If you’ve been waiting for Vizio to announce its 2021 4K TV line and soundbar, it’s your lucky day.
Vizio’s latest 4K UHD TVs, updates to its SmartCast platform, and completely redesigned V Series sound bars are available from a wide range of retailers, including Amazon, BestBuy, and Sam’s Club.
Vizio’s entry-level V-series, mid-range M-series, and a portion of the high-end P-series televisions and audio models are now available. Also, the Vizio M-Series All-in-One Soundbar will begin shipping in a couple of weeks. Later this year, we can expect to see the company’s first 75-inch V-Series OLED TV, along with the 85-inch Quantum X P-Series and the Elevate soundbar, make their debut.
There’s a lot to cover with the latest Vizio announcements, but let’s start with updates for SmartCast, the software that powers Vizio products.
PHOTO: VIZIO
SmartCast is achieving increased speed and performance, in part thanks to updated hardware and through software enhancements. Older TV models dating back to 2016 have received the same software update, which should also improve its performance.
Movies Anywhere is now available to owners of SmartCast TV, and Apple TV, as well as NBC’s Peacock streaming service, will be added to the app lineup later this summer.
The SmartCast mobile application is taking on a new look, with the aim of making it easier for users to control their televisions from mobile phones.
PHOTO: VIZIO
As for the hardware, well, that’s where things get more interesting.
Vizio has IQ Ultra and IQ Active processors that power the televisions. The processors join a new ProGaming Engine, aimed at improving graphics for gamers with support for 4K resolution at a refresh rate of 120Hz. That should lead to clearer and sharper images during intense gaming sessions, all of which automatically turn on, thanks to Automatic Game Mode.
The V series, the value-focused 4K HDR product line of Vizio, features screen sizes from 40 to 75 inches and prices ranging from $ 229.99 to $ 799.99. The V series includes Dolby Vision, HDR10 +, HDR10, and HLG, all of which are fancy terms that basically mean that the V series will support various video formats, providing bright and vivid colors.
The Quantum M-Series is Vizio’s mid-range lineup and adds high-end features to the mix, while keeping prices lower than the P-Series. The M-Series ranges from $ 399.99 for a 50-inch model. , at $ 749.99 for a 65-inch model. Quantum MQ8 series models will be exclusive to Amazon and $ 50 more expensive than Quantum MQ7 series models, because they have 90 local dimming zones compared to 30, as well as 800 nits of maximum brightness compared to 600 and 85% color volume. compared to 75%.
In other words, you’ll pay more for a brighter, more colorful image on the MQ8 series.
The M series has a variable refresh rate that varies from 48 to 60Hz, so you won’t be able to take advantage of the full 120Hz sets. For that, you will have to look at the P Quantum series and the P Quantum X series.
Both P-series lines switch to Vizio’s IQ Ultra processor and have a refresh rate of 120Hz, and the 85-inch model reaches a maximum of 3,000 nits of maximum brightness. That model costs $ 2,999.99 and won’t launch until this fall.
The 65 and 75-inch versions of the standard P-series Quantum and P-Series Quantum X are now available, with prices ranging from $ 1,499.99 for the 65-inch Quantum to $ 1,999.99 for the larger Quantum X-series. In the P series, you get more local dimming zones, making blacks appear darker and more lifelike, and a range of maximum brightness and color volume, all of which provide a better overall experience compared to the M series and V -Series.
If you’re willing to be patient, Vizio’s 55 and 65-inch OLED TVs will be available this fall. Most major smartphone manufacturers use OLED displays on their high-end phones, such as the iPhone 11 Pro or Galaxy S20, because they are energy efficient and provide brighter, more vivid colors while displaying truer blacks because every pixel can be turned off.
Vizio OLED models will cost $ 1,299.99 for the 55-inch model or $ 1,999.99 for the 65-inch model. Both will feature 800 nits of maximum brightness, use the company’s IQ Ultra processor, and have a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
PHOTO: VIZIO
All right, ready to talk about sound? Vizio is launching two soundbar lines: M-Series and V-Series. Both products are designed for specific price categories with different characteristics to combine.
The V series starts at $ 179.99 for a 2.1 system, with a 5-inch wireless subwoofer and Dolby Audio and Virtual DTS: X sound. The 5.1 V series, which costs $ 249.99, has 5.1 audio and a 5-inch subwoofer. Both models have a 96dB output.
There is only one M Series model, priced at $ 149.99 with 2.1 audio. It’s an all-in-one setup, so you don’t have to worry about where to put wireless speakers or subwoofers.
The V21 is out now, while the V51 and M-Series 2.1 will launch on July 5 and 26, respectively.
Oh, and we can’t forget about the new Elevate 5.1.4 soundbar.
What makes it so special are its rotary controllers, which have the ability to change its angle to add height to the overall sound when using Dolby Atmos or when DTS: X content is detected.
The Elevate soundbar will cost $ 999.99, and its full launch is expected later this year.
Vizio’s 2021 line has a lot to offer, with price points and performance options for anyone. We can’t wait to see it all, especially that combination of OLED TV and Elevate soundbar. That will be an elegant and impressive sound setup.
Note: Prices above reflect the retailer’s listed price at time of publication.
