The cost of 4K TVs is still expensive, as you'll have to fork over at least $1,000 for what seems to be the next standard for displays. However, Vizio is changing the game a bit with the launch of its new M-Series Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TVs, which cost as little as $599.99.
The company is offering a wide array of 4K TVs in the M-series, ranging from a 43-inch display ($599.99) to its high-end 80-inch TV (which will cost you a staggering $3,999.99). The prices for the other TVs in the M-series are listed in the chart below.
M-Series 43-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $599.99 |
M-Series 49-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $769.99 |
M-Series 50-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $799.99 |
M-Series 55-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $999.99 |
M-Series 60-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $1499.99 |
M-Series 65-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $1699.99 |
M-Series 70-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $2199.99 |
M-Series 75-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $2999.99 |
M-Series 80-inch Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | $3999.99 |
Vizio claimed to provide the best 4K experience yet with a slew of features such as Full Array LED backlighting, which provides a better distribution of light compared to most of today's HDTVs, which are lit by LEDs from opposite edges of the TV. The company also touted its Clear Action technology, which allows for fast refresh rates in the range of 120-240 Hz.
Underneath is what Vizio likes to call a "V6 six-core processor," which is actually a quad-core GPU and a dual-core CPU. It also has the ability to upscale HD content to UHD with the company's Spatial Scaling Engine.
For online connectivity, the M-Series comes with dual-band 802.11 a/c Wi-Fi. Vizio also has its own smart TV platform called Vizio Internet Apps, which provides for streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video. As far as 4K content is concerned among those three brands, only Netflix and Amazon have shows running at 4K resolution. The M-Series has five HDMI ports: component, composite, tuner, Ethernet and a USB port. You can plug in an external USB device to display photos, videos and music stored on the drive.
The M-Series seems to be catered to the mainstream crowd looking to get into 4K, but Vizio is also working on another set of 4K TVs for the cinephile called the Reference Series Ultra HD Full-Array LED Smart TVs. The big difference between the M-Series and Reference Series is the inclusion of Dolby Vision in the latter, a new technology from the well-known audio company. At its foundation, Dolby Vision claims to be the perfect complement to 4K, by providing a wider color gamut, high dynamic range and brighter images.
The Reference series comes in 65- and 120-inch models, and more details including price and specs are coming soon. Vizio said that there will be content featuring Dolby Vision through Warner Bros. and VUDU, Walmart's video service.
With the announcement of these two lineups, Vizio is showing the market that it can provide a wide array of 4K TVs starting at an affordable price, and that it's already thinking about the next big thing in display technology.
Follow Rexly Peñaflorida II @Heirdeux. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.