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)
I just bought the 50" from Walmart and the sharpness issue of 1.0.1 is rather irritating. After three service checks, no luck so far. I hope it comes soon.
Does Vizio P series TV's support PAL transmission out of BOX or we need to use NTFS to PAL converter for this.
Wanted to find out because, I am planning to take the TV to INDIA and all the cable providers support only PAL.
I've had my P55 for a month, now, and I guess it's time to note a qualitative change in my viewing experience. I've been a TV geek as long as any other kind and try to stay current with the tech and how it's received and experienced. And I haven't looked around to see if anyone has this experience - though I bet Apple designers responsible for the Retina concept might agree.
I have always setup my TV for 3 levels of viewing conditions: standard, bright conditions, low light or dark room. I took the time to do the same with my P55. After a careful job of setting up "standard" - I now realize I don't need the other 2 settings. I don't use them.
All I can say is the picture is so densely correct, light levels don't negatively affect my viewing. I can't explain it any better than that. But, that's the case. Light levels, the environment for watching, aren't affecting my perceptions. Perhaps it's a combination of screen size and pixel density? I don't know.
I have to admit that "set it and forget it" surely is enjoyable.
We re-arranged the living room furniture so we sit closer. Sometimes, watching proper football from the Premier League or one of the Continental leagues, I actually sit on the ottoman about 5 feet from the screen and that's a gas. But, this is a room flooded with bright high desert sunlight this time of year, mid-day to dusk. We get terrific solar gain in mid-winter. The light never falls on the screen. The floor is medium contrast tile to be a heat sink to the slab. None of this diminishes viewing.
Watching a movie, mystery series, whatever - in a pitch dark room is spot on. Switching to the slightly darker settings I'd usually prefer just means I'm watching a darker image. I just leave it at standard, now.
Just noting the experience for folks getting ready to move to 4K. I can't say Vizio invented something new. The folks who came up with 4K did that. But, their execution is better than anything I've experienced. OK by me.
Vizio Support Chat Log:
Dgmckenzie11
Feb 18, 7:02 PM
Chat transcript:
Visitor: My newly purchased P502ui won't update. It's on 1.0.1. I hit Service Check and shut it off for 30 minutes, 3 times now. Can I download the firmware update and manually install it?
Kayla: Here at VIZIO we pride ourselves in providing best in class U.S. based support. Have you contacted Vizio in the past?
Visitor: no
Kayla: As long as the TV is connected to the internet it will automatically update to the latest available firmware on the update server. It can also do this while the TV is powered off, but not unplugged from the electrical outlet. It is not possible to manually update the firmware on our TVs. If you just purchased your TV, this process can take a few days, a week or a month to update to the most recent update since it was just released.
Visitor: A month? Wow. What firmware do I need to be on to stream 4K through Netflix? 1.1.14?
Kayla: Yes.
Visitor: Ok. I was just checking if there was a way to do it manually. Thanks Kayla
Re Dave McKenzie:
"What firmware do I need to be on to stream 4K through Netflix?"
It's had that capability since the earliest firmware, 1.0.0 or 1.0.1, depending on your model. Another requirement is that you subscribe to Netflix's $12/month 4-screens-at-a-time plan. That's been a requirement since around October 10th; had you accessed their tiny library of 4K titles with your 2-screens plan ($8 or $9/month, depending upon how long you've subscribed) you were grandfathered in to continue playing the 4K content with your 2-screen plan. Luckily I accessed it at the end of September with the P55 which I started out with, since replaced with a P60.
If you see the "Ultra HD 4K" logo when you look at the entry for House of Cards as in this image:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nISbOKV8u8A/U2Q3HM2zTCI/AAAAAAAAAJE/c7rq-qutVuo/s1600/blog-screencap.png
you have access to Netflix's 4K library. If not you'll have to upgrade your streaming plan to get it.
What the new firmware gives you is an Amazon Instant Video player which can play their 4K content, as well as a player with which to stream Ultraflix, an all 4K service.
I'm having an issue with the p502ui-b1e, which would be the walmart model. It came with firmware version 1.1.9 I belive and the tv looked great, awesome black levels because of the local dimming. Today the tv updated the firmware 1.1.16 and it reuined the picture in my opinion. The local dimming seems less effective because individual sections don't seem to be able to turn off, image noise is much worse(I couldn't see it before), sharpness is way over done. I tried turning sharpness down or noise blocker on, but it really smooths the picture. I used the tv for ps4 and games looked great, but now I can barely stand to look at them. If I call vizio is there a way for them to downgrade my firmware update?? I'm really not happy with this update.
Today's 1.1.19 update has fixed the sharpening issue with the P502ui-B1. Or at least on mine it has :)
here is my review on this vizio 50 inch 4k set and it goes as follows . i bought this set for my master bed room this set was bought to replace a vizio 42 inch 3d 120hz set that i bought 4 years ago. i did not expect much since i only paid $799 for this set which was on sale from $999 . but i figured hey i want a slightly bigger tv in my room and i wanted to see what all the 4k hoopla was all about without breaking the bank account. i have fios tv service at home so my picture on all my other t.v's with fios video looks great. i hooked up my fios connection to this set and BAMM WOW i saw the difference right away from all the t.vs in the house now mind you i own an lg lw6500 240hz 3d all the bells and whistles for its time and i thought that picture was awesome but this picture blew that out of the water and that was just on up-scaling from an 1080p signal to ultra. i then started playing around with netflix and connected this t.v with a cat 5e to my router and used the 4k streaming from netflix and boy was i in picture heaven this made it look even better i double checked the info on the inputs to see what it was outputting and the video was at 2160p . nexflix has some choices for 4k content probally more than amazon. the key is to have a good internet connection with unlimited bandwith like fios does for 4k streaming to look just that good as it does in the store. i recommend at least a 25mpbs connection for 4k streaming . but if you cant get high speed internet service then this set will do a fantastic job of up scaling regular 1080p to ultra hd with no hiccups or pixel breaks . i simply love this set and will consider upgrading my lg tv with a bigger size vizio 4k for my living room.
I just purchased the Visio p ultra hd and it was nice until the update seemed to hack my channel master DGR plus system. It was working fine just like ken's earlier post. Does anyone know why this is happening? Previous post:
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
Update on the VIZO vs Master Channel DVR + problem. It appears there is a software glitch. Channel Master is correcting the problem in their next broad release of the firmware in less than 30 days. They may also provde a temporary patch to the problem if you contact their support team. They were very responsive to the problem in less than 5 hours. Thanks CHANNEL MASTER DVR + for building a great product. Thanks for VIZIO for taking HD to the next viewing level. Very Happy now!
Thank you for the update, Tim!
--Robert
Dumb question - does the upscaling to 4K happen automatically? Is there a setting to flip it back and forth? I am a bit disappointed with my picture after fumbling around with it - admittedly, havent tried native Netflix or Amazon 4K just normal 1080p content from Netflix, which seemed underwhelming. I am on the latest firmware.
Josh - watch one of the Champions League matches, tomorrow - Wednesday - and sit 5 feet away from the set. You won't get full 4K quality upscaling 1080i; but, even 720p can look terrific. These matches will be Fox - prolly 720p.
Try a match on NBCSN Saturday morning to get the full effect from 1080i. 4K upscale is auto. Demo he real deal to yourself from 4K travelogue sples on YouTube.
And especially calibrate your set using advice from the avsforum group of p-series owners.
As far as I'm concerned from my own experience owning the 50" series:
The best occurrence of upscaling only occurs from playing content via the 'Multimedia' app to stream video over DLNA, this way the TV's CPU has full control over how the source material is processed and displayed. I say this because the same source Blu-Ray file (1080p) played over DLNA appears better to me than via HDMI from my computer. Though of course I don't have hard evidance besides visual quality.
How do I turn off the CC? Its not on the menu for hdmi. p502ui-b1e
Bob S - I presume you're using CC for "color calibration" not "closed captioning" which is produced by your content provider.
To turn on CC go to MENU > Picture > More Picture > Color Calibration is down the bottom of the page. When you're through there just press EXIT and you're out of the menu system altogether.
If and when you reopen with MENU, you'll be at the top of the choices at Picture.
I also purchased the p502ui-b1e at Walmart for a very good $648. My problem is the tv reboots (turns off and then back on) randomly. I have had the tv for three weeks and this has happened three or four times. Any experience with this issue?
Tom D - I suggest calling Vizio customer support immediately.
Even if this is an easy question to answer - not by me - you want to get it on the record. I've heard it mentioned; but, haven't paid any special attention because :-] I'm not experiencing it.
I purchased the P502ui-B1E and I'm having a problem with the screen totally blacking out for about 2 seconds then it comes back and all is fine for about 15 minutes until it happens again. Is anyone else experiencing this. I'm at my wits end and ticked off at the same time. Please help me out. Shoot an email if you can help. I really appreciate it!!!
I also have experienced the aforementioned issues of the tv blacking out briefly, as though it was redetecting the input. After much experimentation, I discovered that it was exclusively when the tv was running in 120hz mode from my computer's hdmi 2.0 output. I had also noticed that the computer was especially susceptible to EMF interference from ballast in my fluorescent kitchen light (which was on a separate electrical circuit). Although the flickering happened randomly, I could trigger it by switching my kitchen light off and on. I purchased a $60 Furman power conditioner, which resolved the problem with EMF interference, but the TV still flickers randomly only when running at 120hz (1080p). I exchanged the tv at Costco, and found that the exact same issue persisted. I now feed the tv with 2160p (4k) @ 60hz and have no issues whatsoever with flickering. On the AVS forum, I have conversed with others who have this exact same issue, and we have concluded that it is a hardware or firmware issue. I specifically own the P502ui-B1 model.
I was disappointed by this as I can run PC games in 80-120fps, and wanted to take advantage of that, but in the end I decided that despite this limitation, this TV was still an incredible value for the money at one third the cost of other comparable sets. With luck, this issue will be fixed in a future firmware update.
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Ok, so I finally purchased the P Series 50" 240hz B1 version. At the moment, I am not all that happy with the calibration and was hopeful that someone can post refined calibration settings, or a link to them, for this model. I have the firmware updated to 1.1.19. I really am excited about his TV as it looks very promising, but it needs some TLC first. Please help! :)
Ed - check in to the avsforum.com for the P series: http://tinyurl.com/pz6aapg
I bought the 50 inch a few months ago. Was pretty pleased until today. I went to turn it on and the light came on then faded, no picture,or sound. Has any one else had this problem? And what is the solution? Thanks.
With any malfunctioning TV (or other electronic device) still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, contact them immediately to establish a claim. If an issue arises within a month of purchase, the retailer will often quickly provide a replacement. Good luck!
--Robert
Aside from seconding Robert's reply - did you get the picture to come up OK on another try? I get a symptom like that occasionally - and my own fault. Using my Harmony remote to start up four devices at once, for a couple different configurations which also use the Vizio - the IR takes a while to execute all the commands. During which I may wander away from pointing at the TV set. Missing the last command or two, like which HDMI feed to recognize, the set may quit trying. Hitting the help button on the Harmony solves the operator error.
I recently purchased a P 50 this week and found out that it is actually 120hz but uses the backlighting in someway to make it 240hz. I was curious about the hdmi inputs tho because if the tv is supposed to be 240 or you could say 120Hz then way do all the hdmi ports say 4k at 30hz except for the 5th one that says 4k at 60hz. How is the tv ever running at the 120 or 240 Hz refresh rate when the hdmi ports say this on them. I've been plugging into hdmi 5 with my ps3 and checked to see if I could see any difference when connected to any of the 30hz inputs and didn't notice any difference. Could someone shed some light on this for me ?