Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
  • CNET
  • All Vizio posts

Vizio

The 404 Podcast 536: Where we're suffering from stereo blindness

All week long we've been talking about the popularity of 3D technology, both in the home and in the theater, and we've finally decided to invite someone on the show to answer our questions on the future of home theater. David Katzmaier, senior editor of TVs and home theater for CNET, joins us on today's episode to fill us in on the latest developments in the world of 3D TVs and what we can expect to see down the line.

3D TVs were easily the biggest trend at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, but they've only recently started becoming available to consumers. Panasonic announced its first 3D TV bundle at Best Buy earlier this week, but before you run out and drop $2,900, make sure you know exactly what you're getting into.

For example, David talks to us about the extra hardware you'll need to purchase along with your 3D TV. Aside from the obvious 3D-compatible television set, you'll also need a 3D Blu-ray player (unless you have a Sony PS3, which will get a 3D firmware upgrade in June 2010), and a couple sets of 3D glasses, since some companies like Sony won't include them with the TVs.

David also points out that although the concept of 3D TVs are definitely exciting, it'll be awhile before enough 3D video games and 3D DVDs come out to justify the high price of the hardware. In the meantime, it's worth the experience to head out to a theater and view a 3D movie, especially with so many titles coming out this year. "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland" in 3D are still in theaters, and with "Titanic" and In "The Beginning" (adaptation of the Genesis story) coming down the pike, there are plenty of opportunities to familiarize yourself with 3D before writing it off or becoming a fanboy.

We tried to answer as many of your 3D TV questions as possible, but don't stress if we didn't get to yours--there's a good chance that CNET's comprehensive 3D TV FAQ and 3D TV resource guide have your answers. We'll also have David on the show again soon as more 3D TV news unfolds. Have a great weekend everyone!

EPISODE 536 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

RealD signs big names for 3D TV

RealD, a company whose 3D display technology already is widely used in movie theaters, has enlisted a raft of prominent partners for the TV industry: Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, JVC, Samsung, and DirecTV.

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, RealD announced deals that will bring its technology to Samsung products, Toshiba's ZX900 TV, Panasonic's Full HD 3D Viera TVs, Sony's Bravia HDTVs, and LCD monitors from JVC.

Beverly Hills, Calif.-based RealD also announced it's cooperating with those same companies for 3D eyewear.

Being able to display the 3D imagery is one part … Read more

Crave giveaway of the day: Vizio 32-inch LCD TV

If you were waiting for us to give away one more LCD TV, you're in luck, because we're serving up the 32-inch Vizio VO320E, and it's a special one.

What so special about it? Well, it's actually a review sample that Editor David Katzmaier calibrated for his review of the product (bottom line: the Vizio VO320E offers decent picture quality for a rock-bottom price). So while it's slightly used, you do get a TV that's been tweaked by our video guru, which is definitely a nice bonus. (I'm still waiting for Mr. Katzmaier … Read more

Crave giveaway of the day: Vizio VOJ320F1A 1080p LCD HDTV

For today's giveaway, we've got the Vizio VOJ320F1A. It's a 32-inch LCD HDTV, but unlike most models at this size, the resolution is full 1080p. And the VOJ320F1A eschews basic black, going for a more unique java (brown) coloring. Normally, this set goes for between $519 and $569. But Vizio is giving you the chance to score it for free. (Thanks to the folks at Vizio for supplying the product.)

So, how do you try to win this Vizio VOJ320F1A? Let me enumerate the basic rules. Please read them carefully; there will be a test.

Register as … Read more

Vizio interactive HDTVs delayed until January

Remember when we crowed about Vizio's upcoming lineup of "Via"-branded TVs, citing a prodigious feature set that includes local dimming LED backlighting, interactive add-ons galore, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a QWERTY-equipped Bluetooth remote (pictured), all for an appropriately Vizio price?

Since then we've received lots of e-mails asking when the Via models would be available, and we dutifully repeated the same question to Vizio's reps. Now it's been answered: the company is officially pushing the Via models back until January 2010.

Assuming Vizio can deliver even a passable interactive experience, we expect our eventual … Read more

Black Friday special: Vizio's Blu-ray player hits $99.99

We knew it was coming and now it's here: Costco will be serving up Vizio's entry-level VBR110 Blu-ray player for $99.99 on Black Friday. As usual, this comes with the disclaimer: "While supplies last."

In case you're wondering, while the VBR110 is an entry-level player that retails for around $150, it does have an Ethernet port and BD-Live capabilities. And you also get a free HDMI cable.

Here's a complete list of all of Vizio's Black Friday deals:

Vizio VBR110 Blu-ray player with free HDMI cable: $99.99 at Costco and online … Read more

Quick Take: Vizio VF550M

Although CNET did not review the Vizio VF550M, we did review the VF550XVT, a similar 55-inch LCD that has nearly identical specs. According to the specification section on Vizio's Web site, the main difference between the two is in their color temperature presets (the VF550M's presets are generally bluer, although that shouldn't affect post-calibration color temperature). The VF550M also has a black speaker bar, as opposed to the XVT's silver one.

Judging from the Web site, we expect the picture quality of the two TVs to be very similar. For more information, see the full review … Read more

Vizio's entry-level LCD not especially green, but still a good bargain

Vizio chose to adorn its VO320E 32-inch LCD with claims of environmental consciousness, saying the little set exceeds Energy Star guidelines by 15 percent. But that's not a very high standard, and according to our tests the Vizio, while definitely no power hog, sips just a couple bucks less juice per year than other LCDs in its class. Its true appeal is low price combined with perfectly acceptable picture quality. A couple of flaws might give black level sticklers or dual-use PC/TV aficionados pause, but other bargain hunters should consider this entry-level Vizio among the better LCDs in … Read more