Manage updates with the Download AppVizio VHT510
Manufacturer: Vizio Part number: VHT510
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While we'd prefer more input options, the Vizio VHT510 adds rear speakers to the traditional sound bar design, resulting in outstanding sound quality at a very affordable price.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Vizio VHT510 price range: $299.99
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 06/15/2011
- Released on: 11/15/2010
The good: The Vizio VHT510 has outstanding sound quality for a budget sound bar system, including rear speakers that deliver a true surround-sound experience. The system also includes a wireless subwoofer and the best remote we've seen on a sound bar.
The bad: The front-panel lights often break, according to widespread online reviews, although Vizio says the issue has been fixed. The VHT510's rear speakers also add complexity that style-oriented buyers might not want. And connectivity options are limited, with only an optical input and analog input.
The bottom line: While we'd prefer more input options, the Vizio VHT510 adds rear speakers to the traditional sound bar design, resulting in outstanding sound quality at a very affordable price.
User reviews
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So you want to know about the LEDs?
by Mc-Cauley on September 14, 2011
Pros: + Sound quality is great
+ Very easy to set up
+ Distinct, controllable, dialog channel
+ Wireless connection to rear of room
+ Excellent valueCons: - Setup is the lack of additional inputs
Summary: Many reviewers note the problem with the LEDs going out but don't go into too much depth about the importance of the LEDs, which made the decision to buy ...
Summary: Many reviewers note the problem with the LEDs going out but don't go into too much depth about the importance of the LEDs, which made the decision to buy this product somewhat of a risk for me. Therefore, I would like to focus the first part of my review on that aspect of the product.
Update Link
I've had my 510 for about 2 weeks now and have mostly loved it. The LEDs work flawlessly for me (so far), but what are they really for? What's the big deal with whether or not the lights work? Okay... There are 2 areas of the lights; one area (on top) that tells you what "audio mode" you're in, and a second area that tells you volume and balance (whether bass is high/low, whether the center channel is louder relative to the rear, etc).
The lights on top tell you what signals you have. If you receive a Dolby signal, the light on the left--directly underneath the DTS/Dolby logos--will come on and it will be blue. In the user manual, this light is referred to as being "Position 1". If you receive a DTS signal, the light under the DTS/Dolby logo will be orange. If you don't receive a Dolby or DTS signal, that light just won't be on. I would imagine that if you didn't have that light on, it would be annoying because you wouldn't know (unless you've got the ears of a bat) for sure whether you're getting a true HD signal.
However, I don't have animalistic ears so I pretty much rely on that light to tell me whether I've got HD audio. The great thing about this setup though is that even without the Dolby/DTS, the sound is fantastic. That's where SRS comes in, which basically simulates surround sound. You have 3 different versions of SRS, each of which have very specific functions.
First there's SRS TruVolume, which is supposed to maintain consistent volume levels when, for instance, changing channels. You know how the volume for a TV show will be comfortable, but then the volume in the commercial blasts you off the couch? SRS TruVolume is supposed to prevent that. (For the record, I don't watch much TV and when I do I just use the TV speakers at a low level anyway, so I can't write on the efficiency of the TruVolume feature). You'll know if you have TruVolume on when the Blue light comes on right below the SRS logo (which Vizio refers to as "Position 3").
Next there's the SRS TruSurround feature, which will simulate an HD surround sound even if there's not a true HD audio source. Here's what I love about this system, and why I probably wouldn't care if the lights failed. Even though I don't have the most sensitive ears, I can tell a significant improvement in surround sound quality when the SRS TruSurround is turned on. You hit the SRS TSHD button on your slide-out remote and you've got instant HD audio. If your lights are working however, you'll know you have this feature when the light in Position 2 (in between the Dolby and SRS logos) turns blue.
Finally with SRS, you have SRS WOW HD which is mainly for listening to music. Currently I'm listening to a fairly rocking KT Tunstall track through these speakers and it sounds like she's putting on a show right in my house--it's truly that clear. Doing a blind test (ie: if the lights weren't on) you can still figure out which setting (Off, TruSurround, or WOW HD) is turned on. When off, the music sounds flat. When Tru Surround is on, the music pretty much only comes out of the front channel speaker and the instruments get drowned out by the vocals. With WOW HD, it sounds like a live concert setup; it just sounds natural is the best way I can describe it--it's perfectly balanced.
The next set of lights come from behind the soundbar foam (or whatever the technical term for the fabric that covers speakers is called). If all volume and balance settings are factory default, you'll have something that looks like this: " ( o )". If you turn up the volume, it'll look like: "(((o)))" and so on and so forth. You can also adjust the bass, treble, subs, center, and rear channels. If you want more sound from the center channel, hit the right button and you'll end up with something that looks like: " o )". Or if you want less from the center, "( o". When it's even, it'll look like "( o )".
These lights are probably more important than the orange and blue LEDs because the changes are much more subtle--except for the volume levels, which are quite noticeable. Having these lights work will let you know exactly where the levels are. However, even with the lights letting me know where the levels are, I still rely more on my own hearing to figure out where I want the sound to be. When I hit the up/down buttons enough to where it sounds good to me, I stop. The light indicators are nice and I hope mine don't quit, but it won't upset me too much if they fail.
All in all, I'm very impressed with the quality of these speakers. Whether I'm watching a blu-ray disc, a movie on Netflix or Amazon VOD, and whether I have a true-HD (Dolby or DTS) source, I feel like I'm in the middle of the shot. Everything sounds crystal clear, from all speaker channels. The only negative about this setup is the lack of additional inputs. Otherwise, it's nearly perfect.
*** P.S. If you will buy the VHT510 I suggest you have to check for best price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/exec/******/****/B003NF5IVU/cnet-offer-20
Updated on Oct 1, 2011
If you will buy the VHT510 I suggest for best deal at: www.ama zon.com/exec/******/****/B003NF5IVU/cnet-offer-2010 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Beats my Bose surround system!!
by j530i on June 15, 2011
Pros: Easy setup, wireless subwoofer, GREAT Audio quality!
Cons: Wish the rear speakers came with a stand.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worked great for 6 months than died.
by c11754 on June 8, 2012
Pros: No wiring, sound WAS great till it stopped working
Cons: Unit last about 6 months and they are made in China
Summary: I got the Surround sound system for my brithday and it worked great for 6 months then the light bar stopped working ( i could live with that) than the unit ...
Summary: I got the Surround sound system for my brithday and it worked great for 6 months then the light bar stopped working ( i could live with that) than the unit wouldn't turn on, we call support and followed the instructions the tech gave us, still didn't work so they said"sent it to them", screw that, we brought it back to price club and got the same set up ( no questions asked), we set it up and it worked great for 8 months. We just returned the second one because it was doing the same thing, We called Vizio and they said they would send us a new one.
We returned the unit back to Price Club again and didn't want a new one, at present we are looking for the same surround sound system without the problems.
FYI, we have 8 Vizio TV monitors that work great for years with no problems and will buy more as long as they are made in USA not like the sound system which was MADE IN CHINA. -
Great Surround Sound but stop working
by sbajra on April 17, 2012
Pros: @Quality of Surround Sound
@Semi-Wireless Satellite Speakers
@Very Easy to set up
@Perfect Match with my both 32" and 58" TVsCons: @Blue Big sound level bar lights
@Blue Big sound level bar lights stop working within 2 weeks
@No sound output after 3 months when I change the source or channel in the TV/cable box
@Source lights are too small to figure out your sourceSummary: I sold my Onkyo HT System because my wife HATES all the wires and what not. So when I found this Visio system @ Costco, I was super happy. It was ...
Summary: I sold my Onkyo HT System because my wife HATES all the wires and what not. So when I found this Visio system @ Costco, I was super happy. It was about $300 inc. taxes.
I set up this system in no time. I was very satisfy with this system until those blue sound level lights went out. Once those indicators were gone, it's impossible to know the volume/bass/treble levels. I was so impress with the sounds and style that I decided to keep it. After couple of months, when I changed the channels, I didn't hear any sound. In order to make it work, I had to turn it off and turn it back on. It was super annoying. After that my excitements turned in to disappointments. Luckily Costco is very good if I want to return anything...so just last month, I returned the entire system.
I also noticed that Costco stop selling this system. However there is a new Visio Sound-bar model. This new model doesn't have those big sound level lights. Now I am thinking of buying this new model once they come up with satellite speakers. :) -
Great Surprise
by Kaicanoe on November 26, 2011
Pros: Loud clear bass, wonderful speaker clarity.
Cons: Need better instructions for setting the sound levels
Summary: I was very surprised to get such great sound from the unit. Setting it up took a while, but once I found what levels I think I wanted, it sounds ...
Summary: I was very surprised to get such great sound from the unit. Setting it up took a while, but once I found what levels I think I wanted, it sounds very good. I've had it since January 20th, 2011 now & was waiting for the blue light ((())) indicators to go, but, no, they still work just fine.
I have it hooked up to my TV optic laser as I also have my DVR & USB player hooked up to it. So, any sounds going into my TV come out to feed the unit. It is just wonderful. Watched the HBO Treme movie series....would not be the same with out this sound system.
It is set up on the wall, under my wall mounted TV, ear level as I sit down, with the Bass & rear speakers on the opposite wall, 15' away, and, they are on a shelf 2' above my head..at a 7' height.
It sure can rock the place. Really got my money's worth. -
Decent product for the money
by desertgardener on July 7, 2011
Pros: Easy set up, works with new HDTV via the optical connection. I connected an old analog Onkyo tuner and CD player with RCA cables and it works great. It is also set up to attach an iPod which we don't use. Decent customer support.
Cons: The remote control is a little trickier, you have to read the directions.
Summary: We read the reviews and were a bit skeptical about buying this unit because of negative comments. My son is an advanced manufacturing engineer and his thought was they may ...
Summary: We read the reviews and were a bit skeptical about buying this unit because of negative comments. My son is an advanced manufacturing engineer and his thought was they may make 1000 units and have 2 or 3 with problems. He thought the price was right for us and had decent quality sound, we're not audiophiles. We've had the unit for 7 months, use it from morning until night everyday, and never had a single problem. It was a good choice and we're satisfied. I would recommend this product.
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This is my second VHT510 from - - - - - - ...
by RawDogg on October 20, 2010
Pros: Wireless Sub & Rear Speakers, Beautiful looking System
Cons: Sub & Rear speakers do not work.
Summary: I got rid of my Vizio VHT210 (that worked perfect) to buy the long awaited VHT510. Here's my experience.
After hooking it up the rear speakers would only product ...Summary: I got rid of my Vizio VHT210 (that worked perfect) to buy the long awaited VHT510. Here's my experience.
After hooking it up the rear speakers would only product a crackling sound. Turn up the volume and the crackling sound got louder. The same with the sub Woofer but with a deep crackle. I returned it to - - - - - - thinking I bought a defective product.
This time the VHT510 Sub Woofer would not produce sound at all and the rear speakers...you would have to place your ear on them to hear anything.
I'm wondering what my next step is. Return this one and try it one more time or just give up on Vizio. I think I'll give it one more shot but from a different - - - - - - store. (don't want to name the store but count the dashes and you might figure it out.)0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not a bad sound system for the price.
by CaJo0729 on October 11, 2010
Pros: Easy setup. Wireless for the rear subs and satellite speakers is nice for easy placement. Sound quality is pretty good from the sound bar and satellite speakers.
Cons: Plug in the sound bar and you can hear a very faint, but noticeable, high-pitch sound. This happens whether the sound bar is on or off. It does not matter. If you unplug the power cable it stops. Sub will rattle if you turn it above factory settings.
Summary: I'm on the fence with this sound system. Overall the sound quality is pretty nice for the price. It's great having a wireless sub with satellite speakers. This ...
Summary: I'm on the fence with this sound system. Overall the sound quality is pretty nice for the price. It's great having a wireless sub with satellite speakers. This helps greatly with hiding wires and making the install look very clean. Install was incredibly easy. The ability to upgrade to an Optical vs RCA cable is a very nice feature as well.
The sound system would be perfect if it wasn't for the rattle you sometimes get from the sub, and the high-pitch sound that comes from the sound bar once you plug it in.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Bad Product
by Jhon70 on June 20, 2011
Pros: None because it does not work right!!!.
Cons: Ordered one of these Vizio VHT510 from Walmart.com with site to store free shipping.Had it 3 days and the Adjustment/Volume Controls LEDs quit working,packed it back up returned it to the local Walmart got a full refund.Cannot say enough about the good re
Summary: In Vizio's warranty it says the buyer must pay shipping to ship it back to Vizio's Service Center for repair.After only working for 3 days I say ...
Summary: In Vizio's warranty it says the buyer must pay shipping to ship it back to Vizio's Service Center for repair.After only working for 3 days I say why wait take it back where you bought it and get a full refund,because when something does not work right,it's not worth buying or owning at any price.This product is a sad excuse for being we got the Vizio M550SV and really like it,the VHT510 is one giant letdown.Sorry Vizio I call them as I see them.
The Vizio M550SV HDTV is a great product,while the Vizio VHT510 is nothing but a croc of crap!!!.0 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Problems with sub and speakers
by reviewer2011 on December 10, 2010
Pros: Easy setup if it would work.
Cons: I am also on my second system. Vizio phone tech help are very nice and helpful. Subwoofer would not link and no sound from satellite speakers. With phone tech staff, reset and link the sub to the soundbar.
Summary: Could not get system to work. Returned for another one and same problem!!!! Very frustrating to bring it home and not have it work.. The soundbar alone sound great for ...
Summary: Could not get system to work. Returned for another one and same problem!!!! Very frustrating to bring it home and not have it work.. The soundbar alone sound great for the price, but without the subwoofer and speakers, does not deliver the surround sound. I will return it one more time and look for another product.
0 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vizio
- Part number: VHT510
- Description: The VIZIO 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater delivers big home theater sound in a sleek design that's perfect for 40" HDTVs and larger. With a compact soundbar that integrates front and center channels, two rear satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, this premium surround sound system supports Dolby Digital, DTS, SRS CircleCinema HD and SRS TruVolume for a truly immersive audio experience. Add home theater surround sound to any HDTV without the excess clutter of front and center speakers and excess wires. The subwoofer uses Wireless HD Audio 2.4 GHz to let you place the speaker anywhere in your home theater. It sends High Definition quality audio to other Wireless HD Audio compatible devices like VIZIO Home Theater Wireless Headphones. This advanced 5.1 surround sound system also includes a built-in amplifier and audio receiver to complete your home theater with all-in-one convenience.
General
- Product type Sound bar speaker system
- Speaker type Sound Bar
- System configuration 5.1-channel
- Speakers included 1 x Sound bar,
2 x Satellite speakers,
1 x Wireless subwoofer - Color Black
Features
- Speaker Type Active
- Woofer size (inches) 2 in,
0.75 in - Nominal output power (total) 185 Watt
- Response bandwidth 35 - 20000 Hz
- Audio amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity technology Wired - 2.4 GHz radio frequency,
Wireless - Built-in decoders Dolby Digital,
DTS decoder - Controls Front volume control,
Mute,
Volume,
Treble,
Power on/off,
Bass,
Center volume control,
Rear volume control - Additional features SRS TruVolume,
SRS StudioSound HD,
SRS CircleCinema HD Connections
- Connector type 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ),
1 x SPDIF input ( TOSLINK ) Details
- Driver details Right/left rear channel speaker : 1 x Woofer driver - 2 in,
Right/left rear channel speaker : 1 - 0.75 in - Driver details Three channel speaker : 2 x Woofer driver - 3",
Three channel speaker : 3 x Tweeter driver - 0.75",
Three channel speaker : 2 x Woofer driver - 2.75" - Driver details Subwoofer : 1 x Subwoofer driver - 6.5"
Compatibility | Accessories
- Remote control Included
Power
- Power device Power supply
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & support 1 year warranty
- Service & support details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Vizio products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Vizio
- Address:
39 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618 - Phone: 1-888-849-4623
