VIZIO is an HDTV Market Leader in Green Products and Initiatives

IRVINE, Calif., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, North America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company, revealed today details of its 'Using Greener Methods' environmental program, demonstrating their commitment to protect the Earth and the environment. This comprehensive program is a leader in the HDTV market in addressing power consumption and energy standards, development of new, more efficient technologies, use of materials and elimination of hazardous substances, and recycling of old products.

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"At VIZIO, we take our commitment to minimizing our impact on the environment very seriously, which is why we are continually working to minimize the energy consumption of our products, reduce the amount of material, recycle more material and eliminate the use of hazardous materials," said Ken Lowe, VP and Co-founder. "We believe that the large number of consumers using our products gives us a special responsibility to the environment, which is why our green methods focus extends throughout every product's entire life cycle – starting in the design process, extending through manufacturing, and continuing through the recycling process once the product is no longer useful."

Energy Star Requirements

All VIZIO HDTVs meet Energy Star requirements for low energy consumption both when the sets are active and on standby. For example, their new 22" HDTV models use much less power than a 40-watt light bulb, and their new 32" HDTV models use less energy than a 60-watt light bulb. In addition, many of 2010's new VIZIO HDTVs meet the newer, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 specifications that go into effect on May 1, 2010. With VIZIO efforts to reduce energy usage with their TVs, Energy Watt Usage savings over Energy Star 3.0 and 4.0 Standards should yield 1.2 Trillion and 377 billion respectively in savings. With America's average energy cost of $0.0001109 per Watt these could also save Americans $139 million or $42 million dollars respectively for 2010.

In addition to low power consumption, VIZIO products use materials that reduce impact on the environment. All VIZIO products are compliant with the European Union RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directive on materials used in electronic devices. Also, the panel glass used in all LCDs is both Halogen and Arsenic free. All user manuals are printed with vegetable based inks and all HDTV shipping cartons are made from recycled cardboard.

VIZIO's product development process is dedicated to continual improvement through the use of significantly less hazardous materials and much lower power consumption, which also lowers cost of ownership and usage.

Smart Dimming and TruLED

VIZIO TruLED and Razor LED technologies not only produce superior black levels, brightness and color, but also reduce energy consumption. In 2010, VIZIO HDTV's using LED backlighting will make up 40% of their total unit sales, which are expected to reach 9 million units. With these 3.6 million HDTVs using far less energy because of their new technology, total annual LCD HDTV energy savings could reach 1,261 million kW hours.

These new LED designs reduce energy consumption even further over CCFL designs, exceeding the current Energy Star guidelines by as much as 50%. Further, all VIZIO LED products are even more environmentally friendly because their LED backlights do not utilize any mercury.

VIZIO Recycling

VIZIO takes pride in their commitment to facilitating users' ability to properly dispose of products that no longer function. VIZIO participates nationwide in state and federal programs, meeting all requirements for proper disposal of electronic waste. In partnership with Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM), VIZIO makes it simple and easy for consumers to recycle VIZIO products at no cost.

MRM is a leader in the recycling industry, specializing in the recycling of televisions and computer monitors, with experience dating back to the late 1980s. VIZIO owners can use drop-off collection locations throughout all 50 states, as well as recycle through a mail back program and periodic special local events.

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 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 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, 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, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, 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.