I did all that. I even changed all the settings on every model to what I liked. I even brought in my DVDs and asked the staff to hook up via HDMI to a DVD player similar to the one we have. Overall I found the difference between the Vizio and the higher priced models to be minimal. Some of the other cheaper models were noticably lacking but the Vizio was very good in all areas that concern my family and I. Overall I don't think spending twice the amount is worth it when the differences between the expensive brands and the Vizio LCD we bought is minimal.