How good is this TV?

[Inspector Vol]

http://www.vizio.com/led-lcd-hdtvs/m550nv-ca.html

[ReVOLver]

http://www.vizio.com/led-lcd-hdtvs/m550nv-ca.html

Vizio makes good sets. They are not Samsungs or Sharp Aquos, but they are solid. I have a Vizio LCD and it's a good TV. The picture is better on my LG plasma though.

[Inspector Vol]

What is the difference between LCD, LED and Plasma?  I know I need 1080p (whatever that is) but the other baffles me.

[3beans]

Plasma gives the best picture hands down if you can control the lighting.  Reflection off the glass front is the biggest problem for plasma sets. 

Now if you're an environmental nutcase, then you will probably want LED or LCD because they uses less power than the plasma.

[VinnieVOL]

You'll never get a difinitive answer on LCD vs Plasma.  I prefer LCD, but others swear by Plasma.  My understanding of LED is it's ultra-thin profile.  LCD's and Plasma's both have advantages and disadvantages, based on the setting it will be used in and one's usage habits.  You just need to read up on "plasma vs. Lcd" and decide which fits your situation.  While I prefer LCD, if I was shopping and found a Plasma on a good deal I would bite.

My parents own a 50" Vizio LCD, got it last Christmas, and they love it.

[Clockwork Orange]

Now if you're an environmental nutcase, then you will probably want LED or LCD because they uses less power than the plasma.

Or someone who wants to save a few dimes here and there on power . . . or someone who doesn't see the need in wasting energy when he doesn't have to . . . I don't think one has to be a "nutcase" to decide that using less energy is better.

Someone may also be concerned about the longevity of their TV or its fragility in shipping. Someone may also feel better about buying technology with a longer track record.

[Volznut]

What is the difference between LCD, LED and Plasma?  I know I need 1080p (whatever that is) but the other baffles me.

You don't need 1080P unless the TV set is larger than 42"

LCD = Liquid Crystal display - Actually an older technology back from the 60s. They are basically in the middle of filters and glass panels.They are are actually molecules that flow like  a liquid, and bend light like a crystal.

Plasma = Think the flourescent lightbulb. Similar technology based on Neon-Xenon gas. Uses more energy, but probably the truest blacks and sharpest contrasts

LED = Light Emitting Diode - These are used as backlighting instead of lamps. These are really still LCDs as far as the display is concerned, but they use LEDs for backlighting, and that provides better contrasts and uses less energy.

[ReVOLver]

You don't need 1080P unless the TV set is larger than 42"

LCD = Liquid Crystal display - Actually an older technology back from the 60s. They are basically in the middle of filters and glass panels.They are are actually molecules that flow like  a liquid, and bend light like a crystal.

Plasma = Think the flourescent lightbulb. Similar technology based on Neon-Xenon gas. Uses more energy, but probably the truest blacks and sharpest contrasts

LED = Light Emitting Diode - These are used as backlighting instead of lamps. These are really still LCDs as far as the display is concerned, but they use LEDs for backlighting, and that provides better contrasts and uses less energy.

Good explanation of the technology.

Plasma also puts off a lot more heat.

LED TVs look better than LCD TVs to me.

[Black Diamond Vol]

Plasma absolutely has the best picture of all the flatscreen technologies.  They have the truest coloring, they're the ONLY ones than can render a true black, they have a 180 degree viewing angle without losing contrast, and they're much better with motion.  And they're usually a lot cheaper than a similar sized LED.  Unfortunately, they're also susceptible to burn-in.  So if you watch a lot channels with a constant graphic or crawler on the screen (such as ESPN or CNN) or play a lot of video games with constant scores, maps, etc. in the corner, it may stay there permanently if you're not careful.  That's why I got an LCD.  But all else being equal, I'd definitely go with plasma.

[Inspector Vol]

Thanks for the help.

[73Volgrad]

Stay away from Vizio because they do repair TVs after warranty expires.  If your Vizio stops working or has a problem, they may or may not replace it with a new one.  Since Vizio only sells TVs and has zero repair parts, you are rolling the dice to buy one.  If it is going to be the main big screen you have, go with a Samsung, Panasonic, etc.  No off-brands.

[3beans]

Now if you're an environmental nutcase, then you will probably want LED or LCD because they uses less power than the plasma.

Did not mean to offend anyone.  I left off the smiley face.

[Oldvol75]

I have 3 of them and have had 0 problems! I like them!

[RIPLEYVOL]

I just bought this one a couple days ago...I LOVE IT!!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05771855000P?vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&cName=Televisions&sName=Flat+Panel&keyword=flat+panel&filter=storeOrigin%7CSears&sale=true&autoRedirect=false

[Barbivol]

I just got this one for my son and his family for Christmas...I hope they like it...did I choose ok?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05718933000P