Dateline: 09/23/2014
The march to 4K Ultra HD continues, with Vizio becoming the latest TV brand to enter the market with its highly-anticipated, P-Series.

Vizio created quite a stir at the 2014 CES when they provided press and dealers with an advanced preview, and now that they are being made available to the public, Vizio hopes they will also attract a lot of consumer interest.

Here is a quick rundown on what the new Vizio P-Series 4K Ultra HD TVs have to offer.


First up, there are five models, ranging from 50 to 70-inches in screen size. All five models have the following core features:

-4K (3840x2160) Native Pixel Display resolution.

-Full Array LED Backlight with at least 64-Active dimming zones (the 70-inch model features 72 active dimming zones) for more even contrast and black levels across the screen surface.

-240Hz screen refresh rate for fast motion response.

- V6 Six-core processor (Quad-core GPU + Dual-core CPU).

- Five HDMI 2.0 inputs.

-HEVC H.265 decoding for 4K internet streaming support - including Netflix, as well as forthcoming 4K streaming from Amazon Instant Video and UltraFlix3.

-HDCP 2.2 Compliant for secure copy-protection.

- Built-in WiFi for convenient access to the Vizio Internet Apps Plus Streaming Platform.

- 120fps 1080p input signal compatibility that may be required for some gaming applications.

- Dual Sided Remote Control with QWERTY Keyboard.

- All the sets also provide a built-in two-channel audio system with DTS StudioSound and TruVolume, with some variations on wattage output (either 10 or 15 wpc).

However, all sets feature both analog and digital optical audio outputs for connection to an external audio system (preferred for the best home theater listing experience).

NOTE: Although The Vizio P-Series has all the needed processing power, the sets are not 3D-enabled. For many consumers this may not be an issue, but for those that do desire the ability to view 3D content on an affordable 4K Ultra HD TV, even if only occasionally, will have to look elsewhere. My own opinion: 3D content, if produced well, looks really great on a 4K ULtra HD TV, and as I see it, there is no reason not to include 3D capability on a 4K Ultra HD TV as just one of many features that consumers can take advantage of, if they wish.

On the other hand, having had an opportunity to see the pre-production models as CES, the P-Series looks very promising, especially with Vizio's emphasis on full-array backlighting and value pricing - so it will be interesting to see how these sets sell in the marketplace.

Here are more details on each set in the Vizio P-Series line, along with pricing information:

Vizio P502ui-B2 (50-inches - $999.99) - Official Product Page - Check Prices.

Vizio P552ui-B1 (55-inches - $1,399.99) - Official Product Page - Check Prices.

Vizio P602ui-B3 (60-inches - $1,699.99) - Official Product Page - Check Prices

Vizio P652ui-B2 (65-inches - $2,199.99) - Buy Direct.

Vizio P702ui-B3 (70-inches - $2,499.99) - Official Product Page - Check Prices.

Vizio sees its P Series sets as just the beginning of its venture into 4K - If you are looking for something in the higher-end of the spectrum, stay tuned for Vizio's forthcoming Reference Series.