Vizio E601i-A3: Reviews

Vizio E601i-A3

Price

The Vizio E601i-A3 HDTV costs $1,000 which is $200 less expensive than the average television. This works out to $16.67 per inch.

Display

The Vizio E601i-A3\'s 60 in. screen has a vertical resolution of 1080p with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is about average for HDTVs.

Dimensions

The Vizio E601i-A3 weighs 54.5 lbs, which is slightly lighter than most HDTVs and has a height of 33.68 inches, a width of 54.13 inches, and a depth of 1.54 inches.

  • Second Vizio

    The first Vizio we purchased is a 27" LCD that is now five years old. We are very satisfied with it, no problems what-so-ever, very nice picture quality. When our old Mitsubishi monster of a TV (great for its day) started going black, we shopped for a new TV with Vizio fairly high on the list.Have had it about six weeks now and we are very pleased with it. Granted, the picture quality does not match that of, say, a Pioneer/Sharp Elite series but it's not $3,000 or $4,000 either. Nor does this screen, or any LED panel, provide the depth and deep blacks of a good plasma. However, we ruled out plasma because of image retention (the TV station logo in the corner of the screen, or other static image, will sometimes remain imbedded for awhile with some plasma TVs) and, more importantly, plasma TVs don't perform real well in a bright room. Practicality was a major consideration in making our decision.This Vizio, with a matte screen, is excellent in a bright room. We feel the picture quality is equal to that of its competitors (Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Panasonic and others) despite some lukewarm professional reviews and analysis addressing the PQ. This is especially the case after I calibrated the picture to our liking.We have compared some of these brands visually with the Vizio, particularly a brand new Panasonic 55" LED that my parents purchased and a newer Samsung big screen LED that some close friends went for maybe a year or so ago. The Panasonic was high on our list. Of course, we couldn't do a side by side...only in the store (a few stores) could we do this. Every time we came back and turned on the Vizio, never was there a "we shoulda" moment, any buyers remorse or consideration of exchanging it. Quite the opposite, in fact. We are satisfied that we made an excellent decision. The only way we could have a truly superior picture, a real "wow" factor improvement, would be to step up a thousand-plus dollars for a premium set, and some of those don't necessarily impress. We considered some of the real higher end TVs, but did not go that way because we felt technology will significantly improve products on the market in this field within three to five or so years. We couldn't justify a three grand or more purchase right now for a TV when something like this Vizio is available. Perhaps when we assemble an audiophile level sound system we will spring for something top shelf.For us the features provided with a smart TV are a great bonus that we will use heavily, but the quality of the set is most important. We did not make our decision based on price, we would have paid a fair amount more for much better picture quality, but the difference simply was not there among the competition in the price range, period.It should be noted that while the picture is excellent while viewing from front, the off-screen picture is very poor. This is not a TV for viewing while walking around the room or watching at a significant angle. It is for gathering around in front of it and taking in the show.Vizio has a budget TV reputation because it was initially marketed through Costco and is sold in abundance through Walmart. Make no mistake, it is not a low quality product. Vizio is a TV manufacturer with a few other products in its portfolio. It is not a multi-product conglomerate. Vizio exists to make TVs. The company has something like 150 to 250 employees. They do not spearhead technology, they absorb existing technology and package it. Their profit margins are modest and their overhead is very much under control. Their business plan and their offerings are pretty damn good.The brand started in 2002 in California and their entry to the market was based on their relationship with Costco, thus the budget image. Vizio is a U.S. company, it is not a Japanese, Korean or Chinese firm. The parts are sourced, (probably in large part from Chinese manufacturers) and assembly takes place in Mexico. The difference between this process and Chinese manufacturing and assembly is superior quality control and lower shipping cost. While no TV under three grand can boast of stellar craftsmanship, Vizio is right up there with the better stuff.Others may have a different experience than we have had, and that is certainly respected, but I, for one, am pretty solidly in support of this young brand. What I would like to see from them now is a real premium product that competes with and beats the best of the best.
  • Second Vizio

    The first Vizio we purchased is a 27" LCD that is now five years old. We are very satisfied with it, no problems what-so-ever, very nice picture quality. When our old Mitsubishi monster of a TV (great for its day) started going black, we shopped for a new TV with Vizio fairly high on the list.Have had it about six weeks now and we are very pleased with it. Granted, the picture quality does not match that of, say, a Pioneer/Sharp Elite series but it's not $3,000 or $4,000 either. Nor does this screen, or any LED panel, provide the depth and deep blacks of a good plasma. However, we ruled out plasma because of image retention (the TV station logo in the corner of the screen, or other static image, will sometimes remain imbedded for awhile with some plasma TVs) and, more importantly, plasma TVs don't perform real well in a bright room. Practicality was a major consideration in making our decision.This Vizio, with a matte screen, is excellent in a bright room. We feel the picture quality is equal to that of its competitors (Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Panasonic and others) despite some lukewarm professional reviews and analysis addressing the PQ. This is especially the case after I calibrated the picture to our liking.We have compared some of these brands visually with the Vizio, particularly a brand new Panasonic 55" LED that my parents purchased and a newer Samsung big screen LED that some close friends went for maybe a year or so ago. The Panasonic was high on our list. Of course, we couldn't do a side by side...only in the store (a few stores) could we do this. Every time we came back and turned on the Vizio, never was there a "we shoulda" moment, any buyers remorse or consideration of exchanging it. Quite the opposite, in fact. We are satisfied that we made an excellent decision. The only way we could have a truly superior picture, a real "wow" factor improvement, would be to step up a thousand-plus dollars for a premium set, and some of those don't necessarily impress. We considered some of the real higher end TVs, but did not go that way because we felt technology will significantly improve products on the market in this field within three to five or so years. We couldn't justify a three grand or more purchase right now for a TV when something like this Vizio is available. Perhaps when we assemble an audiophile level sound system we will spring for something top shelf.For us the features provided with a smart TV are a great bonus that we will use heavily, but the quality of the set is most important. We did not make our decision based on price, we would have paid a fair amount more for much better picture quality, but the difference simply was not there among the competition in the price range, period.It should be noted that while the picture is excellent while viewing from front, the off-screen picture is very poor. This is not a TV for viewing while walking around the room or watching at a significant angle. It is for gathering around in front of it and taking in the show.Vizio has a budget TV reputation because it was initially marketed through Costco and is sold in abundance through Walmart. Make no mistake, it is not a low quality product. Vizio is a TV manufacturer with a few other products in its portfolio. It is not a multi-product conglomerate. Vizio exists to make TVs. The company has something like 150 to 250 employees. They do not spearhead technology, they absorb existing technology and package it. Their profit margins are modest and their overhead is very much under control. Their business plan and their offerings are pretty damn good.The brand started in 2002 in California and their entry to the market was based on their relationship with Costco, thus the budget image. Vizio is a U.S. company, it is not a Japanese, Korean or Chinese firm. The parts are sourced, (probably in large part from Chinese manufacturers) and assembly takes place in Mexico. The difference between this process and Chinese manufacturing and assembly is superior quality control and lower shipping cost. While no TV under three grand can boast of stellar craftsmanship, Vizio is right up there with the better stuff.Others may have a different experience than we have had, and that is certainly respected, but I, for one, am pretty solidly in support of this young brand. What I would like to see from them now is a real premium product that competes with and beats the best of the best.
  • TV REV

    It's always a tough decision deciding what kind of TV to buy. I've been though about 5 TV's in the last 3 years. I guess I have to stop leaving my TVs on constantly lol. I always check out reviews and pricing from places like www.tvrevs.com before I pick one. I would suggest to always do a little research before grabbing a TV. Just my two cents.
  • Best deal of the year

    Picked this up for $699 on Amazon flash sale. Great TV packed with features and great video quality. Wish I could have picked up a few more at that price, but the limit was 1 per person.
  • Good value

    We have this TV in our office here at FindTheBest. It gives you all of the performance you could ask for at its price. If you want a bang for your buck 60" TV, look no further and buy this bad boy!
  • Good bang for the buck

    Got the Vizio from Costco this weekend of Dec 2012. Brought home, and replaced my 52" 4 year old Samsung TV. Didn't buy another Samsung because of the service and LCD panel problems, but that's an entire different story. For the short term, no more Samsung TV please.The Vizio picture quality is stunning, both in terms of contrast clarity and vibrance. Watched ESPN football on this, and wow - amazing colors. Used its scanner feature to scan off air channels from HDTV antenna. Then tested the apps, Netflix worked beautifully, amazingly sharp pictures. The kids love watching Netflix on this TV. My son as I am sure will play PS3 COD ... and will love it.The audio is pretty good too, considering it comes from this 1" thick TV... not much room to squeeze in decent speakers. Hooked up optical audio to my audio booster, and wow- got home theater 6 channels :-)What I liked about the TV:1. Picture quality with sharpness, clarity and vibrance.2. The best 60" you can get under $10003. Smart features including Netflix, Youtube, etc4. USB ports that allow me to watch photos, videos, and listen to music off my USB thumb drive.5. Wifi and internet hook up.6. Low power, only estimated $17 per year electricity usage.What I hope Vizio will improve:1. The base/stand should swivel some angle so we don't need to move the base with the TV. The screws are kinda flimsy and weak.2. The mechanical design overall could be better, smoother, and more sexy. The outside plastic looks plain.That's my review :-)
  • TV REV

    It's always a tough decision deciding what kind of TV to buy. I've been though about 5 TV's in the last 3 years. I guess I have to stop leaving my TVs on constantly lol. I always check out reviews and pricing from places like www.tvrevs.com before I pick one. I would suggest to always do a little research before grabbing a TV. Just my two cents.
  • Best deal of the year

    Picked this up for $699 on Amazon flash sale. Great TV packed with features and great video quality. Wish I could have picked up a few more at that price, but the limit was 1 per person.
  • Good value

    We have this TV in our office here at FindTheBest. It gives you all of the performance you could ask for at its price. If you want a bang for your buck 60" TV, look no further and buy this bad boy!
  • Good bang for the buck

    Got the Vizio from Costco this weekend of Dec 2012. Brought home, and replaced my 52" 4 year old Samsung TV. Didn't buy another Samsung because of the service and LCD panel problems, but that's an entire different story. For the short term, no more Samsung TV please.The Vizio picture quality is stunning, both in terms of contrast clarity and vibrance. Watched ESPN football on this, and wow - amazing colors. Used its scanner feature to scan off air channels from HDTV antenna. Then tested the apps, Netflix worked beautifully, amazingly sharp pictures. The kids love watching Netflix on this TV. My son as I am sure will play PS3 COD ... and will love it.The audio is pretty good too, considering it comes from this 1" thick TV... not much room to squeeze in decent speakers. Hooked up optical audio to my audio booster, and wow- got home theater 6 channels :-)What I liked about the TV:1. Picture quality with sharpness, clarity and vibrance.2. The best 60" you can get under $10003. Smart features including Netflix, Youtube, etc4. USB ports that allow me to watch photos, videos, and listen to music off my USB thumb drive.5. Wifi and internet hook up.6. Low power, only estimated $17 per year electricity usage.What I hope Vizio will improve:1. The base/stand should swivel some angle so we don't need to move the base with the TV. The screws are kinda flimsy and weak.2. The mechanical design overall could be better, smoother, and more sexy. The outside plastic looks plain.That's my review :-)
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