VIZIO's 2010 XVT LCDs go up to 72-inches with 3D, LED, WiFi & WirelessHD
By Richard Lawler 
posted January 5th 2010 8:02AM
posted January 5th 2010 8:02AM
Remember VIZIO's LED backlit 55-inch XVT LCD with WiFi and widgets that debuted for two grand last year and seemed like such a value? Great, now go ahead and forget it because the company's top of the line model in August will switch over to a monster 72-inch 480Hz LCD (above) with 3D, WirelessHD, VIZIO Internet Apps widget platform and Wireless-N for $3,499. If that's too big to fit your budget (or in our case, tiny shoebox apartment) there will also be 55- and 47-inch versions available, with all the same features plus a new antireflective panel for those of you who like to keep the lights on during, they'll cost $2,499 and $1,999, respectively. These 3D displays feature SENSIO technology and Bluetooth-synchronized active shutter LCD glasses from XpanD, while a VIZIO XVT Pro Wireless HDMI Adapter is available separately with 4 HDMI inputs to blast HD signals across the room on the 60Ghz band. Cinema enthusiasts also have something to look forward to, check the gallery below for shots of the 58-inch ultrawidescreen 21:9 aspect ratio XVTPRO580CD, no word on a ship date or price but when it appears later this year you can kiss black bars during movies goodbye. We're sure we'll see more models from VIZIO before CES is out for the smaller, less 3D friendly homes, but right now it doesn't look like the company plans on giving up its LCD sales crown anytime soon -- these combinations of features and pricing may prove very difficult to say no to. PR with other details is after the break.
VIZIO Launches NEW XVT Pro™ Series of Advanced HDTV Technology
- 72" 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTV with 480 zones of Smart Dimming™ Technology, built in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking is VIZIO's largest HDTV in 2010 Collection
- 58" Razor LED™ with Smart Dimming™ Cinema Display in 21x9 aspect ratio enables film enthusiasts to view 2.35:1 films on a full screen (2560x1080) without black bars. It also includes built-in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking, perfect for interactive television.
- 55" 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTV with 120 zones of Smart Dimming™ Technology with built in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking
- 47" 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTV with 160 zones of Smart Dimming™ Technology with built in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking
- Built-in wireless HDMI feature eliminates the need for a HDMI cable connected to the display by streaming Full HD quality content from video sources wirelessly with robust 60GHz technology when connected to an optional VIZIO Wireless HDMI Adapter
- All VIZIO XVT Pro HDTVs include VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) built-in high definition 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
- 72" 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTV with 480 zones of Smart Dimming™ Technology, built in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking is VIZIO's largest HDTV in 2010 Collection
- 58" Razor LED™ with Smart Dimming™ Cinema Display in 21x9 aspect ratio enables film enthusiasts to view 2.35:1 films on a full screen (2560x1080) without black bars. It also includes built-in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking, perfect for interactive television.
- 55" 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTV with 120 zones of Smart Dimming™ Technology with built in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking
- 47" 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTV with 160 zones of Smart Dimming™ Technology with built in wireless HDMI and VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) with High Definition wireless networking
- Built-in wireless HDMI feature eliminates the need for a HDMI cable connected to the display by streaming Full HD quality content from video sources wirelessly with robust 60GHz technology when connected to an optional VIZIO Wireless HDMI Adapter
- All VIZIO XVT Pro HDTVs include VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) built-in high definition 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
LAS VEGAS, NV (CES) and IRVINE, CA – January 05, 2010 -- VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company, has unveiled their new high-performance XVT Pro Series of 480Hz SPS™ 16x9 TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTVs available in 72", 55" and 47" sizes, as well as a 58" Cinema Wide HDTV that displays content in 21 x 9 aspect ratio. The 480Hz SPS™ 16x9 TruLED™ Full HD3D™HDTVs incorporate the very latest in advanced HDTV technology with 480Hz SPS™, TruLED™ brilliant LEDs that pervade the entire screen, Smart Dimming™ circuitry controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame. In addition, the set's Full HD3D™delivers stunning 3D images in FULL HD 1080p resolution, with other advanced features like VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking, a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard, and Wireless HDMI which allows the TV to receive HD video and audio from sources without an HDMI cable.
"VIZIO's entry into custom and specialty electronics is great for the industry. VIZIO has built strong brand recognition, so offering specialty retailers and custom installers exclusive access to a line with features they can market is a nice sales tool. Customers already know the VIZIO brand and it's an easy transition to educating them about the benefits of their advanced 3D, LED technology and unique solutions such as (21:9) 2.35:1 native aspect ratio HDTVs," said Tom LeBlanc, Senior Writer/Technology Editor, CE Pro magazine.
"Our 2010 XVT Pro series offers a refreshing combination of the latest technology like 480Hz SPS™ TruLED™ coupled with must-have features like immersive FULL HD3D™ experience and VIZIO INTERNET APPS (with built in wireless networking) and wireless HDMI and Bluetooth capabilities. We at VIZIO are setting new standards for picture quality and user experience," said Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder and VP Sales and Marketing Communications. "50% of consumers want a 3D home theater, according to Quixel Research, and our new XVT Pro Series brings the latest technology to consumers who want the absolute BEST in class."
Defining state of the art performance, these VIZIO 72", 55" and 47" Full HD3D™ TVs advance refresh rates to 480Hz SPS™ with VIZIO's Smooth Motion™ technology. Their TruLED™ brilliant LEDs pervade the entire display (Under 3" profile) and have Smart Dimming™ circuitry that controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame in 480, 120 and 160 zones, respectively. The XVT Pro series offers an incredible 10 million to 1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio™ for extraordinary picture quality that delivers incredible color, and even brighter whites and deeper blacks than ever before while displaying 1.7 Billion Colors using a 10-Bit data input panel.
For environments with bright ambient lighting, the 55" and 47" models feature a unique anti-reflective panel that produces better contrast with rich and deep blacks even in brightly lit rooms.
FULL HD3D ™
Utilizing SENSIO® 3D technology to deliver 3D content over conventional 2D infrastructure, the new VIZIO XVT Pro Full HD3D TVs display stunning 3D content that the user can view with XpanD active-shutter glasses (sold separately). Unlike other 3D TVs that use passive stereoscopic imaging, VIZIO's Full HD3D TVs can display full 1080p video to each eye by rapidly alternating between the left-eye and right-eye images within the same visual space. The special active-shutter glasses, which communicate with the television over Bluetooth, then transform each lens from opaque to transparent in perfect synchronization with the images displayed on the TV, which allows for delivery of the full frame rate capable by the television for the ultimate 3D HDTV viewing experience.
These sets can produce 3D images from SENSIO encoded material on conventional DVD and Blu-ray players, as well as from future distribution channels such as pay per view, video on demand, DTV and HDTV broadcasts.
"We are pleased to be working closely with VIZIO and be a part of the creation of a substantial install-base of consumers ready to watch 3D movies, live concerts, and sporting events from the comfort of their home," states Nicholas Routhier, President and Chief Executive Officer of SENSIO Technologies.
"We are excited to partner with VIZIO as catalysts in the 3D revolution for the home," said Maria Costeira, CEO of XpanD. "The combination of XpanD Cinema active-shutter glasses and Vizio displays will provide an immersive, dynamic and cost-effective solution for VIZIO XVT Pro owners."
Wireless HDMI
Eliminating the need for an HDMI cable from source components to the display, the 72", 55" and 47" XVT Pro Series have an integrated Wireless HDMI receiver built-in, using SiBEAM's robust 60 GHz technology to receive HD content from high definition sources such as Blu-ray players or set-top boxes with full HD 1080p resolution when paired with a separately available VIZIO XVT Pro Wireless HDMI Adapter. The XVT Pro Adapter supports up to 4 HDMI sources and operates at 60GHz to avoid interference with other wireless devices in the home like cordless telephones and wireless networks that operate at 2.4 and 5 GHz.
SRS StudioSound HD
VIZIO XVT Pro TVs will feature SRS StudioSound HD - the ultimate all-in-one audio suite designed specifically for Flat Panel TVs. Years of excellence in audio, practical experience and patented technologies allow StudioSound HD to deliver the most immersive and natural surround sound ever using built-in TV speakers. The suite also delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass, an elevated sound stage and consistent, spike-free volume levels. StudioSound HD features optimized audio presets for movies, news, sports and music while also providing a built-in EQ toolset for peak audio performance.
VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA)
All of the XVT Pro sets feature the VIZIO INTERNET APPS™ (VIA) Connected HDTV platform, delivering unprecedented choice and control of web-based content directly to the television without the need of a PC or set-top box. Able to connect to the Internet using the built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) or a wired connection, accessing on demand movies, TV episodes, music and other online content is easy, using the included Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard that makes thumb-typing easy.
58" Cinema Wide Display
Taking a major step forward in enabling viewers to experience a fully immersive widescreen film experience without a separate projector and screen, VIZIO's first Cinema Wide Display, the XVTPRO580CD offers the ultimate experience for the movie enthusiast. This 58" Razor LED display has a 21x9 aspect ratio, with an incredible resolution of 2560 x 1080p, allowing consumers to view 2.35:1 "Scope" aspect ratio films using the entire display area, with no loss of resolution and no black bars. With 1 million to 1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio™, Smart Dimming™, and 120 Hz with Smooth Motion technology, the XVTPRO580CD delivers brilliant details and rich colors to bring the cinematic experience into the home.
Its striking wide appearance is further enhanced by its brushed aluminum chassis. The Cinema Wide Display also includes VIA, built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) or wired networking, and a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard. It is expected to ship later this year.
amazing
Hmm.. Vizio doesn't have alot of clout in the image quality department, but 72" for $3500 is really, really tempting. I can't wait to see the reviews on this bad boy.
@Level 5
same here.
and also, more 21:9 screens, please! kiss those black bars goodbye!
@(Unverified) SO, you want black bars on all your TV shows and games and just not on the rare occasion when you watch a dvd?
@jcrash
Yeah that's where I'm at. Most of my TV usage is 16:9 HD shows and gaming in 16:9. Bring on the bars for movies, doesn't bother me.
@Level 5
I have a black sliding film that covers my top and bottom black bars on my 65". Works flawlessly.
@Level 5
Same here. I was looking at the Panny 65 inch v10 for $3600. If the Vizio is pretty good in the PQ section.. I'll take it.
@kevon27
It still one beat the Plasma's black level and color reproduction. LCDs just can't compare. Especially when you're going 7" bigger on an LCD.
@kevon27
Stick with the Panny. Better quality. The Vizio's are made from leftover parts and inferior technology.
@Level 5 To each there own but I think they have a great image quality.
For $3,500 I think I know what I may be getting next Christmas.
@Unverified User You will have more black bars as TV isn't going to be ultra wide, and a lot of movies aren't either.
@Unverified User You will have more black bars as TV isn't going to be ultra wide, and a lot of movies aren't either.
@Level 5
Let's not forget that VIZIO is the company that builds the hardware that goes in Sony BRAVIA TV's. Vizio been around for years but just started building there own tv's.
Awesome value as always, I'll might just get the 55" then to replace my 42" LCD Vizio I have.
After spending some months with my roommate's Vizio, I would recommend them. He didn't have the highest end model from a couple years ago, but it was actually pretty decent. So long as you don't have a comparator from one of the bigger companies, You won't notice a difference. Now, side by side, the vizio won't look quite as good... but who has two big screen TV's right next to each other all the time?
(I know that's gonna backfire, as this is engadget, and I'm sure your setup with 4 TV's side by side is sick >_< )
@dez
IMO you are right on. The VIZIO will not win any "Six new HD TVs" shoot outs, but lets be honest. How many people have adequate ambient lighting control? How many people properly calibrate their new HD set? So even if they spend the extra $$$$ on a high-end set, in all likelihood they are not going to be getting the bang-for-the-buck they paid for. Hats off to VIZIO for taking flat-screen HDTV mainstream.
@dez My Vizio looks like Cannon fodder next to my Oled.
Finally! Affordable GIANT @$$ screens! Hopefully other companies will follow suit and bring their screen size up and their prices down!
the greatest thing I have ever seen
If Vizio acts like they did last year then they'll promise a release around the summertime, then miss that window, release a lesser model in the fall but still promise their higher end sets for the end of the year, miss that window, and then just bag the whole thing altogether when CES rolls around and they decide to show off something else.
@Smacksmackums
Agreed! I love Vizios don't get me wrong but I went for an entire 6 months without an hdtv because these @holes kept promising their XVT line would be out.
Now I truly hate burglars and have resentment towards Vizio.
Vizio is by far the best bang for the buck on the market, but as far as picture clarity and quality it's hard to beat Sony and Samsung. But you would also pay an additional $1,000 premium to get that extra pop that no one notices unless they were side by side.
21:9 is drool worthy for any film buff, but I don't want 2500 x 1080 or whatever! This means they are cropping the black bars, but then upscaling the picture and I refuse to upscale a perfect 1080p picture! I want something like a1920x800 panel. I have no problem downscaling a 16:9 movie, as this should be lossless and unnoticeable, but I refuse to upscale a 2.35 movie, which is why I'll never go with the current anamorphic home projector method for 2.35. I'd rather just crop the top and bottom, then leave the image intact. We went to bluray for perfect picture, why would we go back to messing with it again?
I really wish they had just made 21:9 panels from the beginning. 2.35 was meant to be wider, not smaller than other formats!
...it's still only a Vizio. Don't waste your money on inferior products.
@Unverified User
Vizio has really came along way longer panel life warrantys and products that are matching and exceeding the big names
I have a Vizio and absolutely love it....best TV purchase in my opinion. If you are rich and can afford better quality then sure there is better out there, but I think the quality of Vizio is perfect for me
@EzB Hey - do you know anywhere, where I can purchase the new 72" TV?
@EzB Kinda Like being with Verizon, If you hit the lottery & can afford it, more power to ya.
Where are the vizio LCDs with 802.11N from 2009?
What, nothing sized between 55" and 72"? I need something to replace my slowly dimming 61" DLP RP! (knock on wood)
@Tony C
Just replace the lamp and your DLP will be as bright as new. Then you can hold out a few more years while flat panels continue to get better and cheaper.
1. It's still only a Vizio
2. It's still only an LCD
3. It will probably still have issues with shadow detail
4. It still can't compete with Plasma black levels
5. Motion blur
6. It will likely still have issues with off-angle viewing
7. It's still only a VIzio...again.
@(Unverified)
and you are a still a tool......
@(Unverified)
If you haven't noticed retailers are clearing out all Plasma stock, which is why you can pick up a 720p Plasma TV at 42" for 300 bucks all day long cause they are inferior to their LCD counterparts. OLED's manufacturing process isn't as competitive as LCD's yet so LCD is your best option currently.
@(Unverified) I tend to agree with most everything he sais there, but look what $3500 will get you from the top manufacturers, nothing even close to this size & spec sheet. Plus if u buy from Vizio your helping out the U.S. Economy :)
@7egend
1080p plasmas from Pioneer, Panasonic, and Samsung are superior to any and all LCD's. Just because some nitwit walks into a retailer and views an LCD lit up in torch mode and buys it doesn't mean it is superior. Plasmas win where it counts...performance and picture quality.
You want cloudy blacks and motion blur...buy an LCD. You want an LCD made from leftover parts...but a Vizio LCD.
@(Unverified)
When I look at LCD's I compare them to LCD's and not to plasmas. They aren't the same, though, yes the blacks aren't as good. The issue isn't that a more expensive plasma is better, but whether this is a good tv for the LCD market. The LCD vs plasma argument anytime one or the other is described is really mental masturbation.
@(Unverified) Have fun with your ridiculously expensive, easy to burn in plasma. Watch as i buy a 72 inch lcd panel that supports 3D, has a whole bunch of useful applications, and wireless N for the same price as a samsung plasma that doesn't support 3D, had 0 internet applications and no internet connectivity. With all the plus's to the vizio, who the hell cares about the deep blacks? Get real, unverified, you have a shitty argument.
hmmm, all I need is the physical dimensions of this. I sure hope I can get that 72" to fit where I currently have my sony lcos 60" (gonna be tight). This may finally be a big enough step up to replace what I currently have, and for the same price I paid for that sony (3 years ago).
I wonder how many pairs of the glasses you get and what extras will cost? Shutter glasses aren't cheap and I'd normally avoid them, but at 480hz, it seems like the flickering won't be an issue (based on what some other sites like wikipedia say).
Oh man...vizio, you love to hate it in so many ways, but the price is so good that you begin to look at it more and more. The picture quality is not so bad compare to other mid-range hdtvs. And lets face it, most of us will buy the mid-range ones unless we're filthy rich.
They just need to improve it a little more, put in some decent speakers instead of those tiny 3 dollar speakers. If you ever seen a vizio taken apart, which I wish engadget would do one, you will see the cheap parts. People see vizio as a good value tv, but not the best quality. I think they need to change that perception and actually produce the best quality TVs. Right now, they are like the nintendo wii, not the best quality, not that many great games, but everyone and their mother owns one so they're still printing money. And they might not even care of what people's perception is as long as they're selling like hot cakes.
@nxp3 If you're using the speakers in your TV when shelling out more than 1k for the tv, then it's a waste regardless. I wish they'd just get rid of the speakers all together in these larger tv's and save the space and reduce the price slightly.
@jonyah
but for news, morning shows, quick bites of tv (while you're eating, etc.) it's pointless to fire up your receiver and your speaker set. having speakers on a tv allows you to quickly watch a show, etc., at low volume without using all that extra energy for your other components.
$3,499 for a display made from leftover parts. No thank you.
@(Unverified)
Put that money towards a Pioneer (if you can find one) plasma, a Panasonic plasma, or a Samsung Plasma. Avoid the motion blur and cloudy screens of LCD's at all costs.
wow
1. Vizio XVT contrast ratio (dynamic) is often 1,000,000 : 1 or greater
2. Vizio LED backlights beat out ANY brand's CCFL backlighting
3. Viewing angles aren't an issue anymore with LCD/LED
4. All the videofiles hate them
5. aaaaaand, when I buy my next TV, I probably won't either... just stating the facts!
@zekesauce
1. The contrast ratio is not a reliable number. Vizio's are usually lacking when put through real-world testing.
2. Vizio LED backlighting is lacking compared to what is offered from either Sony or Samsung.
3. Viewing angles were an issue with the 2009 LED LCD's from Vizio and probably will be this year as well.
4. All the videophiles hate them because of their inferior performance compared to quality displays.
420Hz? Are they fucking high? How many times have you heard complaints from people who own 240Hz televisions, talking about how strange it is when watching it at that level, that they actually turn it down to 120Hz? A lot. No one likes the 240Hz, and now they're coming up with a 420Hz? Get real. That is stupid as hell.
@Solidstate89
You need 420hz for 3d. And if you haven't seen 3d in cinemas, u have missed alot.