Today’s greatest Vizio V-series 55″ V555-J01 (2021) offersVizio V-Series V555-J01 (2021 Model): SpecsPrice: $529.99Screen measurement: 55 inchesResolution: 3840 x 2160HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLGRefresh price: 60HzPorts: 3 HDMI 2.1 (1 ARC)Audio: 2 Channel [x 10 watt]Smart TV software program: Vizio SmartCastSize: 49.06 x 28.47 x 3.40 inches [w/o stand]Weight: 30.14 kilos [w/o stand]Vizio is called a worth TV model, and the Vizio V-Series is its least costly line of 4K TVs. As you may see on this Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review, the most recent mannequin provides a bit extra worth. In addition to 4K decision, the TV sports activities Dolby Vision and HDR10+, in addition to assist for the most recent gaming tech, comparable to variable refresh price (VRR) and auto low-latency mode (ALLM). This 12 months Vizio even added a voice distant to make use of your voice to regulate the TV. All that in a 55-inch TV that normally prices underneath $500. To obtain that worth with these options, one thing has to provide. In this case it’s brightness, shade and interface efficiency. Whether these downsides flip you off is determined by what you worth. If worth and options are a precedence for you, the V-Series is a stable TV — and a superb worth. Vizio V-Series (2021 Model): Price and availabilityThe newest V-Series was launched in August 2021. Vizio is looking this mannequin the 2022 model, despite the fact that it was launched in 2021. The 55-inch V555-J01 that we reviewed lists for $529.99, however might be discovered for lower than that. As of this writing, it’s promoting for $429.99 on Amazon and Walmart.The V-Series is available in a wide selection of sizes — from 43 inches to 75 inches — so that you’ll discover one that matches your house.43 inches (Model V435-J01) — $339.9950 inches (Model V505-J09) — $391.0055 inches (Model V555-J01) — $429.9958 inches (Model V585-J01) — $529.9965 inches (Model V655-J09) — $599.9970 inches (Model V705-J03) — $699.9975 inches (Model V756-J03) — $899.99The specs are related throughout the complete lineup, with solely the speaker wattage various, so we anticipate every TV to have the identical strengths and weaknesses because the 55-inch mannequin we examined. Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: DesignAs the most cost effective 4K TV that Vizio gives, the V-Series options little in the way in which of design innovation. The 49.06 x 28.47 x 3.40-inch unit is encased in darkish grey plastic and has a half-inch bezel across the complete display screen. In different phrases, it appears like just about each LCD TV from the previous few years. (Image credit score: Tom’s Guide)The V-Series comes with normal boomerang type plastic toes or you should utilize a VESA compliant mount. The 55-inch mannequin in our review works with any 300mm x 200mm bracket, which makes it a superb match for any of the perfect TV mounts.Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: PortsOn the suitable aspect, you’ll discover three HDMI 2.1 ports, with one which helps audio-return channel (ARC). The ports are conveniently situated and simple to entry. More costly TVs will normally provide 4 HDMI ports, however three will most likely be sufficient. (Image credit score: Tom’s Guide)The TV additionally has a composite video enter for older gear, together with a coaxial TV tuner and USB port. You can connect with your community by way of Wi-fi or wired Ethernet.(Image credit score: Tom’s Guide)On the again of the TV, there’s an optical digital audio output and stereo analog audio output. The V-Series additionally helps Bluetooth, together with Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: EfficiencyWhen you’re watching one thing on the V-Series, you’ll neither be awed nor terribly disenchanted. The image has some flaws, however none that detract an excessive amount of from the viewing expertise. If you’re prepared to tweak the image settings, you must be capable to discover a joyful medium total. (Image credit score: Vizio)The TV comes with Bright mode set by default. In this setting, some colours can look slightly oversaturated. The Squid Game guards’ uniforms have been a bit too pink, and the fires when the Harkonnens bomb the Atreides in Dune have been too yellow. But switching to Calibrated mode made each these colours too muted. The greatest resolution for me was Calibrated with tone mapping elevated. You can simply modify brightness, distinction, shade and different settings to realize the perfect combine for you — the most effective options of the TV, and never one thing many worth TVs provide. (Image credit score: Vizio)Even with the changes, the colour appeared slightly flat total and washed out, whereas pictures lacked sharpness. For instance, when Thor arrives in Wakanda, the lightning coming off Stormbreaker wasn’t as detailed as on the next finish TV, just like the Vizio P-Series Quantum (P65Q9-H1). The V-Series encompasses a full array backlight, however doesn’t have native dimming or quantum dot know-how, which you’d discover on dearer TVs. And whereas the V-Series helps Dolby Vision and HDR10+, I discovered that particulars have been misplaced in darkish scenes, like when Joe stands in entrance of the Joi advert within the 4K Blu-ray model of Blade Runner 2049 or the Weathertop scene within the 4K Blu-ray of Fellowship of the Ring.Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: Test outcomesThe poor HDR efficiency is probably going as a result of this V-Series TV doesn’t get very brilliant. Based on our lab exams, the unit managed a max brightness of 243.4 nits. That’s far beneath the Hisense U7G Android TV (621.3nits) and TCL 5-Series Roku TV S535 (466.2 nits), and even the Vizio M-Series Quantum MQ6 (299.7 nits). The V-Series additionally didn’t rating effectively on shade copy, which can have triggered the general flat colours I skilled. It produced 97.8 % of the Rec. 709 shade house; all the opposite TVs we in contrast it with had at the very least 99.8 %. (Image credit score: Tom’s Guide)But the V-Series had a Delta-E of 1.46, which measures shade accuracy, with decrease scores indicating higher shade accuracy, and 0 indicating an ideal rating. That bested the Hisense U7G (1.91) and the Vizio M-Series (1.68). The TCL 5-Series was higher by a nostril at 1.35.The V-Series was additionally spectacular when it got here to lag, registering 13.7 milliseconds; solely the TCL 5-Series was higher at 11.8 ms. Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: GamingWith that low lag time and it’s assist for the most recent gaming options — VRR and ALLM — we hoped the V-Series would impress whereas enjoying video games on a Xbox Series X. And for the cash, it performs effectively. When I launched Forza 4, the TV’s V-Gaming Engine brand appeared, indicating that auto sport mode and VRR had engaged. While the V-Series solely gives 4K at 60Hz, I didn’t discover any blurring as I raced via the streets. Details within the background have been barely fuzzy, however higher than many cheap TVs. Colors have been extra vibrant in Apex Legends than when watching exhibits and flicks. Overall, it was a stable show for gaming. Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: AudioThe V-Series delivers surprisingly massive sound for a cheap TV. That’s because of assist for DTS Virtual:X, which creates a large soundstage. Voices are pretty clear, although they’ll get misplaced within the digital encompass sound combine. You can select Surround or Stereo sound modes in the event you don’t discover Virtual:X to your liking. While the sound is massive, there’s no low-end behind it — in the event you like the ground to rumble together with your particular results, add a soundbar. It’s additionally value noting that the V-Series doesn’t assist Dolby Atmos, which can restrict you you probably have a soundbar that may play the encompass sound know-how. (Image credit score: Vizio)The 10-watt audio system will get loud sufficient for many rooms — it measured about 85 decibels at max quantity — although in the event you wish to hear loud, you’d profit from including the most effective soundbars to your own home theater.Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: Smart optionsVizio’s SmartSolid working system has come a great distance over the previous few years and it is getting nearer to catching up with Roku, Fire TV and Google TV. The implementation of SmartSolid on the V-Series is slightly sluggish, although. You have to attend a second or two after switching menu gadgets for something to look on display screen. Apps additionally take a couple of seconds to load. SmartSolid is organized just like FireTV or Google TV. You can scroll down the lengthy Home display screen, shopping instructed exhibits and flicks. You can’t edit the Home display screen besides to reorder this record of apps. The interface additionally has menu gadgets for Kids & Family, WatchFree+, Movies, Shows, Apps and Extras. Vizio emphasizes free content material — whether or not on the Home display screen or the WatchFree+ tab.(Image credit score: Vizio)SmartSolid has nearly each main app you need — past the standard Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, SmartSolid additionally has Paramount+, Disney+, HBOMax and extra. However, I couldn’t discover ESPN+, FubuTV or MLB.television, which can concern sports activities followers. For apps that aren’t included, you should utilize AirPlay 2 or Chomecast to ship the content material out of your cellphone to the large display screen. Finding apps could be a problem, since you possibly can’t search the App tab, however you should utilize the voice assistant to make it simpler. (Image credit score: Vizio)Vizio launched its personal voice assistant this 12 months, and it does a fairly good job — more often than not. You use the microphone on the distant to activate it. The voice assistant can launch apps, discover exhibits and flicks and management the TV. When you seek for a present or film, it exhibits you the providers that it’s obtainable on and the way a lot it prices — just like Roku. It normally understood what I used to be asking for, though a couple of instances nothing occurred after I pushed the button and stated my request. The voice assistant doesn’t join with any sensible house units, however the V-Series can tie into your current sensible speaker system, whether or not it’s an Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeEquipment suitable unit.Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: Remote managementThe distant management that comes with the V-Series is streamlined. It has a scroll wheel within the center that you just use for navigation and an OK button that you just use to pick gadgets. The scroll wheel additionally acts to ahead and rewind content material in apps, and the OK button can play or pause content material. Above the scroll wheel are buttons for Home, WatchFree+ and Settings. Below the wheel are the Back, Voice Control and caption buttons. A big quantity management and mute button take up the underside portion of the distant. (Image credit score: Tom’s Guide)At the highest are buttons for energy and switching inputs. There are additionally six fast launch buttons, for Peacock, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Crackle and Tubi. Coupled with the WatchFree+ button, Vizio once more exhibits its emphasis on free content material. Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review: VerdictYou get so much on your cash with the Vizio V-Series. For lower than $500, you get a 55-inch TV with built-in apps and among the newest tech. What you don’t get is a crisp, excellent image and the interface is slightly sluggish. But few TVs on this worth vary are going to be higher. The Toshiba C350 Fire TV is rather less costly and gives Fire TV — a extra mature sensible OS — nevertheless it’s image high quality is about the identical because the V-Series and it lacks HDMI 2.1.To get a greater image and efficiency, you’ll have to spend extra. The Hisense U7G Android TV may be very brilliant and responsive, however prices $200 extra. The TCL 5-Series Roku TV (S535) has higher shade, however will run about $100 additional. If you’re searching for a steadiness of options and efficiency and have a funds that calls for the most effective TVs underneath $500, the Vizio V-Series might be the suitable worth for you.
Vizio V-Series (2021 Model) review
