Vizio VO42LF 42-Inch LCD HDTV

The VO42LF 42-inch HDTV delivers very good picture and sound quality at a reasonable price.

Competing HDTVs rarely beat Vizio models on price. A case in point is the Vizio VO42LF, a model we first reviewed back in July that remains a well-rounded package at a low price. At $1100 (as of November 4, 2008), this model has the same price as the newer Vizio SV420XVT. But it lags behind its cousin slightly in performance and specs.

Our judges thought that the VO42LF offered a natural-looking picture, though some images looked fuzzy to our panelists. In one instance, artifacts and pixelation appeared around a test clip of moving cars. And in a David Letterman clip, flesh tones looked a bit too saturated.

Good video deserves good audio, and the VO42LF provides it, within the limitations of any HDTV's built-in speakers. The sound was quite muddy at full volume, but even the most devoted heavy-metal fan won't be tempted to use that setting. At a more reasonable 50 percent volume, audio was still a bit muddy, but better than the sound of most TVs.

The VO42LF disappoints in ease of use and extra features, though ...

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