Vizio delays 55-inch LED-based LCD

The LED-backlit VF551XVT by Vizio is now delayed and more expensive than when first announced.

(Credit: Vizio)

According to information from a lineup sheet first posted on engadgetHD, and confirmed by a Vizio spokesman, the company's highly anticipated VF551XVT, previously scheduled for release this month, will be delayed until September.

The 55-inch HDTV is also going to be $200 more expensive. That new price is likely to provide differentiation between the VF551XVT (now $2,199, up from $1,999) and the current VF550XVT (still $1,999), which we reviewed earlier this year and will remain in the company's lineup.

When it finally arrives, we expect the VF551XVT to handily outperform its less-expensive 55-inch brother. That's because it uses local-dimming LED backlight technology, which on other so-equipped LCDs delivers significantly improved black-level performance. The Vizio was one of three of our nominees for Best of CES in the TV category, thanks to its extremely low price, at least for an LED-backlit display.

The $200 price hike likely won't faze the anticipation LCD lovers awaiting the VF551XVT's release, but the delay could mean that impatient buyers shopping for models in that size range lose patience and pull the trigger on another set, like the 54-inch Panasonic TC-P54G10 plasma.

The company also announced other new models, including an Eco-friendly lineup and a couple of 240Hz replacements for the SV0XVT series. We'll have full details after Vizio's June 23 press event, but in the meantime engadgetHD covers the essentials.

[MadLyb]

Love the TV, hate that bar across the bottom.

Guess they had planned on lowering the price on the existing product, but either costs haven't dropped or the competition is pressuring them to lower prices.

[AdamB5000]

Everyone should take notes from Samsung. Simple, square, black bezels. I wouldn't mind all these companies dropping the gloss from the bezel, but less is more with a tv's design.

[the_iceman]

I agree, that silver bar at the bottom is ugly. I'd prefer a thin matte black bezel

[JJSquire]

David, nice V10 review, thank you.

Panasonic V10 vs VizioVF551XVT, that's my question. Will the Vizio have similar black levels? Will it have off-angle viewing problems or motion blur? What is the catch regarding how a 55" LED with local dimming can be so cheap? September is a long time to wait. I need to know now! Give us something please :)

[SVTruong]

the v10 would still destroy this tv. LCD's still don't compare to plasmas in motion and colors. I doubt it's any better than the samsung 950 and supposeably the v10 outperforms it. Plus, Panasonic build quality and reliability far outdoes Vizio outsourcing. =)

[Rod Roddy]

Vizio lets me have more than one flat panel at home, which gives me time to live my life--I like that--Vizio just works for me :-D

[Dagnasty]

Too bad for Vizio, I pulled the trigger and got the 54G10

[Tod Smith]

Where is a 60"?

[JohnH_in_OKC]

I saw the VizioVF550XVT at Sam's Club today & it was much improved in contrast & features over Vizio's previous 55 inch offering. The VizioVF551XVT will offer greater contrast & better efficiency with its LCD backlighting instead of CFL & will be available in September. However, I am holding out for an LCD backlit 55" that incorporates Vizio's Connected HDTV platform that incorporates Flash, widgets, & WiFi (802.11n) connectivity for easy HD connection to my laptop computer and a smokin' hot remote:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/07/vizio-takes-the-cover-off-connected-hdtv-netflix-blockbuster/#comments

[truxrme]

Latest on he 55" LED

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-led-tv30-2009jul30,0,4224051.story

[tvknob]

Too late Vizio, LG beat you to the punch, Vizio 900 LEDs, LG 1500 LEDs, now which will be the better ? Oh, and by the way, LG55LH90 is always on sale at Best Buy for 2199.00.