Vizio will this year include full array local dimming (FALD) technology and Dolby Vision in more TVs ever before – even in the very affordable 2018 E series.

Vizio 2018 TVs
Besides the new high-end ‘P-Series Quantum’, Vizio has announced 2018 P, M, E, and D series models. The company will continue to focus on 4K resolution and LCD technology for its entire line-up but there are several improvements that are worth talking about.

The 2018 P series, which will be available in 55, 65, and 75-inch versions, will feature up to 120 dimming zones as part of the “Active Full Array Pro” backlight. Vizio claims that it can hit 1000 nits of peak brightness. It will also support Dolby Vision plus HDR10 and HLG, and comes with a “bezel-less” design.

- "Picture quality technologies like Ultra Color Spectrum, Dolby Vision HDR and UltraBright 1000 enable the P-Series to take 4K HDR performance to the next level," said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO.



The 2018 M series will feature a scaled-down LCD panel with fewer dimming zones. Vizio calls it an “Active Full Array Plus” backlight and it offers up to 48 zones with 600 nits peak brightness. The new M series will be available in 55, 65, and 70-inch sizes. It supports Dolby Vision as well as HDR10 and HLG.

- "VIZIO believes all consumers – including those on a budget – should be able to enjoy the growing library of 4K and HDR movies and shows available to them," Bill Baxter added.



Finally, Vizio has announced new affordable TVs in the E and D series. The 2018 E series will include a limited full array local dimming backlight with up to 16 zones. It will support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. The new D series is edge-lit and no longer has support for Dolby Vision.

All of Vizio’s 2018 LCD TVs will have 4K resolution.

With FALD and Dolby Vision in more TVs than ever, Vizio has good cards on its hand. With the introduction of HDR video, FALD technology has also made a comeback in LCD TVs from brands such as Sony, Samsung, and TCL that Vizio will be competing head-to-head with this year. Our testing shows that FALD is not only beneficial but required in order to deliver the much deeper contrast required for HDR. 



SmartCast update for 2017/16 TVs
Together with the new TVs, Vizio is rolling on the “next era of Smart TV” with a refreshed 2018 SmartCast operating system. It offers access to apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Vudu, and soon YouTube TV. Google Chromecast is integrated into the TVs that will now include TV tuners after a brief experiment with Chromecast-only displays.

Vizio will be doing something a bit unconventional this year as it will bring the 2018 SmartCast operating system to all of the 2016 and 2017 Vizio “SmartCast” models via a free cloud-based update. Manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, and Panasonic generally refrain from updating even one year old TVs 

- "The versatility of SmartCast is complemented by our ability to push out free, cloud-based updates to users at any time. So regardless of when a user purchased their SmartCast product, they will be able to enjoy the latest apps, features and enhancements without having to wait on downloads," the company said.

In addition, the TVs will be compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The 2018 TVs are available now from vizio.com and will be coming soon to major retailers. A Dolby Vision compatible Vizio TV starts at $350 dollars.

Vizio 2018 TV pricing

Series
Size
Model name
Price
 
P-series 4K LCD
55”
65”
75”
P55-F1
P65-F1
P75-F1
$900
$1,300
$2,500
M-series 4K LCD
55”
65”
70”
M55-F0
M65-F0
M70-F3
$700
$1,000
$1,500
E-series 4K LCD
43”
50”
55”
65”
70”
75”
E43-F1
E50-F2
E55-F0/E55-F1
E65-F0/E65-F1
E70-F3
E75-F1/E75-F2
$350
$440
$500
$800
$1,050
$1,550
 
D-series 4K LCD
43”
50”
55”
60”
65”
70”
D43-F1
D50-F1
D55-F2
D60-F3
D65-F1
D70-F3
$350
$430
$500
$650
$780
$1,000