VIZIO Extends the VIZIO Internet Apps Platform to New Product Categories and Content

LAS VEGAS and IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company, announced today the launch of its first three HDTVs, part of VIZIO's XVT (Extreme VIZIO Technology) Series, that include VIZIO Internet Apps(TM) (VIA) with built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) networking and Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard. Also included in the TV are a wide range of popular Internet apps that deliver on-demand HD movies, TV episodes, music, social networking, photos and more, with additional apps that users can download from the Internet directly to their HDTV.

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The VIZIO 55" VF552XVT, 47" SV472XVT and 42" SV422XVT LCD HDTVs with VIA come with Amazon Video on Demand, Flickr, Netflix, Rhapsody, Twitter, VUDU and Yahoo TV Widgets pre-loaded on the TV, ready to launch onscreen at the touch of a single button on the premium Bluetooth universal remote control. These high performance XVT Series HDTVs also pack the latest in picture quality and audio technologies. The 55" and 47" models feature VIZIO's industry-leading TruLED backlighting with Smart Dimming technology for incredible brilliance, color and contrast. All three models also deliver 240 Hz (SPS) Scenes Per Second Smooth Motion(TM) technology, Full 1080p HD resolution, SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround HD, and exceed Energy Star guidelines by up to 45%.

Initial quantities of these VIA-enabled units shipped recently to consumers as part of VIZIO's exclusive VIA VIP Program (www.viziovip.com). Participants of the program gain early access to the first VIA-enabled HDTVs and also are eligible to receive a free VIZIO Blu-ray player and Sound Bar package (retail value over $500) upon completion of a six-week interactive survey.

"VIZIO is excited to announce our highly anticipated launch of VIA(TM) Connected HDTVs into the market," stated Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder and V.P. Sales & Marketing Communications. "Enthusiasts on our extensive VIP waiting list will be the first to experience the advanced features and participate in the creation and development of new features."

Designed to connect easily to the Internet right out of the box, these XVT Series HDTVs with VIA have integrated wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking and automatically launch a quick interactive video that guides users step-by-step through the setup process. These models also are the first Internet enabled HDTVs to ship with a premium Bluetooth universal remote control with built-in sliding QWERTY keyboard that allows users to easily type and interact with their favorite apps -- all without having to point the remote at the TV. The customized universal remote also uses infrared to control all of the A/V devices connected to their HDTV, such as DVD and Blu-ray players, VCRs, audio devices, cable and satellite set-top boxes, DVRs, and other components.

VIZIO is pleased to announce the extension of their VIA platform to an additional 12 new HDTV models in 2010. Three new XVT Pro Series HDTVs, five new XVT Series HDTVs and four new M-Series HDTVs will have VIA on board. These models include HDTVs in sizes from 22" to 72": 72"(XVTPRO720SV), 55"(XVTPRO550SV), 47"(XVTPRO470SV), 55"(XVT553SV), 47"(XVT473SV), 42"(XVT423SV), 37"(XVT373SV), 32"(XVT323SV), 55"(M550NV), 47"(M470NV), 26"(M261VP), 22"(M220NV).

VIZIO VIA Beyond TV

VIZIO also announced today the expansion of the VIA Connected platform to new product categories beyond the TV. The new products include a Blu-ray player, table radio, alarm clock, and wireless router. All of these new products feature 802.11n wireless networking and provide access to the best content and services from our partners and the Internet.

"By extending VIA to additional product categories, VIZIO is demonstrating a full ecosystem for consumers to access and enjoy Internet-based content and services throughout their home," said Matthew McRae, Vice President of Products at VIZIO. "The VIZIO Internet Apps platform can now deliver premium movies, video, music, and social networking to different types of devices."

VBR200W Blu-ray Player with Wireless Internet

Delivering the highest resolution 1080p high definition video playback, VIZIO's latest Blu-ray player also provides HD 7.1 channel audio in the lossless high-resolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. With integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) networking, the VBR200W offers users additional entertainment content on demand from the Internet from top brands like Netflix, VUDU and Pandora. Also for a limited time, purchasers of the VBR200W can also receive 3 free 1080p HD movie rentals from VUDU -- the only Internet app that lets consumers watch the latest movies on demand in brilliant 1080p HD.

"We're thrilled that owners of VIZIO TVs and Blu-ray players with VIA will be able to access and enjoy the VUDU Service," said Alain Rossmann, CEO of VUDU. "From our industry-leading HD library to our brilliant 1080p HDX format and intuitive user interface, nothing leverages the excellent image quality of VIZIO products better than VUDU. VIZIO and VUDU have teamed up to let users try the service for free, so it's easier than ever for VIZIO customers to find out for themselves why VUDU is a favorite of scores of reviewers around the country."

In addition to Blu-ray discs, the player accommodates standard DVDs, recordable DVDs, MP3 CDs and other formats. Its USB port allows viewing of photos or videos, as well as listening to music through the television by using a thumb drive. Scheduled for delivery in March 2010, MSRP is $199.99 for the VBR200W.

XWR100 HD Wireless Internet Router

The XWR100 HD Wireless Internet Router is the ideal companion for VIZIO VIA TVs as well as any wireless Internet home theater component. Optimized for streaming HD video and audio, it supports 802.11n dual-band wireless networking for the best possible range and speed performance, at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously.

The built-in four-port 10/100 switch also allows connection of wired Ethernet devices and computers, and its USB 2.0 port adds any USB storage devices to the home network, allowing users to stream video, music and pictures to other networked devices like VIZIO's Wireless Internet Radios. Setup is quick and easy, with one button configuration for any device that supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) encryption. MSRP is $99.99 for the XWR100 HD, and delivery is expected in April 2010.

VIR100 Wireless Internet Radio with iPod Dock

With a very slim profile and striking design, the VIR100 Wireless Internet Radio with iPod Dock has a 7" 800x480 LCD touchscreen with LED backlighting and the ability to receive and playback audio from a wide variety of sources. FM broadcasts can be received through its built-in tuner, and an array of Internet radio stations are available through its built-in WiFi capability through services like Pandora, Rhapsody, Radiotime and Live365. In addition, users can also enjoy additional online content on the LCD display like digital photo albums with Flickr. A built-in iPod dock provides an added listening source, through the user's iPod library.

All controls are through the LCD display's touchscreen functionality which also features an ambient light sensor for greater energy savings. The screen can be used as a digital photo frame via the VIR100's USB port, and additional applications use the screen for a calendar display or for weather updates. MSRP for the VIR100 is $189.99, and expected availability is Fall 2010.

VIR200 Home Theater Wireless Internet Radio with iPod Dock

The VIR200 has the same display and touchscreen capability, and Wi-Fi access as the VIR100, but adds premium audio performance through its 2.1 channel speaker system and audio processing by SRS Labs, with two 3" drivers and a built-in 3" subwoofer. With delivery scheduled for Fall 2010, MSRP for the VIR200 is $299.99.

New VIZIO VIA Service and Content Partners

VIZIO also revealed today several new content and service providers joining the ranks developing apps for the VIA platform. Those partners announcing support for VIZIO Internet Apps include blip.tv, CBS(®), CinemaNow(®), CNBC(®), Free Stream Media, iMemories(®), NBC(®) and The Weather Channel(®).

Previously announced content and service providers on the VIA platform include: Accedo Broadband(®), Amazon Video On Demand(®), Blockbuster On Demand(®), eBay, Facebook, Flickr(®), Netflix(®), Radiotime(®), Rallypoint Sports(®), Revision 3(®), Pandora(®), Rhapsody(®), Showtime(®), Twitter(®), and VUDU(®).

blip.tv (www.blip.tv) -- Blip.tv is an online television network that hosts the best original shows on the Web; from scripted sitcoms and dramas to shows about fashion, technology, politics and more.

CBS (www.cbs.com) -- The CBS Widget offers easy access to CBS schedule information, program metadata, previews and clips, cast photos and bios, and more.

CNBC (www.cnbc.com) -- The CNBC widget allows viewers to interact with CNBC's real-time stock quotes direct from the NYSE and NASDAQ, real-time watchlists to track favorite stocks, and other key analytics.

iMemories® (www.imemories.com) -- Now all your old home movies, photos and slides can be watched directly on your VIZIO TV with iMemories. iMemories digitally converts and preserves all your favorite memories online, regardless of the original media format.

Free Stream Media (www.flingo.tv) -- Free Stream Media's FlingoTV service aggregates the best online video from major media companies, cable networks, and web video properties specifically for distribution on Connected TVs and Blu-ray Players.

NBC (www.nbc.com) - View NBC's show schedule, view full screen photo galleries and catch up on your favorite shows with up-to-date quick text recaps, cast bios, and more.

Roxio CinemaNow (www.cinemanow.com) -- The Roxio CinemaNow platform enables consumers to instantly access a broad range of high-quality digital entertainment from their favorite consumer electronic devices.

The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) -- Get your weather forecast when you want it with the press of your remote. The Weather Channel Widget delivers current conditions, the 5-day forecast and more for your zip code -- and thousands more.

Users of VIA-enabled HDTVs can continually discover and download many more apps from other content and service providers by browsing our gallery of apps that is dynamically updated right on their VIZIO TV or Beyond TV devices. Automatic updates delivered over the HDTV's Internet connection also ensure these connected devices receive the latest upgrades without requiring user intervention.

Demonstrations of the VIA platform will be held by appointment for key business partners, analysts and press in Las Vegas during private CES press meetings January 6th through 9th at the Wynn Hotel's Chambertin ballrooms. Interested content and service partners should contact VIZIO at [email protected]. Reporters and analysts should speak with the press contacts listed below.

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc., "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company. In 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 selling brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and became the first American brand in over a decade to lead major categories in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and were again #1 in Q1, 2009 with over 20% market share. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich flat panel televisions to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning LCD HDTVs including the new XVT series. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Sears, 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, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, CNET's Top 10 Holiday Gifts and PC World's Best Buy among others. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, TruLED, Extreme VIZIO Technology XVT, VIZIO Internet Apps, 480HZ SPS, 240Hz SPS, Thin Line, Smooth Motion, Razor LED, Smart Dimming, Where Vision Meets Value names, phrase and symbols are trademarks or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

SOURCE VIZIO, Inc.