-
Introduction
-
01.Tour & Design
-
02.Performance Features
-
03.Connectivity & Media
-
04.Controls, Menu & Remote
-
05.Conclusion
-
06.Series Comparison
-
07.Ratings & Specs
-
08.Comments
VIZIO VL420M
Previous: Page 1
Tour & DesignNext: Page 3
Connectivity & Media
Performance Features
Display Size & Technology
The Vizio VL420M is a 42-inch LCD. Unlike Vizio's top of the end LED backlit HDTVs this mid-range model uses a standard CCFL backlight. LCD televisions provide better brightness than their Plasma counterparts, but often suffer in terms of viewing angle.
 |
| The Vizio VL420M sports a 42-inch 1080p display. |
Formats & Resolution
The Vizio VL420M is a full 1080p HDTV, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This means it can natively display the highest quality HD content.
Brightness, Blacks and Contrast Ratio
We weren't able to view much content on the Vizio VL420M, so we can't make a determination about the black level or brightness. Vizio states the VL420M's maximum brightness as 500 candelas per meter squared and the contrast ratio as 50,000:1. We won't be able to tell you how much those numbers reflect reality until we actually get the Vizio VL420M into our labs for review.
Color
Once again the limited content being displayed on the Vizio VL420M made it impossible for us to make a determination about color performance.
Motion & Refresh Rate
One of last year's high-end features that has made it down into Vizio's M-series lineup is 120Hz refresh rate, which is twice the 60Hz refresh rate that is standard on televisions. This should improve motion performance, but we won't be able to tell for sure what the result is on the VL420M until we have it in our labs. We can say that previous Vizio HDTVs with 120Hz refresh rate have shown solid motion performance.
Viewing Angle
We were quite happy with the viewing angle we saw from the Vizio VL420M on the floor. We didn't notice any major fading or a serious reduction in contrast ratio. This is good as poor viewing angle is a major concern in LCD televisions.
Latest News
& Reviews
-
23-May-2012
Best TVs for Sports
A good television is a vital purchase for any sports fan. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that a “good for sports TV” is generally synonymous with a “good for everything TV.” However, some TVs do possess qualities beyond simple processing power that might make them better for sports. Read More...
-
18-May-2012
Samsung UN46ES6500 3D LED LCD HDTV Review
This TV has the performance and picture quality to match its good looks. Samsung’s robust Smart TV platform is just icing on the cake. Read More...
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series
$2,599.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$2,599.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series
$1,299.002
Size: 51 in.Samsung PN51D6500
The Samsung PN51D6500 is one of the best deals for a big screen plasma TV. The performance is strong in most regards and the weakness are endemic to plasma TVs, not with this model in particular. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,749.993
Size: 47 in.LG 47LM6700
In addition to opinion-changing 3D images, this LG has a newly improved Smart TV menu system, and a remote that makes navigating the ever-expanding sea of content less of an odyssey. . Read full review
$1,749.99All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,500.004
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
$1,500.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,299.005
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes
Features
-
TelevisionInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After testing dozens of televisions this year, the staff of TVI has made its official selections for the very best televisions of 2011. Read More...
-
3D TV, Not Ready for Prime Time
If you’ve been shopping for a new TV is the last two years, you’ve probably heard a lot of hype about 3D. As with most new technologies, customers are awash in baffling terminology and misinformation. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the basics. Read More...
-
HDTV Streaming Content Compared
Televisions aren’t just getting their content through the coax cable anymore. Just as the internet has gradually moved towards a video-rich space—YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, etc.—those same sorts of features are creeping into your TV sets. Like it or not, those 1000+ channels of direct cable are not enough anymore. Read More...
-
Technology Preview: Haier Completely Wireless Television
Imagine a TV with no wires. You’re talking about WiFi, right? No, we mean no wires, at all. Haier, the Chinese company better known as an appliance manufacturer, is showcasing a new technology here at CES that conducts electricity wireless to the TV, as well as streaming content. The TV is pretty far from production at this point, but it’s among the more amazing things we’ve seen at the show. Here’s an in-depth look at the technology and how it might be implemented in future products. Read More...
(add your own)