Vizio XVT3D650SV (photos)

The 65-inch Vizio XVT3D650SV is the first TV in the US to ship with "passive" 3D capability. Unlike the other mainstream 3D TVs of 2010, which use "active" glasses that cost around $100 each, this big Vizio comes with four pairs of cheap polarized glasses, the same kind used by most 3D theaters. We've already taken an in-depth look at how the XVT3D650SV's 3D compares to an active 3D model, so we'll keep it brief here: while the Vizio has its advantages, we still liked the picture quality of active better.

Our main issue with this big Vizio, however, lies in its reproduction of 2D content, especially its propensity for smearing in fast motion--something we didn't expect from a 120Hz TV. Add to that a few other issues that separate it from Vizio's excellent, albeit 2D-only, XVT553SV, as well as a hefty price tag, and you have a package that loses some its luster. Unless you must have the first, and biggest, passive 3D TV on the block, it's worth waiting for other 2011 examples, like LG's passive 65-inch 65LW6500.

Vizio includes four pairs of passive glasses with the XVT3D650SV. Additional pairs cost $30 each, a price we expect to fall later in the year.

This 65-inch TV is impressively slim at 2.2 inches deep.

Vizio's styling certainly isn't among the sleekest on the market.

That stand doesn't swivel.

On this slim Vizio the connection bay seems a bit cramped, and boasts few analog hookups.

The company still manages to slip in five HDMI, though.

The chunky little remote hides a slide-out keyboard.

When closed the clicker looks normal enough.

Vizio allows you to run apps on top of other apps.

In addition to the usual streaming-video suspects, including Vudu with 3D, there are plenty of audio apps, too, like Rhapsody.

The excellent TuneIn app by RadioTime delivers local radio stations via the TV. Too bad it can't play over a live TV program.

Pandora rounds out the audio app selection nicely.

What TV is complete without social networking?

Apps like Wikipedia help put that remote's keyboard to good use.

We appreciate that the main TV settings menu is integrated into the Apps platform.

The settings also share the standard app aesthetics.

Vizio's selection of picture settings in 2D doesn't break any new ground, and its 3D options are pretty limited.

The 65-inch Vizio XVT3D650SV turned in significantly worse picture quality than the company's 55-inch XVT553SV, our Editors' Choice LCD, and only part of the difference can be blamed on the former's edge-lit LED display. We suspect the edge-lit scheme contributed to the 65-incher's inferior black levels and uniformity, but it can't explain the smearing effect we saw (see Video Processing). Compared to other high-end LCD and plasma TVs the Vizio's highly accurate color in bright areas can't save its 2D picture quality from mediocrity.

Read the full review of the Vizio XVT3D650SV