Vizio’s P-Series 4K TVs* are about to get infinitely more Google-y. The new second generation models (P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display is the full name, but we’ll gloss over that) come with Google Cast built-in, meaning a Chromecast or Cast-enabled set-top box isn’t needed in order to cast over content. There are four of them, all at different sizes and prices; 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch, ranging from $1,000 to $3,800. Note that Google Cast is different from Android TV – these TVs have no apps built-in, with all interaction being through Cast, same as when a Chromecast is plugged into a TV. Incidentally, it was rumoured only a month ago that Google were working with Vizio to make Cast-enabled TVs, which means the source was pretty on the money as far as accuracy is concerned.
Because all four of these TVs come with Google Cast as standard, they also ship with a Vizio Android tablet, to act as a remote. It’s not a hugely exciting Android tablet – a 6-inch screen, 1080p resolution, an octa core processor – but as remotes go, this is definitely one of the better examples. The tablet charges through a ‘wireless’ charging dock, and comes pre-installed with Vizio’s SmartCast app for casting purposes, although any Google Cast (formerly Chromecast) enabled device can be used. SmartCast lets you search streaming services for content, then cast it over to the TV, as long as you’re subscribed to that service. Because controlling volume, channels, power and other small things through a phone or tablet may not be preferable to some or most users, Vizio have also included a small infrared remote to manage these basic tasks.
The Android tablet that serves as a remote for the TVs, in its dock
Back to the TVs: they’ve got an ultra-wide color spectrum, with 128 active LED zones and Dolby Vision HDR. While these terms may not mean much to you, what they achieve when put together will: inky-deep black levels and incredibly vibrant colours. There are five HDMI ports, one of which is specifically optimised for gaming, with very little input lag.
Vizio are planning to introduce more SmartCast products in the future, including speakers and soundbars. Until then, a P-Series TV is available to purchase at Vizio.com, or at participating retailers.
*Vizio does not actually refer to this product as a television, owing to its lack of a proper TV tuner. Instead, they call them Home Theater Displays. We’ll stick with TV for brevity’s sake for the time being.
Press Release