Customer Reviews

VIZIO VHT510 5.1-Channel Home Theater System (Black)

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

I purchased the Vizio VHT510 from Costco about 2 weeks ago. I set it up right away, however I haven't mounted the rear surrounds yet. It works great and the sound quality is better than you could reasonably expect for a sound system at this price point. It is great not to have to run wires and still get 5.1 surround. It looks neat and clean and not at all cheap or shoddy like one might expect with a sound system just barely over $300.00.

I have just a couple of concerns. As per the previous review, there is only a single optical input. I currently have it connected to my 50 inch Samsung plasma; it would be really nice to have a couple more optical inputs even if the price went up a notch. My more serious concern is with the LED lights on the sound bar; they are supposed to light up when changing the volume up or down indicating the sound level. Unfortunately it doesn't work at least half the time. The volume still changes, but it is concerning when something is not working as it is supposed to on a brand new electronic device. I have seen other complaints about this very same issue on message boards such as AVS forum. My heart dropped when my brand new sound system started doing that very same thing a few days ago. Some have returned/replaced the sound bar only to have this feature be as unreliable with the second unit. I can't deal with reboxing and returning it so I just hope that it continues to work as it has and that this issue does not turn into something else that effects the actual function of the sound system. It would be great if Vizio could address this problem since it is not an isolated incidence.

Addendum:

I finally returned the Vizio 510 to Costco today. The LED volume indicator completely stopped working. The volume still changes as it should and the system still sounds great, but I am not comfortable keeping a device that doesn't work correctly from the very beginning. While waiting in line at Costco returns, someone came up to me and asked if I had a problem with the LED indicators. He said he had the same problem and returned it as well. This seems to be a real issue with this product.

Addendum 1/8/2011:

I am giving the Vizio 510 one more chance. The sound quality was just so good that I am going to risk it. I am trying to convince myself that LED volume indicators are not that important if it works well otherwise. If everything else is good, I will ignore that part if, or should I just say, "when" it happens. If there are any other issues, at least Amazon has an easy return policy. It is a super good sounding system for <$300 and with free shipping and no tax! I feel a little guilty for giving Vizio the business when they have been less than honest with the issue with this product and the fact that they did not post my "mostly good" review on the Vizio website. I think their review section is limited to only 100% positive with nothing critical at all. Not good business Vizio and not very honest!!

Addendum 4/11/2011:

I am adding this "reply" to a question about this product/my review as an addendum as well as I think the information may be helpful to others.

It has NO HDMI inputs (although a newer model, Vizio VHT520, coming out ~this summer will), a single optical (Toslink) input and a single analog (red/white RCA) input. Connectivity is a weakness in this model however it is possible to make everything work with the single optical-in. I have a Nyrius SW200 S-Video Composite & Digital Optical Toslink 3 Input Audio Video Selector Switch with Remote Compatible with DVD player, Satellite, Cable, PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, XBOX360, PS3, Wii, iPod (long name on amazon; I use only as an optical switcher) which automatically switches between my TiVo TCD746320 Premiere DVR (Black), OPPO BDP-93 Universal Network 3D Blu-ray Disc Player and TToshiba DKVR60 - DVD recorder/ VCR combo. Everything is set up using my Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touchscreen. I hit a single function such as "watch TV" and everything, including the optical switcher, goes to the correct setting. All video is connected directly to my Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (50 inch plasma) from each source via HDMI.

It is worth noting that my Vizio VHT510 is still working flawlessly. The one I ordered from amazon on January 8th is working well in all respects including the famously unreliable volume indicator lights. The first one I purchased (~November) did have the indicator light problem and was returned. It seems to be a matter of luck when you get this model. I have to say, however, that it is an amazing sound system for <$300.00. It is SO MUCH better than the native speakers on the HDTV that absolutely anyone can tell the difference. I have been very happy overall with this purchase.

So I purchased 3 Vizio VHT510's from my local Costco,,, had to return ALL of them because the LED's lights quit working.

Reviews on AVS, SamsClub, Costco and here at Amazon all complain about the LED's not working,, this is a widespread problem that is affecting both the VHT210 and VHT510 Vizio soundbars, and its not just a few of them,,, it seems to be all of them.

Even when I returned all my VHT510's at Costco the manager told me they have been getting these returned in great numbers because of the lights going out.

I wanted to buy another one as I really do like the VHT510, so I decided to call Vizio to ask them if they had fixed the probelm yet,,,, Vizio's response,,,, there is not a problem with the LED's and if there is it is only a few of their soundbars,,, after I told them of all the negitive reviews they still denied there was a problem.

I dont think I have ever laughed so hard,,,, WOW,, really Vizio,,,, no problems with the LED's going out,,,, ya know, if Vizio would have said yea, there is a problem and we are working on it I would have had total respect for Vizio,, but to totaly denie any problems what-so-ever,,, that just made me laugh,, and mad at the same time.

I guess Vizio does not know that this little thing called the "internet" exist, where people talk about things and read reviews.

Cheers
Davyo

This is my second Vizio soundabr. I have a VSB210WS in my LR because my wife wants less "stuff", but I want more. I have always been impressed with the sound of the VSB210WS.
So impressed, I bought my Dad on last year for Christmas to replace a Bose unit he had that I thought was horrible and he has been thrilled since day one.

I have a den/man cave with a 65 flat screen that's "MY" room to do with as I please, but have also grown to like "less" but still want more. I had purchased a Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA true 5.1 system and was really never quite happy. Center channel audio was very weak, bass just as bad. So when I heard about the new Vizio VHT510 to be released I was excited. It arrived Friday and I had it up and running in 30 minutes. BLOWS THE SONY AWAY!!!!! Watched 4 football games yesterday like I was there, then popped in Saving Private Ryan last night and as far as I was concerned, the bullets where wizzing by my head!!!

The only issue I have ever had with the Vizio soundbars was the single Optical input as I prefer to get my audio signal direct from the source not the TV as Vizio suggest (DishHD DVR,Sammy Blu-Ray, Roku unit), so I just use a 3 way optical splitter that that is remote controlled to solve the problem. Once all programmed into my Harmony 1100 all works without issue.

If I have one area I would improve, its the supplied remote, kinda chintzy but since I won't be using it, I really don't care.

This sounbar ROCKs! If you want great sound, want to go easy on your pocket....... you can't go wrong with this setup. I couldn't be happier.

UPDATE* Soundbar levels indicators having same issue as review below. That's the great thing about Amazon, no questions asked I have a replacement being delivered today and will return the defective unit.

I really like this sound bar. The rear speakers are wired to the sub and the sub is wirelessly connected to the sound bar. I had the same problem with the LED's after 1 day. A call to Vizio support fixed the problem. Just disconnect power to the sound bar and press the power button on the sound bar for 1 minute. Then reconnect the power and the LED's work again. If it were not for this I would have rated it 5 stars. Also it is $50 less at Walmart .com. Sound is not audiophile quality but close enough to impress. Works better on movies than music and eliminates running wires all around your room. Definitely worth the price.

What you read on the other Amazon reviews it true. The soundbar display failed (intermittently, but mostly not working) in less than 1 week. I cycled the power and it did not improve things.

Vizio required a return of everything before they would replace it - needless to say inconvenient.

So I am writing this review because I did a lot of research before purchasing this soundbar 5.1 system. I originally got the vsb210ws which is the older 2.1 vizio system...I was impressed with that but got it for $248 after tax at Sams Club. I figured if I can get the 5.1 system for only $50 more and have true surround sound then why not go that route. I had read many reviews on walmart.com and avs forums online and already knew about the problems with the led lights going out (which do not affect sound quality and you can reset the unit to get them to come back on). I recently got a open box xvt553sv 55 inch vizio led at sams that was an open box item for $1000.00 which was a steal and wanted to pair it with a good surround sound. When I first got the 5.1 surround sound I was not that impressed with the unit. I had checked my settings and turned everything up but it just didn't get that loud and have the thuderous effect I wanted. I had heard people say the only way to get true surround is to plug in directly to the source (cablebox to soundbar, bluray to soundbar, etc,). This will allow you to get 5.1, and I did this with an optical cable. This did not produce the great sound that i wanted. I changed it up and ran the optical cable from my optical out on my tv to the sound bar....this way you can plug in all the units to hdmi and use your tv as a switch and all the could comes out through the soundbar no matter what input. The difference with this was night and day. It sounds awesome this way and gets tru surround sound. Just watching hd cable it sounds like your in a Movie theatre. The dialog on this unit is very clear and you can still hear the dialog clearly with background noises going on. I plugged in a dvd and the sound was also tremendous.

I am not a huge fan of the remote but I bought a urc-wr7 universal learning remote for $20 on amazon which is great!. I use this to control all of my devices and it works great. The vizio soundbar does not have a 3 digit remote code so I had to learn each function on the remote which was not that difficult after reading the manual. I really reccommend getting this so you can use one remote for everything.

I've had it one week and the leds did not work one time, but came back on a couple hours later...i don't find this to be a problem as once you get your settings right you can just listen to the sound when it changes, not a big deal...but mine are back working.

I was also originally thinking of buying a 3 way optical switch but no longer need to because I found that running the optical from the tv to the soundbar produced the best sound. This is so much better as you can plug all your devices into your tv through hdmi and not have to mess with the soundbar as it will play all your sound for each device. Plus there are less wires this way and it produces way better 5.1 surround sound.

I also bought the atlantic speaker stands for $28 on amazon.com for the back speakers, which work great for this product. They look good, are stable, and best of all cheap at only $28 and no tax and free shipping.

My brother in law bought a blu-ray samsung 5.1 1000 watt surround sound and the vizio blows it away in every way. The dialog is so much clearer and better on the vht510 vizio.

Buy this system
and if you have any questions on this please feel free to email me eyberz@yahoo.com

Purchased this item hoping for a simple surround sound solution without all the wires. When I got it and open the box realized the rear channel speaker ran off the subwoofer via wire and the sub was wireless. Didn't like this, was hoping for all wireless. The rear speaker did not work at first and after 2 hours and push all the option on the system they started working. The next day the system started going in and out. Day after that rear sub and speaker stopped all together. Talked with Visio support and determined it was bad and would have to be replaced. They were going to ship me another one out and have me return my old one. Tech were unsure, but believe shipping would come out of my pocket. This is the reason I always by from Amazon, they refunded my purchase and Paid for return shipping FIVE STARS FOR AMAZON.

I also returned my system. The visual level display stopped working after about a week of working fine. The audio quality of the system was very acceptable for the price but I found it unacceptable that the LED displays wouldn't work. If Vizio comes out with a fix or a better system, I'd buy it again. Otherwise, no thanks.

I am a previous owner of the Vizio VHT210WS and was some what satisfied with it's performance. The sound quality wasn't nothing to ramp about but it was a much improvement from just having tv speakers. I recently purchased the vizio vht510 and I have to say I am very impressed. Sound quality is amazing for the price I paid. 5.1ch is clearly a much improvement compare to the 2.1ch on the vht210ws. Besides the 5.1ch the soundbar itself sounds much more crisp from the previous model. The subwoofer gives a much cleaner deep base compare to the previous model which sound a bit muffled. The remote is alot more responsive. Overall, I am very satisfield with this sound system. The only complaint I have is the wired speakers. It would rather have the speakers wireless rather than the subwoofer wireless.

BTW, many of the poor reviews for this system is mainly about durability and functionality issues. Since this system is new, the first batch probably have some glitches. I have my system a little over 2 weeks and still works flawlessly (knocking on wood). If you are looking for a affordable system, definitely consider this one. I would definitely buy this system again unless a newer model comes out.

Short Version: never really got 5.1 surround working. I spent way too much time fiddling with this as it is.

Longer Version: I purchased this with the hopes of getting an easy, affordable surround sound system into my house. I don't like A/V systems and I just wanted something easy and decent. After bringing it home, and hooking it up to my system, I come to find out that I can't get surround sound from the XBox or my BluRay player. Therefore, I will be returning this over the weekend.

I have both the BluRay player and Xbox going into my Vizio TV via HDMI. I have an optical audio cable from the TV to this soundbar. However, while I can hear 2.1 sound easily, I can't get the soundbar to acknowledge the 5.1 sound streams. I have played with the settings of all of my devices. This is a no go.

Who knows what the problem is (maybe it's me) but it shouldn't be this hard.

UPDATE: turns out I can get Dolby Digital to work, but not DTS. Remember, the intent of this soundbar is to route all sound through the TV and then out to the soundbar. My TV, a Vizio VL420M, isn't capable of carrying the DTS signal from my BluRay to the soundbar. If I plug the BluRay player directly into the soundbar (via optical) then I hear DTS 5.1

Not sure who to "blame" here, but the current setup isn't compatible.