CES 2008: Vizio SP5.1 Enhancement Kit makes Black Tie surround sound straightforward
A gleaming, crisp picture on your TV is great, but the enjoyment is marred if the sound quality is on a par with three rats boxing in a bucket. That's why, if you buy a "Black Tie" 1080p LCD TV from them, Vizio want you to invest in the Jive SP5.1 Enhancement Kit too – it's a plug'n'play digital surround sound system designed to perfectly integrate with the displays.
The stereo speakers built into the TVs themselves are used for the front left and right channels, while wired rear speakers, a centre speaker, and a wireless subwoofer add the rest of the sound; up to 70-watts RMS, in fact.
It's unlikely to replace a high-end surround system, but if you're considering Vizio's LCD TV range and you have the $299 spare that they're asking for the Jive SP5.1 Enhancement Kit, it seems a safe buy.