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Archive for the 'Vizio' Tag

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One-third inch? Ha! Vizio TV is even skinnier

January 11th, 2010, 1:29 pm by

Vizio Blade, a quarter-inch thick HDTV prototypeConsumer Electronics Show 2010 with The GadgetressBiggest, loudest, shiniest, skinniest! That’s what makes a fun Consumer Electronics Show. And in the skinniest TV category, looks like Irvine’s Vizio may be the winner.

While Samsung unveiled the LED 9000, a one-third-inch thick TV, Vizio was showing a sample of the Blade, so named for its quarter-inch thinness.

Apologies for the mediocre images. I saw this in Vizio’s dark exhibit suite and they wouldn’t allow flash.

vizblade14 vizbladeimg_7829 vizbladeimg_7827 Vizio Blade, a quarter-inch thick HDTV

The TV is a prototype, but it works. The Samsung model hides all the electronics inside the base of the TV. Vizio’s skinny prototype cheats a bit with a fatter back. The edge of the TV is pretty skinny though.

And of course, the Samsung model is supposed to be out this year.

Vizio was a nice surprise at Las Vegas. The company came out with a bunch of crazy new stuff that I wasn’t expecting since it’s better known as a firm that sells low-priced HDTVs. More to come.

For more CES 2010 coverage, visit the Gadgetress CES page at gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/ces2010.
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Posted in: Gadgets • Video & TV • • • • • • • | 11 Comments »

Vizio takes battery-operated TVs to new level

January 8th, 2010, 2:51 pm by

VizioOrange County’s little ol’ Vizio isn’t so little anymore. Besides taking the national lead in LCD HDTVs this year and picking up Beyoncé (yes, the superstar!) today as its celebrity endorser, the Irvine TV company is also keeping up with its much larger TV rivals when it comes to interesting new products.

Vizio is expanding beyond the TV set — pretty innovative stuff too that one wouldn’t expect from a company that gained popularity by appealing to consumers on a budget. So here begins a series of posts about Vizio’s new products, starting with …

Vizio's new 10-inch portable TV Portable digital TVs: Three slim TVs — with screens of 7, 9 or 10 inches — could replace the battery-powered analog TV that became obsolete when the nation’s TV channels switched to digital. These battery-powered LED TVs, which can also be plugged into a power outlet, receive over-the-air broadcasts.  The rechargeable batteries last three hours.

Two of the models, the 9-inch and 10-inch have the new ATSC-M TV standard, which is a new broadcast signal that local stations can use to target mobile devices like phones, media players and laptops. These models also receive regular ATSC and NTSC signals. Controls are on the touch-sensitive screen. Both have a USB 2.0 port for photo viewing or listing to music.  All three are expected to be available later this year.

The TV models:

  • VMB070 –  7-inch display, 800 by 480 resolution, 250 nits brightness, priced at $149.99. Dimensions are 8.2″ x 5.75″ x .75″
  • VMB090 — 9-inch display, 800 by 480 resolution, includes HDMI 1.4, $199.99. Dimensions are 10″ x 7″ x just under 1″  thick.
  • VMB100 — 10-inch display, includes HDMI 1.4, $229.99. Dimensions are 11″ x 7.5″ x just under 1″ thick.

Consumer Electronics Show 2010 with The GadgetressFor more CES 2010 coverage, visit the Gadgetress CES page at gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/ces2010.
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Vizio hires Beyoncé as new spokesperson

January 8th, 2010, 10:50 am by

Vizio has gone big time here at the Consumer Electronics Show with a prime spot in the convention center hallway for attendees to play with the company’s Internet TVs. The Irvine TV seller has banners everywhere. And now, just minutes ago, the company signed a 3-year deal to have singer Beyoncé Knowles – Carter endorse its products.

Can we all say Wow!

The 3-year agreement means the singer will be part of Vizio’s ad campaign, which could include a SuperBowl commercial. Previously, Vizio had San Diego Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson.

Beyoncé and Vizio may seem like a strange coupling but the company has really expanded its product line once again here at CES.  I just spotted some brand new wireless headphones that Vizio plans to start selling this year. The new line appeals to the fashion minded who want more than the basic black set. Pink, blue, quilted are the some of the models I saw at the company’s secret suite at the Wynn Hotel. More on this later.

As the new face of Vizio, Beyoncé will also “participate in the design and performance characteristics of new products,” the company said.

“Beyoncé is in an elite class of entertainers who are globally known and respected for their talent on stage and in front of the camera,” Laynie Newsome, Vizio’s cofounder and vice president of sales and marketing communications said in a press release. “We believe both VIZIO and Beyoncé are closely aligned as American success stories who have redefined the rules in our respective industries.”

As for Beyoncé’s statement: ”What I love about VIZIO is how committed they have been to customers and their focus on delivering tremendous performance at a great value … As a performer, I can relate to that, because my fans spend their hard-earned money to see me perform, and I give everything I can to make sure I exceed their expectations. I’m excited to be associated with such a successful company.”

More on Vizio’s CES announcements coming soon… Stay tuned.

Consumer Electronics Show 2010 with The GadgetressFor more CES 2010 coverage, visit the Gadgetress CES page at gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/ces2010.
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Sensio’s 3D video technology making more sense

January 6th, 2010, 6:36 am by

I’ve got to admit, watching 3D shows on TV is very cool. But the experience is hard to capture in print and on a blog. I stopped by chipmaker Sensio Technology’s table during a pre-CES event Tuesday evening.

The Canadian firm, which happens to be providing the 3D decoder into new 3D TVs from Irvine’s Vizio, had plenty of cardboard glasses for attendees to try on and take a peek. Images really did appear to hover out of the TV. I didn’t feel like Bono was reaching out to touch me, but his hand did seem to stretch three inches from the TV screen.

I did my best to capture the experience. The left image below is the raw 3D video on a TV. The right photo is, obviously, the same image through special 3D glasses. Click either image to enlarge.

Looking at 3D video without glasses. Sensio's 3D technology powers TV video

It made me get excited about U2 again.

Maybe 3D will be in my next TV even if I have to spring for some extra glasses?

Consumer Electronics Show 2010 with The GadgetressFor more CES 2010 coverage, visit the Gadgetress CES page at gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/ces2010. Most recent headlines:

Posted in: Gadgets • Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • | 7 Comments »

Vizio announces biggest, priciest HDTV (yup, it’s 3D)

January 5th, 2010, 10:25 am by

Vizio's new XVTPro 720SV, a 72-inch 3D, LED HDTVWith the annual gadget fest just days away, Irvine-based Vizio decided to unveil its HDTV lineup for 2010. And what a stunner: A 72-inch HDTV packed with goodies like 3D technology, wireless HDMI, Internet and, of course, the usual LED,  plus refresh rates of 480Hz.

And the price? Just $3,499!!

Okay, it’s not the usual big, affordable HDTV from Vizio for less than $2,000. But looking at the stuff inside, the new Vizio XVTPRO720SV is probably lower priced than a rival’s 3D, LED, 72-inch TV. More on this later. I’ll be meeting with Vizio at the Consumer Electronics Show later this week and will offer a fuller report. Here’s Vizio’s press release.

Meanwhile, take a look at some of the specs and photos of Vizio’s upcoming TV, which is slated to go on sale in August 2010:

New Vizio TVs for 2010Don’t forget to check out the CES 2010 page for the latest headlines:

Posted in: Gadgets • • • • • • • | 11 Comments »

In-your-face 3D TVs to highlight 2010 CES

January 5th, 2010, 7:56 am by

CES 2010 with The GadgetressGadget mayhem starts Thursday at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. I’m heading out early to get any sort of sneak peek possible (so check my CES 2010 page for updates).

The show will be slightly smaller than last year, with about the same number of attendees (110,000, say organizers) and in a smaller space (down to one convention center). Still, with 2,300 exhibitors, that’s probably about 2,200 more than I’ll be able to meet.

What’s the big news for TVs this year? Show organizers say 3D TVs (yes, with goggles), which were also noted by the Los Angeles Times on Sunday. There’s even a special 3D Tech Zone in the main hall of the convention center.

“That functionality will become ubiquitous on every TV in the market,” predicted Tara Dunion, senior director of communications for the Consumer Electronics Association, which organizes the annual event.

Market researcher DisplaySearch forecasts that the 3D TV industry will hit $17 billion in revenues by 2018 and sell 64 million TVs, up from a mere 200,000 last year.

3D glasses from NvidiaBut 3D goggles? Yes, the movie Avatar was a huge hit, but will consumers really want to keep track of a pair of glasses? That’s pretty much the only way you can watch a 3D TV today. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • | 4 Comments »

TV, mobile stories I couldn’t get to this week

December 18th, 2009, 3:27 pm by

File this in the stuff I just couldn’t get to but thought was interesting for readers:

Here’s what I spent my time on this week:

Have a good weekend!

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • | 1 Comment »

Vizio sells 280,000+ HDTVs over Black Friday week

December 1st, 2009, 7:33 am by

Vizio Inc., an Irvine HDTV sellerEvery year before Thanksgiving, Vizio tells consumers ahead of time how much prices will drop for special Black Friday sales. So maybe it’s not surprise that the company was rewarded with record-breaking sales.

The Irvine HDTV seller said this morning that U.S. consumers bought more than 280,000 HDTVs last week, up 40 percent from last year’s Black Friday sales. Vizio credited stores like Costco Wholesale and Sam’s Club for efficiently selling the TVs.

But it’s also new technology that probably wowed consumers. Vizio’s new TruLED technology inside brightens up the picture as necessary. Faster 120/240 Hz refresh rates to help keep video smooth during fast-moving scenes.

More than 50,000 120/240 Hz HDTVs were sold, up 945 percent from the same time last year. Vizio also pointed out that consumers snapped up 50-inch TVs or larger, with the company selling 20,000 of them, or 1,000 percent more than last year.

It’s a great way for the company to end the year, which included rising to the top of the U.S. LCD TV heap, winning some key patent fights and expanding into TV accessories business with a new speaker bar, video cables and a Blu-ray Disc player.

But, of course, the year isn’t quite over. Beginning Thursday, Vizio is taking $100 off its 40-inch LCD HDTV (VO400E). The $599.99 TV will be at Costco between Dec. 3 to Dec. 20. At Walmart, a 19-inch TV is now $178 through the end of the year.

“We consistently strive to offer consumers more and are pleased to see the great success of our high performance products which allow us to continue to grow and expand VIZIO products to a wider range of consumers seeking the latest technology at a great value,” Laynie Newsome VIZIO Co-founder and V.P. Sales and Marketing Communications, said in a statement.

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Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • | 15 Comments »

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