When you come from virtually out of nowhere and capture top 10 market share in the HDTV market in just five short years, people start to notice. And that's just what's been happening with California-based VIZIO. Traditionally available at big box stores such as Costco and BJs, VIZIO has branched out with its distribution channels recently to include electronics specialty store Circuit City and discount retail chains Wal-Mart and K-Mart.
And despite their generally positive reviews in home theater specialty magazines and web sites (including this publication), VIZIO still struggles with the perception that it is the "cheap alternative." Hey, if it sells for 25% less than the big brands it must not be as good, right?
Well this spring, VIZIO is hoping to change that perception with a series of newly refined 1080p LCD and plasma HDTVs including the VP504F, a 50-inch full HD 1080p plasma flat panel HDTV - the first plasma television to feature Silicon Optix Reon HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) processing. HQV makes standard definition material such as broadcast TV and DVDs look more like high definition and makes true high definition material look even better. VIZIO somehow managed to include this high-end video processor in a 1080p plasma panel with four HDMI inputs and a rated contrast ratio of 30,000:1 while still reaching a price point of just $1699 (MSRP). Filet Mignon priced like ground chuck. How do they do it?
And that's not the only trick up VIZIO's sleeve. In addition to the first ever 32-inch plasma for the U.S. Market and the VP504F, VIZIO is releasing five other new plasma models late this spring, including a new 60-inch 1080p model, the VP605F ($2899 MSRP). The other four models feature 720p resolution and will be available in 42-inch and 50-inch sizes.
Super-Sneaky Stealth Surround Sound
A unique feature that will continue in the VIZIO plasma line is their wireless surround sound option. The new "JIVE" models (VP500 and new VP501) include integrated front left, right and center speakers, plus wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. One big obstacle that stands in the way of HDTV owners installing surround sound in their living rooms is those ugly wires that need to be run to the rear speakers. With the JIVE systems, these wires disappear. All the subwoofer and rear channel speakers need is an electrical outlet to power up their wireless receivers and amplifiers and you're ready to rock with 5.1-channels of Dolby Digital goodness enhancing your sports, movies and broadcast television shows.
The previously announced VP500 ($1799, available in June) is a 50-inch 720p model (1366x768 resolution) while the new VP501 (Pricing/Avaiability TBD) will be a full HD 1080p model (1920x1080 resolution). Both feature three HDMI inputs, 2 high def component video inputs, built-in ATSC/QAM digital tuners and PIP (picture in picture) functionality as well as a newly enhanced brushed aluminum-trimmed learning remote control (the VUR8).
VIZIO's LCD line has undergone a more extensive overhaul with new models sized from 19 inches all the way up to 52 inches now in four distinct model lines: VW, Evolution, Envy and Black Tie, each reaching various price points and performance levels.
At the top end, the "Black Tie" models feature 1080p resolution and 120 Hz video processing enhanced with MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) - a feature that reduces or eliminates one of LCD technology's greatest flaws: motion smear. In a live demo at VIZIO's CES exhibit, with demanding test material, the Black Tie models did a nice job cleaning up medium and fast moving images.
The 42-inch SV42LF ($1499) and 47-inch SV47LF ($1899) Black Tie models feature a new industrial design and bear four HDMI inputs including a side access HD Game Port with HDMI. These new models are expected to begin shipping in July, 2008.
