VIZIO Introduces the Co-Star™ LT Stream Player, Bringing Industry's Most Popular Connected Smart TV Experience to Any HDTV

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's #1 Smart TV company⁵, today announced the launch of Co-Star LT, a versatile new stream player that allows consumers to conveniently and easily transform any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV, seamlessly merging live and streaming entertainment into one simplified TV-watching experience.  The Co-Star LT stream player is the latest addition to VIZIO's stream player line-up and provides an easy-to-use solution for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment experience. The Co-Star LT stream player includes the more intuitive smart TV platform, VIZIO Internet Apps Plus, as well as HDMI input and HDMI output, allowing users to browse apps while still watching live TV.   Other features include built-in Wi-Fi^® and smartphone/tablet second screen interactivity.

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Delivering the same leading smart TV experience now available on the latest VIZIO M-Series Smart TVs, the Co-Star LT stream player upgrades any HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps Plus*, providing smart TV lovers with advanced next generation features including full-screen app browsing and discovery.  Designed to support up to 1080p Full HD and 3D content, VIZIO's latest stream player also gives users the ability to control apps from a mobile device, a new, convenient app launcher and advanced HTML 5 app support. The Co-Star LT stream player is also equipped with a USB port for simple playback from media devices, bringing even more versatility to living rooms everywhere. 

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus provides access to a newly expanded full-screen app library, making it a cinch to find, organize and browse from favorite apps like Amazon Instant Video™, Hulu Plus, iHeartRadio, M-GO, Netflix, YouTube™, VUDU and more.  The new interface allows users to easily browse apps while watching live TV uninterrupted. With the selected app now in center focus of the convenient app launcher, users can better view the previous three and next three apps in the carousel for faster navigation.

Committed to providing an exceptional experience with the latest technology, the VIZIO Co-Star LT stream player not only adds smart TV features to standard HDTVs, but also delivers intuitive second screen interactivity.  Allowing users to seamlessly discover and play content from apps like YouTube or Netflix with a simple tap from the app on their smartphone or tablet, VIZIO Internet Apps Plus enables a truly seamless multi-screen viewing experience. With this added convenience, users can easily lean forward on mobile devices to search for videos, then lean back to enjoy them on the big screen.  Consumers can even easily transition from watching content on their TV back to their mobile device, allowing for continuous viewing while venturing from room to room without missing a beat.  

"The latest generation of VIZIO Internet Apps Plus represents years of forward-looking development and design.  Delivering more power through a new full-screen mode and enhanced multi-screen viewing features, the platform offers an incredibly intuitive and seamless entertainment experience," said Matt McRae, VIZIO Chief Technology Officer.  "The Co-Star LT stream player's unique ability to integrate live TV and streaming apps, offers standard HDTV owners a simple upgrade option.  One of the most advanced smart TV experiences on the market, the new VIZIO Internet Apps Plus platform also gives users access to the added convenience of second-screen interactivity."

As part of VIZIO's unwavering commitment to providing consumers with the best technologies, VIZIO Internet Apps Plus also supports HTML 5 apps, allowing for richer app experiences through better interactive design and features. 

The new Co-Star LT stream player is now available at VIZIO.com for $79.99. Consumers can also find the Co-Star LT stream player at Amazon, BestBuy.com, Target.com, Walmart, and Walmart.com later this month.  For more information, please visit www.VIZIO.com/CoStar.

*Compatible with high definition televisions with HDMI-HDCP connectivity.  Internet connection required and sold separately.

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 class³. 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. 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

SOURCE VIZIO, Inc.