VIZIO Unveils Most Advanced, Highest Performing TV Collection: The Reference Series

IRVINE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's #1 Smart TV company¹, today announced its revolutionary new Reference Series Ultra HD Full-Array LED Smart TV collection, highlighted by the larger-than-life 120" model.  VIZIO's most powerful and advanced collection to date, the Reference Series started with a clean sheet of paper and was engineered from the ground up to offer consumers, videophiles and custom integrators an elite collection of TVs designed to set a new standard for world-class picture and audio quality. The result of over two years of research and development, the Reference Series by VIZIO was architected with the latest, innovative technologies that redefine best-in-class picture quality: High Dynamic Range combined with a powerful 800 nit bright backlight and 384 Active LED Zones for unprecedented contrast, Ultra-Color Spectrum with full support for true 10-bit color, and incredible Ultra HD picture performance with Spatial Scaling Engine for unmatched transformation of 1080p Full HD content.  The Reference Series Ultra HD Smart TV collection by VIZIO – available in 65" and 120" screen sizes – will be showcased at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV, at the Wynn Hotel, by appointment only.

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The Reference Series by VIZIO is picture perfected, featuring the most advanced and innovative technologies working in concert to maximize picture performance.  Standing at 120", the largest screen size in the Reference Series collection easily serves as the new standard for dedicated home theater rooms in place of standard two-piece projection solutions.

"VIZIO started with a clean sheet of paper and asked, 'what would be the ultimate TV if there were no limitations or need to compromise?'  The result is the all-new Reference Series, which represents two years of research and development across every aspect of the platform," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The video system is a fusion of state-of-the-art picture processing and numerous new engines, creating an outstanding picture and offering granular user control.  The integrated audio system features a 5.1 sound bar that rivals the best home theater solutions. The combined result is the best-in-class entertainment experience that sets the new benchmark by which all other TVs will be measured. In the case of the truly cinematic 120" Reference TV, that measurement is huge."

Color:  Ultra-Color Spectrum and True 10-Bit Color
VIZIO's Ultra-Color Spectrum fully supports true uncompressed 10-bit color for the most life-like colors ever seen on a TV. Unlike most TVs, which can only reproduce a conventional color gamut of Rec 709, Ultra-Color Spectrum in the Reference Series widens the color gamut, rendering colors closer to a level the human eye can discern. Full 10-bit color enables over one billion color shades for the most life-like imagery. Collectively, these technologies push the boundaries of color and contrast to create an entirely new level of realism.

Contrast:  Active LED Zones x 384 and High Dynamic Range
Along with the ultra-bright, 800 nits backlight, the Reference Series features Full-Array LED backlighting with 384 individual local dimming zones known as Active LED Zones, which dynamically adjust to match on-screen content for the deepest, purest black levels and highest contrast. VIZIO was one of the industry's first to implement Full-Array LED backlighting in its TV collections, and over the years has continued to invest in the technology to advance local dimming capabilities to new levels of performance and definition. For 2014, all VIZIO TV product lines will support Active LED Zones, with the Reference Series serving as the pinnacle of local dimming performance with 384 zones. In addition, Active Pixel Tuning delivers intelligent brightness adjustments at the individual pixel level for increased picture accuracy and contrast.

Analyzing the lightest and darkest areas on the screen and extending the dynamic range without loss of detail in bright or dark areas, High Dynamic Range creates a contrast range with true-to-life intensity, more accurately reproducing the nuances of the picture and revealing fine details found in real scenes.  Working together with an Ultra-Bright LED Backlight of 800 nits, the Reference Series delivers an unprecedented range of contrast with nearly twice the luminance of standard HDTVs.

Clarity:  The Ultimate Ultra HD Experience
The Reference Series also includes a suite of technologies that deliver the industry's best Ultra HD performance. VIZIO's Spatial Scaling Engine beautifully upscales 1080p Full HD content using multiple vectors of data analysis, creating extraordinarily accurate detail in every image. Optimized for unparalleled Ultra-HD streaming, the Reference Series is equipped with 802.11ac dual-band MIMO wireless for the fastest, most efficient streaming experience possible. Support for HEVC codec enables VIZIO Internet Apps Ultra HD streaming from UHD-enabled apps, and HDCP 2.2 Security Protocol allows for protected playback via HDMI from Ultra HD players and next-generation game consoles.  The Reference Series was designed to allow consumers to enjoy the full range of growing Ultra HD content options in the market, without the need for add-on devices. Consumers will notice brilliant clarity thanks to Ultra-fast Clear Action Rate 1800 which is measured using high-speed effective refresh rates and precise synchronization of backlight scanning to enhance motion clarity and deliver incredibly crisp fast action scenes.  Additionally, the latest HDMI standard has been incorporated and delivers the added bandwidth of 60 frames per second required for fast action Ultra HD content.

VIZIO V6 Processor and Advanced Picture Engines
Underneath the hood, the Reference Series is powered by the new V6 six-core processor. Comprised of a quad-core GPU plus dual-core CPU, the processor delivers advanced graphics processing and even faster Smart TV user experience. In addition, the dedicated VM50 Ultra HD motion and picture-processing engine enhances every Ultra HD image with incredible detail.  At the pixel level, the Pure Pixel Processing Engine (P3E) further enhances sharp detail and gamma control, while reducing noise and artifacts caused by scaling, compression and video devices.

For consumers who are passionate about content, the performance of the Reference Series also makes available two unique viewing modes: High Velocity Mode which enables the TV to display an ultra-fast 120 frames per second over HDMI, ideal for fast action video or gaming content, and Pure Cinema Engine for a true film-watching experience. With Pure Cinema Engine, the Reference Series presents films in their native 24 or 48 fps for the most authentic cinematic experience.

Innovative 5.1 Surround Sound TV
Not only does the Reference Series deliver on best-in-class picture quality, but the collection also offers premium audio performance for the most epic and immersive built-in home theater experience possible on a TV.  First-ever integrated 5.1 sound bar with 101 dB and less than 1% total harmonic distortion² combined with a powerful 10" wireless subwoofer, and two rear satellite speakers, the Reference Series offers beautifully engineered sound. Complementing the high performance audio is Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround®, for a truly cinematic home theater experience.

Craftsmanship of Design
The Reference Series by VIZIO sets a new bar and carries forward the brand's 'Beautifully Simple' philosophy with its high-end style and meticulously detailed craftsmanship. Featuring a minimalist, modern industrial design and ultra-slim bezel, The Reference Series is hand-assembled with the finest materials and innovative construction. With the near edge-to-edge 120" diagonal display on the series' largest model, the TV, including sound bar and sound base, stands at over 6 feet tall and nearly 9 feet wide (74.8" H x 106.9" W), and sits atop a solid metal base that is first die cast, then CNC-machined for several hours to perfect the surfacing and finish for a luxurious look that commands attention in any home theater. The innovative modular design of the stand also allows for the beautifully integrated sound bar to be displayed separately both wall-mounted or on a display table.

"With Reference Series, we set out to build a TV that's not only more advanced, but more beautiful than any TV before it," said Scott McManigal, Vice President of Industrial Design, VIZIO. "From its ultra-thin bezel and aluminum frame to its elegant and organic machined base, every detail of its design is crafted from premium materials, with meticulous attention to detail, to achieve the highest aesthetic standard."

For more information on VIZIO's revolutionary Reference Series, including the extra-large 120", visit VIZIO.com/CES.

¹ The NPD Group / Weekly Tracking Service, Large Size includes 60"+, Q2 2013 units sold.
² Sound Pressure Level measured using pink noise at 1 meter, C-weighted.  Total harmonic distortion calculated as electrical measurement of amplifier distortion.

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. 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 North American LCD HDTV shipments. VIZIO was #1 in North America LCD for 2010¹. VIZIO is now also America's #1 Smart TV⁵ and large size LCD company² as the leading seller of 60" and larger HDTVs in the U.S. with 30% of the market in this class². VIZIO was the #1 Sound Bar Company in the U.S. for Q1 2013⁴ For over a decade, VIZIO has remained committed to what it does best -- focus on the consumer to deliver visionary products at a great value. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics that now include PCs and mobility products.  VIZIO's products are found at Amazon, Best Buy, BJ's Wholesale, Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, CNET's Editor's Choice, CNET Best of CES 2011 - Television, CNET Best of CES 2013 – Home Theater and Audio, Home Theater Magazine's Top Picks, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, PC World's Best Buy and Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice among many other prestigious honors including "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with HDTVs Less Than 50 Inches in a Tie" from J.D. Power⁶. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit www.VIZIO.com.

¹ DisplaySearch Market Tracker Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report.
² The NPD Group / Weekly Tracking Service, Large Size includes 60"+, Q2 2013 units sold.
³ The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, Q2 2013 LED TV units with Apps included.
⁴ The NPD Group / Retail Monthly Tracking Service, units sold, Q1 2013.
⁵ The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, Q2 2013 LED TV units with Apps included.
⁶ J.D. Power 2013 High Definition Television (HDTV) Satisfaction Report^SM. 

SOURCE VIZIO, Inc.