Cheap and Cheerful

VIZIO HAS long been a value leader in the HDTV world. And despite recent challenges from Chinese companies at the low end, and even from established Korean and Japanese manufacturers with pricier but still affordable sets, Vizio appears determined to maintain, or even enhance, its position.

FEATURES

For 2019, Vizio has incorporated quantum dots throughout its Mand P-Series sets, with all models offering a full-array local dimming backlight. Quantum dots are near-microscopic semiconductor particles, a few nanometers in size, that emit color when excited. When used for backlighting in an LCD display, the excitation is provided by blue LEDs, with the energized dots emitting either red or green light depending on their size. Thus, we get the red, green, and blue illumination needed for an LCD set. Quantum dots can also produce a deeper color range than conventional, all-LED backlighting.

There are two ranges of Vizio M-Series Quantum sets. The 65-inch M658-G1 reviewed here (also available in smaller sizes) is spec’d for 90 local dimming zones. But another M-Series Quantum model, the M657-G0, about $200 cheaper in the same size and available only at Walmart, is spec’d for just 20 zones. That’s a significant difference, so be sure to check what you’re getting. (The M658-G1 model number appears only in tiny print on the back of the set and on the shipping container.)

With its thin black bezel and clean-sculpted back panel, the M658-G1 is a handsome set. It’s relatively light and easy