HDTV and Home Theater Podcast #291 - Vizio 50 inch 1080p Plasma

[arad]

We have been trying to get a hold of a Vizio TV for review for some time now but with no luck. This weekend while the family was in Costco stocking up on supplies Ara spent some time looking at the Vizio 50 inch 1080p Plasma. In actuality this feature is more of a Costco roundup than an in depth review of the TV.

[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/podcast/2008/07/hdtv_and_home_theater_podcast_291_-_vizio_50_inch_1080p_plasma.php]Read Show Notes[/url]

[HalPCW]

While I believe that reviewing HDTV sets without calibration is useful, reviewing them without being to adjust brightness, contrast and color level in counterproductive.

[arad]

We agree with you Hal. That's why we said this was more of a Costco roundup than a review. The main purpose of this feature was to put ourselves in the same position as a would be Vizio buyer at Costco. There are so many TVs to choose from on the floor but few really take a critical look at the TV and purchase solely on price.

In retrospect, this may not have ben a good idea for a feature.

Thanks for your feedback!
Ara

[eliwhitney]

Hi -

As or whenever that "further look" of Vizio might be done, perhaps you might
also confirm & include the fact of there Not being any authorized national, local servicing contractors -


Instead, after their "rep" come to home & "confirms" the set needs repairs, the owner must pack in the
original carton same as when originally shipped from China , insure & prepay round trip the freight to a west coast central location - then, wait....

This makes Vizio a very costly arrangement.

eli

[juju]

Myself & My husband purchased the Vizio 1080P in Oct from Sams Club. Beautiful picture but....everything was fine until 3 weeks ago. I was watching the tv and it turned off by itself. When we restarted it there was about a 5 inch black line on the left side of the screen from top to bottom. This was 3 weeks ago.,..When they did not return our calls to schedule for service we called back. The gentleman stated that the person who spoke to us initially should have immediately told us it could not be repaired and would have to be replaced. Ok, fine we were happy w/ that.

Today I received the replacement..plugged it in...same problem but w/ a smaller line. The personnel who dropped it off said they drop off atleast 5 replacements on a weekly basis for this exact model w/ the same problems...and that is just in this area. So, I guess VIZIO is sending everyone refurbished TVs? I also found out they are made in China.

We did our research on this brand but could find very little information on it so therefore we purchased it. Please get the word out!

Calling to get a refund.

juju

[eliwhitney]

Hello juju -

Very sorry for your costly mis-purchase !

In some 3 years now of uncountable "post 'n replies" - - - there seems to be an unscientific but reasonable " Truth " regarding HDTVs to the fable or saying about ... one gets what he / she pays for ...

Unfortunately, you more than likely will NOT be offered a Refund - - - unless you were fortunate enough to have also bought the SAMsClub Extended Warranty coverage - - - it DOES have a Lemon Coverage clause.

just More & more " refurbs " until you finally become absolutely disgusted with being without an TV & begin anew / buy a different HDTV !

This Brand + Westinghouse, Emerson, Polaroid, Magnavox & on & on are the new "Disposable / Throwaway " varieties !

eli

a "F.Y.I." - - - there are ZERO HDTVs made in USA , nor have there been for ages!

[juju]

Thanks Eli,

You were right, absolutely no refund they are going to send another one..supposedly new. There quote being "What more do you expect us to do?" I did also call Sams Club and they only have a 30 day warranty and I believe they offered an extended warranty but my husband declined....lesson learned. But I gave them the heads up on this product. Nothing else to do at this point, I am in the process of sending them more pictures of the TV. Thanks for the input!

Juju

[eliwhitney]

Hi juju -

IF by .. a head's up ... you may have meant SAM's - don't bother !

They - along with several other " wholesale , members only clubs, etc." - bought out the (then) inventories whenever Philips Gave up making any HDTVs for the US . . . . took them all year long & finally, " disposed " of them by other means !

They have also sold many other undesirable Brands, in spite of having been " aware " of the vulnerabilities & reputations.

Whenever you DO give up --- please do stay with the TOP TIERS ? . . . failing that, be certain to get a (5 ) years, In Home, all inclusive warranty, including a "lemon replacement clause."

eli

[eliwhitney]

(back) Mrs. juju -

Be aware that Panasonic has a " Concierge " service on all their Plasma sets, wherein "IF " any set might not be repaired In Home, they immediately provide a free, loaner !

Although NOT the marvelously-low pricing of last Black Friday { $649/$699 } - here are some few pieces remaining of last season's set - - - no tax except NY + KY & as the ad says, free, guar del'y ! . . . . . .

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13342PX80/ ... tml?tp=161

another " F.Y.I. " . . . . try to explain to the hubby that .. 1080p ... is NOT needed or recognizable by most sets of eyes after 6 - 7 viewing feet distance until / unless very much larger display sizes !