VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 4K UHD HDR Display Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: VIZIO, Inc.
Product Name: 2017 VIZIO SmartCast M-Series 65″ Class Ultra HD HDR XLED Plus Display
Model Number: M65-E0
UPC: 845226014697
Price As Tested: $999 (Amazon | Newegg | VIZIO)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article was purchased by the author.

Not all that long ago, high definition 1080p image resolution was heralded as the biggest entertainment improvement since the DVD. Technology continued to tick ahead and, before Blu-ray ever truly became a household standard, ultra high-definition 4K (2160p) displays arrived on scene, and later High Dynamic Range. With Ultra HD Blu-ray and streaming video content now offered in Ultra HD, it makes sense to upgrade. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test the 65″ VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 UHD HDR home theater display with Google Chromecast built-in.

If you’ve followed with the progression, standard definition cathode ray tube analog televisions displayed the equivalent of 0.31 megapixels, compared to 0.92 MP for early 720p HD display technology. Later panels produced full high-definition 1080p for 2.1 megapixels, making digital displays the industry standard. Ultra High-Definition panels later offered 8.3 megapixels, and most recently, 4K displays with better backlighting and deeper black level performance have added High Dynamic Range. Paired together, 4K UHD and HDR have set a new standard.

Simultaneously, the means of media delivery has also evolved. VHS cassette tape media was typically paired to CRT televisions, delivering up to 0.16 megapixels. DVD disc players eventually replaced tape, and offered 0.35 megapixels to better match the capabilities of late CRT technology. Blu-ray discs pushed demand for HD 1080p displays, while streaming 4K sources such as Netflix and the latest Ultra HD Blu-ray technology now deliver media at 3840×2160 (2160p) resolution. This is where the benefits of High Dynamic Range shine, via Dolby Vision.

Why Dolby Vision?

(Feature description provided by VIZIO.)

Today’s cameras capture a wide dynamic range of light and color. However, SDR TV delivery standards limit the range of contrast and colors that can be broadcast, streamed, or distributed on Blu-ray Disc. Because of these standards, certain colors or brightness in an image are discarded in the production process to “fit” the delivery method. The current SDR standards limit maximum brightness to approximately 100 nits (more formally known as candelas per square meter or cd/m²) and minimum brightness to approximately 0.01 nit (cd/m²), while also limiting the color gamut that can be displayed to the Rec. 709 standard. In order to adhere to this standard, all content that is distributed is graded and prepared on displays that exhibit the Rec. 709 color gamut and dynamic range. Consequently, this limits the artistic intent to the grading range.

Dolby Vision allows content creators to maintain more contrast and colors by providing technology that allows them not only to see in postproduction what the camera has captured but also to allow for transmission of HDR content, regardless of HD or 4K resolution. Furthermore, every Dolby Vision enabled TV has been carefully calibrated by the manufacturer and Dolby engineers. The result is that the content is displayed as the creator intended, supporting a peak brightness up to 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to the Rec. 2020 standard.

SmartCast M65-E0 Display Features & Specifications

(Specifications provided by VIZIO. SmartCast Product Page.)

Class Size: 65 Inch
Screen Size: 65″ (Diagonally Measured)
Panel Type: VA
Smart Platform: VIZIO SmartCast with Chromecast built-in
High Dynamic Range: XHDR Plus – Dolby Vision / HDR10 Support
Wide Color Gamut: Ultra Color Spectrum
Resolution: Ultra HD 3840×2160 (4K 2160p)
UHD Upscale Engine: Spatial Scaling Engine
Display Processor: 8-Core Performance
Backlight Type: XLED Plus
Black Level Performance: Xtreme Black Engine Plus
Local Dimming Zones: 32
Clear Action: 360
Built-in Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Dual Band
Bluetooth: 4.1 LE

VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 Overview

This article tests the 65″ VIZIO SmartCast model M65-E0, available for $999 (Amazon | Newegg | VIZIO). VIZIO’s 2017 M-Series Ultra HD 4K displays are available in the following size classes: 50″, 55″, 65″, 70″, and 75″. Unlike other brands who save the best features for their largest panels, VIZIO’s entire 2017 M-Series shares identical performance hardware features and connectivity options regardless of panel size-class.

VIZIO offers a large array of proprietary hardware features on the 2017 M-series displays. XLED Plus is VIZIO’s full-array local dimming backlight technology, which works together with VIZIO Xtreme Black Engine Plus that uses 32 local dimming zones to dynamically adapt brightness to the on-screen image for exceptionally deep black levels.

What is VIZIO Xtreme Black Engine Plus?

With the increased contrast in High Dynamic Range content, it is critical to use local dimming to optimize low black level and peak brightness. VIZIO’s M-Series features Xtreme Black Engine Plus with 32 local dimming zones for an incredible picture, accurately delivering peak brightness to highlights and deep black levels to shadow detail, enabling a wider and more dynamic range of luminance.

Edge-lit backlight designs, with their limited local dimming zones, cannot accurately adjust for highlights and shadow detail because the zones are too large – compromises need to be made between peak brightness and black level.

The SmartCast M-Series leverages an 8-core high performance processor pairs with VIZIO’s Ultra Color Spectrum feature to render over 1-billion colors and produce vivid details that deliver lifelike picture clarity with its native 4K Ultra HD 3840×2160 (2160p) resolution. VIZIO XHDR Plus extends the visual experience by enabling a wider range of contrast-revealing details, as well as support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 content.

All 2017 SmartCast M-Series home theater displays feature 2.4 and 5 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 LE wireless connectivity. There’s a host of analog and digital connections, which I explore in detail on the next page, but the VIZIO SmartCast M-series is primarily designed for cord-cutters as it parts ways with traditional coax input for cable or antenna. Also visible at the lower back are a pair of openings for the rear/bottom-firing 10W speakers.

On the 65″ VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0, the screen measures 65″ diagonally, while overall dimensions measure 57.59″W x 35.78″H x 10.87″D with steel support stands attached. The combined weight comes to 57.32 lbs with stands, and 55.33 lbs without. The wall-mounted dimensions are 57.59″W x 33.14″H x 2.51″D without stands.

In the next section, we examine the detailed features for the 2017 SmartCast M-Series home theater displays…

VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 Detailed Features

In this section, I dive deeper into the 2017 VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 display. The first detail worth clarifying is what makes this generation of ‘smart’ televisions different than previous 4K UHD TVs. The primary difference between previously available 4K displays and this latest generation is HDR: the ability to display a wider color gamut with better light contrast. By utilizing High Dynamic Range technology with features such as XHDR Plus, Ultra Color Spectrum, and Xtreme Black Engine Plus, VIZIO can deliver Dolby Vision content like no other 4K before HDR.

As previously suggested, the 2017 SmartCast M-Series has modern cord-cutters in mind. With so much of today’s best programming coming by way of streaming services that already deliver content in 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision HDR, now is a good time to ditch cable. If content isn’t enough, then cost might be, as you can pick and choose.

Dolby Vision is the preferred HDR mastering choice for major studios and creative professionals because of its impressive color range, so expect new movies and streaming content to utilize this feature. 2017 VIZIO SmartCast M-series home theater displays come with Dolby Vision content already embedded for demonstration of their XHDR Plus technology. To view this content, bring up the Menu and navigate to: System > Reset & Admin > Store Demo.

The 2017 SmartCast TV includes these streaming apps: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Crackle, iHeart Radio, XUMO, VUDU, Fandango Now, HaystackTV, and Pluto. If there’s another app you like, such as YouTube, simply open that app from your device and ‘Cast’ to the display. Additionally, Android and iOS smartphone users may install VIZIO’s free SmartCast Mobile app for even more service options and virtual remote control for the 2017 M-Series.

If you’re a cord-cutter, but prefer to download your content to a portable drive, there are two USB 2.0 ports located at the back of the M65-E0 display.While the user manual claims the M-series requires that USB storage devices be formatted FAT32 and contain only MP4 video files, these displays recognized and played NTFS drives with just fine.

At the back (bottom and left side) of the M65-E0 are a collection of modern connections. Analog component video with stereo audio input, collectively labeled ‘better’, give this display wide-reaching backward compatibility. Analog stereo and digital optical audio output also enable sound to a wide variety of legacy home theater devices. There’s also an Ethernet port, should a wired Internet connection be preferred over the wireless options.

The digital ports are labeled ‘best’ by VIZIO. HDMI port #1 is version 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 and ARC (Audio Return Channel) for attached audio hardware. This particular port connects at a 600 MHz pixel clock rate (2160p@60fps 4:4:4 8-bit, 2160p@60fps 4:2:2 12-bit, 2160p@60fps 4:2:0 12-bit). On the other hand, HDMI ports #2-3-4 are each version 1.4 with HDCP 2.2, and connect at a 340 MHz pixel clock rate (2160@60fps 4:2:0 8-bit).

Lightweight and ready for wall mounting, all 2017 SmartCast M-series home theater displays include a set of steel support stands that affix within the bezel’s outer underside. On the 65″ model, these legs measure 47.2″ from the outer edges. Planning may be required to ensure sufficient surface space for this standing display.

Even in this age of connected devices, people (like me) will still occasionally choose a physical remote control over the virtual alternative available with the SmartCast Mobile app. The 50″ model I first tested came with the VIZIO XRT135 remote control, however, the 65″ model I later purchased came with the XRT136 remote shown above. This remote adds six quick-launch buttons near the top. Two AAA batteries (included) are required to power the remote. If needed, a basic set of power, volume, and input select buttons are also available at the left side of the display.

In the next section, I offer my final thoughts on 4K UHD displays and deliver my conclusion…

HDR 4K UHD Final Thoughts

For many, we’ve made good use of our High Definition televisions for at least ten years, and Blu-ray added 1080p detail that our HDTV’s could finally reveal. But once 4K UHD TVs arrived, the home theater market was disrupted. While some have some decided to wait it out and enjoy the vast media library already available, others jumped on cutting edge 4K display technology and pushed for 2160p content. Now 4K UHD displays with HDR are the leading tech, while Ultra HD Blu-ray and streaming sources such as Netflix are presently delivering UHD content.

High Dynamic Range isn’t just a new boutique feature, it’s a revolutionary technology that further updated already cutting edge 4K UHD displays. The difference between images with and without HDR is incredible, as the color gamut truly adds ‘wow’ to the experience. Many brands, including VIZIO with their Xtreme Black Engine Plus feature, enhance the picture quality with extreme contrast between deep black and peak white brightness.

This means that if you’re shopping for a 4K UHD TV in today’s market, you had better make sure it’s of the HDR variety with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10. It’s a major difference in the viewing experience, with only a minor difference in price. Furthermore, the comparatively affordable cost of these panels have put 65″ and larger displays within reach for most consumers. in this regard, VIZIO is leading the revolution with their 2017 SmartCast M-series, which are among the least expensive of all 4K UHD home theater displays with high dynamic range.

VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 Conclusion

IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please understand that every author perceives these factors differently. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes occur after publication which could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on this conclusion, as it represents our personal rating specifically for the item tested, which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

2017 VIZIO SmartCast M-series home theater displays are built around a 4K ultra high-definition resolution that display over a billion colors in high dynamic range. So in terms of performance, the VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 tested for this review offered an incredible experience. My eyes detected individual pixels at 48″ or less from the screen, which yields a very close viewing distance. My experience with this model has been very positive, and I’ve been impressed by the deep 20,000,000:1 contrast between bright white and dark black colors. Beyond the picture, there is a seemingly endless supply of streaming media sources that are compatible with the Chromecast feature.

With regard to appearance, everybody leans toward their own personal preferences, but for most people the thin matte black outer bezel and low-gloss screen are desirable. I have mixed feelings on the metal support stands that come with the VIZIO SmartCast M-series as they seem less elegant, and contradictory to the overall design. For those mounting this panel on a wall, the stands are a moot point. Nevertheless, a matching center stand would have been more appealing in both appearance and functionality.

I’ve handled this VIZIO SmartCast M60-E0 display more than most people will handle their home theater television during its entire product lifetime. I’ve wall mounted it, and moved it to three different table top locations. I’ve turned it over several times, and handled it while going up and down stairs. This display is very rigid, and quite durable.

VIZIO provides a one-year warranty to the original purchaser against defect in materials and workmanship for non-commercial usage and ninety (90) days of commercial use. Limited technical support is provided for the life of this product. If a SmartCast M-series product covered by warranty is defective, VIZIO will either repair or replace the unit. Consumers may reach VIZIO technical support at [email protected], or by telephone at 877-698-4946.

VIZIO offers a large array of proprietary hardware features on the 2017 M-series displays: XLED Plus is VIZIO’s full-array local dimming backlight technology, which works together with VIZIO Xtreme Black Engine Plus that uses 32 local dimming zones to dynamically adapt brightness to the on-screen image for exceptionally deep black levels. An 8-core high performance processor pairs with VIZIO’s Ultra Color Spectrum feature to render over 1-billion colors and produce vivid details to deliver lifelike picture clarity with its native 4K Ultra HD 2160p resolution. VIZIO XHDR Plus extends the visual experience by enabling a wider range of contrast revealing details, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 content. The built-in Chromecast Ultra extends the M-series to thousands of media sources.

As of November 2017, the 65″ VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 4K UHD HDR home theater display was available online for as low as $999 (Amazon | Newegg | VIZIO). I personally found this to be the perfect size for an entertainment room. If you’re looking for smaller display for the master bedroom, I recommend the 50″ version, model M50-E1, available for $548 (Amazon | Newegg). A thousand dollars for a 65-inch 4K UHD smart TV with high dynamic range represents an incredible value, and VIZIO is really winning this segment with the M-series.

In summary, I highly recommend the entire 2017 VIZIO SmartCast M-series home theater displays. You’re getting a 4K (2160p) display with High Dynamic Range that supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, and you’re getting it for far less than those same features sell for on other brands. Cord-cutters will love the 1000+ apps that ‘cast’ to this Chromecast smart display, although the 2017 M-series already includes the most popular streaming sources. I truly stand behind my recommendation, which is why I went out and bought this 65″ unit after testing a 50″ sample.

Pros:

+ Outstanding value-priced HDR 4K UHD display
+ XHDR Plus feature adds Dolby Vision and HDR10 support
+ Xtreme Black Engine Plus utilizes 32 local dimming zones
+ Features integrated Google Chromecast Ultra
+ Over 1-thousand compatible apps to ‘cast’ media from
+ HDR yields incredible color vibrance and range

Cons:

– TV tuner required to connect external antenna for over air broadcasts
– Lacks coaxial cable connection
– Wide stand profile limits installation locations

Ratings:

Performance: 9.50
Appearance: 9.00
Construction: 9.25
Functionality: 9.00
Value: 9.25

Final Score: 9.2 out of 10.

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

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