Vizio takes the cover off Connected HDTV: Netflix, Blockbuster, Amazon, Yahoo! and more

Netflix streaming is one thing, but Vizio seems to be taking its new status as a premium HDTV manufacturer very well, with the new Connected HDTV platform featuring support for Yahoo! Widgets, Flash, Blockbuster OnDemand (!), Flickr, Pandora, Rhapsody and Accedo Broadband. Due Fall 2009, owners can feel free to go wired or 802.11n style to connect to any of these services in HD, if supported. Clearly missing? Yahoo!, Media Center Extender, but the 2H 2009 fight of Internet-ready televisions is on - set-top boxes better watch their back.

[lancer @ Jan 7th 2009 7:27PM]

Makes it hard to buy a new TV when always reading these great new features coming in the near future.

[chris @ Jan 7th 2009 7:46PM]

i couldnt agree more.

[Carl @ Jan 7th 2009 7:36PM]

So my first reaction was, am I going to have to buy a new TV every time a new download service comes along?

My second reaction was, of course the firmware is upgradeable, right? To add future services?

And my third reaction was, if this supports an external hard drive so I can download and save streamed video for later viewing, I can eliminate at least 2 boxes and half a dozen cables from my stack, and a whole bunch of macro programming from my remote.

...but there's still a part of me that wants this capability as a standalone add-on to my existing TV/projector setup...

[Michael Scrip @ Jan 7th 2009 7:42PM]

> "...but there's still a part of me that wants this capability as a standalone add-on to my existing TV/projector setup..."

Exactly. The first company that can add every one of those services into one box... that you can connect to the TV of your choice... will be king!

Netflix and Hulu would be amazing together!

[Hife @ Jan 7th 2009 8:19PM]

@ Michael
"Netflix and Hulu would be amazing together!"

If you have a PS3 or 360 you can do that with the PlayOn media server. I think it works with other devices as well. It can be a little sketchy at times, but it's pretty great overall.

[Imperor @ Jan 7th 2009 7:58PM]

I like that remote! Where can I get one of those? The ultimate HTPC remote!

[dmitr77 @ Jan 7th 2009 8:08PM]

Similar but not the same. Weird.

BTW for the ps3

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/ps3-3in1-wireless-pad-boasts-keyboard-remote-and-controller-fun/

[lphybred @ Jan 7th 2009 8:12PM]

This looks like the third party remote for the ps3 joystiq had up about a week ago.

[Wayne @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:12PM]

that tv... and that remote... AWESOME haha

that looks ridiculous. And knowing Vizio it iwll be for a very good price!