Vizio M221NV

[heathkit tv]

Just got this 22" set the other day. Had ordered it online from Costco as I couldn't find it in stock locally. Long story short it was on sale for $199.99 ($70 off, sale is now over).

This is a 22" model featuring internet connectivity. Among the many widgets of questionable value was Netflix. Being the cheap bastard that I am, this appears to be the way to go in order to watch unlimited movies/tv shows without subscribing to cable or satellite.

Another neat thing about this is that the screen is edge lit by LEDs instead of a conventional lamp. Color and clarity are quite good as long as the program is from an original digital source, anything analog is no where as good. This is typical of my experience with non CRT sets. A CRT television is of course the opposite of this.

Sound is typically mediocre of flat BPC sets as the speakers are small and rear facing...plus there's not enough cabinet volume to develop any bass. Plugging it into a stereo or sound system should remedy this. And yes, I've tweaked the various audio sub menus to try to optimize it.

So far the things that bother me is that there's a pregnant pause when switching channels (seems all digital sets do this). This causes me to be unsure of whether the set is actually in the process of changing channels or if it didn't intercept the command from the remote.

Another nuisance is when waiting for Netflix to download you can't view another source such as off air or DVD etc inputs.

The only thing I presently have a problem with is that the built in wireless isn't as sensitive as it should be, at least not as sensitive as my laptop. Am going to have to move the router or get some sort of repeater...barring that I'll have to run an ethernet cable which I'd rather avoid.

It pained me greatly to buy a modern set, and one which wasn't made in America but I had no choice...at least in the size and price range I had. At least this wasn't built in china, it was made in southern America (Mexico).