Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of its kind, July 7, 2009
I've tested sound bars from Sony, Yamaha, Philips, Samsung and Polk Audio. Was not able to find the Marantz and Denon models. These products encompass a wide range of price points. The one I bought was the Vizio: great sound and convenience at a price near the bottom of the range.
The wireless subwoofer is an amazing convenience. Its range is at least 20 feet, and it sounds terrific in a variety of placements.
I connected the soundbar to my HDTV console with an optical cable, which works extremely well with one caveat--to activate the audio, the TV must be set on a digital channel. After that, analog audio (including from a DVD player) comes through as normal. If you use the included conventional cable, no issues.
You have limited control options to tailor the sound, but that's to be expected at the price. Vizio uses SRS Labs' surround virtualization chip and also throws in its volume stabilizer to knock down loud commercial breaks. This is a cost sacrifice, as the Dolby and DTS HD audio codecs are much more expensive. No problem; the others sound thin, while the Vizio washes you with clear, powerful sound.
It's not true surround sound, but unlike some rivals, the audio experience isn't overly directional (sounds good throughout the room) and is much better than basic stereo. If you can't run wire through your walls to deploy full surround, this is a fine compromise.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent value for a soundbar system, September 11, 2009
As a new owner of a Samsung LN55B640 HDTV I was disappointed with the tinny sound from the speakers. After researching the alternatives (subwoofer, soundbar system, 5.1 home theater system) I decided to try the Vizio Soundbar System and for me it's the perfect solution. The soundbar sits on the top shelf of the TV stand, under the HDTV, and the wireless powered subwoofer is on the floor to the left side. I used the included RCA cables for audio, but probably will buy a digital optical cable later.
The treble and mid-range are full and rich, and the subwoofer provides satisfying bass. It's not true surround sound, but fakes it pretty well, [...] it's an incredible value. Using the little remote control (included) you can adjust the soundbar volume, and then adjust the subwoofer volume. On the right side of the soundbar is the IR "eye" for the remote, as well as nine LEDs. The six white LEDs display the volume (both overall and subwoofer, depending on which one you are adjusting), the red LED indicates that the soundbar and subwoofer are linked up (there is also a little LED on the subwoofer front), and the two blue LEDs indicate that the TVVOL (controlling commercial loudness) and the SRS (simulated surround) are engaged.
As shipped from Vizio, the IR "eye" and LED panel is covered by a sticky-backed grey foam pad. This dims the LEDs, but also has the effect of masking the IR "eye", and making it difficult to use the remote. After carefully removing the black soundbar grill, I gently pried off the sticky-back foam and, presto, problem solved. Now I can use the remote to change the soundbar volume from any seating position, and the LEDs are clearly visible (they wink off seconds after making any volume changes).
Although [...] rates the Sony soundbar system a notch above this one, I would disagree, having listened to them both. The Vizio is as good or better than the Sony competitor, but at under [...], you really cannot go wrong with either one.
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Nice, June 5, 2009
Very nice. Sounded better than I figured. Sam's Club is currently the best price at the moment. Very easy to set up, if you have a Vizio TV it fits perfectly between the TV Stand. I came from a Bose Lifestyle 5.1 system. I was tired of the mess. Wanted to go simple. Very happy! Watched a Bluray tonight, sounded awesome! I would recommend.
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