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The Vizio VF550XVT's remote has good points and bad. We like the soft, easy to press buttons, and the soft touch finish on the back. We don't like the large size and how difficult it is to balance in your hand.
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 Ergonomics & Durability (5.25)
The Vizio VF550XVT's remote looks to be the same one we saw on the Vizio VO47L. This means it's long and hefty, although it does have a soft-touch finish on the back that makes it easier to grip. When holding the remote with our thumb over the directional pad we found it to be a bit bottom heavy, something that only gets worse as you shift your hand up the remote. Whenever you hit a bottom you get a soft orange light from the keys, which make them easier to see in the dark without hurting your eyes.
The buttons are soft rubber and offer good key travel, but we would have liked to get a bit more tactile feedback when pressed. We are a bit concerned about durability, specifically in regards to the battery cover, which doesn't have a strong latch and slides on/off. This sort of design can get broken or worn out easily.
Button Layout & Use (5.5)
Due to the Vizio VF550XVT remote's length you'll find yourself shifting your hand up and down a lot, especially if you have smaller hands. That said the main controls are within easy reach of the directional pad when the remote is held at neutral. Everything else, however, is going to require you move your hand about, and as we mentioned above the remote is a bit bottom-heavy in all held positions.
The VF550XVT's remote doesn't offer the extreme range of angles for control as some other remotes we've seen, it stopped working for us at an angle of about 20 degrees from the plan of the television's screen. We did like that the remote is well labeled. There are a few controls that will require a manual to figure out, but most are clearly labeled.
Programming & Flexibility (5.5)
If you wish you can use the Vizio VF550XVT's remote to control other pieces of your home theatre setup. There are clear instructions in the manual on how to do this and there's also a list of access codes for other pieces of equipment at the back of the manual.
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