Vizio adds Google-based Apple TV
rival, CinemaWide TVs,
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Vizio details 2012 TV and Stream Player
roadmap
Vizio on Tuesday expanded its entire TV-focused strategy
for 2012 by starting with its own equivalent to an Apple
TV. The VAP430 Stream Player is dedicated solely to
bringing Google TV 2.0 to sets that don't already have
it. It links to the TV through HDMI, with a pass-through
for other devices, and can share media on the local
network through Wi-Fi and DLNA.
The Stream Player ships with a dual-sided remote that
carriers a QWERTY keyboard. Pre-orders aren't expected
to start until the spring for the device, however, which
puts its release in mid-year.
Also coming in support of the Android-based platform are
the VBR430 Blu-ray player, which adds its namesake
optical player to the equation, as well as 47-, 55-, and
65-inch VIA Internet Plus TV sets that build Google TV
inside. Vizio promises the sets themselves have contrast
ratios of at least 1,000,000:1, but isn't specific on
release details.
A newly shipping XCV100 Video Camera is available to
give not just Vizio's own TVs but any Skype-capable
device, including computers and mobile hardware, two-way
video calls. VIA Internet Apps-equipped TVs can use it
for Skype. Four microphones let the HD-capable camera
pick up audio as far away as 16 feet.
A VHT215 2.1 Sound Bar includes a wireless subwoofer and
upgrades Vizio's core, compact audio system, while a
VSD210 High Definition Audio Dock supports every iOS
device up to iPads. Both are available today for
unmentioned prices.
Among Vizio's core TV line, it plans to headline them
with the CinemaWide line. The sets are reportedly the
first in the US to ship with a 21:9, theater-level
aspect ratio and will display supporting movies at the
native 2560x1080p encoding instead of with black bars.
The initial roster includes the 50-inch XVT3D500CM,
58-inch XVT3D580CM, and 71-inch XVT3D710CM. All can
display 3D using four pairs of bundled passive glasses,
have a minimum 1,000,000:1 contrast, and 802.11n Wi-Fi.
The smaller two sets use 120Hz refresh rates, while the
71-inch line leader updates at 240Hz. None yet has a
definitive ship date or price.
More conventional viewing is served by newly-shipping,
traditional ratio TVs. The E series ranges from 32 to 65
inches and still carries Wi-Fi, Vizio's in-house
interface, and two sets of passive 3D glasses. Moving to
the M or R series gets more advanced LED backlighting
and includes four pairs of glasses.
The E series is shipping now for prices between $550 and
$850, with prices and ship dates for the M and R yet to
come.
Every non-Google TV now has access to the Yahoo
Connected TV store and can get access to custom apps
from CBS, Showtime, and other networks.
Read more: http://www.electronista.com/articles/12/01/10/vizio.details.2012.tv.and.stream.player.roadmap/#ixzz1j5oc0gVB |
