I'd say this is a good TV and a good value overall. It seems to be well built and feels of quality. The picture quality could not be better for a small and relatively cheap set.
The remote is not that bad. I have a drawer full of remotes from various TVs, receivers, and other gear and it is rare that the remote that comes with a product is well laid out and comfortable to use- with few exceptions. Could it be better, yes. Would it stop me from buying the set, no. I think there was a design change in the remote, since the one that shipped with my set does not look like the one pictured in the manual. Buttons are in pretty much the same place, but the shape is more brick-like than curvy. So I guess Vizio made a running change. Not sure if I have the old style or new.
Configuring and WIFI was easy to setup. Found my wireless right away. Word of caution: don't spend a lot of time adding apps and configuring them to your liking for the first couple of days, since Vizio pushes firmware updates in the background (which you have no control over) and I have twice had to add back in apps, delete the pre-installed apps I did not want, and (like with Pandora) re-enter my username/passwords. Some of the available apps fall way short of their potential or are pure garbage.
The QAM tuner had no problems finding several non-encrypted channels on my Comcast service, and while the process is a bit tedious, it is easy to delete (skip) channels you don't care to watch. One disappointment is that the TV does not allow you to manually apply a label to the channels. While the set tags some channels from the data received over the cable, many are just numbers.
The Bad:
>Like other reviewers have stated the sound quality is pretty tinny. There is not much hope for it, regardless of the settings and EQ. No low-end at all. This is the major flaw of this otherwise pretty good TV. I'm sure the sound would be fantastic if output to an external amp and speakers.
>The wall mounting arrangement could be improved. Most wall-mountable sets are pre-tooled to accept a VESA standard mount directly to the back of the set. This one has an adapter (included) that attaches in place of the tabletop stand that can be wall mounted directly or mated to a VESA type wall bracket. This will make the set stand out from the wall more than some might like when coupled with another bracket. In my installation, this was not an issue (corner mounted with an articulating bracket), but I do not like how the Vizio wall adapter attaches low on the set, making hard to conceal the mounting. An unintended plus: I was able to set the AC power brick on the Vizio bracket hinge to stow it out of sight.
>The set has pretty good viewing angles side to side, but not from below. So, if you mount it high on a wall, the picture will wash out if you stand below the set and look up at it. Seems okay from a few feet back, however.
>Start up time is a bit long, at about 10 seconds.
>The lighted logo. I would say this is very well done with a quality, flush look that is evenly illuminated. It is amber when the set is off, and white when on. Unfortunately, there is no way to turn it off- at all. It can be distracting at times (dark scenes with room lights dimmed) and would be annoying to have that amber glow in a bedroom at night- unless, of course, you needed a nightlight, then it's a bonus! A little black tape does the trick.
| Brand Name | VIZIO |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 7.71 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 2.1 x 21.75 x 13.56 inches |
| Item model number | M221NV |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Black |
