VIZIO Announces New Lineup of 3D Smart HDTVs Featuring VIZIO's Award-Winning Theater 3D™ Technology and VIZIO Internet Apps®

IRVINE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- VIZIO, America's #1 HDTV Company*, announces its comprehensive new lineup of HDTVs featuring Theater 3D™ technology and VIZIO Internet Apps®.  Ranging in screen size from 32 to 71 inches across VIZIO's E-, M-, and XVT- Series, these smart TVs with superior 3D capability offer the ideal combination of performance, picture quality and entertainment on demand for every family.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120110/LA33119)

The new E-Series lineup includes the 32-inch E3D320VX, the 42-inch E3D420VX and the 47-inch E3D470VX.  M-Series models include the 47-inch M3D470KD, the 55-inch M3D550KD and the 65-inch M3D650SV. And for those seeking premium performance and features, the R-Series offers the 42-inch R3D420VS, 47-inch R3D470VS, 55-inch R3D550VS and 65-inch R3D650VS.

In addition, VIZIO is introducing XVT Series CinemaWide™ HDTVs with a 21:9 aspect ratio. These models include the 50-inch XVT3D500CM, the 58-inch XVT3D580CM and the 71-inch XVT3D710CM. VIZIO will demonstrate the new lineup at their private showcase at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas during the Consumer Electronics Show, January 10 – 13, 2012.

"With expanded entertainment options from TV apps and 3D movies, sports and games, consumers expect more from their TV than just great picture quality," stated John Schindler, VIZIO VP of Product Management. "That's why we've worked tirelessly with our suppliers and partners to create a full lineup for 2012 that gives our customers the best in class smart TV experience with VIZIO Internet Apps®,  along with our award-winning Theater 3D™ technology at an unmatched value for every household."

Recent recognition for VIZIO Theater 3D™  includes the prestigious "Best of What's New" award from Popular Science Magazine as well as from entertainment industry leaders that are driving 3D content creation. Director James Cameron, speaking to the National Association of Broadcasters, recently projected the next big "threshold" in home 3D adaption will be marked when passive 3D sets become the dominant 3D product, in place of active 3D TVs.

Cameron said: "Instead of having a few-hundred-dollars-a-pair of active glasses, making sure they're all charged up and are they working and are they switched on, there'll be a bowl of disposable — we like to say recyclable — cheap plastic glasses that work very well in decoding the image to the left and to the right eyes. If you're having a Super Bowl party, you'll have a bowl on the coffee table, and if the kids sit on a pair of glasses there's no major scold, just a minor scold. And that's going to accelerate adoption of 3D into the home."

The award-winning, revolutionary new technology of VIZIO Theater 3D™  delivers crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D that's up to two times brighter than current active shutter LCD TVs, with significantly less crosstalk, a wider horizontal viewing angle, and much less blurring with fast motion. Theater 3D™ eyewear produces less eyestrain and headaches than active glasses, and is battery-free, lightweight and comfortable. Up to four pairs of Theater 3D™ glasses are included with each TV set, and they are also available in a rapidly growing range of styles and colors from brand name designers. They even work in most 3D movie theaters.

"While active 3D had an initial advantage of being the first 3D technology to come to market in the United States, passive 3D, such as VIZIO's Theater 3D™, is definitely gaining traction," said Lisa Hatamiya, research associate at IHS. "Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about the benefits of passive 3D viewing technology. IHS research reveals a strong consumer preference for passive 3D over active 3-D in the U.S. television market. In a market driven by pricing, the lower premiums of passive 3D TVs not only will bring more value to the consumer, but also will make the technology better positioned for mass adoption."

VIZIO's Theater 3D™ utilizes circular polarization to produce superior performance and a better viewing experience. And because the technology is built right into the display, 3D audiences can use battery-free, lighter and more stylish glasses in place of the bulky, uncomfortable powered active shutter glasses required for conventional 3DTVs.  VIZIO's technology team was one of the first to develop products using this approach, which helped drive VIZIO to become a market leader and major influence in the adaptation of 3D technology for the home.

"3D TV shipments in North America totaled about 300k units in the 3^rd quarter of 2011, and about 30% of those were based on passive glasses technology, also known as Theater 3D™ ," noted Paul Gagnon, Director of North America TV Research for DisplaySearch." The Theater 3D™ segment should see further share growth in late 2011 and 2012."

Each model being introduced also features VIZIO Internet Apps® (V.I.A.), delivering unprecedented choice and control of web-based content directly to the TV without the need for a PC or set-top box.**

The V.I.A. experience makes top online content and services available at the touch of a button, including: Hulu Plus™, Facebook®, Flickr®, Netflix®, Rhapsody®, Pandora®, Twitter™, VUDU®, and Yahoo!® TV Widgets.

Also the Yahoo! Connected TV store makes its debut today on V.I.A. enabled HDTVs. Yahoo! Connected TV Store provides consumers easy access to more than 180 free and paid TV apps from leading brands including Amazon®, CBS, Showtime®, Pandora®, USA Today, Wall Street Journal®, AT&T, iHeart Radio®, Fandago®, and QVC®.  TV apps provide engaging content designed to complement TV viewing and include news, entertainment, finance, sports, games, social networking, music, photo sharing, shopping, and more.  For more information on the Yahoo! Connected TV Store, visit http://connectedtv.yahoo.com  

Navigating VIZIO Internet Apps® is simple and comfortably accessible from anywhere in the room thanks to the premium Bluetooth universal remote control with its integrated QWERTY keypad (select models). Built-in 802.11n WiFi and one of the industry's easiest setup experiences make it quick to connect to the Internet over a wireless connection.

High performance audio technology from SRS Labs further enhances the viewing experience. SRS StudioSound™ HD is the ultimate all-in-one audio suite designed specifically for flat panel TVs. StudioSound™ HD delivers an immersive, virtual, high definition surround sound through the built-in TV speakers. The suite also delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass, an elevated soundstage and consistent, spike-free volume levels.

Below are details on each of the new VIZIO HDTVs with Theater 3D™ and VIZIO Internet Apps®,   being introduced at CES 2012. For more information, please visit www.vizio.com/ces.

VIZIO 2012 HDTVs with Theater 3D™ and VIZIO Internet Apps®, 

VIZIO CinemaWide™ Theater 3D™  Series

* Source: IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q4 2011 Market Tracker Report of Q4 2010 - Q3 2011.

** The VIZIO Internet Apps® (V.I.A.) platform requires Internet access, equipment and subscription services that are not provided

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Entertainment Freedom For All," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's #1 LCD HDTV Company.  In Q2 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 shipping brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and in Q3 2007 became the first American brand in over a decade to lead in U.S. LCD HDTV shipments. Since 2007 VIZIO LCD HDTV shipments remain in the top ranks in the U.S. and were #1 for the total year in 2009 and 2010.  VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation.  VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics.  VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, BJ's Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners.  VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, CNET's Editor's Choice, CNET Best of CES 2011 - Television, IGN Best of CES - Television, Bluetooth.org Best of CES, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, PC World's Best Buy, Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice and OC Metro's 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors.  For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, VIZIO Internet Apps, Theater 3D, CinemaWide HDTV, Full Array TruLED, Edge Lit Razor LED, 240Hz SPS, 480Hz SPS, Entertainment Freedom and Entertainment Freedom for All names, logos and phrase are registered or unregistered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc.  All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

SOURCE VIZIO