U.S.-based TV maker Vizio has ignored the temptation to jump on the 8K bandwagon, choosing instead to update its range of 4K televisions with enhanced quantum dot performance, new AI-based processors and improved gaming performance. In addition, the company has also announced its first ever OLED TV.
Vizio announced its 2020 TV lineup on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show that kicks off in Las Vegas on January 6. According to the company, its new OLED series will be available in two sizes – 55-inches and 65-inches – and will use the company’s new IQ Ultra processor for image upscaling.
Few other details are available at this time, but Vizio is known for being more affordable than established brands such as Samsung and LG. As such its OLED TVs could well be a tempting option for anyone looking for an affordable way to get their hands on the latest display technology.
That would be especially true if Vizio’s OLED TVs come with any of the new features found on its latest P, M and V series LCD TVs. These include support for HDMI 2.1, the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats, and its new ProGaming Engine.
Vizio’s refreshed LCD lineup is headlined by its high end P series, which includes 65-inch and 75-inch Quantum Models as well as its flagship Quantum X model, which goes up to 85-inches. All of Vizio’s P Series TVs pack an advanced version of the company’s IQ processor, called IQ Ultra, which uses AI and machine learning to enrich the quality of on screen images.
The Quantum X merits a shout for its peak brightness of 3,000 nits and its 792 local dimming zones, which should help to ensure superior contrast control. The Quantum Models aren’t quite so good, but with 1,200 nits peak brightness and 240 local dimming zones, they’re certainly not to be sneered at.
Vizio’s mid-range M Series Quantum TVs try to maintain a better balance between premium features and value for money, and use a less powerful version of the IQ processor. Screen sizes range from 50-inches to 65-inches, with the more powerful M8 series offering up to 90 local dimming zones and 800 nits of peak brightness.
Both the P Series and the M Series feature Vizio’s new ProGaming Engine, which takes advantage of HDMI 2.1 to support Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync, and resolutions up to 4K at 120Hz for greater motion clarity and smoother gameplay. Auto Game Mode automatically engages low level latency when a console source is detected.
Finally there’s the entry level V Series, which use a standard IQ Active processor and provides up to 250 nits of peak brightness. Alas the V Series does not have quantum dots or local dimming, instead relying on a basic LED backlight. The V Series TVs also swap out the ProGaming Engine for the less-powerful V-Gaming engine, though they do retain HDMI 2.1 and HDR compatibility. There are also smaller screen options available, with sizes starting at 40-inches, all the way up to 70-inches.
Vizio said all of its 2020 models will support the UHD Alliance’s new Filmmaker Mode, which is a dedicated setting that’s said to reproduce content on screen as close as possible to the creator’s original intent.
Besides the new TVs, Vizio also took the occasion to announce a new set of soundbars including its brand new Elevate model, which is a 10-channel, 5.1.4 sound system with 18 drivers and a wireless subwoofer. Apart from the specs, the coolest thing about Elevate is that the speakers on the left and the right are able to rotate upwards whenever Dolby Atmos content is played, helping to direct audio around the room more naturally.
