Vizio SV470XVT LCD HDTV Review - Remote Control

We were not overly impressed by the Vizio SV470XVT's remote. We found it had sharp corners and the balance was off. We did like that you can use it as a universal remote, however.

Ergonomics & Durability (5.7)
The Vizio SV470XVT's remote is a slim piece of plastic with a glossy finish on the front and a grey back. The remote is very thin at the middle and front and bulges larger at the back. There's no particular curves or finish to make it easier to hold, and the edges are very sharp, especially on the top. The slightly slick plastic means you'll probably drop it more than you might like. We're not particularly impressed by the durability, although the battery cover is secure we worry that if you accidentally stepped on the remote it might snap in two very easily.

We also found that the balance of the remote was not particularly comfortable at neutral as it is heavily back weighted, and this becomes even more apparent as you shift your hand forward to access the keypad or power button. Key travel was good and most of the buttons are made of soft and comfortable plastic. The directional pad is hard plastic and is more difficult to press, but it does give you a reassuring click when pressed. It's also the only item on the remote that's backlit.

Button Layout & Use (5.85)
When you hold the Vizio SV470XVT at neutral the D-pad is comfortably within reach, but those with small hands may find that they have to shift their hands down a bit to get to the Volume and Channel buttons. You'll definitely have to shift your hands further to reach the keypad, power button and playback controls that sit above and below the main controls. This become readily apparent when you try to switch to a specific channel using the keypad. We were not impressed with the sensitivity of the infrared sensor on the Vizio SV470XVT's remote. We found that unless you're within a narrow band in front of the TV and pointing the remote directly at the IR sensor at the lower right of the TV it has trouble picking up commands.

Programming & Flexibility (6.0)
The Vizio SV470XVT can be programmed to work as a universal remote, a nice extra. There are clear instructions for doing this in the manual along with a chart in the back with all of the codes you'll need.