Vizio launches its first OLED 4K TV and doubles down on quantum dots at CES 2020

Vizio kicked off CES 2020 with a bang, announcing refreshed models of its P-Series Quantum and Quantum X, M-Series Quantum, and V-Series 4K TVs, as well as its first OLED TV. As if that wasn’t enough, it also showed off SmartCast 4.0, the latest version of its smart software, and new audio hardware.

Let’s start with the TVs. The headline act? The Vizio OLED TV. Little is known about the television right now, other than that it is bezel-less, has the same new IQ Ultra CPU as the P-Series (we’ll touch on that in a bit), and will be available in two sizes: 55- and 65-inch. There’s no word on pricing or availability.

Closely trailing the OLED TV is the stunning Vizio P-Series Quantum X, which has shed some bulk around the edges and now qualifies for bezel-less status. Vizio chose not to reinvent the wheel here, instead opting to refine its (metaphorical) blend of herbs and spices, tweaking the taste here and there.

Of course, the most significant changes took place under the hood. The all-new Vizio P-Series Quantum X is decked out with Vizio’s latest Vizio IQ processor. This increases its smarts, arming it with the processing power required to handle more complex algorithms to remaster at a faster, smoother rate.

In short, Vizio says this new component will result in both standard HD and Full HD content being transformed into a higher 4K Ultra HD resolution without all of the noise and artifacts that once came with it. This image is then enhanced on a per-pixel basis to fine-tune the detail and contrast.

The top-of-the-line IQ Ultra CPU, which the Vizio P-Series Quantum X is armed with, also has machine-learning capabilities. Mix this with the new 3D color engine that comes standard on all of the models containing the IQ chipset, and you’re left with a more color-accurate image that’s true to the director’s intent.

These efforts are bolstered by multi-format HDR. Namely, the entire 2020 line-up ships with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. Just fire up a supported show and the television will do the rest. (We have dived into HDR before, so if you’re feeling a little lost, take a look at our explainer.)

Another notable addition is the introduction of a humongous 85-inch screen size, which features an astonishing 792 local dimming zones — parts of the screen that can be shut off to produce more accurate contrast. Previously, the Quantum X was only available in a 65-inch and 75-inch configuration.

Being a quantum TV, the P-Series Quantum X is laced with quantum Dots. These little steroid-like components work together to allow the television to tap into a wider color spectrum and operate at a higher maximum brightness than its non-quantum equivalent, in turn delivering more vibrant visuals.

Plus, Vizio has introduced its ProGaming Engine. This takes PlayStation 4 and Xbox One X performance to the next level with support for Variable Refresh Rates (VRR) and AMD FreeSync at resolutions of up to 4K Ultra HD at 120Hz.

Next, we have the refreshed Vizio P-Series Quantum. It’s nearly identical to the aforementioned Vizio P-Series Quantum X, with the main differences being that it isn’t bezel-less, there isn’t the option for an 85-inch screen, it doesn’t have 792 local dimming zones, and it has a lower peak brightness.

Vizio M-Series, Vizio V-Series …

The Vizio M-Series has been shown some love as well. They come with shiny new screens that offer up to 30 local dimming zones on the largest models — double that of the stellar 2019 model — and are armed with the Vizio’s IQ Active CPU for smoother image processing and high-performance gaming.

Then there’s the Vizio V-Series, which has been treated to HDMI 2.1 with eARC, as have the P-Series Quantum and Quantum X, M-Series Quantum, and the manufacturer’s IQ Active CPU. Unlike the P-Series, it doesn’t ship with the ProGaming Engine, but rather something called V-Gaming Engine.

This produces “lower input lag, faster response time, and auto low-latency for a clean, smooth picture with amazing clarity that will maximize every player’s gaming performance.” Pair this with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and you’re left with a master all-rounder that shouldn’t break the bank.

Here’s how Vizio’s entire 2020 4K TV line-up compare on paper — everything bolded red is different from each model’s predecessor:

SmartCast 4.0, Voice Remote …

It’s not just the hardware that has been spruced up, though. Vizio has detailed a new version of its SmartCast 4.0, which it says is now faster than ever with quicker startup and load times, faster input switching and more remote-control responsiveness. It’s supposed to be easier to use, too.

“The SmartCast 4.0 update will also bring a new level of personalization to Vizio SmartCast TVs by curating content based on the user’s interests,” explained Vizio, before noting that the software will be rolled out to all SmartCast TVs dating back to 2016, including the popular D-Series.

Finally, Vizio announced a new Voice Remote that will come bundled with the P-Series Quantum X, P-Series Quantum, M-Series Quantum, and V-Series. This features a push-to-talk button that can be used to fire up the in-house voice assistant for streamlined navigation — no scrolling required.

Users will be able to do everything from adjusting the volume, switching to a different input method, and tracking down a specific piece of content (across various streaming services) to searching Wikipedia, checking the weather, and researching an actor using the Voice Remote, Vizio clarified.

Vizio has yet to detail pricing and availability for the Vizio OLED (which is waiting to be assigned an official name), P-Series Quantum X, P-Series Quantum, M-Series Quantum, and V-Series, but all will be revealed in the coming weeks and months. Until then, at least we know what’s on the way.

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