VIZIO V655-H19 65 Inch 4K Smart TV review stunning picture quality and smart features

Description

An Everyday User’s Experience with the VIZIO V655-H19 Smart TV

The VIZIO 65 Inch 4K Smart TV, V-Series UHD LED HDR Television, item model number V655-H19, found its way into my living room recently. Testing it felt like diving into the future of home entertainment. With its sleek black design and robust set of features, it definitely had me intrigued. But is it all sunshine and rainbows? Let’s break it down.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the design of this TV stands out. The slim bezels give it a modern edge, making it a centerpiece in any room. At 64.5 inches, the screen size is perfect for immersive movie nights or gaming sessions. Its flat panel design ensures it fits snugly against the wall or on a stand without being obtrusive.

The build quality feels sturdy, but the weight of 61.9 pounds means you’ll definitely need a helping hand to set it up. Thankfully, the included stand is simple to attach and provides solid stability. While it’s not the slimmest TV out there, the full array backlighting technology justifies the slightly bulkier profile, delivering deeper blacks and brighter highlights.

Visual Performance with HDR and 4K

Watching movies on this thing is nothing short of breathtaking. The IQ Active 4K HDR Processor does a phenomenal job of upscaling HD content to near 4K quality. Shows and movies on Netflix looked crisp, with vivid colors and sharp details. The Dolby Vision HDR functionality was particularly noticeable in scenes with high contrast, where the shadows and highlights felt incredibly lifelike.

The active pixel tuning feature deserves a special mention. It adjusts brightness at the pixel level, which improves both contrast and accuracy. While this won’t matter much for casual viewers, those who care about picture quality (like me) will appreciate the difference.

That said, I did notice some issues during very dark scenes. The backlighting, while generally excellent, occasionally created a bit of unevenness in the corners. This might not bother everyone, but for a perfectionist, it’s worth noting.

Gaming and Responsiveness

As someone who loves gaming, the V-Gaming Engine was a game-changer. It comes with an auto game mode and boasts low input lag, making my PlayStation sessions incredibly smooth. There’s no noticeable delay between controller inputs and on-screen actions, which is essential for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.

The refresh rate seemed adequate for most games, though it’s not as high as some premium gaming TVs. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you might notice this during action-packed sequences. But for the average player, the experience is top-notch, and the optimized performance for Xbox and PlayStation is a major plus.

Smart Features and Apps

Navigating the TV’s interface feels intuitive thanks to VIZIO’s SmartCast platform. The built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 make streaming content from your phone or laptop ridiculously easy. I streamed a YouTube playlist from my phone, and the connection was seamless. Plus, the remote control is straightforward, with dedicated buttons for popular apps like Netflix and Disney+.

The free streaming channels were a surprising bonus. I stumbled upon some curated content that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. While I wouldn’t ditch my paid subscriptions just yet, it’s nice to know there are free options for when I’m feeling frugal.

One downside is the app selection. While major players like Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube are covered, some less popular apps are missing. I don’t use niche streaming services often, but if you do, this could be a limitation.

Highlights

• Spectacular 4K HDR picture quality with Dolby Vision.
• V-Gaming Engine for smooth, responsive gaming.
• SmartCast platform simplifies access to streaming apps.
• Free streaming channels for added variety.
• Active pixel tuning enhances picture accuracy.

Areas for Improvement

• Backlighting unevenness during dark scenes.
• Limited app selection for niche streaming services.
• The TV is not the thinnest, which might not suit minimalist setups.
• Refresh rate, while decent, could be higher for hardcore gamers.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to others in its range, the Samsung TU8000 and LG UN7300 quickly come to mind. The Samsung model offers excellent color accuracy and a slightly faster interface, but it lacks features like Dolby Vision HDR, which gives the VIZIO an edge in contrast-heavy scenes. On the other hand, LG’s offering boasts wide viewing angles, making it better for large groups, but it doesn’t match the gaming performance of the VIZIO.

Where the VIZIO V-Series truly shines is its value for entertainment and gaming enthusiasts. Its low input lag and active pixel tuning make it ideal for gamers and cinephiles alike. That said, if you prioritize ultra-thin designs or more comprehensive app support, Samsung and LG might be better choices. However, neither competitor can match the free streaming options included with VIZIO, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.

Value for Money

This TV offers incredible cost-efficiency, considering its combination of performance and features. You’re getting Dolby Vision HDR, intelligent picture processing, and a gaming-optimized engine, all at a price that doesn’t break the bank. While it doesn’t have the prestige of pricier models, the V-Series delivers where it counts. For someone like me, who wants great visuals and solid gaming performance without splurging, this TV feels like a steal.

Would I recommend this to my friends or family? Absolutely. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s a smart spending choice for anyone looking to upgrade their entertainment setup.

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