Blake Griffin Hosts Star-Studded Event as SOUTH Becomes L.A.'s First 3D Sports Bar, Powered by VIZIO

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV company*, announced today the unveiling of SOUTH powered by VIZIO, L.A.'s First 3D Sports Bar.  Blake Griffin, Josh Duhamel, Kevin Love and other Hollywood celebrities will invade the popular Santa Monica bar tonight to attend the exclusive red carpet launch event, highlighted by VIZIO's Theater 3D™ passive 3D technology.

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VIZIO is outfitting SOUTH with 33 VIZIO Theater 3D LED HDTV's ranging in size from 42" – 65", as well as numerous VIZIO 3D Blu-ray Players, Soundbars and Tablets.  Providing guests with an optimal viewing environment, the unique venue boasts three complimentary 3D experiences.  Guests will watch the Cal vs. USC football game in 3D, lounge in a VIZIO 3D Home Theater and test their skills in the 3D gaming room.  

"As 3D technology becomes more prevalent, we wanted to give curious consumers a way to experience VIZIO's Theater 3D technology, allowing them to clear up any misconceptions for themselves," said Bart Brown, VIZIO Vice President, Market Development. "Powering a venue such as SOUTH, already one of the hottest sports bars in Los Angeles, with the latest in 3D technologies is just another step VIZIO is taking to provide Entertainment Freedom For All."

Walking through the doors of SOUTH, guests will be greeted with lightweight, attractive VIZIO Theater 3D eyewear.  Unlike other 3D HDTV's that utilize Active 3D technology, VIZIO has tapped into Passive 3D which provides viewers with a bright, crystal clear, flicker-free 3D picture using battery-free, stylish eyewear.  Compared to the bulky, heavy, battery-operated glasses of Active Shutter 3D HDTVs, VIZIO's Theater 3D eyewear is significantly more affordable, do not need to be charged and can be worn comfortably at the bar, in movie theaters and at home during family 3D movie night.  

"I like what VIZIO is doing here with L.A.'s first 3D sports bar," said Blake Griffin, pro-basketball player.  "It's a lot easier to get to see the technology in a social atmosphere like this than to go in to the store and be overwhelmed by options.  SOUTH gives people a real opportunity to check out 3D at its best." 

Sharing a unique passion to bring the compelling 3D experience to the masses, the VIZIO and SOUTH partnership not only revolutionizes the way individuals watch sports, but also to allows those curious about 3D technology the ability to get a real life feel in a very hands on way.

"SOUTH has always been a great gathering place for sports fans and friends to catch up and watch their favorite games," said Adam Milstein, Owner/Operator, SOUTH.  "Now that we've teamed up with VIZIO, I'm excited for SOUTH to move forward as a leader in 3D sports viewing, giving people the chance to experience 3D technology in an immersive, social setting."

Further adding to the experience and solidifying the fact that SOUTH is now truly powered by VIZIO, many of the technical elements of the bar can be controlled through specially programmed VIZIO Tablets. With a built-in, universal remote app, the VIZIO Tablets are able to control the satellite programming and channel selection for every Theater 3D HDTV in the bar. For this special event, the Tablet has been enhanced to manage SOUTH's audio by providing direct access to the bar's music library and volume settings. Even the lighting system is fully synced up to the Tablet, putting the power to dim and switch lights on and off in the hands of the VIZIO Tablet user.

With Theater 3D passive 3D technology headlining every element of the launch event, VIZIO took the detailing one step farther by incorporating the theme into SOUTH's drink menu.  On the evening of the exclusive launch, guests will be able to enjoy 3D Shots, designed by world-renowned architect, Christian Light who is also a personal friend of VIZIO Chief Executive Officer, William Wang.

For more information about VIZIO and Theater 3D technology, visit www.VIZIO.com and to experience L.A.'s first 3D Sports Bar and to learn more about SOUTH powered by VIZIO visit www.SOUTHSantaMonica.com.

* Source: IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q3 2011 Market Tracker Report of Q1 & Q2 2011.

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 (V.I.A.), Theater 3D, 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, Inc.