TV Reviews

Vizio M602i-B3 LCD/LED HDTV Test Bench

Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio: 37,260:1

Pre-calibration measurements were made in the Calibrated Dark preset at the default settings. Post-calibration measurements were made with the same preset active. With the M602i-B3’s Active LED Zones switched on, its black level measured 0.001 foot-lamberts and peak white 37.26 ft-L for a contrast ratio of 37,260:1. With Smart Dimming off, black level measured 0.010 ft-L and peak white 42.84 ft-L for a contrast ratio of 4,284:1.

BEFORE Calibration

AFTER Calibration

The average Delta E of the Vizio’s pre-cal gray scale averaged out to 7.5; calibration resulted in a much-improved 2.3 average, with a high of 4.6 at 20% brightness. (Delta E is a figure of merit that indicates how closely a display adheres to the Rec. 709 HD color standard. Experts generally agree that levels below 3 are visibly indistinguishable from perfect color tracking.)

The Delta E of the Vizio’s color points at the Calibrated Dark mode’s default settings averaged a not-so-great 4.2. Calibration improved that to 2.2, with only red showing up as slightly undersaturated.

With Active LED Zones turned on, gamma in the Calibrated Dark mode measured 1.6, hitting 1.5 at 80% and 2.2 at 100%. While the M602i-B3’s gamma can be said to be far from accurate, the visual effect was to give the picture a subjectively brighter look without detracting from its excellent black-level performance. (Vizio doesn’t provide any gamma presets or adjustments on the M602i-B3.)

I saw no screen uniformity issues with the M602i-B3 with Active LED Zones engaged. All full-field gray test patterns looked evenly illuminated when viewed straight on. Off-axis performance was about average, with contrast and color starting to fade when viewing about 20° off from center-screen.

The Vizio passed all of our standard- and high-def video-processing tests.—AG

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COMMENTS
gtgleeson's picture
Submitted by gtgleeson on July 12, 2014 - 4:09am

I'm considering the 55-inch version for a kitchen area - the low-glare screen would be useful. How is the off-axis picture quality?

Al Griffin's picture
Submitted by Al Griffin on July 15, 2014 - 7:12pm
About average. You could sit about 20° off from center-screen before you'd notice contrast beginning to fade.
breakdancefightst's picture
Submitted by breakdancefightst on July 13, 2014 - 7:17pm

How is the motion on this display. Since it employs a VA panel black levels and native contrast are normally impressive,but motion has never been a strong point. Did you notice any substantial overdrive trailing?

Al Griffin's picture
Submitted by Al Griffin on July 15, 2014 - 7:14pm
No, motion was fine.
notabadname's picture
Submitted by notabadname on July 14, 2014 - 8:11am

I would be going Vizio had they not dropped 3D. I have a lot of 3D titles, and many continue to be released. Vizio is not for me now without that option. I understand why many dislike, but that doesn't change the fact many of us do, and there are many titles out there in 3D. I don't want my TV to dictate my choice, when Samsung, LG, Toshiba, Sharp and Sharp give the ability. Do I want to watch all my regular programing in 3D, heck no, but do I enjoy movie night, Like "Pacific Rim" in 3D? Oh yeah. Sorry Vizio, I've gotta buy somewhere else.

vgiovanniello's picture
Submitted by vgiovanniello on March 16, 2015 - 7:39pm

I have read that 240 hz refresh rate for the M series is not accurate. Is there a lot of motion blur when watching fast action sports like football? Will the football flicker when it travels through the air? I am about ready to purchase this set in the 65" size but I am very concerned about the bad motion blur during football games. Thanks!!

EdL's picture
Submitted by EdL on February 6, 2016 - 4:48am

The perceived value (price) are enticing... This set was all good for about 6 months, then the intermittent freezing. Vizio replaced the main board, but a few months later it returned only to be followed by ghosting. Vizio required pictures that were hard to capture - because the problem is intermittent. Problems reported during the 1 year warranty period that are photographed 2 months after the warranty expired, are met with a we're sorry your warranty expired, but we can give you a good deal on another set or you can pay for your own repairs.

If you buy one please, please purchase an extended warranty.

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