Vizio E500i-B1

50” 1080p LED TV  7.5/10

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Vizio E500i-B1
We rated Vizio E500i-B1 as the LED TV with the best price (around $650). Besides its attractive price point, this Vizio model has some appealing upgrades this year, including full-array LED backlighting—an improvement over the edge-light variety. The screen has sixteen zones of active dimming, which enhances the contrast more so than smaller-size screens. Having more zones is an advantage because their divisions are less visible. The colors are also improved from the backlighting, with less washout and uniformity problems. We also noticed reduced judder and motion blur, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and a 180 Clear Action Rate feature. The E series also offers Vizio Internet Apps Plus for the first time.

Strengths

Very thin bezels (10mm) compared to previous E-series models, giving TV a frameless appearance

Very lightweight overall package

Calibration gets the best out of this value display

Offers several picture modes, each with advantages

The speakers are loud and clear

The black detail feature boosts contrast and black saturation

Weaknesses

The fan makes a clicking noise when the TV is shut off

When TV is on, we could hear a high-pitched hum from the display

Standard definition programming had aspect ratio issues

Side-angle viewing is lacking (but not much different from other LED TVs)

Quickspecs

Full HD 1080p

50 inches diagonally

802.11n Wi-Fi built in

4 HDMI, 1 USB inputs

44.10”W x 27.46”H x 8.64”D

Steve Holdgren Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

 

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