New Products

With today’s introduction of its 2023 models, Vizio continues to push value and advanced TV technology at the same time. Among its new 4K smart TV offerings are its premium M-Series Quantum X (MQX) models in three screen sizes and its M-Series Quantum 6 (MQ6) in five sizes. Each series tops out with a 75-inch screen and starts shipping this month (July).

The MQX series is based on the company’s next-generation main processor, the Vizio IQ Ultra+, which, among other things, handles Ultra HD upscaling and manages Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+ high-dynamic range (HDR) content for enhanced highlights and contrast. Models in the MQX series also promise quick loading times for onboard apps.

Fans of action movies and gamers will also be interested in Vizio’s claim that it has all but eliminated motion blurring artifacts in the new MQX models, which boast a native refresh rate of 120Hz for 4K content and a 240Hz refresh rate for Full HD (1080p) content.

MQX series TVs integrate quantum dot (QD) LED backlighting in their LCD panels to allow a wider color gamut with up to 80% coverage of the Rec 2020 color space. Vizio’s Active Full Array backlight system draws on up to 32-local-dimming zones to improve black levels and has a peak brightness rating of 1,000 nits.

Households in which multiple wireless devices are in simultaneous use will benefit from the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E tri-band compatibility, a new standard designed to support four times more devices on the same network compared with Wi-Fi 5. MQX series TVs include Dolby Digital, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X surround-sound processing and are equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports enhanced Audio Return channel (eARC) with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough.

M-Series Quantum X series pricing is $630 for the 50-inch model, $850 for the 65-incher, and $1,200 for the 75-inch model. The stands on the two larger models are dual-height adjustable.

MQ6 series TVs incorporate Vizio’s IQ Active processor, which is a tad slower than the IQ Ultra+ processor used in the MQX series, and use Quantum dot technology in addition to employing a full-array LED backlight system that uses Vizio’s Active Pixel Tuning technology to optimize contrast. The series supports Wi-Fi 6E tri-band compatibility and the same HDR specifications and audio standards as the MQX series but provides three HDMI ports instead of four.

The MQ6 series starts shipping this month in the following screen sizes: 43-inch ($350), 55-inch ($480), 65-inch ($630), 70-inch ($750) and 75-inch ($950).

All models in the MQX and MQ6 series are smart TVs that provide streaming access to a variety of subscription channels — including Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube TV — free channels through Vizio’s WatchFree+ service, and on-demand movies and TV shows. Vizio recently added access to Amazon Music, FuboTV, Sling, and TikTok.

The sets are compatible with the Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast streaming platforms and provide Bluetooth capability for wireless headphones. The Vizio Mobile app for iOS and Android devices enables content search and basic TV controls. The sets also integrate with Apple HomeKit and support voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google.

Vizio also unveiled a new flagship soundbar audio system, the M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar ($800), comprising a slim 42-inch-wide soundbar featuring 13 drivers concealed behind charcoal fabric, a wireless subwoofer, and two rear-surround speakers. The system will be available this month.

In a clever twist, the soundbar features an Adaptive Height Speakers concealed in an aluminum disc on each end. When the system detects a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio source, the disc automatically pops out and rotates upward, so sound from the height drivers is reflected off the ceiling. (The soundbar must be placed in front of the TV — not directly under it.)

The Elevate system is rated to hit sound-pressure levels (SPL) up to 103dB and play down to 45Hz.

Vizio also introduced the 36-inch-wide M-Series All-In-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with built-in dual 3-inch subwoofers ($200). For more information, visit vizio.com.