With its 47-inch screen, the Vizio GV47LF is one of the largest 1,080p LCD HDTVs available, and with a suggested retail price of $1,700, it is also one of the least expensive. Compared to Vizio's similarly priced 46-inch GV46L, this model delivers a better picture and exhibits far fewer quirks, making it easy to recommend to price-conscious consumers seeking a large flat-panel HDTV without needing to take out a second mortgage.

As a true 1,080p HDTV, the GV47LF is compatible with all HD formats, including the highest-resolution 1,080i and 1,080p formats. As you would expect from a budget model, the GV47LF's black levels could be better, although they are noticeably better compared to the GV46L. Colors appear accurate and well-saturated, and the GV47LF thankfully offers sufficient controls for fine-tuning the picture. These include three preset picture modes, as well as a custom option that lets you to independently adjust the picture for each separate input. Similarly, the GV47LF also offers three color temperature presets and a custom temperature setting.

The quality of standard-definition images is solid, and the GV47LF offers a solid array of connectivity options. This includes two HDMI ports, two component video inputs, an optical digital audio connection and a dedicated VGA-style PC port. Internal ATSC, NTSC and Clear-QAM tuners allow the GV47LF to decode both cable and over-the-air signals, but since it only has one RF port, it can only accept one or the other. This Vizio model sports plenty of convenience features, including parental controls, multiple PIP options and a full-picture freeze option. The included remote control is a little overcrowded, but the backlighting makes it easily navigated in a dark room.

Despite its budget price, the GV47LF does not look like a cheaply constructed LCD HDTV. The slim piano-black frame is trimmed in silver, which matches both the speakers and the included tabletop stand. The stand detaches, and Vizio offers an optional mounting bracket to fix the GV47LF to the wall. The 10-watt-per-channel speakers below the GV47LF's screen can also be removed, so if you plan to utilize a home theater speaker system, the speakers can be detached for an even more streamlined look.

The GV47LF's off-angle viewing is better than that on the GV46L, although at the outer limits of the range, the picture does become washed. Of course, this is generally true with any LCD set. Most importantly, however, the performance quirks that plague the GV46L are not present in the GV47LF. For a 1,080p HDTV with a 47-inch screen, the Vizio GV47LF delivers solid performance at a bargain price.


Pros: True 1,080p resolution, big and bright 47-inch screen, accurate colors, good connectivity options, lots of convenience features
Cons: Poor black levels, low contrast ratio

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor