Vizio VP422 Flat-panel TV/Monitor - Features
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Departing from the standard, the native resolution of the Vizio VP422 is 1024x768 (indicative of its multi-function use as a computer monitor), rather than 1080p. However, the difference in quality is virtually none, especially at its size of 42 inches.
The television comes with four built-in modes: standard, movie, game, and custom. The differences between each are fairly minimal, though according to CNet the movie setting provides the closest and most reasonable settings to the standard. You are also able to change color temperatures between warm, normal, cool, and custom. Normal, not surprisingly, provides the closest settings to what is considered the standard norm. There are several features provided under the heading of "Advanced Video" which are actually remarkably useless. They provide no noticeable improvement in video quality, and should all be disabled for maximum video performance.
Interestingly, the Vizio VP422 measures in as one of the brightest 42" plasma televisions ever made. The CNet measurements had the VP422 coming in as brighter than most LCD sets.
Unfortunately, beyond what is mentioned above, the VP422 is very lacking in terms of other extra features. It does not offer a power saver mode, which is a considerable weakness given its monstrous power consumption. It also does not allow you to change the aspect ratio for HD sources, though it does have four different options for aspect ratio on standard sources.
As the Vizio website stated, the VP422 is not short in terms of connectivity. One of its most notable features is a VGA input that will allow you to connect your computer to the television. It can function as a computer monitor for resolutions up to a respectable 1024x768 (its native resolution).
As far as a computer monitor goes, the VP422 performs about as well as you would expect. The quality will not look as crystal clear as it does on your typical monitor, simply because your typical monitor is not 42". The refresh rate on the VP422 is sufficient for fair quality in dynamic environments such as videos and video games.
If you are looking for a massive display for your computer, the VP422 offers this feature while also serving as a pretty good television. If you are looking for a quality monitor that has really high resolution capabilities and a good refresh rate, you might want to invest the money in an actual computer monitor and save yourself a big headache.
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