Vizio 42-inch plasma for under a grand on Black Friday

We still have a week to go before Black Friday -- the day after Thanksgiving in the United States when retailers offer some of their best deals of the shopping season -- and Vizio has already announced a one-day price reduction on their 42-inch plasma. The sale at Costco will mark the first time a high-definition-ready set of that size will be sold for less than $1000, which is considered by many analysts to be that magic number where mass adoption will kick off. As the predictions go, once consumers can see the bill for a HDTV starting out with only three digits in it, they will be much more likely to buy a new set to go with that PlayStation 3, or HD DVD add-on for the 360, or HD satellite. The Vizio VP42HDTV is a 42-inch 720p-capable plasma with HDMI, a 10,000:1 max contrast ratio, and an ATSC tuner. It's great news to see the prices for sets of all sizes and styles (CRT RPTVs, plasmas, LCDs, LCoSes, etc.) coming steadily down, and will spur that magical day when you can go to any relative's house for the Superbowl and not have to worry about watching on a standard-def set.

[Via Electronista]

Postscript: When this article went live, no stats had been released on this newer VP42 model at Vizio's website. As a few commentors have noted, the native resolution on this set is only 1024x768 (as compared to the more-normal 1366x768 for its sibling the P42), which is slightly less than the commonly-accepted resolution of 1280x720 for HDTV, meaning it will scale all your content down to this XGA resolution. This means the pixels also have a 4:3 aspect ratio rather than 16:9. While the set is widescreen, the pixel count will not be, so take that as you will, we just wanted everyone to be informed consumers. Good luck this Friday, and thanks to all the comments that brought this important point to our attention!

[Chris @ Nov 16th 2006 6:46PM]

but...it's a vizio

[nitro.oxide @ Nov 16th 2006 6:48PM]

Yeah that's what I was thinking, it's a vizio. But hey, i'll go look at it in costco and see if it's name brand quality.

[nitro.oxide @ Nov 16th 2006 6:52PM]

wait, is this a flat panel?

[pyro @ Nov 16th 2006 6:59PM]

you dont belong on this site.

[Intellectualdiot @ Nov 16th 2006 7:04PM]

Meh.

At least he didn't say "first post FTW!" or something equally lame.

[Matt @ Nov 16th 2006 7:32PM]

hahaha omg that made me laugh so hard what an idiot nitro is hahahahahahaha keep up the good work buddy

[Storm9 @ Nov 16th 2006 7:14PM]

Wake me when the sony XBR3 goes for under a grand

[Shon @ Nov 16th 2006 7:36PM]

will someone give me their educated oppinion on this set? I might try to pick one up. I want it mainly for PS3. Isnt 720p a bit weak for a 42" set?
My living room is also fairly small.

[Matt @ Nov 16th 2006 7:39PM]

no 720p is fine for a 42in set. you cant beat that price either. if you wanna pay $3000 for a 1080p set then be my guest but this is good enough.

[andy @ Nov 17th 2006 9:53AM]

see the flat panel reviews at www.projectorcentral.com


basically, it's supposed to be a no frills set with great picture quality.

I'm looking into this for sure.

[amanda @ Sep 24th 2007 8:54PM]

DO NOT GET A VIZIO!!!!! MINE BROKE 3 WEEKS AFTER I GOT IT AND TOOK A MONTH AND A HALF TO REPLACE AND THE NEW ONE BROKE THE SAME DAY IT WAS DELIVERED.... THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK. THE ARE POS!!!!

BEWARE OF VIZIO

[Jake @ Nov 16th 2006 7:41PM]

Vizio has gotten pretty good reviews from people who claim to know what they're talking about. I wouldn't write these guys off without checking it out. I'm pretty sure there are only a limited number of manufacturers that make all the panels anyway.

The price is pretty darned amazing. I was going to get a 32 inch Samsung LCD for around $1200 but this looks pretty tempting. 10,000:1 contrast should make for a very nice picture.

Nice design, too, IMHO

[Shon @ Nov 16th 2006 7:58PM]

I was going to to do the same thing. the samsung 32" lcd 51D series got pretty good reviews, but if i can get a plasma for less... however i think the downfall for this set is its only got 1 HDMI. And costco does have a pretty good return policy with these tvs too.

[Vincent Daniels @ Nov 16th 2006 8:42PM]

Exactly, Vizio is a good brand from what I read. Looking into this!

[Jake @ Nov 16th 2006 8:06PM]

Google "Vizio P42 Reviews" and you'll find a number of very good reviews of the current model (which this one replaces). Basically they all say it's awesome with Hi Def content and DVDs, so-so with standard def tv and a fantastic bargain (at prices that were then between $1400-2000 for the P42). In general, I have heard good things about Vizio plasma.

I think this just jumped onto my shopping list -- even if it means going to Costco on Black Friday.

[Jake @ Nov 16th 2006 8:22PM]

I can live with 1 HDMI input. In about 6 months, you'll be able to get a very good AV Receiver for around $350 that'll do HDMI switching -- problem solved.

[Scott Neary @ Nov 16th 2006 8:27PM]

I've had my eye on their 50 incher at Sam's club for a while now...Wonder if it's gonna be discounted on black friday too (currently $1899)

[Nick @ Nov 16th 2006 8:30PM]

Vizio is relatively new to the Hi-Def TV game. From what I understand they are almost exclusively financially backed by Costco, which is why you see a great majority of their models sold there.

I bought the Vizio 42" LCD HDTV from Costco and I LOVE it. The only complaint I have is that the high-powered backlight washes out the blacks and other really dark colors a little, but it's only (barely) noticeable on all-dark color scenes. If I didn't already own the LCD version of this TV, I'd go buy one of those bad boys (even if it means braving Costco on Black Friday).

The bottom line is that you're buying it from Costco. If you decide that you just can't live with 720p and you've gotta have that bump up to 1080, you can take it back. Even if it's been a couple of months. Costco's return policy is the best in the industry, hands down.

[James @ Nov 16th 2006 9:03PM]

Vizio is not financially backed by Costco. Vizio is also sold at Sam's Club which is in competition with Costco.

Vizio is founded by the person that started Princeton Graphics, the monitor company.

[Dave @ Nov 16th 2006 9:16PM]

I used to work at Costco... I know I know... but yeah, Vizio is a great TV and from what I remember, its made up of people from either Pioneer or Panasonic. Something like that. And yes, they do sell Vizio at Sam's but if you buy this, get it at Costco even if its slightly cheaper at Sam's. Costco's return policy states that if you are EVER not fully satisfied, you can return it for a FULL refund. So even if this TV craps out in 6 or 7 years, you can bring it back. Check the website.

I buy everything I can from there just because of the return policy. I actually just bought an Xbox 360 bundle from Costco so even if it dies in a few years, I can just bring it back and get a brand new one.

Here's there return Policy:
Costco.com guarantees your satisfaction with the merchandise you purchase from us.

If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, simply return it at any one of our Costco warehouses worldwide for a refund (including shipping and handling).

pretty Nice huh?

[Mark @ Nov 16th 2006 9:39PM]

Dave - As an ex-employee, you should know that the return policy is not an upgrade policy. Common sense would tell you that if you're not satisfied, it would be a RESONABLE amount of time before you returned it. I'm not going to buy a digital camera and 4 years later, bring it back because I'm "not satisfied." Now, yes, Costco will take care of its members....to an extent. We are starting to be more stringent with lengthly returns and at least try to curb it before it becomes a monster that can't be stopped. i.e The update computer return policy. Just remember, you may get your money back...but Costco doesn't and that forces the company to raise prices to comepensate for the loss.

[Mark @ Nov 16th 2006 9:33PM]

I actually work at Costco and can tell you...I have had a Vizio 32" LCD, a 37" LCD (sold 32" to brother), and most recently their 42" (current model) plasma. I have never had a single problem with them. For the price, you cannot touch the quality they offer. Yes....the scaler built into these sets isn't the greatest, but it works. The newer model is actually a little different from the one pictured. It has some type of button/bump in the center of the speaker grill. The new model also features DUAL HDMI inputs. We just got them in yesterday morning and we won't be able to put it out and hook it up to see what it looks like until Friday morning. However, if it is anything like their Gallevia series (most recent LCDs), it is sure to impress compared to previous models.

[Shon @ Nov 16th 2006 11:02PM]

SOLD. I noticed in the ad i physically grabbed from Costco last night it DID state 2 HDMI. The only one they had on the shelf however was apparently the OLDER model with the single HDMI. great news. Thanks costco employees!

[bobcobb @ Nov 16th 2006 9:36PM]

Theres a TON of black friday info over on www.bf-06.com

[Dave @ Nov 16th 2006 11:26PM]

Mark... first of all, Don't lecture me on being reasonable. Second of all, I did not state that people should use it as an "UPGRADE Policy". Why is it that if I just want things to work like they should, I get persecuted? And also, Think about it for a second. If I'm buying ALL my stuff at costco, and return a few things that I honestly dont believe I got my moneys worth out of, dont you think that they are still profiting?

If I spend thousands of dollars, you can damn well bet I expect it to last a few years. I just spent $545.00 on an xbox bundle at Costco. Now.... if it lasts without giving my the red ring of death, will I return it in 4 years to get an "upgrade"? No of course not. But you can bet your ass I won't hesitate to return it within a few years if it does die.

Call me old fashioned, but I just expect stuff to work, and not just barely outlive its warranty. Also, as far as the computer return policy, people were out and out abusing that, and some still are because of the 6 month limit. They bring them back in 5 months and get a newer model. I AM NOT CONDONING that!!!

So Mark, get off your high horse and give me some credit. For one, I probably just made costco a shitload of money by praising them for their great return policy, and secondly, dont put me in the same class as the guy who returns a 10 year old suitcase that he paid $49.00 for because it ripped. I am NOT that guy.

[Paul @ Nov 17th 2006 8:45AM]

um, sorry to drop this discussion down a level, but can anyone tell me where I can find that basketball wallpaper used in the illustration? Thanks

[andy @ Nov 17th 2006 9:59AM]

Panisonic at walmart for 1200
VIZIO at costco for 1000


where is my darn 50" plasma for 1500???????

These are both very tempting, but I REALLY want a good deal on a 50".

[pablopbb @ Nov 26th 2006 9:57PM]

Regarding Andy's request for 50" plasma for under $1500:

CC Vizio 50" plasma $1499.99 on BF from 5- 11am

And I noticed some comments in the thread about the 50" pic quality. I don't expect the 42" electronics to be quite as good as the 50" since the Vizio site lists the 50" set with the proprietary/trademarked "DCDi by Faroudja" in the specs yet the 42" plasma models from Vizio don't use that same chipset/circuitry. Translation: SD / 480p / i content such as standard def cable and OTA channels and prog-scan DVD players may not scale to the 42" models as cleanly as the 50" model since the circuitry is different.

[Spherehead @ Nov 17th 2006 10:44AM]

one measly penny under a grand. Big deal. It will still cost you over a grand after taxes.

Vizio 42" HD Plasma (VALID ONLY ON THE 24th) 142421
$1199.99 - 200 = $999.99

[Josh Horne @ Nov 17th 2006 12:39PM]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,126366/article.html

Cashing in the mutual fund for it if I have to.

[Felix @ Nov 18th 2006 2:00PM]

Vizio products suck. My friend had a Vizio LCD from Costco and it started powering off on its own. My fiance's dad bought this same 42" Vizio plasma from costco and it had the same problem. It started shutting off on its own. They both returned them. on avsforums there are a lot of people who have had this problem.

[Steve @ Nov 19th 2006 8:29PM]

I have a Vizio 50" HD plasma, and I have to tell you I looked at a lot of sets while shopping around. Imagine my surprise when this, the cheapest of the lot, had the best picture. I can't speak to the 42" being the same quality, but I can imagine. I've had it almost a year now, and I'm completely complaint free about it.

[Clyde @ Nov 21st 2006 11:46AM]

For over a year now I have been looking at LCD and Plasma TVs at Sam's Club and Costco, and consistently the Vizio has some of the best looking picture available. The color looks more natural, the white is true white instead of blue-tinted and the black is pure black, rather than dark grey. It is easy to compare when a row of panels is displaying the same video, and just about everything I've been comparing it to costs more. I'm impressed with Vizio!

[KC @ Nov 21st 2006 1:21PM]

YO ENGADGET!!! Get a f&*%ing clue. You said,
"As a few commentors have noted, the native resolution on this set is only 1024x768 (as compared to the more-normal 1366x768 for its sibling the P42), which is slightly less than the commonly-accepted resolution of 1280x720 for HDTV"

First of all, the P42 has a native panel resolution of 1024x768, just like EVERY OTHER 42" PLASMA PANEL ON THE PLANET. There are no 42" plasmas that have "true" HD resolution. The 1366x768 number on the vizio website is a typo, likely pasted from their 50" specs. The pdf of the specs for the P42 shows 1024x768, as does every review on the internet.

So, there's nothing abnormal about this set compared to other 42" plasmas, as far as resolution goes. Secondly, the pixels don't have a 4:3 aspect ratio, they have a 16:9 aspect ratio, because they are stretched. A panel with 1366x768 would have SQUARE pixels.

Sheesh... and you guys call yourselves experts in high tech gadgetry.

[gg3x5 @ Nov 21st 2006 1:35PM]

Hey this looks great... but what about the Olevia from Micro? LCD... supports 1080i, 16:9, native 1366x768... $1299, w/ a $200 rebate. Doesn't this sound like a equally or better deal? I'm struggling to decide myself...

[Washington DC Photographers @ Nov 21st 2006 10:06PM]

What about this?!!?

(new) 37" LCD HDTV $999.99 @ Costco & Sam's & BJ's (everyday price)
VP42HDTV -- (new) 42" Plasma HDTV $999.99 @ Costco (1 day sale price)
L42HDTV -- 42" LCD HDTV $1199.99 @ Sam's (everyday price)
GV42LHDTV -- 42" LCD HDTV $1299.99 @ Costco & BJ's (everyday price)
GV46LHDTV -- (new) 46" LCD HDTV $1649.99 @ Sam's (everyday price)
P50HDTV -- 50" Plasma HDTV $1699.99 @ Sam's & BJ's (everyday price), $300 off Circuit City (1 day sale, price to be announced)

Walmart has the 32" for $598.00 online, 37" for $848.00 online.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5359008
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5375972

Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

John - http://www.johnharrington.com

[mike817 @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:31AM]

John: Do you have some links or at least brands for those of us who don't speak model numbers?

[Bryan @ Nov 22nd 2006 8:21AM]

I have a friend with this exact Plasma. I just saw it last night actually. She likes it...but she doesn't subscribe to any HD programming through DirecTV (just had it installed Saturday). The picture quality wasn't bad for SD and movies however.

I would say if you aren't concerned about HD programming and you are looking for a good second TV, take a look at it. Yeah, big deal, it isn't brand named, but it is inexpensive and it is a plasma. My $.02...

[BiG? @ Dec 18th 2006 1:58PM]

Westinghouse currently sells the 47w1, a 47" 1080p with a better scaler than this Vizio will debut with, for less than $2k. Doesn't have a tuner, but how many people really need that, what, with satellite and cabble and whatnot? I have a 42" 1080p monitor which I got for less than $1k (pricematching at Best Buy)...so $2k still seems expensive ;-)

[MRacca @ Dec 21st 2006 4:17PM]

I purchased the Vizio 42" LCD and I could not be more happier. Has all the inputs I need or want, cool glossy black frame (IMHO brings out the color in the picture... Kinda like scuba gear, any diving pro can tell you to get the black face mask brings out the colors in the ocean). Built in HD Tuner, which allows me to get 15 over-the-air HD channels in 1080i or 720p for FREE!!! Watching The Matrix in 1080i on TNT was AMAZING. I have a friend that got the 1080p Westy and he compaired it to my set and he said he could not see the diffrence, after he helped me callibrate it of course. I got mine from Sam's which they told me has the exact return policy as Costco, it was my first purchase from them so that was a great suprise. I might Upgrade to the 47" LCD but at least I have the option, and I dont feel like I am taking advantage of Sam's eather cause it was the Sales guy idea.

[John @ May 8th 2007 10:13PM]

After doing some reviews (this got PC Magazine's Editor's Choice: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2096085,00.asp), I convinced my bro-in-law to buy it, and I'm getting one this weekend.

I was totally impressed with this machine, except for sound quality, which is very tinny, though the speakers create a surround sound effect very well.

The ps3 is running with composite cables, and looks amazing. You never have to adjust the screen, everything is crystal clear, and dark parts look great as well as light parts.

What really amazed me was the High-definition content broadcast on this tv, it was gorgeous, like film, and there were no pixels to be seen anywhere!

Also I want to mention, this TV is not limited to 720p, it will output up to 1080i, which is what we were watching the Hi-Def content on.

Even ps2 games look great on this tv. I can't wait to get mine.

[outoffocuz @ Jun 3rd 2007 9:14PM]

I'll listen to the podcast and keynote coverage on these, but to really put these good phones to the test you got to load up the lossless audio files of some well-recorded music...aural bliss.

[amanda @ Sep 24th 2007 8:53PM]

BUYER BEWARE---- DO NOT BY A VIZIO----- MY LCD42 BROKE 3 WEEKS AFTER I HAD IT IT TOOK A MONTH AND A HALF TO REPLACE---- THE NEW ONE BROKE 6 HOURS AFTER IT ARRIVED!!!! THEY ARE POS--- THE FIRST ONE WOULD NO LONGER TURN ON THE SECOND ONE THE SCREEN BROKE AND WON'T RECIEVE A SIGNAL TO DIPLAY PICTURE. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK!!
GO AHEAD AND BUY ONE IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A DUMP ON $1OOO THEN FLUSH IT DOWN THE TOILET!

[Kerri @ Dec 12th 2007 6:29PM]

Don't buy Vizio!!! just short of the the two year mark and we heard a POP POP and alas, no more picture!! $1300 a year was what a "great deal" cost us!!! Many others report of the same popping problem - BEWARE!!!

[mike @ Sep 8th 2008 10:14PM]

If I didnt buy my vizio at costco will they know from the srial number,it been 3 years and giving me problem.