Audio Video News

Vizio has launched the first two models in its highly anticipated Reference Series lineup of 4K/Ultra HD TVs.

The 65-inch RS65-B2 and 120-inch RS120-B3, priced at $6,000 and $130,000, respectively, are equipped with Dolby Vision high-dynamic range (HDR) encoding, full-array LED backlighting with 384 active zones, enabling more precise contrast control, and Vizio’s Ultra Color Spectrum technology, which is said to produce a wider color gamut. The RS65-B2 uses a quantum dot LCD panel.

Vizio said a selection of Dolby Vision-encoded movies from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is ready to be streamed through the Vudu app (visit vudu.com for a list) and additional titles are expected to be available through the Netflix app soon. Season one of Marco Polo is expected to be Netflix’s first Dolby Vision release..

Warner Bros. said its slate of Dolby Vision-encoded movies will include San Andreas, Mad Max: Fury Road, Magic Mike XXL, Jupiter Ascending, Man of Steel, and The Great Gatsby.

Both Reference Series TVs are available for ordering now on vizio.com. Vizio said consumers who fill out an order form will be contacted to arrange for a delivery and white-glove setup.

“High Dynamic Range and Ultra Color Spectrum is enabled through proprietary, custom panel technologies creating a television that pushes the limits of contrast ratios and color gamut while redefining the level of picture quality available at home,” said Vizio chief technology officer Matt McRae.

Other Reference Series features include:

• Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
• Internet Apps Plus for access to HDR content through the Vudu app and UHD content through Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, UltraFlix, and Toon Goggles apps
• Vizio V6 six-core processor
• H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)
• Vizio’s Clear Action 1800 processing with 240 Hz effective refresh rate achieved with backlight scanning
• Dedicated UHD motion and picture processing via Vizio’s VM50 engine
• 1080p to UHD upscaling via Spatial Scaling Engine
• Future-ready HDMI ports
• Supplemental wireless 10-inch subwoofer and rear satellite speakers included with RS65-B2

Watch for a report from editor Rob Sabin, which will include first impressions of the new TVs. More information is available at vizio.com.