Sony XBR-65X900B Series 4K Ultra HDTV Review

The Sony XBR65X900B  Series 4K Ultra HD TV delights the senses with exquisite aesthetics, superior picture quality, and a built-in gaming experience that doesn’t suck. Even the audio quality, so often an afterthought with modern LCD televisions, shows Sony expresses its engineering creativity by crafting a television that delivers reference quality imagery plus audio reproduction that rivals a premium soundbar.

Our full review, up next.

Style, setup, and sound

A sidelong glance at the 900B reveals a distinct wedge shaped profile that tapers toward a rounded top. Chromed sides and feet add a little sparkle without distraction, and the feet can be relocated from the outside edges, closer to center, for placement on surfaces that aren’t as wide as the TV itself. The unique profile of the X900B doesn’t negate wall mounting, and included spacers ensure adequate clearance with standard mounting hardware. This is a rather hefty TV. Our 64.5 inch tester tipped the scale at 103lbs with the stand attached.

The additional depth afforded by the TV’s chassis provides room for the most impressive looking and sounding speaker system I’ve seen in any television to date. There are three speakers on each side of the screen: an 18mm tweeter, 80mm magnetic fluid midrange, and 80mm subwoofer that’s ported out the rear. The speaker and sub diaphragms are a woven material that appears as tough as it is visually appealing. Total amplification is 65 watts and an optional wireless subwoofer is available for more boom. Even without it, the X900B’s speaker configuration will fill all but the largest rooms with detailed and distortion-free audio reproduction.

Other than the cutouts for the speakers, and a Skype-ready camera in the upper left corner, the X900B’s face is a seamless sheet of glass that won’t stop harsh reflections but it does further enhance its visual appeal, even when powered off.

Ports and networking

The selection of inputs on the rear includes four HDMI ports: one supporting Audio Return Channel (ARC), and two others that are MHL-enabled. Component and composite video inputs are present, as are three USB ports for attaching external devices. There’s also a headphone jack for those who appreciate a more private listening experience. The X900B’s networking options include a/b/g/n wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Ethernet, and the TV supports the standard list of file formats for DLNA content streaming.

Display specs

The X900B’s edge-lit LCD panel features 3840×2160 pixel resolution. All of the TV’s HDMI ports were compatible with the screen’s native resolution up to 60Hz with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling. We verified this with the DVDO AVLab TPG (read our review). The HDMI ports also accepted 4096×2160 video signals from the TPG at up to 24Hz, and 4K PC input at up to 60Hz. The latter being something we were unable to achieve with the Samsung HU8550. (Not a big deal as all 4K UHD sources to date have been 3840 x 2160-ed.)

The X900B series is available in three screen sizes: 79-inches, 65-inches, and 55-inches with the largest model featuring passive 3D technology while the other two are active 3D.

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Gaming goodness

The X900B is currently one of the few ways to enjoy Sony’s new PlayStation Now cloud gaming service. Pair a DualShock controller (not included) with the TV, log in, and enjoy a selection of rental-only titles anytime. PlayStation Now links to the PlayStation Network for high score comparisons with friends and archiving earned trophies.

I sampled the side-scrolling music rhythm game Retro/Grade and found the controls were completely lag free but with an occasional visual hitch. This may have been due to connection issues with the online gaming service. Music orientated games like this one also highlighted the TV’s solid audio capabilities. Overall, having PlayStation Now built into the TV proved easy to use and enjoyable.

For PlayStation gamers who enjoy split screen two player action, the X900B series supports SimulView with supported titles, delivering a unique full screen 2D view to each player when wearing the 3D glasses.

 

Lag measurement using the nifty Leo Bodnar LagTester revealed a reduction of video delay from 144ms (Cinema 1 preset) to a very acceptable 41ms with the TV’s Game Mode picture preset enabled.

Remote design

The X900B include two remote controls. One is a baton-style design with an uncrowded layout of clearly labeled buttons. The other is a compact touch pad remote that offered good navigation performance and quick access to content discovery and social features – the latter integrating Skype and Twitter into the TV viewing experience. Compared to LG and Samsung’s compact remote offerings, which feature Nintendo Wii-like cursor control, the Sony touch pad remote felt a bit slower and less ergonomic, but functional nonetheless.

[picture: Sony_X900_remote_580px.jpg]

[picture: Sony_X900_touchpad_580px.jpg]

Tuner time

I was pleased with the sensitivity of X900B’s over-the-air (OTA) tuner, which captured my local stations with ease and stability using a quality indoor antenna. The TV’s channel guide provided an expansive view with a grid style layout displaying seven channels at once and six hours of scheduled program information. A press of the remote’s display button provided a useful overlay of current channel details including a brief program synopsis, broadcast format, aspect ratio, and audio format.

Apps and media

The X900B features a solid library of apps to choose from, including Netflix’s slowly growing selection of 4K content. Sony’s Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited streaming services are prominently featured, as are related services like Crackle and Vevo. The TV’s USB/home network media player supported all the H.264 and MKV files I threw at it, including some that featured 4K at 60Hz video content.

Picture setup options

The X900B features a staggering number of video controls to tweak. Purists can ignore the majority of the TV’s ten picture presets (aka Scene Select) and go straight to Cinema 1 and Cinema 2 which are factory optimized for a 2.4 and 2.2 gamma setup respectively. Cinema 1 being the mode I selected for further calibration and testing.

I would have preferred that picture overscan controls not be placed in a separate menu, accessible only from the TV’s home screen, but these controls did prove effective at eliminating this video scourge for all HD formats including programs received via the OTA tuner.

In the lab: color quality

Compared to other 4K LCDs I’ve tested recently, including Samsung’s excellent HU8550 series, the X900B’s calibrated picture delivered superior color quality. Using SpectraCal’s CalMAN ColorChecker tool I recorded an average dE2000 (Delta E 2000 formula) of 0.99 (values under 3.0 being ideal) – this is the most accurate result I’ve seen to date. The previous best result that I recorded with ColorChecker was 1.68 with the LG EC9300 OLED TV (read our review). All the more remarkable about this result was that the X900B has no color management setup, and its picture optimization was performed using only a two-point white balance control. Some TVs feature a 10 or 20 point white balance setup, but that didn’t seem to be needed here.

precalibration, precolor,postcal, post color, color check. post cal saturation

Video processing

The classic 1080i HQV benchmark Blu-ray test discs quickly revealed that the X900B lagged behind its competition, showing jaggies along angled edges in the moving bar and violin strings tests – likely a sign of weak per-pixel edge processing. The benchmark’s film resolution loss test indicated that the TV was performing motion-adaptive processing, but that it was not maintaining a consistent lock on 24fps and 30fps sources. However, the TV’s processing did effectively eliminate flicker, and related loss of detail in a selection of interlaced movies that were examined.

The X900B’s Reality Creation (ahem) picture setting can be configured to enable an expanded color gamut for the handful of ‘mastered in 4K’ Blu-ray movies that are available. This setting also contains a ‘resolution’ enhancement option that appeared to do a better job than simply cranking up the sharpness control, but I advise you to skip the ‘detail enhancer’ option in the separate advanced menu as that degraded resolution test patterns.

Uniformity

Edge-lit TVs like the X900B have difficulty producing a uniformly bright picture. Solid dark backgrounds did reveal some slight uniformity issues, but nothing that was particularly obvious in general video viewing. The TV’s local dimming technology did a good job of minimizing halo artifacts and maintaining dark letterboxed bars.

Overall viewing angles and dark room performance exhibited less degradation and distraction than was the case with the Samsung HU8550.

Motion resolution

The X900B features selectable levels of black frame insertion (BFI) and motion interpolation through its Motionflow picture control. Increasing BFI reduces light output but improves the clarity of moving video objects. At its maximum setting (Impulse), the TV’s light output is reduced to levels suitable for rooms with little ambient illumination, but it delivered perfect clarity with 1080-line video benchmarks.

Brighter Motionflow presets like Clear and Clear Plus were able to reach about 950 lines of detail, making them suitable for content like sports programming. Unlike the Samsung HU8550, the X900B was unable to enhance the clarity of film-sourced (24fps) content without unnaturally smoothing the on screen action.

Viewing exams

With a superbly calibrated picture, the X900B is a delight to watch. The naturally-lit time lapse scenes featured in the Samsaru Blu-ray were well-contrasted, and its many colorful visuals highlighted the TV’s superb color accuracy.

Dark detail on this edge-lit display was also very good, as noted in my go to scenes from The Dark Knight and Mission Impossible 3. Regardless of a scene’s lighting, skin tones remained natural and gradients consistent. Also, broadcast and streamed content pleased (nearly) as much as 1080p Blu-rays.

The 3D performance of our this active model proved quite good, although we suspect passive 3D on a 4K screen would have provided increased picture brightness while delivering greater-than-full Blu-ray 3D resolution to each eye.

Viewing the 3D classic Hugo revealed a hint of image crosstalk that was particularly noticeable along the edges of the station inspector’s uniform and in some faces, but this mirrored observations with the Samsung HU8550’s performance in these particularly challenging instances.

Bottom line

The XBR65X900B ‘s unique design, impressive audio, and superior picture potential don’t come cheap. The 64.5 inch model that was detailed in this review sells for $3800 while the larger and smaller versions are $8000 and $2800 respectively.

As a product that delivers an audio and visual experience with 4K, HD, and streaming sources, I cannot think of another LCD television that has impressed my ears and eyes more than the Sony XBR-X900B series.

HD Guru awards the Sony XBR65X900B  4 out of 5 hearts. 

By  Robert Heron

Disclosure: Review sample was obtained as manufacturer’s loan.

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Sony XBR-65X900A Ultra HD TV Review

65" LED Edge-lit Ultra HD Smart TV, $5499

The Sony XBR-65X900A is a big, beautiful TV.

There were times when I was watching this 65-inch screen that I simply caught myself marveling at the quality of the picture.

Now, this Sony is one of the new breed of Ultra HD (4K) televisions, but my viewing Nirvana moments were not only when playing 4K content, but also HD Blu-ray movies and even the more pedestrian HD programs on Broadcast TV (all upscaled to Ultra HD by the Sony).

That is not to say that the limited amount of native 4K material I had available didn't look great. The eye-popping demo materials playing on the 4K server definitely accentuated the extra resolution of this Ultra HD TV, which has four times the pixels of an HDTV (3840 x 2160 vs. 1920 x 1080).

I'll discuss the UHD resolution issue next. To me, the most important point is that this Sony delivers splendid picture quality with both HD and UHD content, making it an ideal event TV for today and the future.

(Editor's Note: Sony produces two sizes of the XBR-X900A Series, this 65-inch and the 55-inch XBR-55X900A. If money were no object, I would prefer the 65-inch, especially when watching native Ultra HD content. With that said, their specifications are similar and this review can apply to both. Sony also makes the mammoth 84-inch XBR-84X900, which has a lot in common with its two smaller siblings, but enough differences to deserve its own review.)

Since the first Ultra HD models were introduced late in 2012, two main complaints have been raised about the technology.

The first is a psychophysical one. Simply stated, the human eye is not acute enough to perceive the difference in resolution between an HD display and an UltraHD one - at least not at the distance that we typically sit away from the screen (more than seven feet).

Basically, to appreciate the extra resolution, you either need to move your chair closer or buy a bigger TV - even bigger than 65 inches. If you agree with that notion and you don't plan on changing your viewing habits then you should be fine with an HDTV, as far as pixel peering is concerned.

If you are a "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" early adopter, then there is still a second UHD roadblock, the lack of native 4K movies and TV shows.

I think that solving this shortcoming is essential to enjoying the full Ultra HD experience because there is much more to UHD TVs than resolution. A good Ultra HD display like the TRILUMINOS screen on this Sony can also render a wider color gamut (a bigger range of colors) than is capable with many HDTVs.

The problem is that there is no HD material that is mastered or broadcast with that expanded color gamut.

To address that situation, Sony has launched the Video Unlimited 4K service, the world's first and only 4K Ultra HD video download service, beginning with a selection of more than 70 full length native 4K Ultra HD feature films and TV shows.

A Sony representative has confirmed that, "the feature films on the box and from the forthcoming service were either shot in or mastered in true 4K which incorporates the expanded color gamut which can be rendered on our TVs with TRILUMINOS Display."

The content is downloaded to the Sony FMP-X1, a 4K Ultra HD Media Player, which is only compatible with Sony Ultra HD TVs. The combination of the 4K native content, the player and the TV begin to realize the potential of Ultra HD. You can read more here. Performance: 5.0I realize that some videophiles believe that no TV deserves the mythical 5 Stars, but I would be nitpicking to give the Sony XBR-65X900A anything less. The color rendition with normal HD material is impeccable. Add to that, this TRILUMINOS display ascends to another level with Ultra HD material.

And the 65W speaker system on the XBR-65X900A is way, way above average, definitely wow-worthy for the fantasy football gang. Though if you want that full surround sound for your home theater, match this TV with an appropriately impressive dedicated audio system.

Features:5.0 This Sony supplies everything that I need in a TV, succulent picture quality, pages of Internet apps and an integrated Wi-Fi adapter. Oh, yeah, it also sports an Ultra HD display. You can deduct a half a point or two if you must have motion or voice control because they are not included and the TV is better off without them. Ease of Use: 4.5 If you are familiar with recent Sony TVs, you should have no trouble setting up this one. Even if you are a first timer, the initial process is straightforward. And don't be leery of the Ultra HD aspect, it doesn't add any layer of difficulty. Of course, if you do spring for this $5500 beauty, you might as well pay a professional to set up and calibrate it.Value: 4.0 It's sobering to say that a 65-inch TV at $5500 is a good value, but what the Sony XBR-65X900A offers in picture quality and Ultra HD features makes this reasonably competitive in the current UHD marketplace.

In six months, with a more crowded field, I reckon that prices will start dropping out of the stratosphere and become more affordable for us mere mortals. For now, this luscious 65-inch TV - especially if you pair it with the Sony FMP-X1 Ultra HD player - proves its worth because the combination makes a solid foundation for a home theater system that will serve you well in the years to come.

Ratings are relative to when the review was written. The obvious example is Value, what you could purchase for $2000 two years ago or even two months ago would seem like a bad value for that price now. We give very few 5 Star ratings, which we reserve for truly outstanding accomplishment.Bookmark:   del.icio.us     Reddit     Google

11/23/14 - 09:15 AM PST | ©1999-2014 HDTVSolutions.com

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Sony XBR-55X850A Ultra HD TV Review Page 1

55" LED Edge-lit Ultra HD Smart TV, $4499

The XBR-X850A reviewed here is the third model in Sony's premium Ultra HD (4K) line of televisions.

In late 2012, Sony released the ginormous 84-inch XBR-84X900. Earlier this year, Sony followed with the 55 and 65-inch versions in the X900A series, which integrated a robust speaker system that flanked the screen.

More recently, with the X850A series (offered in both 55 and 65-inch sizes) the Sony designers swapped the side-positioned speaker system with a more conventional - and less full-bodied - down firing arrangement below the screen. This decision pares the dimensions of the X850A models, as well as their price.

The display technologies (video processing, backlighting and local dimming) of the X900A and the X850A are identical, which is a very good thing. In September, when I reviewed the 65-inch XBR-65X900A, I was rhapsodic about its picture quality.

Even though I think the extra resolution of these 4K Ultra HD TVs, (which has four times the pixels of an HDTV [3840 x 2160 vs. 1920 x 1080]), becomes more apparent with larger and larger screens, I am still enamored with the delicious picture quality of this 55-inch XBR-55X850A. Would I prefer the 65-inch version? In the blink of a 4K pixel.

For this review of the XBR-55X850A, I was sent the Sony FMP-X1, a 4K Ultra HD Media Player, which completes the Sony 4K ecosystem. With the FMP-X1, you can store and playback native 4K mastered content like the expansive and exquisite Laurence of Arabia. I'll talk more about this Ultra HD dynamic duo of TV and media player in the Performance section.

(Editor's Note: This review of the 55-inch XBR-55X850A can also apply to the 65-inch model. I have already reviewed the 65-inch XBR-65X900A. Much of both articles could be applied to the big momma 84-inch XBR-84X900, but it really deserves its own ink.) Performance: 5.0From previous reviews of Sony TVs, I was already enamored with the picture quality of Sony's TRILUMINOS display, which also is used in the XBR-55X850A. This 4K TV does an excellent job of upscaling HD resolution content. When it is paired with the FMP-X1, a 4K Ultra HD Media Player, the display of native 4K material is ultra-delectable.

The fidelity on the 30W 2.1 speaker system is excellent. Certain musical passages at higher volumes will tend to rattle and don't expect a full surround sound.

Features:5.0 The Sony Entertainment Network provides a bevy of Internet apps and the XBR-55X850A supplies an integrated Wi-Fi adapter as well as other connectivity options. You can deduct a half a point or two if you must have motion or voice control because they are not included and the TV is better off without them. Ease of Use: 4.5 The initial setup is straightforward. And don't be leery of the Ultra HD aspect, it doesn't add any layer of difficulty. Though, if you can afford this 4K TV, consider hiring a professional to set up and calibrate it.Value: 4.5 Currently, during this holiday season, the XBR-X850A is promotional priced at $2,999, down from its MSRP of $4,499. (It's the lower price that is the basis for the 4.5 rating.)

I don't know how long that will be the case, but at $3000 this Ultra HD TV is dropping down to the cost of a high-end HDTV. It's not quite there yet, but at three grand for a fully featured, high performance Ultra HD TV, the decision about jumping to 4K just became more compelling, especially if you pair it with the Sony FMP-X1 Ultra HD player.

Ratings are relative to when the review was written. The obvious example is Value, what you could purchase for $2000 two years ago or even two months ago would seem like a bad value for that price now. We give very few 5 Star ratings, which we reserve for truly outstanding accomplishment.Bookmark:   del.icio.us     Reddit     Google

11/23/14 - 09:15 AM PST | ©1999-2014 HDTVSolutions.com

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Vizio 4K Ultra High Definition P652ui-B2 Review

Vizio’s  P652ui-B2 4K UHD TVs has a feature and specification list that reads like the Holy Grail of LED LCD TVs: a 65-inch screen (3840 x 2160 resolution), local dimming (with 64 zones), “plasma-like deep blacks,” “240 Hz effective refresh rate,” H.265 (HEVC) decoding, built-in 4K Netflix 4K streaming, upconversion to Ultra HD resolution, and 5 HDMI inputs. All for an inexpensive price.

But those are just specs, so we put the P652ui-B2 through our usual tests and observations. Does the P652ui-B2 perform like a high-end 4K TV? The results are revealed after the break.

Styling and Design

The Vizio P652ui-B2 is a flat screen surrounded by a thin black bezel. Its supplied table stand is centrally located, making it compatible with most TV tables. The rear, side, and bottom split the input and audio output connections. The depth of 2.2-inches, thick compared to other 4K edge-lit models, is necessary due to the additional space required for the direct-lighting LEDs. Overall it’s not groundbreaking but attractive.

Features

Beside the aforementioned direct backlit LEDs with local dimming, the P652ui-B2 includes what Vizio calls “Pure Pixel Processing.” Their website describes it as “A collection of picture processing innovations removes unwanted artifacts and improves edge detection to deliver the ultimate clarity in every detail.” See our performance section for our test results on that.

The TV also includes major streaming services including Netflix 4K, Amazon and Hulu Plus. We checked out Netflix HD and 4K and both performed glitch free (even over WiFi).

It does not incorporate 3D playback.

The remote control is a two sided affair, with a QWERTY keyboard on the rear. While the keyboard is backlit, the front side is dark, making it impossible to read with the room lighting set low.

Connectivity

Vizio states on Amazon and elsewhere “5 HDMI ports with support for the latest HDMI standards.” However, it turns out only one of the HDMI inputs will accept 2160p/60 signals (part of the latest standard called HDMI 2.0). The 4 other HDMI inputs will only accept 2160p at 24 or 30 Hz. This means they are, at best, HDMI 1.4 (Vizio does not specify the version).

This is likely to keep costs down, but it could present a potential future problem for consumers. If they end up purchasing two 4K sources, such as a 4K media player like the Sony FMP-X10 and a 4K Blu-ray player due out in Q4 2015, only one will run at the full frame rate. Again, since most scripted TV shows and movies are 24fps, this may not be a massive deal, but it could be frustrating down the road.

The Vizio website also states the P652ui-B2 has HDCP 2.2, a decryption scheme that will be required for playback of 4K UHD Blu-ray discs (according to published reports) and possibly other future source boxes. The owner’s manual reveals HDMI inputs 1, 2 and 5 are equipped with HDCP 2.2.

There’s also a USB port and a combination composite/component video input.

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Performance

After adjusting picture settings and calibrating the TV to SMPTE standards, the white (100 IRE) level was 50 foot-lamberts, while the black (0 IRE) level was 0.011 ftL with local dimming (LD) turned off. This equates to a good contrast ratio of 4545:1. Images were sufficiently bright but black levels were definitely not exemplary. With the backlight maxed out, we measured a light output of 125 ftL, and with local dimming turned on, black levels were exceptionally and unmeasurably dark (the backlight simply turns off).

LED Local Dimming Off

LED Local Dimming On

The sample had an obvious unevenness to the image uniformity that was visible with test patterns, and it had significant light leakage on the left edge of the screen. The uniformity was only visible in dark scenes with bright objects that didn’t kick in the local dimming (more on the local dimming later), though the light leakage was visible more often. It might be particular to this sample.

Left Edge Light Leakage at top of photo (portion from photo above, turned 90 degrees right)

We performed the HQV upconversion scaler tests for 480i and 1080i. The results weren’t great.

With the 1080i HD HQV test disc the TV passed the noise reduction and jaggies test, but failed the film resolution 3:2 pulldown detection test. The P650ui-B2 is supposed to have an option for 5:5 pulldown for 24-fps-based content, but I couldn’t find any way to enable it, even after checking the owner’s manual.

Though not common anymore, we tested 480i as well, and the results were below average. On Input 1, using a 480i composite signal, the P650ui-B2 received only a 3-out-of-5 on the Jaggies 1 test, very poor compared to the dozens of TVs we’ve tested in the last 5 years. The Jaggies 2 test failed completely. The flag test failed too, it was covered with jaggies. This test has passed every other HDTV and UHDTV we’ve tested for at least 5 years. Noise reduction and 3:2 pulldown passed, but most of the film cadences failed too.

We moved back to HDMI, and switched the cable from the HDMI 1 input to the HDMI 5 input. An on-screen warning appeared stating that the HDMI 5 input should only be used with UHD 2160p signals. This warning disappeared after a few seconds, but we quickly learned why it was there: The input fails the jaggies and film resolution tests with 1080i signals. The only test the P650ui-B2 passed on HDMI 5 input was the noise reduction test (when we enabled the noise reduction circuit). We conclude there is no apparent signal processing to reduce upconversion artifacts when using HDMI Input 5, it simply doubles the content horizontally and vertically to fill the screen.

On-Screen warning HDMI 5 when fed a 1080i signal

Having only one input that is intended for 2160p sources with HDCP 2.2 (an encryption/decryption scheme) could present an issue with folks that will buy more than one HDMI source which requires HDCP 2.2. Currently only the  Sony FMPX10 hard drive 4K UHD player requires HDCP 2.2 (it is now unlocked and can play on any 4K UHD TV with HDCP on an HDMI input not just Sony TVs).

Late next year there will be a 4K UHD Blu-ray player, and it too will require HDCP 2.2. Also expected will be 60 frames per second content. The combo will only play on the P650ui-B2’s HDMI input 5. An owner would either have to manually swap source devices or purchase an HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 external switcher. Currently there are no consumer HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 HDMI switchers and early units may cost hundreds of dollars.

Clipping of signal below 16 Local Dimming Off

Looking at test patterns, we discovered this Vizio will only display signals from 16 to 235 steps with an RGB source. The Playstation 3 (PS3) and a number of Blu-ray players display details that are blacker than black (below 16) and whiter than white (235). These limits will clip these details without a setting change on the PS3.

We played with the local dimming control called “Active LED Zones”. Activating the control does two things, according to Vizio reports and press releases: it dims the LEDs within 64 zones and activates a dynamic contrast where the TV decides if it should make darker areas darker and light ones lighter. The local dimming is aggressive, to say the least. It definitely makes for a better black level than even some more expensive UHD models we’ve seen, but at the same time there are some sacrifices. This control, while activated, would make a meaningless measurement of gamma, so we tested gamma with the Active LED Zones in the off position. The gamma measurement was mostly even, with an average of 1.93 at the 2.2 gamma default setting and 2.19 at the 2.4 setting. Gamma tracking was OK , but you’re more likely to watch the TV with the local dimming feature on, which completely changes the gamma to be less linear. More on this later.

Gray Uniformity

Color measured well, overall. Pre-calibration, factory default color points were as follows (Rec. 709 coordinates noted for reference in parentheses): Red x=0.621, y=0.330 (x=0.640 y=0.330); Green x=0.295 y=0.605 (x=0.300 y=0.600); and Blue x=0.157 y=0.042 (x=0.150 y=0.060). A color management system permits adjusting the P652ui-B2 to get the TV even closer to the 709 HDTV standard. Post adjustment readings were Red x=0.6267, y=0.3298 (x=0.640 y=0.330); Green x=0.2943, y=0.6026 (x=0.300 y=0.600); Blue x= 0.1588, y = 0.0550 (x=0.64 y=0.33). The post calibration reading are good, with only red being slightly off on the x-axis, and are better than a number of TVs–even ones without a decent color management control.

Uncalibrated gray scale measured an expectedly too blue 8579K (x=0.287, y=0.306) @ 20 IRE and slightly warmer but still too blue at 80 IRE: 7595K (x-0.298 y=0.313). After calibration the Vizio read a more neutral 6552K (x=0.312 y=0.330) @ 20 IRE and 6588K (x=0.313 , y=0 .329) @ 80 IRE.

Motion resolution enhancement has two controls. Clear Action controls the backlight scanning and Smooth Motion Effect, controls the motion estimation/motion compensation (ME/MC) circuit. It creates synthesized frames between native frames. When activated (on any 120 Hz TV) motion appear smoother, however film based content takes on a look of video which is often called the “Soap Opera Effect”.

Contrary to Vizio’s claim of 240 Hz refresh rate (sometimes also written as “effective refresh rate by Vizio), the P652ui-B2, like every other 4K LCD panel on the market with ME/MC, has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

Using our 1000 frame per second camera, we learned the backlight scanning is operational whether the control is set to “Off” or “On”. When set to off, the Vizio shuts off about one-third of the LEDs in a horizontal strip that moves from top to bottom. With Smooth Motion Effect set to “On” the black strip widens to about two-thirds of the of the screen height. We do not know why “Off” is really “Low”.

Using our FPD motion resolution disc the Vizio with both Clear Action (CA) and Smooth Motion Effect set to “Off” yielded 320 lines of motion resolution. Activating the Clear Action with the Smooth Motion set to “Off” motion resolution stayed at 320 lines. With Clear Action back in the “Off” position and Smooth Motion in the Low position the motion resolution came in around 640 lines, Mid and High read 800 lines. With CA “On” and Smooth Motion in Low also read 800 lines. Changing the setting to Mid or High motion resolution read the full 1080 lines. The FPD disc was recorded at 1080i HD.

 Right top of Bond photo above local dimming off detail check

Right top of Bond photo above local dimming on-Note detail loss  and darkening

Viewing Performance

We looked at a number of Blu-ray discs to assess the picture quality. As expected, the set’s color is good, and produces a reasonably vibrant yet natural looking palette for the image. With the local dimming off, this sample showed significant flash lighting (lighter areas of the picture near the edges and corners -see photo). Kicking in the local dimming got rid of the flash lighting, though it had little effect on the left edge light leak (see photo). The local dimming does create a pleasingly dark image in most scenes, creating a black level that is darker than more expensive TVs, and punchy dynamics, but one that comes with some sacrifices. The local dimming notably crushes shadow details. Increasing the Brightness control enough to compensate merely disables the local dimming advantage. The dynamic nature of the local dimming also tends to exaggerate the contrast of the picture in ways that are sometimes not realistic. Some scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, part 2 like when Rupert Grint’s Ron Weasely is in the forest (1:40:55) took on a solarized look, and details of the forest ground cover were obscured entirely.

We also saw a number of instances where it appeared the dimming zones were too large, interfering with lit portions of the image, as compared to a Samsung 4K TV we had on hand. This was especially true of areas adjacent to letter boxed bars, but was also visible in other scenes, like a camera pan over a dark house in the beginning of Harry Potter (01:50), where the roof of the home around a lit attic window brightens and darkens unnaturally—or at various moments in the fight scene from the beginning of The Dark Knight (07:37-10:26).

Playing movies like Mission:Impossible:3 on a BD player set to output 1080i (to simulate the output of a cable or satellite box) showed a fair amount of jaggies on titles and edges in motion, like a pan or scroll. See the scene where Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and his colleague’s truck is parked outside the Vatican (0:40:30), the detailed rock wall displays tremendous jaggies and moire. Or look at office ceiling lights and tiles that flicker in The Dark Knight (0:18:45). Adding to the issue is the set’s Sharpness control, which when set to 0 doesn’t eliminate all sharpness enhancement. On the one hand, this makes the image look more detailed than competitors, but it also tends to emphasize the noise and jaggies even more, regardless of whether noise reduction circuits are on or off.

We briefly tested Netflix 4K and it played properly. We did not have specific material to look for jaggies in native 4K, so we really don’t know what happens, nor do we have any letterbox 4K content either. We checked out The Black List and the full 16 x 9 image looked sharp and clean.

The Vizio P series 4K UHD TVs are also available as the 50-inch P502ui-B1 ,  55-inch P552ui-B2, 60-inch P602ui-B3  and 70-inch P702ui-B3 screen sizes. They all have the same feature set, however they  may use  panels from sources (the 55-inch uses an IPS panel, while the 65-inch is a VA type LCD panel).

Conclusion

While the P652ui-B2 does produce a true 4K UHD image and has a pleasingly vibrant, dark and punchy picture that might be satisfying for the uninitiated or casual viewer, it has a number of compromises for the enthusiast. One might be able to work around the upconversion and connection issues with an upconverting BD player and a separate switcher. And the uniformity and light leak might be particular to our sample. But there’s no way around the edge enhancement that tends to make the image grainy. And the key attraction to the TV is the local dimming, which creates good blacks, but crushes too much shadow detail and overly enhances the gamma. The increase in panel resolution over 2K HD at a$2200 price does not justify the resulting picture when compared to even Vizio’s own 1080p models, let alone competitors.

Given our preference for accuracy over enhancement, HD Guru sees no choice but to award the Vizio P652ui-B2 1 out of 5 Hearts, our lowest rating.

Disclosure: The Vizio review sample was purchased at retail.

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