- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Sound Quality
- Smart Features
- Sizes and Variants
- Compared
- Conclusion
- Discussions
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2018
By Daniel O'Keeffe
, Eric Bousquet, Ian Cumming, Bruno St-Georges-Robert, Dimitris Katsaounis, Yannick Khong
Vizio D Series 4k 2018
TV REVIEW
Sub-Type
:
VA
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
The Vizio D Series 2018 is a decent but basic 4k TV. The picture quality is okay, but the TV lacks more advanced features like local dimming or a wide color gamut to produce deeper dark scenes or vivid HDR. The response time is fast which is excellent for displaying sports without much blur and the TV has low input lag for gaming.
Test Results
| Design | 7.0 |
| Picture Quality | 7.4 |
| Motion | 7.3 |
| Inputs | 8.7 |
| Sound Quality | 5.4 |
| Smart Features | 6.8 |
- Deep and uniform dark scenes
- Fast response time
- Low input lag
- Image degrades at an angle
- Mediocre HDR
Update 3/29/2019:
We corrected a mistake in the BFI score.
Update 2/28/2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3. Learn more about our versioned test bench system here.
Update 12/12/2018: Vizio has released the V505-G9. We have added a note to the sizes & variants section
Update 2/28/2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3. Learn more about our versioned test bench system here.
Update 12/12/2018: Vizio has released the V505-G9. We have added a note to the sizes & variants section
Check Price
Design
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
The design of the Vizio D Series 65 is ok. It has a wide and quite stable stand, although it wobbles a little if slightly pushed. The back is plastic and the TV seems relatively thick when you are looking at it from the side. The build quality is ok and it should not cause any issues. Overall, the TV looks very similar to the Vizio E Series 2018, but the D Series lacks a metal trim.
Maximum Temperature
:
93 °F (34 °C)
What it is:
The peak temperature found on the TV.
When it matters:
If the TV is placed in an enclosed space.
Good value:
<35°C
Noticeable difference:
5°C
Average Temperature
:
90 °F (32 °C)
What it is:
The average temperature measured on the TV.
When it matters:
If the TV is placed in an enclosed space.
Good value:
<35°C
Noticeable difference:
5°C
This TV operates at a relatively low temperature and the panel remains uniformly cool to the touch.
Picture Quality
Score components:
- 11% Contrast
- 6% Local Dimming
- 6% SDR Peak Brightness
- 6% HDR Peak Brightness
- 6% Gray Uniformity
- 7% Viewing Angle
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 6% Reflections
- 4% Pre Calibration
- 1% Post Calibration
- 6% 480p Input
- 9% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 5% 4k Input
- 4% Color Gamut
- 4% Color Volume
- 2% Gradient
- 1% Temporary Image Retention
- 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
Score distribution:
The Vizio D Series produces a decent picture quality. It has a very good native contrast ratio that will display deep blacks in dark room conditions and the TV can get bright enough for dim environments. However, in well-lit rooms, it might not be able to get bright enough. When viewing HDR content, you might find the picture slightly dim unless you boost the backlight. The gray uniformity is ok, however, some clouding is noticeable and this might annoy sports fans. It has a limited color gamut, and poor color volume, so you should not expect rich and saturated colors. Finally, reflection handling is very good and should not be an issue in bright rooms.
8.9
Contrast
What it is:
Brightness difference between white and black. This is the main component of picture quality.
When it matters:
Always, but especially when watching dark scenes.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Native Contrast
:
5392 : 1
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks measured on our checkerboard test pattern with a white target of 100 cd/m².
When it matters:
Dark scenes in a dark room.
Good value:
> 3,000
Noticeable difference:
500
Score distribution:
Contrast with local dimming
:
N/A
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks measured on our checkerboard test pattern with local dimming turned on (maximum) with a white target of 100 cd/m².
When it matters:
Dark scenes in a dark room.
Good value:
> 3,000
Noticeable difference:
500
Score distribution:
The contrast of the Vizio D Series 4k 2018 is excellent. Blacks look great and this improves the picture quality when the TV is is viewed in a dark room, and especially for dark movie scenes.
0
Local Dimming
What it is:
The lights behind the LCD layer adapt to the picture displayed, improving the contrast ratio.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Local Dimming
:
No
What it is:
Whether it has a feature that controls the LEDs behind the LCD layer, to match the picture and darkens the dark portion of it.
When it matters:
On LED TVs only. Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Backlight
:
Full-Array
What it is:
Configuration of the lights of the backlight.
When it matters:
Effectiveness of the local dimming.
Good value:
Full-array/direct lighting is better for local dimming. As for the uniformity of the screen, it depends on the implementation. Some edge-lit TVs have more uniform blacks than some full-array TVs.
This TV does not have a local dimming option.
7.7
SDR Peak Brightness
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and with SDR content.
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; SDR content.
Score components:
- 64% SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
- 5% SDR Peak 2% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 10% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 25% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 50% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 100% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 2% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 10% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 25% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 50% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 100% Window
- 1% SDR ABL
Score distribution:
SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
316 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. Our Real Scene was selected to represent a more regular movie condition. All measurements are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming on, max backlight and with an SDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies and TV shows in SDR.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 2% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 10% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 25% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 50% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 100% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 2% Window
:
325 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent during a scene.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 10% Window
:
325 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent during a scene.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 25% Window
:
325 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 50% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 100% Window
:
326 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR ABL
:
0.000
What it is:
The coefficient of variation of the SDR sustained brightness, after linearizing for noticeable differences in luminosity
When it matters:
Content with large bright areas, such as for PC or video game use, and sports such as hockey
Good value:
<0.07
Noticeable difference:
0.01
Score distribution:
The Vizio D65-F1 SDR peak brightness is good. The TV achieves brightness levels that are good for a dark room and satisfactory for a brighter ambiance. It is worth noting that the TV brightness level remains uniform no matter the size of the highlights.
6.2
HDR Peak Brightness
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; HDR content.
Score components:
- 63% HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
- 5% HDR Peak 2% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 10% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 25% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 50% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 100% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 2% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 10% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 25% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 50% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 100% Window
- 2% HDR ABL
Score distribution:
HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
312 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more realistic movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over HDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in HDR.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 2% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 10% Window
:
321 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 25% Window
:
321 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 50% Window
:
321 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 100% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 2% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 10% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 25% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 50% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 100% Window
:
320 cd/m²
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR ABL
:
0.000
What it is:
The coefficient of variation of the HDR sustained brightness, after linearizing for noticeable differences in luminosity
When it matters:
HDR content with large bright areas, such as HDR gaming
Good value:
<0.07
Noticeable difference:
0.01
Score distribution:
The Vizio D series 4k 2018 has ok HDR peak brightness. It does not get very bright to display bright highlights as the creator intends, but it does not dim highlights and it displays a steady brightness no-matter the window size.
If you find HDR content too dim, raising the Backlight setting to 100 (rather than the default 50) and setting the Gamma to 1.8 will brighten most HDR shades, but unfortunately won't affect peak highlights.
Also during our testing the TV got stuck once at 70 cd/m², but resetting the picture mode fixed the issue.
7.0
Gray Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of colors onscreen (not just gray).
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Score components:
- 40% 50% Std. Dev.
- 40% 50% DSE
- 10% 5% Std. Dev.
- 10% 5% DSE
Score distribution:
50% Std. Dev.
:
4.385 %
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 50% gray.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 2.5%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Score distribution:
50% DSE
:
0.182 %
What it is:
Dirty Screen Effect. High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 0.165%
Noticeable difference:
0.025%
Score distribution:
5% Std. Dev.
:
1.614 %
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 5% gray.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 1.15%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Score distribution:
5% DSE
:
0.117 %
What it is:
Dirty Screen Effect. High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 0.116%
Score distribution:
The gray uniformity is decent. On the 50% gray uniformity test picture, we can see that the four corners are a slightly darker than the center. Some clouding is apparent which causes a little dirty screen effect which might annoy some people when viewing sports.
On the 5% gray uniformity picture, things are a little better as not much clouding can be noticed.
5.6
Viewing Angle
What it is:
Color accuracy when viewed from the side.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Score components:
- 20% Color Washout
- 16% Color Shift
- 24% Brightness Loss
- 16% Black Level Raise
- 24% Gamma Shift
Score distribution:
Color Washout
:
29 °
What it is:
The angle at which some colors drop to 80% of their original chroma.
When it matters:
When viewing colorful content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Color Shift
:
44 °
What it is:
The angle at which some colors hue shift by 3° (meaning they change color, such as becoming more blue-ish).
When it matters:
When viewing colorful content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Brightness Loss
:
34 °
What it is:
The angle at which the TV's lightness drops to 75% of its original lightness.
When it matters:
When viewing any content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Black Level Raise
:
14 °
What it is:
The angle at which the black level doubles its lightness, leading to dark shades looking washed out.
When it matters:
When viewing dark content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Gamma Shift
:
15 °
What it is:
The angle at which some grayscale shades shift by 3% of their relative position between the black and white levels.
When it matters:
When watching any content at an angle.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
The viewing angle is bad for this Vizio D Series 2018. Blacks fade to grey at only small angles off the center and colors shift rapidly at an angle as well. It is not a great choice if you plan on placing it in a wide room.
8.2
Black Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
- 75% Native Std. Dev.
- 25% Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
Score distribution:
Native Std. Dev.
:
0.827 %
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 1%
Noticeable difference:
1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
:
N/A
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks with Local Dimming enabled
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 1%
Noticeable difference:
1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.
Score distribution:
The Vizio D65 has an impressive black uniformity. The screen is uniform and does not show signs of clouding. This is very good, especially for dark scenes.
7.9
Reflections
What it is:
How much light is reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Screen Finish
:
Semi-gloss
What it is:
Type of coating on the screen.
When it matters:
Bright objects in the direct reflection path (for example, opposite the TV).
Good value:
Glossy is good for ambient light, but not for direct reflections.
Total Reflections
:
5.2 %
What it is:
The amount of light which is reflected off the screen, in all directions.
When it matters:
When watching TV in a bright room, with lamps, windows or walls which reflect directly off the screen.
Good value:
4.5 %
Noticeable difference:
0.5 %
Score distribution:
Indirect Reflections
:
0.5 %
What it is:
The amount of light reflected off the screen, ignoring direct (mirror-like) reflections
When it matters:
Watching TV in a bright room, without sunlight or lamps directed at the TV
Good value:
1.0 %
Noticeable difference:
0.5 %
Score distribution:
The Vizio D Series 4k 2018 is good at handling reflections. The semi-gloss finish diffuses reflections across the screen, reducing their intensity. Unless you are planning on watching TV in a very bright room, reflections should not be an issue.
8.3
Pre Calibration
What it is:
TV's color accuracy before a full calibration. The only settings that are changed are those that don't vary from unit to unit, like picture mode, color temperature and gamma.
When it matters:
All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people's use cases.
Score components:
- 46% White Balance dE
- 45% Color dE
- 9% Color Temperature
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
2.46
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all video.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Color dE
:
2.39
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.19
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Color Temperature
:
6434 K
What it is:
The color temperature is a measure of the color of light. A colder color temperature (7000K) will look bluer and a warmer color temperature (4000K) will look yellower/redder. 6500K is the standard color temperature use in the TV and film industry as program, film, and photography directors usually work on monitors calibrated on the 6500k color temperature and do their color correction base on what they see on those monitors.
When it matters:
To get the most accurate picture when watching TV shows, movies or video games. This is particularly for skin tones.
Good value:
6500K
Noticeable difference:
400K
Score distribution:
Picture Mode
:
Calibrated Dark
What it is:
The picture mode used to do the 'Pre Calibration' measurements.
Color Temp Setting
:
Normal
What it is:
The best value for the TV's color temperature setting. The setting name differs between brands; for some it's "Color Temperature", for others its "White Point".
When it matters:
All content on screen
Gamma Setting
:
2.2
What it is:
The best value for the TV's gamma setting; the setting name differs between TV brands.
When it matters:
Shadows, accurate grayscale performance.
The TV has very good out of the box color accuracy. When set to Calibrated Dark, the color dE and white Balance dE are well below 3, so most people will not notice any inaccuracies.
The gamma is at 2.19 almost right on our 2.2 target. Finally, the color temperature is close to 6500K resulting in a fairly accurate picture.
9.5
Post Calibration
What it is:
TV's color accuracy after a full calibration with a spectrophotometer.
When it matters:
All video on a TV that has been professionally calibrated. This isn't that useful, because most TVs can achieve a pretty good calibration if you spend enough time on them.
Score components:
- 46% White Balance dE
- 45% Color dE
- 9% Color Temperature
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
0.08
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all videos.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Color dE
:
1.36
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.20
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Color Temperature
:
6498 K
What it is:
The color temperature is a measure of the color of light. A colder color temperature (7000K) will look bluer and a warmer color temperature (4000K) will look yellower/redder. 6500K is the standard color temperature use in the TV and film industry as program, film, and photography directors usually work on monitors calibrated on the 6500k color temperature and do their color correction base on what they see on those monitors.
When it matters:
To get the most accurate picture when watching TV shows, movies or video games. This is particularly for skin tones.
Good value:
6500K
Noticeable difference:
400K
Score distribution:
White Balance Calibration
:
11 point
What it is:
Whether the TV's white balance can be finely calibrated.
When it matters:
When calibrating the TV.
Color Calibration
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV's color tone mapping can be finely calibrated.
When it matters:
When calibrating the TV.
Auto-Calibration Function
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV has an auto-calibration function that can be used with a measurement device. Note that this is not used during testing, as we calibrate the TV manually.
When it matters:
When calibrating the TV.
The post calibration picture is close to perfect. The calibration process is fairly straightforward and relatively fast to do. The white balance dE was brought down to 0.08. The color dE was slightly harder to minimize, but the residue is so small that most people won't notice. Finally, the gamma is tracking perfectly our goal of 2.2.
You can see our recommended settings here.
7.0
480p Input
What it is:
Quality of a 480p input.
When it matters:
Standard definition TV, DVDs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Upscaling of low-quality content is slightly worse than average. Similar to other Vizio TVs, DVDs appear a bit soft but there is some choppiness to the image.
You can see a comparison of the Vizio M Series and TCL 6 Series here.
6.9
Color Gamut
What it is:
How many colors the TV can display.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
Score components:
- 25% DCI P3 xy
- 25% DCI P3 uv
- 25% Rec 2020 xy
- 25% Rec 2020 uv
Score distribution:
Wide Color Gamut
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV has an option to enable wide color gamuts.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
DCI P3 xy
:
76.09 %
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
DCI P3 uv
:
82.70 %
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Rec 2020 xy
:
54.83 %
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Rec 2020 uv
:
61.29 %
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
The color gamut is decent, but the TV fails to be classified as having a wide color gamut since the cover of the Rec 2020 uv space fails to surpass our target of 67%.
The HDR EOTF in the Calibrated Dark picture mode follows the target PQ curve well at first, but then begins its roll-off really early, so well-lit areas of HDR scenes will be shown less bright than intended. If you find HDR content too dark, raising the Backlight setting to 100 and setting Gamma to 1.8 will raise the EOTF and brighten most HDR scenes.
Enabling Game Low Latency doesn't change the EOTF, which is good, and the EOTF in the Computer picture mode is also very similar.
6.2
Color Volume
What it is:
How many colors a TV can display at different luminosity levels.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
:
71.1 %
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
:
28.7 %
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
:
52.5 %
What it is:
How much of the Rec. 2020 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
Score distribution:
10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
:
21.2 %
What it is:
How much of the Rec 2020 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
The color volume on this Vizio D Series 65 is mediocre. The inability of the TV to display a full range of colors across a range of brightnesses esteems from the limited color gamut. Colors on this TV will not be very rich and darker color shades will be crushed.
8.5
Gradient
What it is:
How finely levels of color can be displayed.
When it matters:
Details in shadows, sky and skin tones. Matters more for HDR content.
Score components:
- 25% Red (Std. Dev.)
- 25% Green (Std. Dev.)
- 25% Blue (Std. Dev.)
- 25% Gray (Std. Dev.)
Score distribution:
Color Depth
:
10 Bit
What it is:
Number of bits per pixel to represent a specific color. Note: we consider 8-bit with dithering to be equivalent to 10-bit, as long as the 10-bit gradient looks smooth.
When it matters:
HDR content like UHD Blu-ray players. Won't matter for cable TV, regular Blu-ray movies, video game consoles or content displayed from a Windows PC. Those are limited to 8-bit color.
Good value:
10-bit.
Noticeable difference:
1 bit.
Red (Std. Dev.)
:
0.092 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit red shades.
When it matters:
Details in skin tones, sunsets, and other reddish objects. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
Green (Std. Dev.)
:
0.113 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit green shades.
When it matters:
Details in ocean shades and other greenish objects. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
Blue (Std. Dev.)
:
0.085 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit blue shades.
When it matters:
Details in skies, water and other blueish objects. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
Gray (Std. Dev.)
:
0.090 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit gray shades.
When it matters:
Details in dull colors, such as shadows, glow and urban scenes. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
The gradient is very good. A little banding is present almost everywhere, but only in the dark green and gray you might spot a little more.
There is no gradient smoothing feature but, the TV has a Reduce Noise feature that may help reduce banding in low quality content.
10
Temporary Image Retention
What it is:
How much a static image is retained on a TV screen after a certain amount of time.
When it matters:
When watching TV show, playing video games or when using your TV as a PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
IR after 0 min recovery
:
0.00 %
What it is:
Image retention measured right after the static image exposure, without recovery time.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 2 min recovery
:
0.00 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 2 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 4 min recovery
:
0.00 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 4 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 6 min recovery
:
0.00 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 6 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 8 min recovery
:
0.00 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 8 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 10 min recovery
:
0.00 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 10 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
No image retention is present and this is in line with other TVs that use VA panels.
10
Permanent Burn-In Risk
What it is:
The risk of developing a persistent image retention, also known as burn-in, after being exposed to a static image for a prolonged time
When it matters:
When watching TV shows, playing video games or when using your TV as a PC monitor where static content is present
Score components:
Score distribution:
Permanent Burn-In Risk
:
No
What it is:
If the TV faces a risk of developing permanent burn-in after being expose, for a long period of time, to static images.
When it matters:
When watching TV shows with static logos or banners (news or sports channels), when playing video games with a HUD (head up display), and when using a TV as a PC monitors.
We don't expect VA panels to experience permanent image retention, as the VA panel in our long-term test appears immune.
Motion
Score components:
- 53% Response Time
- 11% Flicker-Free
- 3% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
- 5% Motion Interpolation
- 12% Stutter
- 11% 24p Judder
- 5% Variable Refresh Rate
Score distribution:
The Vizio D Series has ok motion handling. It has a panel with a fast response time, which is good because the TV can handle fast action well without much blur. At the same time in slow fps content, some stutter is visible, which is due to the lack of motion interpolation that cannot be removed. The TV uses PWM to dim the backlight at a fast rate and should not be noticeable to most people. Finally, the TV will remove judder if the 24fps is not coming through a 60p or 60i source.
8.9
Response Time
What it is:
Amount of blur in fast motion.
When it matters:
Sports, video games.
Score components:
- 50% 80% Response Time
- 50% 100% Response Time
Score distribution:
80% Response Time
:
4.6 ms
What it is:
How quickly pixels can reach 80% of a full transition from one color to another.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 8 ms
Noticeable difference:
4 ms
Score distribution:
100% Response Time
:
12.1 ms
What it is:
How quickly pixels can fully transition from one color to another.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 20 ms
Noticeable difference:
10 ms
Score distribution:
The Vizio D Series 4k 2018 has an excellent response time. There is very little motion trail behind fast moving objects. The little overshoot that exists in some transitions, is not likely to cause any artifacts.
7.9
Flicker-Free
What it is:
How noticeable flicker is on the screen, when all optional flicker has been disabled.
When it matters:
All usages, but particularly when viewing fast motion (such as in sports and video games) or when using the TV as a PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Flicker-Free
:
No
What it is:
Whether the screen will be perceived as having no flicker during normal viewing conditions.
When it matters:
When flicker is especially bothersome, such as when using the TV as a PC monitor.
Good value:
Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
:
480 Hz
What it is:
The flicker frequency of the screen, when all optional flicker has been disabled.
When it matters:
All usages, but particularly when viewing fast motion (such as in sports and video games) or when using the TV as a PC monitor.
Good value:
0 Hz or very high frequencies (> 300 Hz). Frequencies that are multiples of 60Hz are better.
Score distribution:
The TV uses PWM to dim its backlight, so the backlight flickers at all Backlight settings below 100. The flicker frequency is at 480 Hz, which is high so it isn't very noticeable except in small duplications behind moving objects.
Also we noticed that the backlight also dips down at every 1/60th of a second (60Hz) as shown in in the backlight@100% plot. This should not be noticeable to most and should not worry you.
2.9
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
What it is:
How effective the TV's flickering capabilities are in making motion look clearer, when flicker is desired.
When it matters:
When flicker is desired by the user. Flicker is especially useful to make motion look clearer when viewing 60 fps content (sports, video games) and when using motion interpolation.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Optional BFI
:
No
What it is:
Option to turn the screen black between frames.
When it matters:
When flicker is desired by the user. Flicker is especially useful to make motion look clearer when viewing 60 fps content (sports, video games) and when using motion interpolation.
Good value:
Yes
Min Flicker for 60 fps
:
480 Hz
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern when playing 60 fps content.
When it matters:
When viewing fast motion such as sports and video games.
Good value:
60 Hz
Noticeable difference:
20 Hz
Score distribution:
60 Hz for 60 fps
:
No
What it is:
Whether the screen can flicker at 60 Hz when playing 60 fps content.
When it matters:
When playing 60 fps content, such as sports and video games.
Good value:
Yes
120 Hz for 120 fps
:
N/A
What it is:
Whether the screen can flicker at 120 Hz when playing 120 fps content.
When it matters:
When playing 120 fps content, such as when using motion interpolation on a 120 Hz TV.
Good value:
Yes
Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
:
480 Hz
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern when playing 60 fps content in Game Mode.
When it matters:
When playing video games with fast motion.
Good value:
60 Hz
Noticeable difference:
20 Hz
Score distribution:
The D series does not support BFI.
Update 03/29/2019: The 120 Hz for 120 fps test was scored incorrectly. The score has increased slightly.
0
Motion Interpolation
What it is:
Also known as 'Soap Opera Effect'. It is an optional feature that increases the frame rate of the video, smoothing movement.
When it matters:
If you like the look of smoothed video. Not everyone does.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 30 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 60 fps.
When it matters:
30 fps or lower videos. Includes movies, TV shows, some video games.
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 60 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 100 fps.
When it matters:
60 fps videos. Includes some video games, some sports channels.
The Vizio D Series 65 does not have any motion interpolation features unlike the higher end P Series 2018 or the TCL 6 Series.
7.2
Stutter
What it is:
Jarring effect caused by static frame time during motion sequences
When it matters:
When watching content with long panning shots and other smooth movement
Score components:
Score distribution:
Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
:
29.6 ms
What it is:
Time that frame is static during 24Hz videos such as movies
When it matters:
When watching movies and other low frame rate content which contain panning shots
Good value:
< 24 ms
Noticeable difference:
5 ms
Score distribution:
Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
:
4.6 ms
What it is:
Time that frame is static during 60 fps content such as TV shows
When it matters:
When watching 60 fps content containing slow panning shots (such as field sports)
Good value:
< 24 ms
Noticeable difference:
5 ms
Score distribution:
In 24p, some stutter is noticeable because of the fast response time. Unfortunately, the TV has no motion interpolation to insert in-between frames and thus you can only rely on the minimum blur created by the response time to smooth it out.
7.8
24p Judder
What it is:
Whether 24p content can play without any judder.
When it matters:
Only 24p content (mostly just movies).
Score components:
Score distribution:
Judder-Free 24p
:
Yes
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 24p signal.
When it matters:
Blu-ray and DVD movies; 24 hz PC signal.
Judder-Free 24p via 60p
:
No
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60p signal.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.); 60 hz PC signal.
Judder-Free 24p via 60i
:
No
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60i signal.
When it matters:
Movies from cable/satellite boxes.
Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
:
Yes
What it is:
Judder-free movies when playing from native apps.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming native apps (Netflix, Amazon TV, etc.).
The Vizio D Series 4k can play 24p content from the native apps, or a DVD or a Blu-ray without judder. To remove judder set Film mode to on.
When the 24fps is coming through 60i or 60p then just like the 2017 model the TV is not able to remove it.
0
Variable Refresh Rate
What it is:
How frequently the TV can refresh and show new frames, and whether it can vary its refresh rate in real time using technologies like HDMI Forum's Variable Refresh Rate.
When it matters:
Mostly for gaming, but does provide a little better motion during normal usage.
Score components:
- 25% 4k VRR Maximum
- 25% 4k VRR Minimum
- 25% 1080p VRR Maximum
- 25% 1080p VRR Minimum
Score distribution:
Native Refresh Rate
:
60 Hz
What it is:
The out-of-the-box maximum refresh rate; how frequently the TV can refresh and show new frames.
When it matters:
When playing content with a frame rate that matches the TV's refresh rate (ex. 60 fps on a 60 Hz TV, 120 fps on a 120 Hz TV), or when using the TV's motion interpolation feature (soap opera effect).
Good value:
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
:
No
What it is:
Feature that allows the TV to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.
When it matters:
Almost every usage, but is most noticeable when gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.
4k VRR Maximum
:
N/A
What it is:
The maximum frequency covered by the Variable Refresh Rate feature of the TV when the input signal is 4k.
When it matters:
Any time the VRR feature is enabled and 4k is sent.
Good value:
Matches maximum refresh rate at 4k.
Noticeable difference:
10 Hz
Score distribution:
4k VRR Minimum
:
N/A
What it is:
The lowest frequency covered by the TV's Variable Refresh Rate feature when the input signal is 4k.
When it matters:
When using the VRR feature of the TV at lower frame rates when sending a 4k signal.
Good value:
30 Hz
1080p VRR Maximum
:
N/A
What it is:
The maximum frequency covered by the Variable Refresh Rate feature of the TV when the input signal is 1080p.
When it matters:
Any time the VRR feature is enabled and 1080p is sent.
Good value:
Matches maximum refresh rate at 1080p.
Noticeable difference:
10 Hz
Score distribution:
1080p VRR Minimum
:
N/A
What it is:
The lowest frequency covered by the TV's Variable Refresh Rate feature when the input signal is 1080p.
When it matters:
When using the VRR feature of the TV at lower frame rates when sending a 1080p signal.
Good value:
30 Hz
VRR Supported Connectors
:
N/A
What it is:
The inputs which support a variable refresh rate (eg. HDMI, DisplayPort)
When it matters:
When gaming with different consoles or graphics cards.
The Vizio D65-F1 doesn't support any variable refresh rate features.
Inputs
Score components:
- 86% Input Lag
- 14% Supported Resolutions
Score distribution:
The Vizio D Series has a very low input lag both for SDR and HDR content. This makes the TV feel very responsive to user input which should keep happy those who plan to play games on the TV. This year's model supports a variety of input resolutions but no support for 120Hz or for 1440p is available. Finally, the Vizio D65-F1 can display 4:4:4 color on all ports, as long as you set it to Full UHD Color. It's worth noting that the TV comes equipped with a TV tuner.
8.9
Input Lag
What it is:
Delay between input and onscreen reaction.
When it matters:
Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.
Score components:
- 36% 1080p @ 60 Hz
- 1% 1440p @ 60 Hz
- 38% 4k @ 60 Hz
- 19% 4k @ 60 Hz + HDR
- 3% 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
- 1% 1080p @ 120 Hz
- 1% 1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
- 1% 4k with VRR
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60 Hz
:
23.9 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p @ 60 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
:
67.5 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p @ 60 Hz input signal when in a fully featured picture mode.
When it matters:
For gaming and PC use, while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
1440p @ 60 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1440p @ 60Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz
:
23.9 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz + HDR
:
26.2 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz + HDR input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use in HDR.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
:
23.6 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible when displaying 4k @ 60 Hz with proper 4:4:4 chroma subsampling. For this test a 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 signal is usually used, but a 4k @ 60 Hz @ Full RGB signal may be used if it's required for the TV to show proper 4:4:4 chroma subsampling.
When it matters:
PC use and gaming where fine text display (ClearType) is needed.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
:
67.6 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz input signal when in a fully featured picture mode.
When it matters:
For gaming and PC use, while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz input signal, when motion interpolation is turned on.
When it matters:
When you want to play video games with motion interpolation (Soap Opera Effect) enabled.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
8k @ 60 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for an 8k @ 60Hz input signal.
When it matters:
PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
1080p @ 120 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p @ 120 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
1440p @ 120 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1440p @ 120 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 120 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 120 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When gaming with a device that supports Variable Refresh Rate, such as the Xbox One X or a PC.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
1440p with VRR
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1440p input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When gaming with a device that supports Variable Refresh Rate, such as the Xbox One X or a PC.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k with VRR
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When gaming with a device that supports Variable Refresh Rate, such as the Xbox One X or a PC.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
8k with VRR
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for an 8k input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When using a PC that supports Variable Refresh Rate.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
:
No
What it is:
Whether a source (such as a game console) can request the TV switch into a low latency mode (such as game mode).
When it matters:
Console gaming; both PS4 and Xbox One S/X support ALLM.
The input lag is very low. To achieve low input lag you must set the Game Low Latency to on, You can do that from any picture mode so we recommend using the Calibrated Dark picture mode.
4:4:4 is only shown properly in the Computer picture mode and the Game Low Latency must be enabled for low input lag. It is however enabled by default when a 4:4:4 signal is sent and thus it is grayed out.
7.5
Supported Resolutions
What it is:
Different resolutions supported by TV.
When it matters:
PC monitor usage.
Score components:
- 17% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 8% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 8% 1440p @ 60Hz
- 4% 1440p @ 120 Hz
- 34% 4k @ 60Hz
- 25% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 4% 8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
ClearType text display for PC productivity and gaming with fine text.
1080p @ 120Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1080p @ 120 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
1440p @ 60Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1440p @ 60 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
1440p @ 120 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1440p @ 120 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
4k @ 60Hz
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 4k @ 60 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
4k Blu-rays, gaming, PC use, etc.
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
ClearType text display for PC productivity and gaming with fine text.
4k @ 120Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 4k @ 120 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
PC gaming.
8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display an 8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
PC use.
8k @ 60 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display an 8k @ 60 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
PC use.
The D Series 65, like other mid-low end Vizio models, does not support 120Hz. It does support most common resolutions at 60Hz except 1440p.
Only in Computer picture mode can 4:4:4 color be displayed properly, and it only works only when Full UHD Color is enabled.
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + HDR is also supported.
HDR10
:
Yes
What it is:
Standard HDR format.
When it matters:
Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.
HDR10+
:
No
What it is:
Enhanced version of HDR10, adds dynamic metadata like that found in Dolby Vision.
When it matters:
When playing HDR10+ content, such as from Amazon Video and some Blu-ray disks.
Dolby Vision
:
No
What it is:
Better format, due to its dynamic nature.
When it matters:
Dolby Vision mastered content. Current available from streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Video), some Blu-Ray players, the Apple TV 4k and ChromeCast Ultra.
HLG
:
Yes
What it is:
HLG or Hybrid Log Gamma is a broadcast HDR format.
When it matters:
HLG capable sources such as Youtube or OTA broadcasts in specific regions. Backwards compatible with SDR TVs.
HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
:
Yes (HDMI 1,2,3)
What it is:
HDMI 2.0 is the main used HDMI standard and supports a range of video resolutions and refresh rates up to 4k@60Hz, with a total maximum bandwidth up to 18Gbps.
HDMI 2.1
:
No
What it is:
Whether the manufacturer advertises HDMI 2.1 support.
When it matters:
When using an HDMI 2.1 source that takes advantage of its new features.
USB 3.0
:
No
What it is:
USB 3.0 is the latest USB standard which can transfer data up to 5 Gbit/s, and is easily recognizable due to its blue color-coding of the connector.
Just like the other 2018 Vizio models, in this D series the Digital Audio Out had to be manually set to Bitstream for DTS passthrough (Optical and ARC) to work. If set to Auto it stays in PCM.
Audio Passthrough
What it is:
Whether the specific audio format (ex. Dolby Digital) can be sent by the source, pass through the TV, and be re-sent to an audio sink (such as a receiver) with all its functionality intact.
When it matters:
When playing surround sound using a receiver or soundbar, from a source that is connected to the TV.
ARC
:
Yes (HDMI 1)
What it is:
Audio Return Channel (ARC) enables a TV to transmit, via an HDMI cable, audio data to an A/V receiver, without the need for any extra audio cables.
When it matters:
When connecting your audio/video receiver directly to your TV via an HDMI cable.
eARC support
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).
When it matters:
Passthrough of Dolby Atmos/TrueHD and DTS-HD MA / DTS:X .
Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a Dolby Atmos signal to a receiver via HDMI eARC, when Dolby TrueHD is used as the carrier signal.
When it matters:
Blu-rays and video games with Dolby Atmos audio.
DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a DTS:X signal to a receiver via HDMI eARC, when DTS-HD MA is used as the carrier signal.
When it matters:
Blu-rays and video games with DTS:X audio.
5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to a receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs, Blu-rays and video games.
5.1 DTS via ARC
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a DTS 5.1 signal to a receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs, Blu-rays and video games.
Sound Quality
What it is:
How well and accurately the audio is reproduced.
When it matters:
When a good and accurate sound reproduction is needed.
Score components:
- 75% Frequency Response
- 25% Distortion
Score distribution:
The sound quality of the Vizio D Series 65 is sub-par. This TV doesn't produce much bass and gets only moderately loud. It also lacks a bit of detail and brightness in its treble range, which is not good for producing clear and easily understandable dialogue. For a better sound, soundbars or dedicated speakers are recommended.
5.1
Frequency Response
What it is:
How accurately the sound level of each frequency is being produced.
When it matters:
For a balanced and neutral sound.
Score components:
- 30% Low-Frequency Extension
- 5% Std. Dev. @ 70
- 20% Std. Dev. @ 80
- 15% Std. Dev. @ Max
- 20% Max
- 10% Dynamic Range Compression
Score distribution:
Low-Frequency Extension
:
169.51 Hz
What it is:
The lowest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response.
When it matters:
Movies, Gaming. Shows how extended the bass is.
Good value:
< 60Hz
Noticeable difference:
10Hz
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 70
:
4.40 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard deviation) in frequency response measured at 70dB SPL, as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
Shows the TV's frequency response at quiet listening levels
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
0.5 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 80
:
4.71 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard deviation) in frequency response measured at 80dB SPL, as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
Shows the TV's frequency response at moderate listening levels
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
0.5 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ Max
:
6.01 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard deviation) in frequency response measured with the TV at maximum volume, as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
Shows the TV's frequency response at under maximum load
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Max
:
84.5 dB SPL
What it is:
Maximum volume reached by the TV at their optimum viewing distance (size dependent)
When it matters:
For listening to loud audio.
Good value:
> 88 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Dynamic Range Compression
:
2.99 dB
What it is:
The amount of difference between the TVs frequency response performance at 70dB SPL and Max dB SPL. Too much compression will result in pumping in the sound.
When it matters:
When an accurate and free-of-pumping performance is required at higher volumes
Good value:
< 3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.5
Score distribution:
The frequency response is sub-par. LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 170Hz, which is inadequate. This means that the bass of this TV won't have any thump or rumble, and will lack quite a bit of punch too. The response above the TV's LFE is also sub-par as the underemphasis in the treble range will negatively affect the intelligibility of dialogue. Additionally, this TV get doesn't get very loud, and doesn't have a room correction system.
6.1
Distortion
What it is:
Deformation of an output signal compared to its input, usually clipping, harmonic distortion, or inter-modulation distortion caused by non-linear behavior of the sound system.
When it matters:
When a clean, pure and transparent reproduction is desired.
Score components:
- 40% Weighted THD @ 80
- 25% Weighted THD @ Max
- 10% IMD @ 80
- 25% IMD @ Max
Score distribution:
Weighted THD @ 80
:
0.799
What it is:
The overall amount of harmonic distortion measured at 80dB SPL. To make the score more perceptually relevant, more weight is given to the higher frequencies.
When it matters:
How pure the sound is at moderate listening levels.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Weighted THD @ Max
:
1.904
What it is:
The overall amount of harmonic distortion measured at the TV's maximum SPL. To make the score more perceptually relevant, more weight is given to the higher frequencies.
When it matters:
How pure the sound is at moderate listening levels.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
IMD @ 80
:
4.66 %
What it is:
The average amount of inter-modulation distortion produced by the TV under maximum load. The percentage shown here is the average result of 3 separate test signals/standards: SMPTE, DIN, & CCIF
When it matters:
When a clean and free of aliasing reproduction is desired
Good value:
< 5%
Noticeable difference:
2
Score distribution:
IMD @ Max
:
13.37 %
What it is:
The average amount of inter-modulation distortion produced by the TV under maximum load. The percentage shown here is the average result of 3 separate test signals/standards: SMPTE, DIN, & CCIF
When it matters:
When a clean and free of aliasing reproduction is desired
Good value:
< 5%
Noticeable difference:
2
Score distribution:
The distortion performance is mediocre. The overall amount of produced THD is elevated, which tends to make the sound impure. But there is not a big jump in THD under maximum load, which is good. However, this TV doesn't get very loud.
Smart Features
Score components:
- 42% Interface
- 2% Ad-Free
- 37% Apps and Features
- 16% Remote
- 3% Remote App
Score distribution:
The Vizio D Series 2018 uses the Vizio SmartCast smart interface. It is the same interface found in the rest of the 2018 line of Vizio TVs. It has very basic features but comes equipped with built-in Chromecast media streaming support, allowing you to control the TV from your phone. You can stream files from any app that supports casting. The TV comes with some preinstalled apps that cover the basics. Unfortunately, since there is no app store there is no way to add additional functionality except through a firmware update.
7.0
Interface
What it is:
The usability, features and performance of the main interface of the TV, not including the interfaces of the apps themselves.
When it matters:
Anytime when using the TV, but especially when changing settings and using apps.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Ease of Use
:
Easy
What it is:
How easy the interface is to navigate, affected by the organization of its layout, placing frequently accessed elements in areas that are faster to access, etc.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Smoothness
:
Not Smooth
What it is:
How smooth the interface is to navigate, affected by lag and frame drops.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Time Taken to Select YouTube
:
16 s
What it is:
How long it takes to select YouTube for launch, starting from HDMI 1 input, when YouTube is placed first on the list of apps or added as a shortcut. This does not include app launch time, and does not use a fixed YouTube button on a remote. This serves as an indication of the time needed to select any app.
When it matters:
When launching any app.
Time Taken to Change Backlight
:
3 s
What it is:
The time it takes to navigate to the 'Backlight' setting ('Brightness' on Sony TVs). This serves as an indication of how long it takes to navigate to basic TV settings.
When it matters:
When changing TV settings.
Advanced Options
:
Many
What it is:
Whether advanced options and settings are available, such as color calibration.
When it matters:
When customizing the TV and using the smart features.
The interface is slow and basic, with no animations. There is noticeable lag when browsing the TV shows and movies tabs. (in our test after 3 pictures the TV was stalling for a short period of time before becoming fluid again).
Also during our HDR testing, the TV got stuck once at a really dim 70 cd/m², but resetting the picture mode fixed the issue.
10
Ad-Free
What it is:
Whether or not ads can be found on the TV's smart platform.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Score distribution:
Ads
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV's main interface has ads. This does take into account ads in third-party apps.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Opt-out
:
N/A
What it is:
Whether you can opt out of the ad services or not. A TV only passes this test if it allows you to remove them completely, not only disable the personalized advertising.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Suggested Content in Home
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether suggested content appears in the TV's home menu or main menu. Suggested content can include recommended movies, TV shows, YouTube videos etc.
Opt-out of Suggested Content
:
No
What it is:
Whether the suggested content feed in the home menu can be removed or hidden
The TV does not have ads in its interface or its SmartCast app.
6.5
Apps and Features
What it is:
The usability, features and performance of apps and other smart features.
When it matters:
Only when using smart features such as apps, casting and USB playback.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
App Selection
:
Many
What it is:
The number and variety of apps available to download for the smart platform.
When it matters:
When downloading new apps.
App Smoothness
:
Not Smooth
What it is:
How smooth it feels to navigate the interfaces of apps, affected by lag and frame drops.
When it matters:
When using apps.
USB Drive Playback
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can play content from a drive connected to one of the TV's USB ports.
USB Drive HDR Playback
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether HDR files played from a USB drive can be displayed properly.
HDR in Netflix
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether HDR content on Netflix can be played back in HDR using the native Netflix app.
HDR in YouTube
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether HDR content on YouTube can be played in HDR using the native YouTube app.
There is a limited selection of apps and smart features on the Vizio D Series 4k US version. The 18 apps present were: Netflix, Prime Video, Crackle, VUDU, iHeart Radio, YouTube, Newsy, Dove channel, Curiosity stream, Con TV, Pluto TV, Haystack TV, Xumo, Plex, Fandango Now, NBC, YouTube TV and Hulu.
Note: These are the US Region apps. Other regions might have different apps installed.
There is no app store but any app supported by Google Cast can be cast.
Update 11/15/2018: Vizio has added a 'WatchFree' input via a firmware update. This uses the free Pluto TV service on the backend, and is well integrated.
6.0
Remote
What it is:
The usability and features of the TV's physical remote.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
CEC Menu Control
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the remote can act as a universal remote for HDMI CEC enabled devices. This was tested on our Samsung UBD-K8500 4K Blu-ray player, and may not be valid for other CEC devices as implementations vary by manufacturer.
Other Smart Features
:
No
What it is:
Whether the remote has any other smart features, such as a pointer, universal remote support for non HDMI CEC devices, etc.
Very basic and lightweight remote, same as Vizio E Series 2018 and M Series 2018. Small buttons, hard to read for some, but intuitive layout and easy to use. There are 6 button shortcuts for various streaming services at the top of the remote.
There is no voice control built into the remote or on the TV, but if you have a separate Google Home or Amazon Alexa device they can interface with and control the TV.
8.0
Remote App
What it is:
The features of the official phone and tablet app for the TV.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Acts as the Remote
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the remote app can emulate all the buttons of the physical remote.
Directly Launches Apps and Inputs
:
Inputs Only
What it is:
Whether the remote app can directly launch the TV's apps and change between its inputs, without requiring any interaction with menus on the TV.
Inputs Text in YouTube
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the remote app can enter text for YouTube searches.
Inputs Text in Netflix
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the remote app can enter text for Netflix searches.
Streams Device Files
:
No
What it is:
Whether the remote app can stream files from the phone or tablet to the TV, files such as pictures, music and video.
Controls TV Settings
:
All
What it is:
Whether the app can change all or some of the settings on the TV, such as the backlight.
The remote app is good. It can change inputs but not open apps. You can't use it to cast files from your device but third-party software can be used to cast files to the built-in Chromecast. It should be noted that it cannot execute voice commands.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
The Vizio D Series TV that we bought is the 65" with SKU D65-F1. Different sizes may have different panel provenances, so if your Vizio D Series 4k 2018 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that the gray uniformity does vary between units.
| Size | Model | Alternative Name | Effective Refresh Rate |
Real Refresh Rate |
| 43" | D43-F1 | D Series 43 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| 50" | D50-F1 | D Series 50 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| 55" | D55-F2 | D Series 55 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| 60" | D60-F3 | D Series 60 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| 65" | D65-F1 | D Series 65 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| 70" | D70-F3 | D Series 70 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
Note: The D43-F1 variant comes equipped with 8-watt speakers whereas all the others come with 10-watt speakers.
Update 12/12/2018: Vizio has released the V505-G9, which appears to be a variant of the D Series 2018. It is only available in 50", and as far as we can tell, the only difference is the addition of Dolby Vision support, and possibly an adjustable BFI mode to reduce persistence blur. There may be other differences that we are not aware of.
Compared to other TVs
Top left: Vizio E-Series 2018 (E65-F0) . Bottom left: TCL 5 Series 2018 S517 (55S517 ). Middle: Vizio D-Series 4k 2018 (D65-F1). Top right: LG UK6300 (43UK6300PUE ). Bottom right: Samsung NU7100 (UN55NU7100FXZA ). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.
The Vizio D-Series 4k 2018 is a good low-mid-range 4k TV with a few minor flaws. See our recommendations for the best cheap TVs.
Vizio E Series 2018
43" 50" 55" 65" 70" 75"
The Vizio E Series 2018 is a bit better than the Vizio D Series 4k 2018. The Vizio E Series has a local dimming feature, although it isn't very effective. The E series has an optional Black Frame Insertion feature that can help clear up motion. The E series also supports Dolby Vision, which doesn't add much but is a nice extra. The Vizio D Series 4k 2018 has wider viewing angles, good if you have a large seating area.
Samsung NU7100
40" 43" 50" 55" 58" 65" 75"
The Samsung NU7100 and the Vizio D Series 4k 2018 have very similar performance. The Vizio D Series 4k 2018 has a faster response time which is great for fast action. It can get slightly brighter and can handle reflections better which is great for watching TV shows. The Samsung NU7100, on the other hand, has lower input lag for gaming and better motion interpolation for those who like the soap opera effect. It also has slightly better 720p upscaling that is better if you watch a lot of cable TV.
TCL 5 Series/S517 2018
43" 49" 55" 65"
The TCL 5 Series S517 and the Vizio D Series 4k 2018 have very similar performance. The Vizio D Series 4k 2018 has better reflection handling and better response time that make it a better choice for sports watching, whereas the TCL S517 is better for movies since it supports motion interpolation. The TCL also has lower input lag which makes it more responsive, and this is important when gaming.
Hisense H9E Plus
55" 65"
The Hisense H9E Plus is a bit better than the Vizio D Series 4k 2018. The H9E Plus features a wide color gamut, great for HDR, and has much better motion processing as it can interpolate content as high as 120 fps and can remove judder from all sources. The Vizio D is better for use as a PC monitor, as it displays chroma 4:4:4 without issue.
Conclusion
SEE PRICE
B&H
The performance of the Vizio D65-F1 for mixed usage is okay. Movie and regular cable TV watching is decent, whereas playing video games and using it as a PC monitor should keep you satisfied. This TV does not have a great HDR performance since it has a limited color gamut and will not display rich and saturated colors, far from what the content creator intended.
This TV is decent for watching movies. It has a very good contrast ratio that will display good blacks in dim environments but lacks any local dimming to further boost blacks. You should not observe much clouding in darker scenes since the TV's black uniformity is very good. Watching 4k and Blu-ray content looks great.
Watching TV shown on the Vizio D Series 2018 is ok. The TV can get good enough brightness levels for brighter rooms and can handle reflections well. Unfortunately, viewing angles are not very good and thus the picture quality will not be the same if you are watching a TV show while moving around doing some housework. On the other hand, upscaling 720p cable content is ok.
This TV is decent for watching sports. The good reflection handling and the great response time. make it a good choice for watching fast action sports in a room with a few lights. Some dirty screen effect is present and that will disappoint sports fans. Also if you plan to watch a game with a big group you take into account that the bad viewing angles do not favor wide seating arrangements.
The Vizio D Series 65 is very good for playing video games. It has a low input lag both in SDR and HDR content, which makes it very responsive to user input, and also has a remarkably fast response time which is great for fast action.
Ordinary performance for this TV on HDR movies. Apart from the great contrast and the great 4k content display, this TV is producing a satisfactory result for HDR movie watching. This is mainly because it cannot display rich and saturated colors due to its limited color gamut.
Playing HDR games on this TV is good as it supports the 4k @ 60Hz + HDR input. Also, the fast response time makes it suitable for fast action. The good contrast will offer a decent experience in dark scene HDR gaming. However, you should keep in mind the limited color gamut which will not allow it to display rich and vivid colors.
This Vizio D Series will perform very well as a PC monitor mainly due to its remarkable input capabilities. The various supported resolutions and the low input lag should keep most people happy. Also, the fact that there is practically no permanent burn-in risk and no temporary image retention, should not deter you from using it as a PC monitor.
