Update: Vizio P-Series Ultra HD
Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 4:44PM Originally posted on August 21, 2014
Updated on April 15, 2015: clarified specs and testing details (see Testing notes)
The wait is over! Retail listings for the new Vizio P-Series Ultra HD TVs have finally surfaced and its value appears strong.
2014 Vizio P-Series Setup Notes
Amazon is listing P-Series screen sizes of 50-inches, 55-inches, 60-inches, 65-inches, and 70-inches.
The critical specs of the P-Series include:
- 3840 x 2160p screen resolution
- Full-array local dimming LED backlight system
- ~64 active dimming zones
- 70-inch model has 72 zones
- ~64 active dimming zones
- 120Hz refresh rate with backlight scanning
- 50-inch model is 60Hz
- Quad-core GPU + Dual-core CPU
- 802.11ac WiFi
- HEVC H.265 codec
- HDMI 2.0 + HDCP 2.2
- HDMI 1, 2, and 5 are HDCP 2.2
- HDMI 5 is HDMI 2.0 (others are 1.4b)
- Smart TV features with UHD streaming options
Testing notes
Update 1/13/2015: Vizio has released a new P-Series firmware update (v1.1.14) that has mostly corrected the stuck sharpness algorithm noted below. This update also added new 4K video streaming options from Amazon, Toon Goggles, and UltraFlix. Testing the new firmware revealed no improvement for the observed clipping and loss of fine color (chroma) detail with component-encoded video sources. Vizio claims the new update also added new picture quality enhancements to the TV's full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight system and improved sharpness and motion controls for a wider range of video and film-based sources.
How to update
Internet connected Vizio televisions perform regular checks for software updates and should require no user interaction. However, if a P-Series owner wishes to check for software updates, follow this procedure:
Go to MENU > System > System Information > Service Check > press 'OK' > select 'Yes' to perform update check. Then turn TV off and wait at least 20 minutes for the update cycle to complete.
Readers have commented that while it is possible to check for a software update, a serial number system used by Vizio determines when a particular TV receives the updated software.
Hands-on
The P-Series has five HDMI ports that are compatible with 4K input: ports 1-4 accept 4K UHD video at up to 30Hz and HDMI 5 allows 4K input at 60Hz - confirmed with DVDO AVLab TPG (read review). HDMI ports 1, 2, and 5 are HDCP 2.2-enabled for use with copy protected 4K sources like the Sony FMP-X10 Media Player (read my review). However, the FMP-X10's 60Hz output would require the use of HDMI 5 for full output format compatibility. Also, HDMI 5 provides no video processing for common video formats like 480i, 720p, or 1080i resulting in reduced picture quality compared to the use of other HDMI inputs on the TV; the TV does warn the user to change inputs if an attempt is made to use this port with sub-4K video sources. For P-Series owners who prefer to feed the display though a single HDMI connection, use of HDMI 5 would require a capable AVR or external scaler to perform 4K upconversion. Otherwise, use of multiple HDMI inputs on the TV are needed to properly handle common SD/HD formats and 4K60 input.
IPS vs VA
Also, it has been reported and confirmed by Vizio that the P-series LCD panel technology varies with screen size. The 55 inch version features an IPS panel whereas the other screen sizes in the series feature VA panel technology that produces deeper black levels for improved picture contrast and apparent color saturation. For optimal picture performance with the P-series televisions, screen sizes of 60-inches, 65-inches, and 70-inches are the recommended options as they would provide a VA panel with a greater number of zones of local dimming.
"Photoshopped" picture quality
A test session with a 50-inch P-series TV confirmed that its original firmware suffered from mediocre 1080i video processing and a broken sharpness control that added harsh edge enhancements to the picture. This "stuck" sharpness filter added virtual detail not present in the original video signal, and it was clearly evident in all examined content including still images, Blu-ray movies, and 4K video.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
Update 1/13/2015: Both images below show the Vizio P-Series running the updated v1.1.14 firmware with TV's sharpness setting at 0 (off). The ringing artifacts in image on the right appeared when feeding the P-Series a 4K UHD source and remained visible when switching to HD formats like 720p or 1080i on the same input. The ringing artifacts would vanish again if the sharpness setting was adjusted at all. Thankfully, use of TV's 4K UHD video streaming apps didn't trigger the reappearance of the sharpness artifacts, and only users who are switching between 4K UHD and HD video formats on the same HDMI input are likely to encounter this issue.
Update 2/26/2015
Vizio released another firmware update (v1.1.19) for the P-Series that is reported to fix the sharpness setting so that it doesn't reset under the conditions I found with firmware v1.1.14 (described above). This update is also reported to stabilize color with HDMI 5 when configured with certain picture presets.
Unresolved items
Another oddity noted during picture setup was that component-encoded video sources (YCbCr) like a Blu-ray player or the DVDO AVLab TPG (read my review) fed to the P-Series resulted in crushed dark detail below digital level 16 and clipped peak bright detail above level 235. Reducing the TV's color control revealed levels in the 242-243 range but resulted in an unacceptably desaturated picture. Full RGB input (0-254) appeared to be properly displayed.
Not so factory calibrated
The P-Series features two factory calibrated presets: Calibrated and Calibrated Dark. The latter of these otherwise similar presets defaults to a reduced backlight level and slightly increased gamma (2.1 vs 2.2) that's better suited for viewing in a dimly lit environment. Grayscale measurements revealed overly blue hues compared to the more neutral D65 standard used in film and video production. The P-Series adds an 11-point grayscale setup in addition to the 2-point tools that many TVs provide. These controls proved effective at taming the bluish grays.
Color management needed
The menu used for grayscale calibration also features 6-color controls for adjusting hue, saturation, and brightness. I've had the opportunity to spend more time with the P-Series color management setup, and fine tuning the display via careful calibration can greatly improve its color accuracy. However, some fully-saturated colors (blue in particular) were uncorrectably out of spec.
Almost there
The Vizio P-Series Ultra HD television isn't videophile-grade, but the latest update barely nudged it into a value 4K UHD recommendation. Calibration benefits any TV, and it's a must for the Vizio P-Series to fully realize its picture potential. Vizio has (mostly) corrected my biggest image quality complaint about the P-Series, and I look forward to seeing what other improvements can be achieved with future updates. Also, the P-Series' 4K file support includes H.265/HEVC but not 4K video files encoded into the H.264/AVC format like those produced by the new GoPro HERO4 Black. Vizio was hesitant to provide a firm answer as to if or when we can expect 4K H.264/AVC file support to be added to the P-Series. Stay tuned!
Reader Comments (80)
Upgraded from original to an interim FW 2nd time I turned the set on. Upgraded to 1.1.14 while I was out for a walk. 1,1.14...today.
Can now access Evil Dead in 4K at Amazon straight in though I yhink I'll do the freebies, first. :-]
I own the P502ui-B1E model Vizio 4K TV. Will I receive the newest 1.1.14 update that was released for the P-Series TV's?
You will eventually as long as your television is connected to the Internet. It will do a check once daily (I think) or you can do the "System Check" procedure to make sure that you get it as soon as it becomes available to you: go to Menu->System->System Information and scroll down to "System Check" at the bottom; hit OK and select "Yes" when it asks you whether you want to do it. Turn off your television for 20 minutes or more and if there was an update available to you it will install it.
I did these two or three times a day when I thought I'd be away from my television for long enough (walking the dog, trip to the supermarket, etc; I'm in disability retirement and use it as my PC monitor, so it's on most of my waking hours). I got the update on the second time I did it one day recently.
Someone reported getting 1.1.16 in the AVS Forum P-Series Owners thread today. Probably just a few more minor bug fixes given that it was a tiny version delta (the next big deal update will probably be 1.2.something).
What inputs should I plug my PS4 and AppleTv into? The PS4 is 1080p and the AppleTv is 720p I believe.
Thanks!
Ryan Jordan -
Last couple of hockey-puck generations of AppleTV have been 1080p for sure. I'd put whichever you intend to use for 4K streaming in HDMI5.
Currently, I do that with the AppleTV; but, another month or two and DirecTV will be capable of providing 4K from the new D14 satellite. As long as they can find the content. That's when I'll move the AppleTV to HDMI4 and use HDMI5 for my DirecTV DVR.
Though, it's up in the air when they'll offer a new device for 4K. No pun intended.
Thank you so much for the quick response! I dont plan on using anything for providing 4K content, my concern is if input 5 would be lowering the image quality as it was mentioned in the update of this post. I was going to put my PS4 into input 5 but wanted to make sure it wouldn't effect the picture quality. I believe my AppleTV, which is kind of old, is only720p. I dont see anything in the AppleTV's settings that say 1080. Another question I have is I see "FALD" reffered to a lot. What is it, is it important and should I turn it on or off. I have a 50" in the P-series and I want to try to calibrate it myself, but oh my, is it overwhelming. Does anyone have any calibration settings that may work well?
still waiting for the update.
Ryan Jordan -
Mike Scott [up above somewhere] reminded me there's a P-Series owner's thread at AVS Forum. Wander through the first few pages of the thread - it's like hundreds of pages long, by now - and you'll see folks who have calibrated their sets.
I've found that default settings are closer to good than back when Robert and others were doing the original tests. Still worth doing the calibration.
You'll be getting an upgrade to either 1.1.14 or 1.1.18 to the firmware and that alone makes a big difference. I used an amalgam of numbers + these old eyes to arrive at current settings and almost no tweaking since the firmware update - which drops in on its own from Vizio. You'll see it there in settings some day.
It may just be my getting used to the uprezzing of hi-def content; but, I think the picture quality has gotten better over the first week or so that I've had my 55". I love this set. Go to the Amazon app on the set - if you're a Prime customer - and watch the 4K remastered "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragons". A delight.
hey guys. I have the new update and so far im happy. but im curious whats a good calibration set up after the update. any help would be appreciated
Has the latest update fixed the sharpening problem? I just bought the 50" series myself.
Got this update today 1/29/2015 - v1.1.16 vizio 4K update - Totally messed up my channel master DVR....which was working fine Wednesday Night...after the update...no TV guide no menu no dvr access...etc..the channels can be changed maually but nothing on the screen to show what your doing...really sucks....
Anyone else have channel master and P series 4K Vizio?
Best buy has the 55" open box for under 800, would you recommend it with a SquareTrade warranty?
The 55 is slightly different than the others billy bob. As long as you are aware of the difference, yes, it is worth getting.
It has an IPS panel instead of a VN.
For real world use, that means black levels won't be as good, but the overall range when you are sitting at an angle will have better colors.
If you have a wide viewing space with different people viewing at odd angles, it's definitely a good call. Just be aware the blacks won't be as nice as on the other sizes.
I'd give it a thumbs up as long as you know what you are getting.
Matt +1 - I did the 3-year warranty [1st in a long time - but, Samsung experience in recent years has me nervous about everyone].
Have to say the Blacks in my 55" are as dark as deep space without the stars. :-] Good enough for my old eyes.
Blacks on the other models, VA panels all, are even darker. I had the P55 for three weeks and chose to upgrade to the P60; the difference in contrast was immediately noticeable. (I'd bought the P55 at full price from Walmart and the P60 from Best Buy with a 10% off movers coupon so the difference in price worked out to less than $150).
Hi, I just recently purchased and had delivered to my house a vizio p series 55" 240 hz 4k model tv from best buy. I love the picture quality but i am noticing that i am getting light bleeding from all the 4 corners, especially the bottom right hand of the screen. I was wondering if you knew if this was common and should i get a new tv of the same model and size?? I especially notice it when i first turn the tv on and it goes to the black screen with the vizio logo on it. you can really see the light bleeding very badly
Are the calibration notes posted anywhere? What exactly is wrong with the 1080i video processing? CNET said it failed their 1080i de-interlacing test. The HDGURU review said that the clipping occurs using an RGB source, but you guys say the clipping occurs using a YCbCr source. Which is it?
Hi Riekopo! Regarding 1080i on the P-Series: input 5 has no video processing at all for that format. Also, the other HDMI ports failed 1080i 2:2 pulldown, and 3:2 pulldown could have been a bit better (has motion adaptive processing, but had trouble cleaning up leading/trailing edges) but it was acceptable.
I cannot speak for how HD Guru tested the TV, but my clipping tests are performed using YCbCr 444 (component video) input...rechecking with RGB input as needed.
Take care,
Robert
Broadly speaking, I find CNET's recommendations useless. Even when presented by individuals I tend to agree with.
Just sayin'.
I still have the sharpening problem with 1.1.16.
I just got the 50" version from Bestbuy. When I connect my PS4 to the port 5 the screen blacks out then comes back again consistently. You guys think there is something wrong with the TV, or it is because the port 5 isn't meant to be used for PS4? The other ports work just fine.
I gonna buy the 50 p series 240hz 4k!you can found on best buy just for 799$!you think that is a god choice?or I have to buy the 60"??
I have a VIZIO P602ui-B3 ... I went thru the steps to force a firmware update, turned off the tv for at least 20 minutes, then turned the tv back on. How do I know if the update took? Is there somewhere I can look, to see what the latest firmware is on my tv?
You cannot "force" an update, you can only make the TV immediately check to see if a firmware upgrade is available to it, by performing the Service Check and turning it off for at least 20 minutes. If it'd installed an upgrade it would have told you when you powered it back up. The current version is indicated on the same dialog as the Service Check option, at the top (Menu->System->System Information).
It should check automatically at least once a day when you turn it off and download and install it if there's one available to it (distinct from if there's a newer firmware revision than the one that it's running). Vizio's system will decide whether it can have one and which. I'd do the Service-Check-turn-off-and-wait thing a couple of times a day if you're anxious to get an update.
I'm having the same problem with the P502ui-B1E that Chris, above, is having except I have my PC plugged into HDMI port 5. It makes games virtually unplayable due to the interruption of the screen going black for a few seconds then coming back on with the Vizio logo before returning to the game. Does anyone know if this problem is simply due to the fact that port 5 is dedicated to 4k @ 60Hz and because I'm not running a graphics card that supports 4k it causes the TV to malfunction? Will test out using another port when I get home. Currently, I am at work and don't have the ability to test out connecting the PC to another port, however, while watching cable via an hdmi cable from the cable box plugged into port 4, the tv did do the same thing at least once within 3 hours of having set up the TV for the first time. I would hate to have to return the TV and get another P502ui-B1E and experience the same problems. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My p series b1 is great with hdmi 5 but if I hook anything else up to the others the tv will constantly go black for a moment and come back like it is refreshing resolution or something ??? The tv is staying on its just acting like it dropped signal or its changing resolution
... help please should I return it?