[kgturner]

I'm looking to move up from my Vizio M550NV after moving to a bigger house. My budget is right around $3000. Currently, I'm torn between the new Vizio 70" 4K set (~$2500) and the older Vizio 80" 1080P set (~$3000). The 70" is newer and cheaper by about $500. The 80" is at the top of my budget, but $500 for an extra 10" doesn't bother me at all. My viewing distance is 15' to 16'. Is bigger better or is newer better? I feel like there would not little resolution advantage gained due to my viewing distance, but I also realize that 4K will probably be "forced" on us one way or the other. Thanks for any input you can provide.

Kevin T

[gregcss]

I started following the avs thread below when it was 30 pages and has ballooned to 130 pages since 9/17/14. Seems people are being overcritical, even from non-owners, but there are some legitimate issues. One being QC control several people exchanged the TV for a new one because of white/dark spots, doa, etc. As far as I know 4k is only available for most consumers through netflix. If you dont plan on viewing 4k now or by your next TV purchase the 80 inch probably the way to go. The other thing to consider is that 4k TV up samples everything to 4k and from what others are saying causes artifacts to appear for lower resolution (480p, 720p, 1080i) not sure about 1080P. Just my 2 cents.

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/166-lcd-flat-panel-displays/1689258-official-2014-vizio-p-series-owner-s-thread.html

[kingdeezie]

I know this doesn't really answer your question, and I apologize, just offering options.

Any reason why you aren't considering projectors at the sizes you are looking at?

You could probably pick up a JVC DLA X35, and a 92 inch DA Lite PermWall HiPower fixed frame screen, for around your budget.

As long as you have decent light control, and are okay with replacing the bulbs (depending on usage), every year or so, you would have a much better picture at a larger size IMO.

IME, I have never been much of a fan of Vizio picture quality. They do offer large sizes at reasonable prices, but at the cost of picture quality IMO.

The JVC, while it does have some drawbacks akin to all projectors, will throw a reference picture.

Also, I believe a projection screen between speakers, causes less acoustical issues than a TV. As another side perk.

Good luck in any event! 

[RDavidson]

In my mind, if you're looking to upgrade then do it right and get the latest useful (or eventually useful) technology. You'll be glad you did.
We still have a Sony XBR4 as our main TV. It was quite pricey at the time we bought it, but it had all the latest/best technology. I think it still has a very good picture quality today. Though I know better can be had, I don't feel any real rush to replace it. I'm kind of holding out to see how the production of OLED TV's pans out. Something I don't like is that many of the top TV's have curved screens. Not a fan of this trend. It kind of defeats the purpose of thin TV's. OLED TV's can be about as thin as a pencil, which looks fantastic, especially wall mounted. Why curve it?
Anyway......that's my opinion.

[LadyDog]

I'm with King.  You can have a decent projector setup for probably half your budget.  And get better results too.

[mix4fix]

How about no Vizio option?

It's not a brand I would buy.

[TF1216]

I have read positive comments regarding Visio' TV performance from expert calibrators. One recommendation would be to find the calibrations settings or find reviews before buying.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

There are 2 ways to look at this.  Either go cheap now because technology is changing fast and better TV's at lower cost are on their way or get the most TV you can for the money if you don't plan on upgrading and getting the most up to date 4K or OLED technology.

[WireNut]

Either go cheap now because technology is changing fast and better TV's at lower cost are on their way.

upgrading and getting the most up to date 4K or OLED technology.

If  technology ever comes to a halt I'd buy a new TV to replace my 1980'S Sony Trinitron 27" CRT.
It's just like audio, upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. My Sony is still working great after 30+ years.

How long has Visio been around?
Just wondering.

[JRace]

If  technology ever comes to a halt I'd buy a new TV to replace my 1980'S Sony Trinitron 27" CRT.
It's just like audio, upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. My Sony is still working great after 30+ years.

How long has Visio been around?
Just wondering.

Vizio has been around since 2002, and are an American company.

Vizio became the largest LCD TV seller (by volume) in North America for the second quarter of 2007,

Regarding your Trinitron....hows 720p look on that thing?

[Phil A]

I have 5 Vizio TVs and have had a couple (32, which is now in the garage and 42 inches) of them for 9-10 years and no issues.  I use projectors in the main system and master bedroom system currently, but had a 55 inch Vizio in the old master bedroom previously (and it is in a spare bedroom and still looks great).  I bought a 29 inch for the kitchen last year as well as a 32 inch for the master bedroom just to watch news if I don't want to turn on the projector.  So I've had good luck with them.  I bought an Insignia (50 inch - not sure you makes the model I have from Best Buy's house brand) for a spare bedroom as well just about a hear ago.  As with any video or digital component, I try not to spend top dollar as the technology changes fairly rapidly.  I don't plan on buying any TVs in the next couple of years (unless something breaks) and will revisit the 4k thing then (and see what prices are and what software is available).

[Bob in St. Louis]

Any reason why you aren't considering projectors at the sizes you are looking at?

Yes. That. 

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I bought a next to the top of the line Samsung 55" LED TV last year at a good discount and love it.  It gives a much better picture than my aging 52" Sony XBR4.  I thought about waiting a year for prices to come down on 4K TV's.  I am glad that I didn't as the picture on the SS is spectacular.  In about 4 years when 4K has the bugs worked out and becomes more main stream I will go that route and ditch the aging Sony.

[roscoeiii]

Unless you are dying for a huge screen, I'd get a 55 inch OLED.
 

[kgturner]

Any reason why you aren't considering projectors at the sizes you are looking at?

I've gone the projector route before with a Da-Lite 92" pull down screen. It just wasn't for me. My old and new house had/have too much ambient light and I don't want to turn my living room into a cave during the day just to watch TV. Plus, I'd blow through bulbs as this is going to be a primary video source. Movies, video games, and TV for multiple 5+ hours a day, every day of the week. The 55" Vizio is ear marked for the bedroom once it's replacement is found. Not to mention the wife won't let me turn the living room into a cave. She likes the bright, open space. I appreciate the concern and if it were workable, I'd get a projector. As it stands though, I'm "stuck" with a 70"+ TV. Such a horrible predicament to be in.

Kevin T

[mcgsxr]

Given your positive experience with the brand, and intelligent consideration (and deflation) of the PJ idea, I'd go with the 80.

Your viewing distance of 15-16 feet is a long way off, so the larger screen will likely pay off more from the increased geography than any perceived resolution uptake.

A buddy of mine who has done TV reviews for many many years stands by Vizio too.

That said, I am over the moon with my 42, 55 and 60 Panny Plasma's, but they would suffer some in a bright room anyway.