5 Hidden Features of the M Series Xled 2017 You Must Know About

When Vizio launched the M Series Xled 2017, it marked a significant pivot in the mid-range television market. At the time, the industry was grappling with the transition from standard 4K to High Dynamic Range (HDR) standards, and manufacturers were struggling to balance peak brightness with black level performance. The M Series (specifically the M-Series XLED Plus) sought to bridge the gap between budget-friendly panels and the high-end P-Series by introducing sophisticated local dimming technology that was previously reserved for flagship models. While many owners are familiar with the basic smart functionality and the impressive contrast ratios, there are several technical nuances and hidden features buried within the XLED architecture that can significantly enhance the viewing experience.

The 2017 M-Series was part of Vizio's specialized "XLED" branding, which was essentially a marketing term for their advanced full-array local dimming (FALD) backlighting system. Unlike edge-lit displays that suffer from "flashlighting" or gray-ish blacks, the M Series 2017 utilized a grid of LEDs directly behind the LCD panel. This allowed for much more precise control over which parts of the screen remained dark and which parts popped with light. However, many users simply plug the TV in and leave it on "Standard" or "Vivid" mode, missing out on the granular controls and hardware capabilities that make this specific vintage of Vizio hardware a cult favorite among home theater enthusiasts even years later.

Analysis: The Power of XLED Plus and the 2017 Paradigm

To understand the hidden features of this television, one must first analyze the hardware foundation. The M Series 2017 featured 32 local dimming zones for the smaller sizes and up to 32 for the 65-inch and 75-inch variants. While 32 zones may seem modest compared to modern Mini-LED sets with thousands of zones, the algorithmic control Vizio implemented in 2017 was exceptionally aggressive. The processor was tuned to prioritize deep blacks over raw brightness, making it a "poor man's OLED" in dark room environments. This was a deliberate design choice; Vizio correctly identified that for movie lovers, the ability to disappear into a dark scene was more valuable than the eye-searing brightness found in competing retail-shelf models.

The product also notable for its inclusion of Dolby Vision support alongside HDR10. In 2017, the format war between Dolby Vision and HDR10+ was just beginning, and Vizio’s commitment to the Dolby standard ensured that the M Series would remain compatible with high-end streaming content and UHD Blu-rays for the long term. Under the hood, the VA (Vertical Alignment) panel provides a high native contrast ratio, which is the "silent partner" to the local dimming system. When the dimming zones work in tandem with the high-contrast VA panel, the result is an image depth that remains impressive even by contemporary standards.

1. The "Hidden" HDMI Port 1 with ARC and High-Bandwidth Support

The first feature many users overlook is the specific configuration of the HDMI ports. On the 2017 M-Series, not all HDMI ports are created equal. While the TV features four HDMI inputs, only HDMI 1 supports the full Version 2.0 bandwidth necessary for 4K at 60Hz with Subsampling 4:4:4. Users often connect their high-end gaming consoles or 4K Blu-ray players to HDMI 2 or 3, only to find that HDR is disabled or the frame rate is capped. By specifically utilizing Port 1, you unlock the highest data throughput the hardware can handle.

Furthermore, HDMI 1 is the designated Audio Return Channel (ARC) port. This is critical for users who want to simplify their home theater setup. If you are using a soundbar or an A/V receiver, connecting to this specific port allows the TV to pass Dolby Multi-channel audio back to the sound system, and more importantly, allows your TV remote to control the volume of the external speakers via CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). Many owners struggle with multiple remotes simply because they haven't optimized this single-cable solution hidden in the corner of the input panel.

2. The SmartCast Tablet Bypass and On-Screen Navigation

One of the most controversial aspects of the 2017 Vizio lineup was the "SmartCast" system, which originally relied almost entirely on a smartphone or a provided Android tablet to "cast" content to the screen. Vizio essentially removed the on-screen smart interface in favor of a Google Cast-centric experience. However, a "hidden" feature that was later unlocked via firmware updates—and often missed by legacy users—is the ability to access a rudimentary but functional on-screen menu for apps without using a phone.

By pressing the "Input" or "Home" button on the basic IR remote, users can access an overlay that allows for direct selection of major apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. This bypasses the need for a secondary device, which was the primary complaint for this model at launch. Understanding how to navigate this on-screen interface transforms the M Series from an "appliance" that requires a phone into a standalone smart TV. This feature also includes the "WatchFree" service, which provides hundreds of live-streamed channels without an antenna or subscription, tucked away within the input menu.

3. "Clear Action" 360 and Black Frame Insertion

Motion handling is a frequent concern for buyers, especially those looking at 60Hz panels like the M Series 2017. While the TV has a native 60Hz refresh rate, it includes a hidden motion interpolation suite under the "Motion Control" settings. The standout feature here is "Clear Action." This is Vizio's proprietary Black Frame Insertion (BFI) technology. When enabled, the TV inserts a momentary black frame between each image frame. This mimics the way a traditional plasma TV or film projector works, significantly reducing perceived motion blur during fast-paced sports or action movies.

Most users avoid motion settings because they fear the "Soap Opera Effect" (de-judder), which makes movies look like home videos. However, Clear Action does not use soap-opera interpolation; it uses flickering to trick the human eye into seeing a sharper image. While it does dim the screen slightly, it provides a level of motion clarity that is usually only found on 120Hz native panels. For gamers playing at 60fps, this feature provides a competitive edge by making small movements in the distance much easier to track.

4. Advanced Color Calibration via the SmartCast App

While the on-screen menus provide basic controls for Brightness, Contrast, and Color, there is a hidden "Professional Calibration" suite that is only accessible through the SmartCast mobile app. This feature is a goldmine for home theater enthusiasts. It offers 11-point and 20-point White Balance adjustments, as well as a full Color Management System (CMS) to adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness of individual colors (Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow).

By using the app, you can "fine-tune" the M Series to professional standards. Out of the box, the "Calibrated" and "Calibrated Dark" modes are very accurate, but every individual panel has slight manufacturing variances. Using the app to tweak the color gamut allows you to correct the slight "green push" or "red oversaturation" that sometimes occurs in the mid-range XLED sets. This level of control is virtually unheard of in other 2017-era televisions in this price bracket and allows the M Series to punch way above its weight class in terms of color accuracy.

5. Low Latency Game Mode and PC Optimization

The M Series 2017 was a sleeper hit for the gaming community. Beneath the "Picture Mode" settings lies the "Game Low Latency" toggle. While many TVs have a "Game Mode," Vizio’s implementation on the 2017 M-Series bypasses almost all internal post-processing, dropping input lag to approximately 25ms to 30ms for 4K signals. This makes it highly responsive for competitive gaming on platforms like the Xbox One X or PS4 Pro (the contemporary consoles of its time).

A hidden trick for PC users is the ability to enable "Chroma 4:4:4" support. When a PC is connected and the "Computer" picture mode is selected, the TV stops subsampling colors. This is essential for reading text; without it, black text on a white background or colored icons often look "fuzzy" or have strange artifacts. By combining the Low Latency toggle with the Computer mode and utilizing HDMI Port 1, the M Series 2017 transforms into a massive, high-contrast computer monitor that is perfect for creative work or high-fidelity gaming.

Pros and Cons of the M Series Xled 2017

• Pro: Exceptional Contrast - The combination of a VA panel and FALD backlighting provides some of the best black levels in its class.
• Pro: Wide Color Gamut - The 2017 model covers a significant portion of the DCI-P3 color space, making HDR content look vibrant and lifelike.
• Pro: Dolby Vision Support - Early adoption of premium HDR formats ensures compatibility with modern streaming standards.
• Pro: Design Aesthetic - With a slim bezel and a sturdy metal-footed stand, it has a premium look that fits well in modern living rooms.
• Con: Limited Peak Brightness - Compared to newer HDR1000 sets, the M Series can struggle in very bright rooms with direct sunlight.
• Con: Narrow Viewing Angles - Due to the VA panel, colors and contrast begin to wash out if you are sitting far to the side (typical of this panel type).
• Con: SmartCast Learning Curve - The reliance on a smartphone app for deep settings can be frustrating for less tech-savvy users.

Comparison: M Series vs. Competitors (2017-2018 Era)

Buying Guide: Is the M Series 2017 Still Relevant?

When considering a purchase of an M Series 2017 in the secondary market or continuing to use one today, buyers should care primarily about panel uniformity and software versions. Because this model uses a full-array backlight, older units can sometimes develop "dirty screen effect" (DSE), where the screen looks splotchy during panning shots of a sky or a hockey rink. When inspecting a unit, it is helpful to run a 50% gray test pattern to ensure the grid of LEDs is still performing consistently.

Buyers should also be aware of the "XLED" vs "XLED Plus" distinction. The "Plus" moniker was often used for the M-Series to distinguish it from the lower-end E-Series (which was also branded as XLED but lacked the sophisticated dimming zones). For the best experience, ensure you are looking for the M-Series models (M50-E1, M55-E0, M65-E0, etc.). These models are particularly well-suited for a dedicated "movie room" or a bedroom where light can be controlled. If you are placing a TV in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, you might find the 600-nit peak brightness a bit underwhelming compared to modern high-brightness LED sets.

Another consideration is the smart platform. While the SmartCast system has been updated many times, the onboard processor can feel sluggish compared to a dedicated 4K streaming stick. For a truly optimized experience, many owners pair the M Series with an external device (like an Apple TV 4K or a Shield TV). This allows the Vizio to focus entirely on what it does best: picture processing and light management, while the external device handles the app interface.

Conclusion

The Vizio M Series Xled 2017 remains a landmark television that brought high-end movie theater technology to the average consumer. By understanding its "hidden" facets—ranging from specific HDMI port optimizations and "Clear Action" motion settings to the deep calibration tools available via the SmartCast app—users can extract a level of performance that rivals much more expensive displays. It is a TV that rewards the "tinkerer," providing the necessary hardware tools to achieve deep, inky blacks and accurate colors that honor the director's intent. Whether you are gaming in low-latency mode or watching a high-bitrate 4K film, the 2017 M-Series serves as a reminder that smart hardware choices and sophisticated local dimming algorithms are the true keys to a breathtaking visual experience.