Projectors Reviews, price and comparision

Vizio recently released their latest crop of passive 3D HDTVs dubbed the E-Series, which include 32, 42 and 47-inch screen sizes. The E-Series main objective is to make 3D not only more affordable but more enjoyable for the average consumer since so many first generation 3D displays were marred by unreasonably high prices and silly active shutter glasses. The 47-inch E3D470VX reviewed here is the largest of its E-Series brethren as well as the most expensive at $899.99, though when compared to comparable 3D displays the E3D470VX is more than competitive in terms of price and performance.

Additional Resources
• Read more 3D HDTV reviews from Home Theater Review's staff.
• Find a 3D ready Blu-ray player, AV receiver, or AV preamp.

Speaking of performance the E3D470VX is a native 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a reported contrast ratio of 200:000:1 (dynamic). The E3D470VX's internal 10-Watt speakers feature SRS sound technology, which includes SRS TruSurround HD and SRS TruVolume. The E3D470VX is a passive 3D display meaning it uses passive or polarized glasses to view 3D content much the same way you would at your local theater. Because the E3D470VX is a passive 3D design, the included glasses (two pairs) are both lightweight and comfortable and also easy to replace should they become damaged and/or lost, which is something that can't be said for their active counterparts. Along with its 3D support the E3D470VX also features built in 802.11n WiFi, allowing the E3D470VX to connect freely with the Internet (via your wireless home network) and the various included Apps.

In terms of connection options the E3D470VX has four, 3D compliant HDMI inputs along with component, composite, S-video (yuck), RF and Ethernet inputs as well. There are two USB 2.0 inputs along the side, which are MP3 and JPEG compatible.

Other notable features include: Vizio's Ambient Light Sensor technology, which automatically adjusts the brightness of your image to changing lighting conditions and the full Qwerty keyboard located on the back of the E3D470VX's remote control.

In terms of design the E3D470VX looks like the rest of its E-Series stablemates only larger, measuring in at nearly 45 inches wide by 30 inches tall and 10 and a half inches deep when resting on its included stand. Without the stand the E3D470VX is a touch over three inches deep, which may seem like a lot but remember the E3D470VX is not an LED backlit design. The E3D470VX's total weight with its stand is 45 pounds and 40 pounds without.

Out of the box the E3D470VX does require a little bit of calibration to look its best which isn't difficult to do with the help of a simple calibration disc and the E3D470VX's beautifully rendered on-screen menus. Once calibrated, the E3D470VX's picture, both in 2D and 3D, is a sight to behold, especially considering its sub-$1,000 asking price. Colors are rich and natural in their rendering. Black levels are deep, not class leading but solid with tremendous detail and texture throughout. Whites are largely pristine with only faint traces of a vignette at the edges during brightly lit scenes or when viewing white text cards or test patterns. Motion is smooth and when viewing HD source material, largely artifact free.

The E3D470VX's 3D performance is crisp with virtually zero flicker (to my eyes at least) and suffers from none of the maladies that plague active 3D designs. The E3D470VX's 47-inch display size is just large enough, in my opinion, to make 3D a worthwhile experience. Thanks to the E3D470VX's lightweight, passive 3D glasses, sitting through a two hour 3D film such as Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D (Sony) isn't as torturous nor as nauseating as it is with active shutter technology.