MEDIA RELEASE PR35169
VIZIO Reveals Dynamic New Content Partners for VIZIO Internet Apps Connected HDTV Feature
IRVINE, Calif., June 23 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
- New content and service providers announced, including eBay(R),
Facebook(R), Radiotime(R), Revision 3(R), Rallypoint Sports(R), Showtime(R),
Twitter(R) and Vudu(R).
- VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA(TM)) Connected HDTVs deliver unprecedented
choice and easy to access Internet-based content streamed directly to VIZIO
HDTVs.
- VIZIO's VIA(TM) Connected HDTVs found in VIZIO's High Performance XVT
series (Extreme VIZIO Technology) include built-in wireless (802.11n
dual-band) and wired networking, a Bluetooth universal remote control with
sliding QWERTY keyboard, and interactive setup video to guide users
step-by-step to easily connect their HDTV.
VIZIO, America's #1 HDTV and Fastest Growing Consumer Electronics Company, revealed today a
NEW expanded list of content and service partners who are designing widgets to bring high demand
movies, TV, music and social networking applications this year to VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA(TM)) Connected
HDTVs. VIZIO's VIA(TM) Connected HDTVs deliver the widest range of web-based content directly to the
television with the push of a single button.
VIZIO enables web-based content to be easily accessible and viewed
simultaneously with any input on the HDTV and is displayed in an easy to
navigate, non-intrusive menu that can be adjusted to fit around the video on
your TV screen.
"Consumers are placing high value on connected televisions that open up
new content applications," said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal
analyst at Parks Associates. "Our recent research has identified a likely
target of 2.5 million North American broadband households that are ready to
purchase an Internet-connected TV."(1)
VIZIO's VIA(TM) Connected HDTV feature includes integrated wireless
(802.11n dual-band) and wired networking for easy connection to the Internet
right out of the box. VIZIO HDTVs enabled with this platform guide the user
through a quick step-by-step set up process that runs as soon as the TV is
turned on for the first time. Users simply select their wireless network from
a list of all available networks (automatically discovered) to connect their
VIZIO HDTV to the Internet. They also have the option to plug in an Ethernet
cable directly to the VIZIO HDTV to access the Internet.
VIA(TM) Connected HDTVs also come with a customized universal remote
control with built-in QWERTY keyboard that slides open to allow users to
easily type keywords for their favorite movies, TV shows, music, chat, or
simply enter logins and passwords for their favorite services. Equipped with
Bluetooth, the customized remote also provides users with the added
convenience of being able to type without having to point the remote at the
TV. In addition, the customized universal remote has been designed with
traditional infrared capabilities to allow consumers to control all of their
existing CE devices connected to the television, such as DVD and Blu-ray
players, VCRs, audio devices, cable and satellite set-top boxes, DVRs, and
other AV equipment.
"We are excited by the support of the additional content and service
providers being announced today. The overwhelming response so far from the
biggest brands in this space validates our unique approach in addressing the
growing consumer demand for online content and services on the biggest screen
in the home," said Matthew McRae, Vice President of Products at VIZIO.
"Understanding that consumers still expect the TV to remain first and
foremost the entertainment centerpiece of the home, we've gone to great
lengths to ensure that the VIA platform integrates seamlessly with the
existing TV experience and makes web-based content as easily discoverable as
flipping the channel."
VIZIO's VIA(TM) Connected HDTV feature incorporates multiple technologies
and software services to enable a unique experience that hides all of the
complexity from viewers. One such technology is the Yahoo! Widget Engine,
which provides an open platform that allows a new class of Internet services,
called TV Widgets, to thrive in the TV environment. VIZIO's platform also
includes support for the Adobe(R) Flash(R) Platform for the Digital Home, an
optimized implementation of Flash technology that enables developers and
content providers to deliver HD video, rich applications and other Web
content to Internet-connected televisions, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and
other devices in the digital home.
Previously, VIZIO announced a number of popular content and service
providers who are building VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA(TM)) including: Accedo
Broadband(R), Amazon Video On Demand(R), Blockbuster On Demand(R), Flickr(R),
Netflix(R), Pandora(R) and Rhapsody(R).
Now VIZIO is pleased to reveal additional leading content and service
providers also working to bring their compelling entertainment, social
networking, information and interactive services to the platform this year,
including:
eBay (www.ebay.com) - Get real-time updates, place bids, and monitor your
favorite items with the eBay TV Widget. Search, view photos, and compare
prices of products with the press of your remote - you won't miss a buying or
selling opportunity with the eBay TV Widget.
connect and share with their friends. Over 200 Million people use Facebook
every month and Facebook Connect brings this audience into your TV, making it
even more social.
national, or global radio programming airing on more than 60,000 AM/FM and
Internet radio stations in 140 countries broadcasting in 55 languages.
Revision3 creates content for passionate communities who want to watch shows
that entertain, educate and help to expand their life experiences.
sports, social networking, and e-commerce services to consumers through
Internet-connected HDTVs and other devices. Launched in 2009, Rallycast(SM)
Fantasy Sports services give consumers unprecedented ability to personalize
their HDTV sports viewing experience with real-time fantasy league stats -
and stay connected with their friends and competitors - using just their
remote control.
Showtime (www.sho.com) - The Showtime TV Widget takes consumers inside
Showtime with video extras, trailers, trivia, and select sample episodes of
hit series such as Dexter and Weeds.
its real-time capability in connecting people to breaking news, shared events
and everyday conversation. People share short posts via SMS, Web, 3rd party
applications, and now through the TV.
Vudu (www.vudu.com) - VUDU is a leading digital entertainment service
that delivers tens of thousands of movies and more, including:
- Largest HD collection available anywhere.
- Superior AV quality, including 5.1 surround sound.
- HDX, VUDU's exclusive ultra-high quality HD format.
- Movies available same day as DVD.
- Popular Internet services like Pandora.
"Due to its rising brand recognition among consumers, VIZIO again took
the lead in U.S. FLAT PANEL-TV shipments in the first quarter of 2009," said
Riddhi Patel, principal analyst, television, for the market research firm
iSuppli Corp., El Segundo, Calif. "iSuppli expects the U.S. Flat panel TV
market to reach 32 million units of which LCD TVs will account for 28 million
units in 2009. Shipments of LCD-TVs with full-HD resolution - i.e. 1080p -
will account for nearly half the market during the year. Sets that provide
superior image quality and lower energy consumption by employing 120Hz
refresh rates and LED backlighting and connectivity with Internet are
expected to be in strong demand as consumers become more discerning in their
LCD-TV choices."
The VIA(TM) Connected HDTV feature will be integrated into VIZIO XVT
series HDTVs shipping to retailers nationwide this Fall, with apps from these
content and services partners and more available at launch or shortly
thereafter through simple updates delivered over the HDTV's Internet
connection. Demonstrations of the platform will be held for key business
partners, analysts and press in New York during private press meetings
6/23-24, at the Text100 press event 6/23 and during PEPCOM's Digital
Experience press event 6/24. Interested content and service partners should
contact VIZIO at partners@vizio.com or call (949) 428-2525 ext. 2554.
Reporters and analysts should speak with press contacts listed below.
About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine,
California, is America's HDTV Company 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 are 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 Plasma and 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
The V, VIZIO, XVT, VIA, TruLED, 240Hz SPS, Slim Line, Smooth Motion,
JAVA, 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.
(1) Digital Media Evolution, a survey of approximately 3,800 North
American broadband households in Q4 2008.
SOURCE VIZIO, Inc.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos, additional information and interview requests
should be directed to agency.
CONTACT: Jim Noyd of Noyd Communications Inc., +1-310-951-3768,
jim.noyd@noydcom.com; or Charley Fitzwilliam of Leader Enterprises,
+1-949-579-0405, cfitzwilliam@leaderenterprises.com, both for VIZIO, Inc.
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