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Vizio M Series 2014 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed Sep 15, 2014 at 12:00 am
Vizio M Series 2014 Picture
7.7
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the Vizio M Series 2015

The Vizio M Series LED TV is great, but depending on the size and your usage, you might prefer to get the cheaper E Series instead.

Our Verdict

7.7 Mixed Usage

The Vizio M Series has better uniformity than the cheaper E Series and more effective local dimming, too. It also adds the motion interpolation feature. However, depending on the size, it might have a significantly lower contrast ratio (but better viewing angle). If you don't plan on using either the motion interpolation or the local dimming, get the cheaper E Series instead.

Pros
  • Great viewing angle. The colors stay the same even when viewed from the side (depends on size; see the Q&A section for details).
  • Low amount of reflection. The picture quality in bright rooms is great.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio. In a dark room, the blacks are gray (depends on size; see the Q&A section for details).
  • Better gray uniformity than the E Series, but it still has some issues.
  • The full array local dimming feature works better than the E Series, but we don't recommend using it (see the Q&A section for details).
  • 7.7 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated Sep 15, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated Sep 13, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Sep 11, 2014: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Video

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The design of the M Series is less bland than on the E Series. It is thinner, and the frame has a brushed metal finish.

Design
Stand

The stand feels flimsy. The TV moves a lot when you push it.

Design
Borders

0.63" (1.6 cm)

Design
Thickness

2.09" (5.3 cm)

Picture Quality
6.7
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.09 cd/m²
White 102.4 cd/m²
Contrast 1,138 : 1

The Vizio M552i-B2 that we tested had a low contrast ratio. If you have a dark room with only one light turned on, the black color will appear grayish. This depends on the size. See the Q&A section for details.

7.5
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

The bottom right corner of the screen is noticeably brighter than the rest. Aside from this, there are no clouding issues.

5.5
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

The gray uniformity of the M series is an improvement over the E Series. You can no longer see the individual LEDs behind the LCD layer. However, narrow darker bands create a dirty screen effect on panning shots.

7.8
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 37°

Our unit had an excellent viewing angle. The saturation of the colors stays great. This also depends on the size. See the Q&A section for details.

9.0
Picture Quality
Average Room
Reflection 1.8%
Surface Type Semi-gloss

It has a semi-gloss finish, but it does a good job of keeping the reflection under control.

9.1
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 352.5 cd/m²

The Vizio M Series LED TV can get very bright, almost more than any other TV that we tested.

0
Picture Quality
3D
3D No
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No
Motion
7.5
Motion
Motion Blur

The motion blur is average-good for an LED. Contrary to the E series, the 'Motion Blur Reduction' feature does not reduce the blur (see the Q&A section for details).

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation Yes
Inputs
8.1
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 41.5 ms

The input lag is average-good. To achieve this number, make sure that you start off with either Game or Computer mode (which will get renamed to Custom X when you change one of the values). Otherwise, the input lag is 133 ms.

Inputs
Side Inputs

1 USB
1 HDMI
1 Composite In
1 Component In

Inputs
Rear Inputs

3 HDMI
1 Audio Out
1 Digital Optical Audio Out
1 Ethernet
1 RF In

Smart Features
5.5
Smart Features
Smart TV

The smart features are limited. There is no web browser. The app store is powered by Yahoo.

Smart Features
Remote

The remote is more advanced than the one available on the E Series. There is a full QWERTY keyboard on the back of the remote.