Audio Video News

Vizio M658-G1 M-Series Quantum LCD Ultra HDTV: $1,000

If you’ve budgeted a thousand bucks to spend on a new TV, do yourself a favor and check out Vizio’s 65-inch M658-G1. The new M-series set combines full-array local dimming with quantum-dot illumination to achieve excellent picture quality. At this price, you’ll be sacrificing some high dynamic range (HDR) pop and you won’t experience the blackest black but you will get best-in-class performance that left veteran TV reviewer Tom Norton more than a little impressed: “The brilliant colors on the animated Trolls jumped off the screen. The same held true for The Great Wall, the reds and greens of the army uniforms billowing brilliantly in the sun.” The M658 is a serious contender.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support
Great post-calibration performance
Low price
Minus
Limited HDR brightness
Poor off-center picture uniformity
No useful motion-smoothing options

Full Review Here

Samsung QN65Q90R LCD Ultra HDTV: $3,500

OLED is the TV technology to beat. Or is it? In the case of the 65-inch QN65Q90R, Samsung has worked hard to address LCD shortcoming, making numerous refinements and employing quantum-dot-based full-array backlighting with more than 400 local dimming zones and high-dynamic range (HDR) to deliver a picture that can go head to head with OLED. In a direct comparison with Sony’s outstanding XBR-65A9G 4K OLED TV, resident video expert Tom Norton said Sony edged out Samsung “by a nose,” leading him to characterize the Q90R as “superb.” If you’re in the market for a high-end Ultra HDTV, make sure the QR90 is on your list.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
High brightness
Good off-center picture uniformity
Vivid HDR
Minus
No Dolby Vision support
So-so remote control

Full Review Here

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