 Best of its kind |
| Date Of Review: July 8, 2009 |
| Reviewed by: R. Reece, Orinda, CA United States |
I've tested sound bars from Sony, Yamaha, Philips, Samsung and Polk Audio. Was not able to find the Marantz and Denon models. These products encompass a wide range of price points. The one I bought was the Vizio: great sound and convenience at a price near the bottom of the range.
The wireless subwoofer is an amazing convenience. Its range is at least 20 feet, and it sounds terrific in a variety of placements.
I connected the soundbar to my HDTV console with an optical cable, which works extremely well with one caveat--to activate the audio, the TV must be set on a digital channel. After that, analog audio (including from a DVD player) comes through as normal. If you use the included conventional cable, no issues.
You have limited control options to tailor the sound, but that's to be expected at the price. Vizio uses SRS Labs' surround virtualization chip and also throws in its volume stabilizer to knock down loud commercial breaks. This is a cost sacrifice, as the Dolby and DTS HD audio codecs are much more expensive. No problem; the others sound thin, while the Vizio washes you with clear, powerful sound.
It's not true surround sound, but unlike some rivals, the audio experience isn't overly directional (sounds good throughout the room) and is much better than basic stereo. If you can't run wire through your walls to deploy full surround, this is a fine compromise. |
Excellent value for a soundbar system
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| Date Of Review: September 11, 2009 |
| Reviewed by: MauiPeterB, Portland, OR |
As a new owner of a Samsung LN55B640 HDTV I was disappointed with the tinny sound from the speakers. After researching the alternatives (subwoofer, soundbar system, 5.1 home theater system) I decided to try the Vizio Soundbar System and for me it's the perfect solution. The soundbar sits on the top shelf of the TV stand, under the HDTV, and the wireless powered subwoofer is on the floor to the left side. I used the included RCA cables for audio, but probably will buy a digital optical cable later.
The treble and mid-range are full and rich, and the subwoofer provides satisfying bass. It's not true surround sound, but fakes it pretty well, [...] it's an incredible value. Using the little remote control (included) you can adjust the soundbar volume, and then adjust the subwoofer volume. On the right side of the soundbar is the IR "eye" for the remote, as well as nine LEDs. The six white LEDs display the volume (both overall and subwoofer, depending on which one you are adjusting), the red LED indicates that the soundbar and subwoofer are linked up (there is also a little LED on the subwoofer front), and the two blue LEDs indicate that the TVVOL (controlling commercial loudness) and the SRS (simulated surround) are engaged.
As shipped from Vizio, the IR "eye" and LED panel is covered by a sticky-backed grey foam pad. This dims the LEDs, but also has the effect of masking the IR "eye", and making it difficult to use the remote. After carefully removing the black soundbar grill, I gently pried off the sticky-back foam and, presto, problem solved. Now I can use the remote to change the soundbar volume from any seating position, and the LEDs are clearly visible (they wink off seconds after making any volume changes).
Although [...] rates the Sony soundbar system a notch above this one, I would disagree, having listened to them both. The Vizio is as good or better than the Sony competitor, but at under [...], you really cannot go wrong with either one.
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Exceeded Expectations
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| Date Of Review: October 15, 2009 |
| Reviewed by: Richard Hagins, Aliso Viejo, CA |
My stereo of 10 years finally died so I started shopping around for a new one. After a couple weeks of research I purchased a fancy all-in-one 5.1 system. After spending about two hours setting it up I just wasn't THAT impressed. Also, I found that there were just too many speakers and wires and settings to mess with. So, I took it back and figured I would try Vizio's all in one; after all, the reviews had been really good. I heard one at the store and wasn't impressed, but after spending 15 minutes setting it up at home I was really blown away. It seemed to have higher highs and lower lows than the 5.1 system. The system is basic, but where I think you miss out on features you gain with quality sound. It obviously lacks the true behind your head sound, but I can honestly say that I like the sound this unit generates over the much higher priced and feature rich Sony 5.1 that I tried. If you just want quality sound with very little clutter and simplistic features, I woldn't hesitate to give the Vizio Soundbar a spin.
Pros:
Simple Set-up
No wire mess and takes up very little space
Quality Sound
Surprisingly Good Quality Craftsmanship
Can place the sub-woofer anywhere in the room
Can control sub-woofer volume separately
Looks Great
Fairly Priced
Cons:
The remote is small
The light indicators take some getting used to, but not an issue for me
Huh...I can't think of any more...Go buy one!!! |
Very Nice
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| Date Of Review: June 6, 2009 |
| Reviewed by: Thomas K. Lotz, Colorado |
| Very nice. Sounded better than I figured. Sam's Club is currently the best price at the moment. Very easy to set up, if you have a Vizio TV it fits perfectly between the TV Stand. I came from a Bose Lifestyle 5.1 system. I was tired of the mess. Wanted to go simple. Very happy! Watched a Bluray tonight, sounded awesome! I would recommend. |
Super sound!
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| Date Of Review: September 8, 2009 |
| Reviewed by: D. Brandfas, Fallon, Nevada USA |
| I had a 5.1 surround system that only lasted a few years. I've been looking for a replacement for about a year. My main reason for not buying another 5.1 system is the wires. Too many wires all over the place. The Vizio sound bar eliminates the wires. It also eliminates a few speakers but that's not a problem. After connecting to the TV, I tested the sound on various dvd's. The sound was SUPER and CLEAR and crisp. The sub woofer isn't as powerful as one might like but it does get the job done. Over all I am very happy with this system and would recommend this to anyone looking for a good sound system with no wires. Buy and ENJOY! |
For Vizio TV owners - remote fix
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| Date Of Review: March 12, 2010 |
| Reviewed by: Audio_File, |
The main point of this review is to let Vizio TV owners know how to program their TV remote to replace the cheap sound bar remote. Aside from that, the sound bar is easy to setup, is very clear, and is a great deal at the price. Sonically I would use words like spacial, open clear vocals, reasonable surround, tight bass. This praise comes in light of me owning a $7,500 stereo system. Order an optical cable ($5 from Amazon), you'll appreciate the enhanced clarity and airiness over the RCA connections (I compared the two using high-end RCA cables). Without further adieu...
I have the 551XVT and just got the 210WS sound bar. Since the 210 remote is cheesy to say the least, I programmed the TV remote audio function per the 210ws manual with code 31517. The TV remote can control all sound bar functions except for volume up/down, which is a pain since I use the non-variable out optical connection. (Yes after several blind listening tests, you can notice an improvement with optical vs RCA - more clarity, better spacial relationships). So without volume up/down working on the TV remote you cannot turn the sound bar down!
I called Vizio, who said not all remotes can provide all functions and there is no other code. However after searching around I found that the 551 TV remote (VUR8M) is a learning remote - this is not mentioned in the manual. I was able to program every function from the sound bar remote to the much better TV remote. Here's how.
Teaching the Remote Control (551 TV remote)
It is recommended that both remotes have fresh batteries for the teaching function. Place teaching and learning remote controls no farther than 2" apart. If elapsed time between pressing keys is 10 seconds or longer the remote control will exit programming mode requiring you to start from Step 1.
1. Press and hold down the SET key until led blinks twice.
2. Input code 9 7 5, led blinks twice to confirm code acceptance.
3. Press the Mode key. (DVD, Audio, Cable or TV).
4. Press key to be learned. LED will blink rapidly.
5. Press and hold key to be taught on teaching remote control.
6. Led will stop blinking rapidly, then blink twice to confirm key has been programmed.
7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until all desired keys are taught into your remote control.
8. Exit learning mode by pressing SET or by waiting 10 seconds (time out).
Clearing the Memory
1. Press and hold down Set until Led blinks twice
2. Input code 9 8 1, led blinks twice signaling code acceptance.
3. In Step 2, code 9 7 7 can be used in instead.
The remote control is now ready to be programmed with original codes.
Now I have the TV remote control the TV, soundbar via Audio, my DVD player, and DISH PVR via cable. . And all functions are available on the TV remote. Just saved a bunch of cash on a Harmony remote! woohoo! |
Nice upgrade from TV speakers, great value
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| Date Of Review: January 4, 2010 |
| Reviewed by: B. Murray, Memphis |
I have a 42" Vizio and just hooked up the sound bar and wireless subwoofer a few days ago. So far, no problems. The sound is a big upgrade from the built-in speakers. Our tv is located in a large family room with high ceilings and the sound bar really projects the sound out to you rather than getting lost in the room. It took about an hour to hook everythig up and figure out what cables to use. We have direct tv and at first I had the optical cable going from the direct tv box to the sound bar. And I had regular cables going from my dvd player to the sound bar. This did present an inconvenience, b/c when you switch between the DVD player, Wii, or TV, you had to change the input selection on the sound bar. To make it more livable, I have the optical cable going from the TV to the sound bar, so you don't have to keep switching the input on the sound bar. The subwoofer is a really nice add and you can definitely tell it's there.
The system does come with its own remote (very small), so for now I have to use my direct tv remote and the sound bar remote to have full control. It does have its own code as stated in the manual but I have not tried to program my direct tv remote to control the sound bar yet.
Overall, very happy, great value, and has definitely improved the experience. |
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