Customer Reviews

VIZIO VA320M 32-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I've heard good things about Vizio over the last few years. I had my doubts on the product as buying one for my TV because they are low-cost and I figured the quality would follow. I was wrong. I ended up buying this Vizio (two weeks ago) as a computer monitor and not that much desire to use for video or HDTV but stumbled on a good price at costco for 390 and being a 1080p I thought I would give it a try. It turned out to be a good choice. My computer matched up to it easily with a analog monitor output that plugged straigt into the TV analog input, along with the audio jack next to it (see the one of three pictures I uploaded). In terms of the quality of the TV/monitor resolution I am amazed it is this good with an analog connection (I honestly can't see a fault unless I'm playing a video full screen off the internet (netflix movie download). Regular DVD video is perfect, no resolution issues. What I have not checked out yet is the DVI digital to HDMI connection as I have a cable on order and should be testing this out next week - to see if the resolution improves when playing video at full screen off the internet. In view of web pages full screen off the internet - I see no problem even using this analog serial monitor connection (my comuter has the resolution setting at 1920x1080).

I also wanted to point out that I have my Vizio connected to a 2-month old HP, slimline 5150t computer. It has 4 gig of ram and it was just under $500 - not an expensive computer, and I'm running Windows 7. I'm happy with the compatability with the Vizio but if I had it to order over again (the computer) I would have ordered the HDMI graphic card option rather than end up with a DVI monitor jack which doesn't pass audio when connected to the TV. Where, an HDMI connection passes the full audio and video. For the extra $60 to HP it would have been worth the money and a perfect match up with the Vizio.

I'll update this comment after I get my new DVI to HDMI cable and let you know if/how it improves. Right now I can say I'm really happy with the Vizio, its much better than my 4 year old, $500 20" Dell monitor I unplugged.

UPDATE 1/22/2010: I received the DVI to HDMI cable, tried it out and as expected - no audio passed to the TV. The improved screen resolution was not enough to justify using the DVI to HDMI cable with no audio (or adding external speakers to my computer to get the audio) - so I stayed with the original analog monitor connection and stero audio cable (as originally described). I like the Vizio well enough that we bought one for my Dad for Christmas. He is using it with an Apple Mini - using the same type set-up with the analog monitor connection and stero audio cable. Works great - the only thing I would do different is the next time I order a computer, I'm buying it with an HDMI output that will send both audio and video to the TV/Monitor.

RW

I recently Purchased one of these sets because the previous TV I owned my friend fell in love with and bought it off me and I was willing so I could buy this TV(the higher resolution and sound quality). I have never had a problem with any vizio's we have purchased. the previous 32inch I owned and the 47inch my family owns were purchased 2 years ago at least and are working like a dream.

Back to this TV, when I first saw it in my Girlfriends room after she got it for Xmas I was blown away at the quality of this TV for not being a "high-end" name brand, not to mention the upgrade in quality from my previous 32 inch, it is amazing how well vizio is keeping up with Samsung, Sony, etc. I had to play her playstation 3 games and play a blu-ray movie, I fell in love with it and with the price it sealed the deal. I proudly own one of these sets and is a fantastic product that compliments my game system and blu-ray player in my bed room.

Bought this at Target for around $470 (no, not cheapest price, I know, but we had to get one quick--grandkids coming the next day and the old Sony bit the dust). Setup was very easy. We like the appearance, although some people are bothered by the lighted brand name on the front (I don't notice it when I'm watching, but if I did I would just cover it with tape).

CONTROLS
Changing the image aspect ratio (how long, tall, compressed, etc. it looks) is harder than it need be--some remotes have a dedicated button for this, but as far as I can tell, it takes at least three clicks to get to the on-screen menu where you can change how much of the image appears. Other controls on the remote are pretty good--nice big rocker switches for volume and channel changes.

PICTURE QUALITY
With a good HD signal, color and sharpness are excellent--as good as any other set I've seen in stores or homes. Maybe not as bright as some large plasma screens I've seen. With poor signal or inferior station equipment (like the local college public access channels) the image is less good, as expected. Regular DVD's and VHS tapes look as good as their quality permits.

SOUND QUALITY
Like most other in-set speakers in relatively small tv's, the sound is nothing to write home about, and the controls can't help a whole lot. Thin bass, especially. But you were going to put the sound through your stereo setup anyway, like we do, right? Then the sound is as good as your stereo's speakers.

MISC
We just switched from an analog set (and cable) and I didn't realize that we would now get three and four channels where we used to get one. Nice surprise.
We sit about seven feet away from the screen and 32" is fine. If we were another four feet back it would start to feel too small, though.

OVERALL
Very satisfied, beautiful picture quality in most cases, no problems so far (a month).

If you are someone who likes to watch TV on a fairly regular basis, watch movies every one in a while, or just have sound in the background while you are running around getting ready for work then this is the TV for you!!!

I am no electronics expert--I don't have surround sound this and sub woofers that, but I do know good picture and sound quality when I see/hear it.

I was easily able to figure out how to hook my blu-ray player and cable up to the TV and it has served me well for 6 months now. I did read the "pop of death" reviews and have kept the original box and my Amazon receipt voucher in case the TV decides to go all crazy on me, but so far I have enjoyed it very much :)

After the TV has been on a while, the sound starts breaking up and goes away. If you change the channel and return to what you are watching, it will return. It's very annoying.

The worst part about this t.v. is the remote transmitter/receiver. There must be a very narrow receiving angle as the remote is extremely sluggish and it is very difficult to enter a new channel simply with two or three button presses. You have to move the remote around, for instance to get ch. 52 you may have to press 5 several times before the t.v. shows the number on the screen, then press 2. You may get 52 or you may get 522 or you may get 525, depending on how long it takes you get get frustrated enough to turn the t.v. off and start all over again.If I didn't leave in such a remote area I would ship it back in a heartbeat. DON'T BUY IT.Vizio VL320M 32" LCD HDTV with SRS TruSurround HD & 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio

i did a lot of research on 32 inch tv's and this was the best price wise and spec. wise. It lives up to it's hype. Great tv and great picture. i use it for my bedroom.

I highly recommend this TV. It is visually very classy, and sets up in a few minutes. Picture quality is as good as I have seen. I also own a 52" Sharp Aquos and the picture is just as good if not better.

The only gripe is the remote has to be pointed right at the tv to work, and the speakers leave something to be desired.

Snap it up, great deal.

Great price great picture.
Only problem is that after a year there was a loud pop then the tv no longer worked.
Vizio will not help and sent me to the non-warranty number.
I called that number 11 times without a response.
I googled and found that the problem is called the POP of Death.
Good tv if you consider tv's disposable.

This 32in HDTV is awesome.

Let's just say you definitely get your bang for your buck.

I have my desktop connected to it via HDMI.
ANNNNND I have my Cable TV DVR hooked up via HDMI.

CLEAN and CRISP.

Right after I got this thing, I watched "AVATAR" and "SPEED RACER" on Blu-Ray and WOOOOOOOOOW!!