Entries in 2015 (14)
Review: Vizio 5.1 Sound Bar System
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 3:58PM 
In the box
The Vizio SB4051 delivers true 6-channel listening with a setup experience that simply doesn't get any easier. In the box, the SB4051 features an accessory pack that conveniently includes every cable you may need to get the system connected to a TV or other audio source device. The pack also includes wall-mounting brackets for the sound bar and surround speakers.
Speaker setup
Speaker setup starts with centering the sound bar above or below a TV screen; low-profile feet give the sound bar an overall height of only 3-inches. The wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere there's a nearby power outlet, and the rear-channel speakers connect to the powered sub via ample 25-foot color-coded wires. This configuration eliminates a wire run between the front and rear speakers for a clean look. Vizio claims a 60-foot range with the wireless sub, and its connection proved completely stable at the much shorter distances I tested it at.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
Design
Matte-finished metal protectively caps the ends of the sound bar and tops the speakers and sub. The added heft of the metal accents and finely-perforated black metal grills that wrap each speaker literally feel like quality touches. The latter also admirably masked fingerprints and dust.
2015 Vizio M-Series 4K UHD TV Preview
The SB4051's remote control is simple yet effective with its handful of buttons and a 1-line display at the top that enables easy navigation of more than a dozen controls.
A row of indicator lights along the bar's left side provide a visual confirmation of level and other system adjustments, and the lights automatically fade to a single subtle point after use.
A 5-button row of controls centered on the sound bar blend in well with the overall design while providing basic control options.
Hook it up
Unlike most sound bars that provide a basic array of coaxial/optical/analog audio inputs, the Vizio SB4051 adds an HDMI passthrough that supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) with compatible TVs. Another benefit of the SB4051's HDMI input is its compatibility with affordable HDMI auto-switchers for connecting multiple digital source devices.
The Vizio SB4051 is Bluetooth-enabled making it easy to link a smartphone or other mobile device for simple and convenient audio streaming. Regular Bluetooth audio streaming adds additional compression that can degrade audio quality, and this sound bar alleviates this shortcoming with aptX technology that enabled CD-like sound quality from compatible mobile devices.
Digital audio format support for the SB4051 includes Dolby Digtal, DTS, and several flavors of Linear PCM at up to 96kHz.
Speaker setup
The sound bar incorporates three 2.75-inch drivers while each surround speaker features a single 2.5-inch driver. A 6-inch driver in the ported sub adds an appreciable amount of low-end kick to the speakers' small but capable drivers. A built-in quick test announces each speaker to verify the connection and proper location, but properly balancing the speaker levels would require a sound pressure meter and appropriate test material. I'd like to see Vizio incorporate an automated microphone setup for levels and timing in future models.
Listen up
After breaking in the sound bar system for a few days, I sampled a variety of audio sources including FLAC-encoded music tracks streamed via aptX-enabled Bluetooth from my phone. Vizio claims the SB4051 can produce a sound pressure level of 102dB with <1% THD, and cranking it up proved to be a neighbor-awakening experience with ample volume and plenty of distortion-free bass. Podcasts and TV shows exhibited exceptional dialog clarity from the main sound bar channels, and DTS TruVolume is available if audio normalization is needed.
Switching to high-bitrate Blu-ray content, the award-winning sound track from the movie Master and Commander highlighted the system's surround sound capabilities and impactful bass response. The movie's quieter sequences are filled with detailed ambient sounds that were well-rendered by the system's five speaker drivers. The movie's depiction of classic naval warfare gave the subwoofer a chance to shine as it added very tangible sonic accents without ever overwhelming the performance.
The album Sea Change by Beck features audio tracks that approach the bitrate and sample rate limits of the Blu-ray format, and the SB4051 delivered superb clarity and detail with vocals and numerous stringed instruments. Given the SB4051's relatively small speaker drivers, the wireless sub again proved its worth with its ability to transparently reproduce lower frequencies.
Bottom line
I have a fondness for products that perform without a lot of fuss, and the Vizio 40" 5.1 Sound Bar System (SB4051-C0) delivered a listening experience that approached the quality of my home setup of separate surround sound speakers and a capable AVR. The Vizio SB4051 lacks the automated speaker setup tool included with many AVRs that optimizes levels and timing, but the entire kit is hundreds of dollars less than my own admittedly value-orientated home theater audio components. Modern AVRs often integrate useful features like HDMI switching, network multimedia playback, and support of a wide range of codecs. However, the Vizio SB4051's beauty is in its simplicity and flexibility while reducing the number of wires required to enjoy a true 5.1-channel listening experience.
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.
2015 Vizio E-Series TVs
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 12:49PM 
he new 2015 Vizio E-Series Full-Array LED Smart TVs have arrived! Vizio positions its E-Series as a strong value for owners who desire well-speced display technology. Vizio's 2015 E-Series models retains the core features that made its predecessor so popular while incorporating new design elements that give it a more modern look.
Specs for the 2015 Vizio E-Series include:
- 1080p resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate (65", 70" 120Hz)
- VA and IPS panel technology
- Full-array local dimming (up to 16 zones)
- Backlight scanning/blinking to improve motion resolution
- Smart TV features with built-in WiFi
- Quad-core GPU + Dual-core CPU (65", 70" only)
Design
The E-Series features a new base stand design that places feet near the sides of the TV's frame. Compared to the central location of previous Vizio stand designs, this configuration should provide increased stability although it will require a wider perch to sit upon. Otherwise, the E-Series retains the slim bezel design of its predecessor, and cabinet depth for the 70" model is 2.68-inches without the stand.
The 2015 Vizio E-Series lineup includes the following models:
- E-Series 24-inches (E24-C1) $168
1080p + Prime Members Save Extra! - E-Series 32-inches (E32-C1) $248
Prime Members Save Extra! - E-Series 40-inches (E40-C2) $376
5-zones local dimming + Prime Members Save Extra! - E-Series 43-inches (E43-C2) $388
5-zones local dimming + Prime Members Save Extra! - E-Series 48-inches (E48-C2) $483
6-zones local dimming - E-Series 50-inches (E50-C1) $528
12-zones local dimming + Prime Members Save Extra! - E-Series 55-inches (E55-C2) $666
12-zones local dimming - E-Series 60-inches (E60-C3) $800
12-zones local dimming - E-Series 65-inches (E65-C3) $998
16-zones local dimming + Prime Members Save Extra! - E-Series 70-inches (E70-C3) $1278
16-zones local dimming + Prime Members Save Extra!
Contrast enhancement
The 24-inch E-Series will be the only model to feature an edge-lit backlight system instead of the full-array local dimming (FALD) technology of the larger screens. Full-array local dimming enables a TV to dynamically dim the backlight behind darker portions of the picture for improved picture contrast.
Zone count
The number zones for the E-Series' full-array local dimming system varies by screen size; the zone count increases with screen size. For the 2015 models, the number of FALD zones is as follows:
- 5 zones: 40-inches, 43-inches
- 6 zones: 48-inches
- 12 zones: 50-inches, 55-inches, 60-inches
- 16 zones: 65-inches, 70-inches
Read more about the latest 2015 TVs and display technologies.
Review: Sharp THX 4K UHD TV
Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 9:15PM 
The Sharp AQUOS 4K Ultra HD LED TV (UD27U line) is one of the best values for a next-generation TV. The UD27U proved capable of impressive picture quality with a bit of coaxing, and its balance of technology and style further strengthens an already good deal.
Style and Setup
Available in 60-inch and 70-inch screen sizes, Sharp's latest 4K UHD TV features a brushed aluminium trimmed frame with a thin bezel design that keeps the focus on all of those lovely pixels. The UD27U's strong and stylish 'scorpion' stand gives the TV a distinct look while providing excellent stability. Standard wall mounting options are available for those that wish to further slim the TV's footprint.
The UD27U line of TVs are THX 4K certified, and the implementation of this thorough suite of tests can be hit or miss for the shipping retail products that I've encountered. In this case, custom calibration provided significant image quality improvements over the TV's THX picture presets. Oddly, the TV's motion resolution enhancement features had little to no effect on the usual HD benchmark tests, but these 'enhancements' are often better left disabled when viewing content originally recorded at 24 frames per second. On a positive note, the UD27U's video processing was good with a variety of HD and 4K UHD video formats.
A Better LED
Sharp expanded the color capabilities of UD27U through the use of an enhanced LED backlight system. The TV's blue LEDs are coated with green and red phosphors that did a great job of expanding the TV's color palette beyond HD to approach the DCI-P3 standard that will be utilized in upcoming 4K UHD content.
All four HDMI ports on the UD27U accept up to 4K60 video input with 4:2:0 chroma sub-sampling. HDMI 1 adds ARC (audio return channel) support, and HDMI 4 is compatible with sources that require HDCP 2.2 content protection like the Sony FMP-X10 4K Media Player (read my review).
Sound
The UD27U's 2.1-channel 35W speaker system ranks among the loudest I've heard, and high-quality audio samples were reproduced with good results. The Sharp's impactful audio was nowhere as impressively rich-sounding as the Sony XBR-X900B 4K UHD TV (read my review) with its gorgeous fixed fluid-magnetic speakers. However, the Sony also costs about twice as much.
OTA
Reception of over-the-air (OTA) TV stations was especially impressive in term of number of channels found and the TV's ability to maintain a stable signal lock. The UD27U also showed me every pixel of 720p stations like ABC and FOX unlike most 2014 Samsung televisions like the HU8550 4K UHD TV (read my review) and the H6400 1080p LED TV (read my review).
Smart-ish
The UD27U smart TV features were barely passing for a modern 4K UHD television - Netflix is the only 4K video streaming option at this time. Sharp had no comment on when or if more options like Amazon Instant Video would be added. A related mobile app provided an attractive enough interface but needs at least one good patch to address remote control and app switching quirks.
Viewing exams
Even without hardware local dimming, the UD27U maintained very good black levels for solid contrast performance in a dark room viewing environment. Maximum light output was a eye-melting 439 nits with the TVs dynamic picture mode making it well-suited for sun-drenched rooms.
Professional Setup
Calibration dramatically improved the picture quality of this TV. My initial impressions of the too-blue THX picture presets when from 'meh' to 'wow' after adjusting the available 2-point white balance controls. The UD27U provides a 10-point white balance setup with its Standard and Movie presets, but inconsistencies with how these controls mapped to corresponding grayscale levels and related interactions made them difficult to use. Thankfully, the 2-point setup proved good enough even though I had to take some settings to maximum to achieve the desired result.
A side-effect of performing a white balance calibration on the UD27U was an improvement in overall color accuracy. Average color errors were reduced were reduced to levels considered not noticeable.
Bottom line
Sharp's aggressive pricing for the AQUOS 4K Ultra HD LED TV makes it easier to accept its correctable quirks. For owners willing to have the TV professionally calibrated, they will be rewarded with sublime picture quality with today's HD and tomorrow's 4K UHD video sources. I'm confident in saying the Sharp UD27U line is one good update away from greatness.
Read my full review of the Sharp AQUOS 4K Ultra HD LED TV at HD Guru.
2015 CES: Home Theater and TVs
Monday, January 5, 2015 at 6:39PM Updated April 5, 2015: added Vizio product information
It's that time of the year again, and the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has consumed the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a major show for display manufacturers and here the notable announcements so far:
Vizio
Technology
This article will be updated as information is gathered at the 2015 CES.
