Vizio rolls out dual-band 'HD' router, trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players
By Donald Melanson 
posted June 22nd 2010 1:10PM
posted June 22nd 2010 1:10PM
WiFi-equipped TVs may have been Vizio's big focus at CES earlier this year, but it's now expanding things to some other devices as well -- it's just announced a trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players, and a dual-band 'HD" router to go along with them. That router, the XWR100, apparently earns the 'HD' designation by prioritizing HD media streamed to Vizio's VIA-enabled devices, like the company's three just-announced Blu-ray players. Those include the VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231, the latter of which is the first dual-band wireless Blu-ray player, and all of which include Vizio Internet Apps (or VIA) to stream content from Vudu, Netflix and other services. Look for the router (pictured after the break) to set you back $99.99 when it rolls out sometime in the third quarter, while the three Blu-ray players will be available this month and next for $189.99 and $199.99. Head on past the break for the full press release.
VIZIO Expands Internet Apps Product Line with New High Definition Blu-ray Players and HD Wireless Internet Routers to Enhance Your Home Theater Experience
-- Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n wireless router uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to maximize speed and range across all types of media and data
-- First to market dual-band wireless Blu-ray players with VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) to stream on-demand HD video, audio and other entertainment from top providers including VUDU, Netflix and Pandora
IRVINE, Calif. and NEW YORK, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company, announced today the introduction of a wireless Internet router optimized for VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), the platform that enables viewers to experience the best of the web and on-demand content, as well as three wireless Blu-ray players with Internet Apps, that offer consumers even more entertainment on demand, such as streaming HD movies, TV episodes, music, photos and social networking. The XWR100 Dual-Band HD Wireless Internet Router prioritizes HD video and audio to VIA HDTVs and Blu-ray players, such as VIA-enabled VBR200W, VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231 Blu-ray players that are capable of streaming content from online services such as VUDU, Netflix and Pandora. The universal wireless router can also be configured to prioritize traffic to other Internet-connected devices as well as share a high-speed Internet connection to other Internet capable devices in the home, such as laptops, game consoles and smart phones.
"Customers want a simple high quality experience when they stream entertainment content to their home theater system. VIZIO Internet Apps enables these freedoms by focusing on Wireless connectivity -- our new High definition Wireless Internet Router and Dual Band High Definition Blu-ray players are the perfect complement," said Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Chief Sales Officer and Co-founder. "Consumers want to stream high definition videos and high quality audio from the Internet and VIZIO has designed a simple easy to use experience."
XWR100 Dual Band HD Wireless Internet Router
The XWR100 802.11n dual-band wireless Internet router makes streaming HD media its highest priority, resulting in performance superior to conventional routers. VIZIO QoS (Quality of Sound) technology produces superior HD streaming by intelligently prioritizing Internet traffic to VIA-enabled devices for the best viewing experience with fewer delays in loading times, especially when watching HD movies. By operating at both 2.4 and 5 GHz at the same time, it can also make use of the less crowded 5 GHz band for the most time-sensitive traffic, such as HD video streams, music and games, further enhancing the user's experience through maximum range and speed and minimized interruptions and re-buffering.
Setup of the router is easy and quick through an intuitive user interface and intelligence built into the router to detect Internet connection status. In addition to other standard wireless security protocols, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) capability makes the secure addition of new devices as simple as the push of a button.
The router also sports a USB 2.0 port to connect a USB hard drive for shared access to personal photos, videos and more.
In addition to its wireless capability, four standard Ethernet ports are provided for wired connections to Internet capable devices. The router can be wall mounted, and its sleek and elegant design brings a high-tech look to any home or work setting. Compatible with both Mac and PC systems, the XWR100 is available in Q3 at an MSRP of $99.99.
VIZIO Wireless Blu-ray Players
In addition to providing full 1080p performance with Blu-ray and 1080p up-scaling with DVD discs, VIZIO's new Blu-ray players, the VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231 offer even more entertainment on demand from the Internet, from top brands like Netflix and VUDU, which offers High definition movies and TV shows, and Pandora Internet Radio. The players also deliver access to other well-known online services, such as the Associated Press.
The VBR210 and VBR220 Blu-ray players utilize built-in 802.11n single-band 2.4 GHz wireless to connect to the user's high-speed Internet connection. Each delivers up to 7.1 channels of digital audio output over HDMI, with support for Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby® Digital Plus, and DTS HD® audio formats. Both players have a USB port that supports JPEG and MP3 media playback. Available now, both players carry an MSRP of $189.99.
The VBR231 Blu-ray Player is the first in the market to offer superior performance with VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) through its built-in 802.11n Dual-Band wireless connectivity. With the ability to use both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, this player delivers reliable high-speed connectivity in almost any room of the home – and it is a great complement to the VIZIO Dual-Band Wireless Router. Additional features include support for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD audio formats over HDMI, and a USB port for JPEG and MP3 playback. The VBR231 is scheduled for release in July with an MSRP of $199.99.
About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's HDTV 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 in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and was #1 for the total year in 2009. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, 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, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, 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 on the web at www.VIZIO.com.
The V, VIZIO, TruLED, Extreme VIZIO Technology XVT, VIZIO Internet Apps, 480Hz SPS, 240Hz SPS, Thin Line, Smooth Motion, Razor LED, Smart Dimming, 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.
SOURCE VIZIO, Inc.
-- Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n wireless router uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to maximize speed and range across all types of media and data
-- First to market dual-band wireless Blu-ray players with VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) to stream on-demand HD video, audio and other entertainment from top providers including VUDU, Netflix and Pandora
IRVINE, Calif. and NEW YORK, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company, announced today the introduction of a wireless Internet router optimized for VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), the platform that enables viewers to experience the best of the web and on-demand content, as well as three wireless Blu-ray players with Internet Apps, that offer consumers even more entertainment on demand, such as streaming HD movies, TV episodes, music, photos and social networking. The XWR100 Dual-Band HD Wireless Internet Router prioritizes HD video and audio to VIA HDTVs and Blu-ray players, such as VIA-enabled VBR200W, VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231 Blu-ray players that are capable of streaming content from online services such as VUDU, Netflix and Pandora. The universal wireless router can also be configured to prioritize traffic to other Internet-connected devices as well as share a high-speed Internet connection to other Internet capable devices in the home, such as laptops, game consoles and smart phones.
"Customers want a simple high quality experience when they stream entertainment content to their home theater system. VIZIO Internet Apps enables these freedoms by focusing on Wireless connectivity -- our new High definition Wireless Internet Router and Dual Band High Definition Blu-ray players are the perfect complement," said Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Chief Sales Officer and Co-founder. "Consumers want to stream high definition videos and high quality audio from the Internet and VIZIO has designed a simple easy to use experience."
XWR100 Dual Band HD Wireless Internet Router
The XWR100 802.11n dual-band wireless Internet router makes streaming HD media its highest priority, resulting in performance superior to conventional routers. VIZIO QoS (Quality of Sound) technology produces superior HD streaming by intelligently prioritizing Internet traffic to VIA-enabled devices for the best viewing experience with fewer delays in loading times, especially when watching HD movies. By operating at both 2.4 and 5 GHz at the same time, it can also make use of the less crowded 5 GHz band for the most time-sensitive traffic, such as HD video streams, music and games, further enhancing the user's experience through maximum range and speed and minimized interruptions and re-buffering.
Setup of the router is easy and quick through an intuitive user interface and intelligence built into the router to detect Internet connection status. In addition to other standard wireless security protocols, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) capability makes the secure addition of new devices as simple as the push of a button.
The router also sports a USB 2.0 port to connect a USB hard drive for shared access to personal photos, videos and more.
In addition to its wireless capability, four standard Ethernet ports are provided for wired connections to Internet capable devices. The router can be wall mounted, and its sleek and elegant design brings a high-tech look to any home or work setting. Compatible with both Mac and PC systems, the XWR100 is available in Q3 at an MSRP of $99.99.
VIZIO Wireless Blu-ray Players
In addition to providing full 1080p performance with Blu-ray and 1080p up-scaling with DVD discs, VIZIO's new Blu-ray players, the VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231 offer even more entertainment on demand from the Internet, from top brands like Netflix and VUDU, which offers High definition movies and TV shows, and Pandora Internet Radio. The players also deliver access to other well-known online services, such as the Associated Press.
The VBR210 and VBR220 Blu-ray players utilize built-in 802.11n single-band 2.4 GHz wireless to connect to the user's high-speed Internet connection. Each delivers up to 7.1 channels of digital audio output over HDMI, with support for Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby® Digital Plus, and DTS HD® audio formats. Both players have a USB port that supports JPEG and MP3 media playback. Available now, both players carry an MSRP of $189.99.
The VBR231 Blu-ray Player is the first in the market to offer superior performance with VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) through its built-in 802.11n Dual-Band wireless connectivity. With the ability to use both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, this player delivers reliable high-speed connectivity in almost any room of the home – and it is a great complement to the VIZIO Dual-Band Wireless Router. Additional features include support for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD audio formats over HDMI, and a USB port for JPEG and MP3 playback. The VBR231 is scheduled for release in July with an MSRP of $199.99.
About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's HDTV 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 in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and was #1 for the total year in 2009. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, 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, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, 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 on the web at www.VIZIO.com.
The V, VIZIO, TruLED, Extreme VIZIO Technology XVT, VIZIO Internet Apps, 480Hz SPS, 240Hz SPS, Thin Line, Smooth Motion, Razor LED, Smart Dimming, 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.
SOURCE VIZIO, Inc.
When do you suppose digital downloads will completely replace physical media?
@wemustcontrolpeople
when everyone has lightning fast 1 gbps internetfrom google. not any sooner. a lot of people in the US are still only on about 4mbps internet. which is fine but isn't fast enough to get Full HD streaming without cutting corners anywhere quality wise.
@silentrebel
i am at 4mbps. i havent paid for cable for television in over a year thanks to torrents and streamed media.
i see physical media being out like the cassette in 5 years. and in order for that to happen silentrebel is right, we need faster network connections. for being a world power, we suck at internets. even austrailia's government is doing something about increasing bandwidth. meanwhile here in the states we strip government authorities the power to regulate s.o.b. isp's (*cough* COMCAST *cough*).
no one should own the lines, and we should get what we pay for. is that too much to ask? soon as we do something about that, we will never have to pay for a damn DVD again.
-rant
@silentrebel dont forget huge storage devices (hdd and ssds) those movies are ~10-20Gb each, add music and pic to that and you realize that you need alot of free space (streaming is not always a best solution and lots of ppl want to have collections)
oh almost forgot tv series/shows
@tricheboars I would also agree that 5 years is probably the sweet spot. This site reckons that we're a little over 5 years away from 1Gbit/s speeds being commonplace.
http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2030-2039.htm#terabit-internet-speeds
And I don't think space is an issue, even today. We already have commercial 8TB hard drives and 2 TB hard drives for a little over $100.
@silentrebel yeah...and we have to be able to get those fast speeds at peak hours when everyone is online.
I pay a boatload to Comcast for some fast broadband, but can't watch a movie in HD on Netflix at 8:00pm on a Weekday. Not even possible because speeds are so drastically reduced.
So when Google owns 90% of the Fiber lines in the US in 10years and we pay them half what we pay the Cable companies and are in love with our Google overlords...then we'll be rid of physical media.
@wemustcontrolpeople
Since DISH Network has become more of a pain than a pleasure. I am having to download more and more programming because DISH can't seem to get it to me as they should. I have been with them since 1994 and will leave in a second if I could get all my online ducks in a row and schedules to DL instead of watch as per a time driven schedule. Plus PQ is better via DL and cheaper since all of DISH's new and forthcoming nickel and dimeing fees that are popping up all over.
I'm ready now to do 100% DL now.
If you live in a densely populated area you know wifi is FTL. I would only trust vudu 1080p streaming to a wired solution in Manhattan. I've got 150 access points and ad-hock networks within range.
@nsfw
fortunately for you, you are posting on a gadget blog and are smart enough to know about 5ghz wifi. So you won't have to worry about 95% of the other networks as they are on 2.4ghz.
@FNG he isn't talking about security issues?
@cameronsipod He's most likely worried about interference from other wireless signals. Good-eye FNG, spotting the 5GHz spectrum. Should be fine for the time being, even in metro areas.
@Mezmryz03
Exactly my point. Most people don't know what dual band even means, much less how or why to use it. At my house I only have about 15 networks in range. No where near the 150 of nsfw. 5ghz will be a geek only spectrum for a while.
@FNG 5ghz is old ass news to us geeks lol. ive been on 802.11a networking for years at home. Definitely no other 5ghz APs anywhere within receiving distance.
I wonder if you can run XBMC or Boxee on thoes Bluray players.. that would rock.
@liquidkernel That was my first thought too, but I doubt it. Boxee/XBMC are software than run on OSs, this sounds more like a slightly smarter dumb-box.
@Elchupacabra Yeah, it would need to run Linux first. Which is very well possible, depending on the CPU it has and the amount of RAM. It would not surprise me if this thing is already running a variant of Linux.
Serious question, as I've never seen this.
Do any of these players also have just a stock over-the-air tuner built in?
so wait... are the three different bluray players that have only two different prices...$189 and $199... so two of the models have the same price? Or, did you leave one price out?
I won't be able to sleep until I know the answer to these very important questions.
It says the router has a USB port so you can hook up an external drive with movies on it to stream to Vizio VIA tvs.
How does this work? I have a Vizio VIA HDTV, and it has no options for streaming video other than a few proprietary services (Netflix, Amazon, etc) .. It does not have any DLNA capabilities that I know of yet...