Vizio suck, I have heard people complain about their TVs going black screen and no help from the manufacturer/retailer, but maybe those issues have been fixed now. I have 2 Samsungs and never have any issues whatsoever.
You'll get a million opinions but I'm going to throw-in my two cents as well.
Vizio has a rep as a value brand. Good TV's but spotty reliability. I can tell you the best TV I've ever had is a Vizio but I've also heard of people having problems with them as soon as the warranty expires. I have one in my living room now that I'm TRYING to kill because I want a bigger one (that's what she said) and it won't die. It's 8 years old now. I leave it on 24/7 and just let it scroll the Roku screensaver. WILL.NOT. DIE. And still has the best picture of any TV in my house.
The first flat-screen I ever had was a 32" Sony. It was a good TV but only lasted five years.
I have a Samsung in my basement that I'm real happy with. I intentionally bought a plasma when we finished our basement because they were starting to phase them out CHEAP and it's in a dark room.
A couple brands to be wary of. Sharp and Toshiba don't make TVs anymore. They sold the rights to use their names in North America and most of them are made in China. Doesn't automatically mean they suck, just something to be aware of.
Lastly, I'm really intrigued with LG right now. Seems to be really good TVs at great prices. IF my Vizio ever dies, I'll be focusing on LG and Samsung, with Vizio a distant third.
Hisense has been making all the SHARP branded TVs in North America for the past few years. I bought a Hisense Roku TV for a room in my house that doesn't get much use and it is decent.Not real familiar with Hisense, but the few reviews I have seen on them have been positive.
Get a Tablo.No coax input on the new Vizios I believe.
Buying a good/great TV without it being smart is like trying to buy a luxury car without a sunroof. You may not like it and never use it but it's going to be pretty hard to buy one without.