SETTINGS
Type: LED
Resolution: 4k
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
The Vizio E Series 4k 2016 that we reviewed has a below average picture quality for a 4k UHD TV. It has a lot of blur on fast action movements and its picture quality deteriorates quickly as soon as it is viewed slightly from the side. Only movies revealed to be a decent experience on it.
- Good contrast ratio and uniform blacks
- Picture quickly deteriorates when viewed from the side
- Fast motion appears blurry
- No built-in tuner
Check Price
Design
Curved: No
Although better than last year design, the Vizio E Series 4k 2016 still doesn't rival higher end TVs. It is still a thick TV but gone is the blocky design. The back of the TV has smoother curves now. The stand is separated into two feet.
Stand
The stand is sturdy and has a curious design because of all the holes in the feet.
Footprint of the 48″ TV stand: 10″ x 39.2″
Back
Wall Mount
:
Vesa 200×200
The back appears smoother than on last year model and this year’s Vizio D. All connections can be accessed when the TV is wall mounted which is good.
Borders
Borders
:
0.75" (1.9 cm)
The side of the borders have a textured finish and the thickness is average.
Thickness
Max Thickness
:
3.11" (7.9 cm)
Still a fairly thick TV when viewed from the side although it looks smoother than last year blocky design. It will stick out if wall mounted.
7.0
Movies & TV
Score components:
- 38%
Dark Scene - 6%
Judder - 19%
HDR - 12%
Color Accuracy - 25%
Resolution
Learn more
The Vizio provides an average movie watching experience. Dark scenes appear okay due to the good contrast and uniformity and there is smooth performance when watching movies on a DVD or Blu-ray. This TV does not support HDR content and the colors are not good out of the box, but can be calibrated with a smart phone or tablet. Low resolution content appears less defined.
7.1
Dark Scene
Score components:
- 51%
Contrast
- 20%
Black Uniformity
- 26%
Local Dimming
- 3%
3D
Contrast
Black Uniformity
Local Dimming
3D
Learn more
Dark scene performance on the E Series 4k is good, however held back by the poor local dimming performance and the absence of 3D. The contrast and black uniformity is good, however definitely not as good as higher end models.
8.2
Contrast
What it is:
Brightness difference between white and black. This is the main component of picture quality.
When it matters:
Always, but especially when watching dark scenes.
Score components:
- 100%
Contrast
Learn more
Black
What it is:
How much light pure black emits.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 0.040 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
0.010 cd/m2
Learn more
:
0.030 cd/m2
White
What it is:
White brightness of our calibration.
When it matters:
It doesn’t matter much. This is mainly to standardize our black and contrast ratio measurements.
Good value:
Close to our 100 cd/m2 target.
Noticeable difference:
20 cd/m2
Learn more
:
100.2 cd/m2
Contrast
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes in a dark room.
Good value:
> 3,000
Noticeable difference:
500
Learn more
:
3340 : 1
The contrast ratio provides good performance in dark scenes, however the blacks appear slightly gray in a completely dark room.
8.2
Black Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
- 100%
Std. Dev.
Learn more
Std. Dev.
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 2%
Noticeable difference:
1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.
Learn more
:
1.418 %
There is good black uniformity, with only some clouding visible. Due to the narrow viewing angle, the sides appear slightly brighter in dark scenes.
5.0
Local Dimming
What it is:
The lights behind the LCD layer adapt to the picture displayed, improving the contrast ratio.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Learn more
Local Dimming
What it is:
Whether it has a feature that controls the LEDs behind the LCD layer, to match the picture and darkens the dark portion of it.
When it matters:
On LED TVs only. Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Learn more
:
Yes
Backlight
What it is:
Configuration of the lights of the backlight.
When it matters:
Effectiveness of the local dimming.
Good value:
Full-array/direct lighting is better for local dimming. As for the uniformity of the screen, it depends on the implementation. Some edge-lit TVs have more uniform blacks than some full-array TVs.
Learn more
:
Full-Array
The TV has a full-array backlight, but doesn’t have good local dimming performance. The entire screen dims, including bright objects, and highlights flicker. Depending on the TV in the series, there are either 10 or 12 local dimming zones.
0
3D
What it is:
Optional 3D video capability on TV.
When it matters:
3D movies and videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Learn more
3D Type
What it is:
The 3D technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
3D movies & videos.
Good value:
Active have better resolution, but flickers. Passive is more comfortable, but loses half the vertical resolution.
Learn more
:
No
2D to 3D
What it is:
Feature that converts 2D content to 3D.
When it matters:
If you want to watch 2D content in 3D. Note that the quality is not as good as that of native 3D.
Learn more
:
No
5.7
Judder
Score components:
- 80%
24p Playback
- 20%
Motion Interpolation
24p Playback
Motion Interpolation
Learn more
DVDs and blu-rays do not experience judder, however it is present when playing movies over a set top box or PC. The motion interpolation setting available on the D series is not present on the E Series.
7.1
24p Playback
What it is:
Whether 24p content can play without any judder.
When it matters:
Only 24p content (mostly just movies).
Score components:
- 71%
Judder-free 24p - 14%
Judder-free 24p via 60p - 14%
Judder-free 24p via 60i
Learn more
Judder-free 24p
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 24p signal.
When it matters:
Blu-ray and DVD movies; 24 hz PC signal.
Learn more
:
Yes
Judder-free 24p via 60p
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60p signal.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.); 60 hz PC signal.
Learn more
:
No
Judder-free 24p via 60i
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60i signal.
When it matters:
Movies from cable/satellite boxes.
Learn more
:
No
24p content over a 24Hz signal is displayed with no judder, however judder is experienced when playing 24p movies over a 60Hz signal. Game mode reduces some of the judder, but it is still present.
0
Motion Interpolation
What it is:
Also known as ‘Soap Opera Effect’. It is an optional feature that increases the frame rate of the video, smoothing movement.
When it matters:
If you like the look of smoothed video. Not everyone does.
Score components:
- 50%
Motion Interpolation (30 fps) - 50%
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
Learn more
Motion Interpolation (30 fps):
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 30 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 60 fps.
When it matters:
30 fps or lower videos. Includes movies, TV shows, some video games.
Learn more
No
Motion Interpolation (60 fps):
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 60 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 100 fps.
When it matters:
60 fps videos. Includes some video games, some sports channels.
Learn more
No
Unlike the cheaper D Series 4k 2016, this TV doesn’t have any motion interpolation setting.
5.3
HDR
Score components:
- 31%
Color Gamut
- 31%
Peak Brightness
- 16%
Gradient
- 22%
HDR Format Support
Color Gamut
Peak Brightness
Gradient
HDR Format Support
Learn more
The E Series 4k does not support a HDR signal. It has a limited range of colors and average peak brightness. Gradients appear consistent with only slight hues visible.
6.7
Color Gamut
What it is:
How many colors the TV can display.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
Score components:
- 25%
DCI P3 xy - 25%
DCI P3 uv - 25%
Rec 2020 xy - 25%
Rec 2020 uv
Learn more
Wide Color Gamut
What it is:
Whether the TV has an option to enable wide color gamuts.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
Learn more
:
No
DCI P3 xy
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Learn more
:
72.98 %
DCI P3 uv
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1976 u’ v’.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Learn more
:
84.98 %
Rec 2020 xy
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Learn more
:
51.58 %
Rec 2020 uv
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1976 u’ v’.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Learn more
:
57.98 %
The Vizio E-Series 2016 doesn’t have a wide range of colors and as such it will only be enough for Rec. 709 content.
6.0
Peak Brightness
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; HDR content.
Score components:
- 20%
2% Window - 20%
10% Window - 20%
25% Window - 20%
50% Window - 20%
100% Window
Learn more
2% Window
What it is:
The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Learn more
:
306 cd/m2
10% Window
What it is:
The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Learn more
:
303 cd/m2
25% Window
What it is:
The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Learn more
:
301 cd/m2
50% Window
What it is:
The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 250 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Learn more
:
301 cd/m2
100% Window
What it is:
The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 250 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Learn more
:
300 cd/m2
The peak brightness of the 4k E series is average, however it is far from the HDR standard of 1000 nits.
8.5
Gradient
What it is:
How finely levels of color can be displayed.
When it matters:
Details in shadows, sky and skin tones. Matters more for HDR content.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Learn more
Color Depth
What it is:
Number of bits per pixel to represent a specific color. Note: we consider 8-bit with dithering to be equivalent to 10-bit, as long as the 10-bit gradient looks smooth.
When it matters:
HDR content like UHD Blu-ray players. Won’t matter for cable TV, regular Blu-ray movies, video game consoles or content displayed from a Windows PC. Those are limited to 8-bit color.
Good value:
10-bit.
Noticeable difference:
1 bit.
Learn more
:
8 Bit
The gradient appears very consistent with only slight tints. 8 bit gradations and dithering are visible.
0
HDR Format Support
HDR10
What it is:
Standard HDR format.
When it matters:
Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.
:
No
Dolby Vision
What it is:
Better format, due to its dynamic nature.
When it matters:
Currently, only available via streaming.
:
No
The 4k E series does not support the HDR format. HDR movies will still play in non-HDR format.
7.8
Color Accuracy
Score components:
- 80%
Pre Calibration
- 20%
Post Calibration
Pre Calibration
Post Calibration
Learn more
The Vizio E-Series 4k 2016 has average colors out of the box, thankfully, if you have a handheld device you can download their application to fix these major issues.
You can see our Rec.709 calibration settings here.
7.4
Pre Calibration
What it is:
TV’s color accuracy before a full calibration. Only the picture mode and backlight level were changed.
When it matters:
All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people’s use cases.
Score components:
- 50%
White Balance dE - 50%
Color dE
Learn more
White Balance dE
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all video.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Learn more
:
4.95
Color dE
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Learn more
:
4.476
Gamma
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Learn more
:
2.40
Out of the box, the pre-calibration on this TV was average. There is a great deal of issues for the white balance dE as well as the color dE.
9.5
Post Calibration
What it is:
TV’s color accuracy after a full calibration with a spectrophotometer.
When it matters:
All video on a TV that has been professionally calibrated. This isn’t that useful, because most TVs can achieve a pretty good calibration if you spend enough time on them.
Score components:
- 50%
White Balance dE - 50%
Color dE
Learn more
White Balance dE
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all videos.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Learn more
:
0.59
Color dE
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Learn more
:
1.0682
Gamma
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Learn more
:
2.19
The only possible way to fix the issues that were apparent in the pre-calibration was with the use of a handheld device. By downloading the ‘Vizio SmartCast’ application we were able to adjust most of the settings on the television, but it was a tedious process.
8.2
Resolution
Score components:
- 18%
480p
- 29%
720p
- 36%
1080p
- 18%
4k
480p
720p
1080p
4k
Just like most Vizio TVs, the Vizio E-Series 4k 2016 isn't the greatest when displaying lower resolution content such as cable television and DVDs. However, higher resolution content such as streaming will look great on this TV.
7.0
480p
What it is:
Quality of a 480p input.
When it matters:
Standard definition TV, DVDs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
7.0
720p
What it is:
Quality of a 720p input.
When it matters:
HD channels, some streaming videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
9.0
1080p
What it is:
Quality of a 1080p input.
When it matters:
Blu-rays, streaming video, video files, video games.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
10
4k
What it is:
Quality of a 4k UHD input.
When it matters:
Streaming video, UHD Blu-rays, some PCs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
5.3
Sports
Score components:
- 56%
Motion Blur - 44%
Gray Uniformity
Learn more
The Vizio E Series 4k 2016 is an terrible TV for watching sports on. During fast moving gameplays players will have a long visible trail that will follow them, you will also notice quite a lot of screen uniformity issues while panning shots occur over a field.
4.4
Motion Blur
What it is:
Amount of blur on fast movement.
When it matters:
Sports, video games.
Score components:
- 80%
Response Time - 20%
Overshoot
Learn more
Response Time
What it is:
How quickly pixels can change color.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 20ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Learn more
:
36.7 ms
Overshoot
What it is:
When TV’s pixels adjust too far; how quickly they come back.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 10ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Learn more
:
0.0 ms
Backlight
What it is:
Flickering pattern at different luminosities.
When it matters:
For people sensible to flickering.
Learn more
:
picture
This TV is horrible when it comes to dealing with motion blur, there is a long trail behind the logo that can be seen fairly well. The response time is quite high as well with most of the transition taking a fair amount of time. The backlight of the TV isn’t flicker free, which may annoy some.
- Clear Action 60FPS
- Clear Action 30FPS
Special Modes:
6.4
Gray Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of colors onscreen (not just gray).
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Score components:
- 50%
Std. Dev. - 50%
DSE
Learn more
Std. Dev.
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 50% gray.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 2.5%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Learn more
:
4.409 %
DSE
What it is:
High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 0.165%
Noticeable difference:
0.025%
Learn more
:
0.207 %
The uniformity of the TV is average, with the sides appearing darker and some lighter bands visible. The dirty screen effect is average, and will be visible when panning across a field.
6.1
Video Games
Score components:
- 35%
Input Lag - 6%
PC Monitor - 59%
Motion Blur
Learn more
Although the input lag is quite low, video game performance is not good due to the large amount of blur present in fast moving scenes. The 4k E Series performs well as a PC monitor, due to the range of resolutions it supports.
Included scores:
4.4
Motion Blur
8.7
Input Lag
What it is:
Delay between input and onscreen reaction.
When it matters:
Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.
Score components:
- 100%
Input Lag
Learn more
Input Lag
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV.
When it matters:
Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 50ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Learn more
:
30.4 ms
With Interpolation
What it is:
Lowest input lag when the motion interpolation feature is turned on.
When it matters:
When you want to play video games with the Soap Opera Effect enabled.
Good value:
< 50ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Learn more
:
N/A ms
Outside Game Mode
What it is:
Input lag in picture modes other than the specific game mode.
When it matters:
For playing video games while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 50ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Learn more
:
30.4 ms
The input lag is good, and should not be a problem for most gamers. Game mode does not reduce it any further.
8.0
PC Monitor
What it is:
Different resolutions supported by TV.
When it matters:
PC monitor usage.
Score components:
- 20%
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 - 20%
1080p @ 120Hz - 20%
4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4 - 20%
4k @ 60Hz - 20%
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
What it is:
Crisp text on 1060p @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
PC productivity and 60 fps gaming.
:
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
What it is:
120 fps 1080p signal supported.
When it matters:
PC gaming.
:
No
4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
What it is:
Crisp text on 4k @ 30 hz signal.
When it matters:
PC productivity and gaming.
:
Yes
4k @ 60Hz
What it is:
60 fps 4k signal supported.
When it matters:
PC productivity and gaming.
:
Yes
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
What it is:
Crisp text on 4k @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
Productivity and 60 fps gaming in 4k.
:
Yes
The 4k E series supports chroma 4:4:4 at resolutions up to 4k and 30Hz on all ports, and at 4k and 60Hz on HDMI 1 when ‘HDMI Color Subsampling’ is enabled, although it is slightly less clear than some other TVs. It does not accept a 120Hz signal.
6.2
Living Room
Score components:
- 33%
Reflections - 33%
Viewing Angle - 33%
Peak Brightness
Learn more
The Vizio E 4k 2016 is an average TV to have in the living room. As long as the room isn't too bright, the TV brightness can help counter reflections which aren't a big issue. Unfortunately, the picture quality diminishes drastically when viewed from the side, even from a slight angle.
Included scores:
6.0
Peak Brightness
7.5
Reflections
What it is:
How much light is reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Learn more
Reflection
What it is:
Ratio of ambient light reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Ambient light in the room.
Good value:
< 1%
Noticeable difference:
0.5%
Learn more
:
2.0 %
Screen Finish
What it is:
Type of coating on the screen.
When it matters:
Bright objects in the direct reflection path (for example, opposite the TV).
Good value:
Glossy is good for ambient light, but not for direct reflections.
Learn more
:
Semi-gloss
Reflections can appear large and diffused but can be seen through as long as they aren’t too bright.
5.1
Viewing Angle
What it is:
Color accuracy when viewed from the side.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Score components:
- 100%
Viewing Angle
Learn more
LCD Type
What it is:
Type of LCD technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle.
Learn more
:
VA
Viewing Angle
What it is:
Angle where the contrast drops to 50% of the contrast directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 30°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Learn more
:
10 °
As soon as viewers are slightly off axis, the picture deteriorates. It has one of the worst viewing angles that we measured. Part of this is due to the horizontal pixel sub-structure. See the ‘Pixels’ section for more details.
7.2
Sound
Score components:
- 67%
Frequency Response - 33%
Total Harmonic Distortion
Learn more
Average sound quality for a TV. The bass response is pretty poor. If you care about sound quality, you will need to invest in a sound bar at least.
7.7
Frequency Response
What it is:
Sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
For balanced sound.
Score components:
- 8%
Std. Dev. @ 75 - 15%
Std. Dev. @ 85 - 23%
Std. Dev. @ Max - 15%
Max - 38%
Low-end Cutoff
Learn more
Std. Dev. @ 75
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
75 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Learn more
:
1.63 dB SPL
Std. Dev. @ 85
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
85 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Learn more
:
1.65 dB SPL
Std. Dev. @ Max
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
Max volume.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Learn more
:
2.82 dB SPL
Max
What it is:
Max volume on the TV at a distance of 1 meter.
When it matters:
For listening to loud audio.
Good value:
> 90 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Learn more
:
88.3 dB SPL
Low-end Cutoff
What it is:
How low of a frequency at which the bass starts.
When it matters:
Movies; gaming.
Good value:
< 50Hz
Noticeable difference:
10Hz
Learn more
:
143 Hz
Good frequency response, which is relatively flat for the most part. However, the low-end cutoff of 143Hz means that this TV lacks a lot of bass. Also, with maximum loudness of 88.3dB, this TV doesn’t get much loud either. And when it does, some pumping and compression may be present.
6.2
Total Harmonic Distortion
What it is:
Pureness of a single frequency.
Score components:
- 20%
Distortion @ 75 - 40%
Distortion @ 85 - 40%
Distortion @ Max
Learn more
Distortion @ 75
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
75 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Learn more
:
0.011
Distortion @ 85
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
85 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Learn more
:
0.033
Distortion @ Max
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
85 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Learn more
:
0.138
Average distortion results. The overall amount of harmonic distortion at 75 and 85dB SPL are good. However, at maximum volume, there is a noticeable rise in harmonic distortion, while remaining within acceptable limits (for a TV).
Software and Inputs
Smart OS: SmartCast
Just like the Vizio P Series, the Vizio E Series 4k 2016 also uses SmartCast as an operating system which is similar as that of the ChromeCast operating system. The television waits for a feed, whether it be a video or a photo, to be sent from a handheld device using an application that supports casting. Unlike the Vizio P Series this TV doesn't not with an included tablet, therefore you would have to use your own handheld device to take advantage of the casting services.
It lacks a built-in tuner, which means you cannot connect an antenna or cable directly to the TV. You will need to buy a separate tuner like this one.
Apps
This TV uses SmartCast, and as such there is no application on the actual TV itself. However, if you have a handheld device you will have many applications to choose from that supports casting. There are already many major application such as Youtube, Netflix and Spotify that supports it. Amazon Prime isn’t supported at the moment.
TV Controls
The TV controls are located on the right side behind the television.
Remote
Remote
:
Basic
The remote that comes with the Vizio E 4k 2016 is the same basic one that come with the Vizio P Series 2016. The Vizio E 4k 2016 is made to be controlled via the Vizio SmartCast application using a smart phone or tablet which isn’t included in the box.
In The Box
- Remote
- Batteries
- HDMI Cable
- Manual
Side Inputs
Rear Inputs
Total Inputs
HDMI
:
4
USB
:
2
Digital Optical Audio Out
:
1
Analog Audio Out 3.5mm
:
0
Analog Audio Out RCA
:
1
Component In
:
1
Composite In
:
0
Tuner (Cable/Ant)
:
0
Ethernet
:
1
DisplayPort
:
0
IR In
:
0
SD/SDHC
:
0
Inputs Specifications
5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
:
Yes
5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
:
Yes
5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
:
Yes
5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
:
Yes
HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwith
:
Yes
ARC
:
Yes (HDMI 1)
USB 3
:
No
HDCP 2.2
:
Yes
CEC
:
Yes
MHL
:
No
Variable Analog Audio Out
:
Yes
Misc
Pixels
The pixel sub-structure is horizontal much like the Sony W650D, R510C and the TCL FS3800 that we reviewed. This kind of pixel alignment results in narrower horizontal viewing angle but slightly better vertical viewing angle, like for a bedroom where the TV is usually a little above the viewers eye level.
Other
60i:
Yes
Power Consumption
:
33 W
Power Consumption (Max)
:
65 W
Firmware
:
1.1.14.4
Differences between Sizes and Variants
The Vizio E Series 4K TV that we bought is the 48" with SKU E48U-D0. Different sizes have different panel provenances, so it is possible our review doesn't represent exactly all sizes. If someone's Vizio E Series 4k doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.
Note: This review does not apply to the 1080p variant of the Vizio E, which we will review separately.
| Size | Model | Effective Refresh Rate | Real Refresh Rate | USB # | Speakers | Local Dimming Zones |
| 43" | E43u-D2 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 10W x 2 | 10 |
| 48" | E48u-D0 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 1 | 15W x 2 | 10 |
| 50" | E50u-D2 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 10W x 2 | 12 |
| 55" | E55u-D2 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 10W x 2 | 10 |
| 55" | E55u-D0 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 15W x 2 | 10 |
| 60" | E60u-D3 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 10W x 2 | 10 |
| 65" | E65u-D3 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 10W x 2 | 12 |
| 70" | E70u-D3 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 2 | 10W x 2 | 12 |
Compared to other TVs
Top left: Samsung KU6300 (UN55KU6300). Bottom left: TCL US5800 (55US5800). Middle: Vizio E Series 4k 2016 (E48u-D0). Top right: Vizio P Series 2016 (P65-C1). Bottom right: Vizio D Series 4k 2016 (D50u-D1). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.
The Vizio E 4k 2016 that we reviewed is hard to recommend because of the amount of motion blur it has. Other similarly priced TVs performs better and make more sense when it comes to a buying decision.
7.2
Samsung KU6300
40" 43" 50" 55" 60" 65" 70"
CHECK PRICE
The Samsung KU6300 is a much better and versatile TV. It is similar for watching movies but sports and video games are especially better on the Samsung TV.
7.5
Vizio D Series 4k 2016
40" 50" 55" 58" 65"
CHECK PRICE
The Vizio D Series 4k 2016 offers a similar movie experience although its local dimming feature is slightly inferior. For sports and video games though, the Vizio D 4k 2016 is the clear winner.
8.2
Vizio P Series 2016
50" 55" 65" 75"
CHECK PRICE
The Vizio P Series 2016 is a much better TV than the Vizio E 4k 2016. This stays true no matter the content with the exception of low quality sources where both TVs struggles. If you can afford the price difference, don't hesitate to get the Vizio P.
6.9
TCL US5800
55" 65"
CHECK PRICE
The TCL US5800 is slightly inferior when it comes to watching movies but offers better performances for sports and video games since it has less motion blur.
Conclusion
CHECK PRICE
The Vizio E Series 4k 2016 is a below average TV. It has so much blur that it isn’t a good TV for sports or video games fans. Also, the picture quality deteriorates at an angle, which isn’t ideal in a large living room. On the other side, watching movies is decent on it thanks to its good blacks. For most needs, better TVs are available than this Vizio.
SCORES
6.3
Overall
7.0
Movies & TV
5.3
Sports
6.1
Video Games
6.2
Living Room
7.2
Sound
Source: www.rtings.com