Vizio’s new M series TVs that are powered by Google Cast and feature support for Dolby Vision are now shipping, says the company. The 2016 M series is starting at $850 for a 50” model. It will be available in sizes up to 80”.
Vizio M series TVs
Vizio started selling its first Google Cast powered TVs in late March with the debut of the P series. The company is now adding more choice to the line-up with the more affordable M series that was unveiled in late April.
The 2016 M series TVs employ full-array local dimming (64 zones, 32 zones in 50”) to enable Dolby Vision HDR, says Vizio. The local dimming system is less advanced than in the more expensive P series that offers 126-128 zones but FALD systems like this are not typically found in mid-range TVs so many buyers have been eagerly awaiting Vizio’s new line-up. However, be aware that the M series does not offer wide color gamut like the more expensive P series.
Netflix and Vudu both offer Dolby Vision content.
There are no TV tuners built into Vizio’s M series displays. Instead you push content from a tablet (included in the box) or smartphone via the Google Cast protocol. You can of course also connect media player or set-top-boxes via HDMI.
The 50” M series is shipping now. The 55, 60, and 65” models will start shipping any day, says Vizio. The 70 and 80” models will arrive a little later. The TVs are currently available only from vizio.com but will be rolled out to other retailers soon.
