With an MSRP of around $2,200 and a street price of $1,999, Vizio’s 55” set is the cheapest local dimming LCD by far. Boasting TruLED technology, the VF551XVT features 960 LEDs divided into 80 control blocks to enable local dimming, dubbed Smart Dimming by Vizio.
The dimming looked good in previews, though it will certainly be interesting to compare the much more budget oriented set that Vizio offers to higher end options from companies like Samsung. While Vizio’s new set does offer their own 240Hz Smooth Motion picture – a result of combining their 120Hz technology with scanning backlight – it comes up lacking in other departments. Connectivity, for example, is completely lacking.
Vizio states that this was an intentional choice to help push out the new LED backlit sets as quickly and as possible at a price that beats other local dimming options. A 55” TV with local dimming at only $2,000 is certainly impressive, but the lack of other popular features, such as Netflix streaming, takes a bit of the allure out of the set.
