mattd241's Full Review: Vizio VA26L 26 in. HDTV TV
This TV is actually available under 3 different model numbers and it (nor any) does NOT have a contrast ratio of 2400:1 (you may find some sites giving this 26" Vizio such a contrast ratio - it doesn't exist). The "Typical" Contrast (which is the value that sites should list) is 800:1 on these TV's. I found this out when I purchased it at WalMart (Price I paid required an on-line purchase). I let Wally World know about this mistake in the contrast ratio.
The 2400:1 is actually the DCR Ratio which is used to improve contrast as it increases or reduces the backlight brightness dynamically in order to improve the black levels of darker images and increase color reproduction and brightness on more vibrant images. It has drawbacks because watching the backlight change brightness on moving images is not exactly ideal.
I had hoped for a far better picture (expecting 2400:1), but 800:1 makes for an acceptable picture for a 26" screen at this price. Since it is for use in the bedroom and not the main room, I can live with the disappointment. 2400:1 would have made an exceptional value, though!
It was fairly easy to set up with a simple cable connection and the instructions are almost idiot proof. The 20lb weight is a blessing after moving out my old 27" tube television that I gave to my son.
I have no complaints about the speaker system, which may be due to my proximity to it (used in the bedroom). After adjusting the bass, treble, and setting it to stereo mode, it seems fine to me.
The remote is user friendly, though if it were lit I would have loved that feature. No PIP and other luxuries found in higher priced models, but I knew that when I purchased.
Can't say I'm that happy with the TV's buttons being on the side of the TV, rather than the front. Makes it a bit inconvenient to see the button labels when the TV is in a corner, but again, no major issue for me as I use the remote 90% of the time.
Overall, it is a good buy for the price, though I wouldn't recommend it for use in an area where the family gathers to watch their main entertainment expecting the highest quality viewing experience, but as a second, decent TV, it is worth the low price for a 26" model.
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