found the image to be more accurate with the Color Enhancement feature defeated. On the other hand, Vizio's Smooth Motion feature which activates Motion Estimator / Motion Compensation, when on its low setting, provided good results without providing any artificially smoothed image. Color controls are not the most extensive I have seen but are more than sufficient for the majority of users. I found that with a little bit of effort I was able to adjust the settings to get a very watchable and satisfactory image. On the audio side of things, Vizio includes SRS Labs' SRS TruSurround HD and SRS TruVolume technologies. I particularly enjoyed the SRS TruVolume feature as it kept volume levels fairly constant when switching between normal programming and commercials.

The VL470M has a wide assortment of video inputs that should accommodate nearly any system. Notably, a RBG computer input that can handle a multitude of resolutions, and an easy access side panel with more inputs including a USB input are included. The USB input can be used for service or as a multimedia input. According to Vizio a variety of picture, video and audio files can be played back on the VL470M through the USB port.

The Vizio was truly easy to set up. The unit came with both a quick setup card and a full User's Manual. Both the card and the manual were very well written, providing easy to follow setup instructions for those not familiar with the process. I was able to get the unit set up and running quickly, doing some basic calibrations with both the DVE and the Spears & Munsil discs. The VL470M did a respectable job with scaling, and color accuracy was pretty good, providing a natural rendition of skin tones and foliage. Black levels and shadow detail were good but not exceptional. I tried audio and picture files through the USB input and found them easy to access and particularly enjoyed being able to share photos with the family in this manner.

Read about the high points and the low points of the VL470M on Page 2.


Page 1 | Page 2

  • Comment on this article

Post a Comment

You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.

Featured Audio-Video News

Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices?

Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -

The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.

Latest LED HDTV Reviews

Sharp LC-70LE640U LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -

If one 70-inch LED HDTV wasn't enough for you, don't worry. Sharp has another one in the LC-70LE732U, and this new model picks up right where the last one left off, adding refined features.

Toshiba 65HT2U LCD HDTV Reviewed -

While the Toshiba 65HT2U LCD HDTV doesn't offer a lot of excess when it comes to features, it does offer up plenty of screen real estate. But will the performance measure up to that screen size?

Toshiba 47TL515U 3D LED LCD HDTV -

Toshiba continues to offer entries into the 3D HDTV marketplace, using both available technologies. The 47TL515U LED HDTV is a passive 3D HDTV television. Adrienne Maxwell puts it to the test to see how it measures up.

Home Theater Review's 2011 Best Of Awards -

For a third time, the editorial staff of Home Theater Review have examined the year's offerings in AV gear and decided what they deem to be the best in every category. Find out who is the best of the best.

Samsung UN46D6300 LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -

While Samsung's newest LED HDTV, the UN46D6300, doesn't feature 3D playback, it does have plenty of cool and stylish features. HomeTheaterReview.com reviewer Adrienne Maxwell evaluates those features.

Westinghouse VR-6025Z LCD HDTV Reviewed -

Despite the fact that the VR-6025Z LCD HDTV from Westinghouse Digital may be considered a budget television, it backs a 60-inch screen and several other features that Adrienne Maxwell reviews.

Westinghouse LD-4655VX LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -

Westinghouse Digital's LD-4655VX LED HDTV may be lean on features but it is also lean on price. Adrienne Maxwell takes a look to see how good those features included in the LD-4655VX are.

Sharp LC-52LE835U 3D LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -

While Sharp is offering the 52-inch LC-52LE835U LED HDTV at a reasonable price, especially given the television's 3D-capability, the company may still have some ground to make up.

LG Infinia 55LV5500 LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -

While LG's Infinia 55LV55000 LED LCD HDTV is now a 3D-capable display, the television does come packed with many of the most in-demand features in the modern consumer electronics marketplace.

Sony KDL-40EX620 LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -

One of Sony's mid-level entries into the company's 2011 line of HDTVs is the KDL-40EX620 LED HDTV. The television lacks a few premium features but still has many features to keep users satisfied.