2015 Vizio M-Series 4K UHD TVs
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 11:43AM 
The value-focused folks at Vizio have announced a new and improved M-Series TV lineup. Last year's M-Series televisions proved popular for delivering a good value on premium LCD features like full array local dimming (FALD) for superior picture contrast, 1080p screen resolution, and a wide array of screen sizes.
The big news for the 2015 Vizio M-Series TVs is an upgrade to 4K ultra high-definition (UHD).
Quality design touches for the new M-Series include cast aluminum feet, a thin bezel design, and a slimmed profile making it even more attractive when wall mounted.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
The new M-Series TVs share many core features, but there are some technical differences depending on screen size.
- 3840x2160 resolution
- HDMI 2.0 + HDCP 2.2
- 4K UHD playback at 60Hz
- 32-zones of local dimming (43-inch model has 28-zones)
- Backlight scanning for motion resolution enhancement
- 60Hz refresh rate: 43-inch, 49-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch
- 120Hz refresh rate: 60-inch, 65-inch, 70-inch, 75-inch, and 80-inch
- 802.11ac dual-band WiFi
- 2-sided remote with backlit QWERTY keyboard
Vizio 5.1 Sound Bar System Review
Sizes and pricing
* = within 5% of lowest price
M-Series 43-inch (28-zones FALD/60Hz): $498*
M-Series 49-inch (32-zones FALD/60Hz): $574*
M-Series 50-inch (32-zones FALD/60Hz): $676
M-Series 55-inch (32-zones FALD/60Hz): $798*
M-Series 60-inch (32-zones FALD/120Hz): $1198
M-Series 65-inch (32-zones FALD/120Hz): $1348
M-Series 70-inch (32-zones FALD/120Hz): $2093
M-Series 75-inch (32-zones FALD/120Hz): $3070
M-Series 80-inch (32-zones FALD/120Hz): $3798
Many models include additional discounts for Amazon Prime Members
Calibration note (February 2016)
I've now calibrated a few M-Series TVs, and some trends have emerged. All were adjustable to provide a faithful representation of HD/Rec. 709 video sources with fine white balance and color accuracy. Compared to the 60Hz models (screen sizes under 60-inches), the larger 120Hz M-Series TVs with recent firmware are providing a very well calibrated experience right out of the box via the related picture presets. Custom preset options made it easy to generate day/night viewing configurations usable with any input or app. Bravo, Vizio!
Bottom line
The new 2015 Vizio M-Series 4K UHD televisions have taken over where the 2014 P-Series TVs left off. Compared to the 2015 Vizio D-Series 4K UHD TVs available through select resellers, the new M-Series TVs offer an increased refresh rate (120Hz vs 60Hz) and twice the number of zones of local dimming (~32 vs ~16) for improved picture contrast. It remains to be seen if the P-Series will be refreshed for 2015, but it seems increasingly unlikely given Vizio's recent announcement that its Reference Series TVs (aka the R-Series) will be introduced later this year.
Reader Comments (5)
But no HDR?
Would be interesting if you could comment how these compare to some of the big brands similarly spec'ed TVs
Robert
I just got the M Series 55 and I'm considering returning it for the 60. My concern is not the size difference but the 60 has the 120Hz vs. the 55 inch with the 60Hz. This is the main family TV and used for gaming with the PS4. In your opinion is the 60inch worth the price difference for me?
Thank you
Matt
Hi Matt! I'm all in favor of going with a larger screen size if it's in the budget. However, you may not notice much of a difference visually between a 60Hz and 120Hz TV. Sure, there are good technical reasons for wanting 120Hz over 60Hz, but it may not be a day/night difference with most content. So, if you can exchange models and it won't break the budget, I'd say sure thing...exchange it. Otherwise, your 55" screen is a solid choice with effectively identical picture quality compared to the 60"+ sizes.
--Robert
Robert
I was wondering if you could post up your favorite dialed in calibration settings for this TV. After a maddening amount of fiddling with my own rudimentary calibration skills I still think I'm missing the sweet spot. It would be nice to start from a place a pro recommended.
Thanks
Hi, Michael! Every M-Series I've worked on resulted in different final calibration settings (the white balance setup, specifically). For the 60" and larger models (120Hz), I've found the calibrated presets are very close to spec.
--Robert
Robert, I noticed that right out of the box it overshoots green. So I first went into the color calibration and changed the green offset and gain to -22 each. Then you could fight with the red and blue as you please. But changing the greens were very crucial to getting the picture right.
Hi, Allison! If you have a 60" or larger M-Series, use the calibrated presets as they have proven to be very good. If you are dealing with a smaller 60Hz model, I've not found the need to take the green offset that far into the negative. With the 43" version I calibrated, the final offset numbers were (-9, -15, -14 RGB) and the gain was (18, 7, -19 RGB).
--Robert