Chalk another one up for MPEG-LA, as the licensing group's members have dropped lawsuits against Vizio stemming from the one-time value HDTV company's refusal to license MPEG-2 technology, claiming it's suppliers had already paid the necessary fees. Despite Amtran's pleas, just like Target's TruTech brand televisions and DVD players, that argument appears to have quickly folded, . It remains to be seen what direct effect this will have on price, but between this and Vizio's notable Black Friday absence they must be serious about changing to a more upscale image, we wonder if Sony will invite them to a special reception. (Warning: PDF read link)

Vizio made some waves recently with the introduction of two bargain-priced plasmas, but it could garner attention from a whole new sect of individuals next month. Reportedly, the outfit is gearing up to launch "its first monitor tailored for dedicated PC users" in late August, the 26-inch widescreen VMM monitor. We are told that it'll boast HDMI inputs, reduced brightness and higher resolution "than typical IT displays," but aside from that (and the $449 price tag), the rest remains a mystery. Also of note, the company is expected to debut an "eco-friendly" line of TVs this October, which are said to "operate with 35- to 45-percent less power than traditional LCD TVs of comparable size." Way to keep us on the edge of our seats, Vizio.

[Via Electronista]

What, you seriously expected the $999 VP422 to perform like a $5,000+ KURO? In your dreams, bub. Vizio's latest 42-inch plasma, which certainly looked a-okay on paper for the price, recently hit the test bench over at CNET, and while the overall package was deemed enough to "satisfy casual viewers," those with even a single videophile gene in 'em should be wary. The unit managed to snag an extremely rare 6.0 out of 10 rating, with "highly inaccurate green primary color and poor grayscale tracking" as the two biggest knocks. Granted, reviewers did appreciate the rock-bottom price, respectably array of inputs and the "relatively clean image," but at the end of the day, you can only expect so much from a sub-$1,000 42-inch PDP. Give the full review a look and determine if it's sufficient for your wants needs.

We already told you about Vizio's new cheap plasmas, but we recently had a chance to witness the 32-inch VP322 in person. The set's case design is very tasteful, and a welcome departure from the flashy, uber-lit displays we've come to expect from Vizio. As for picture quality, the set exhibited the deep blacks one would expect from a plasma display, but the snowy feed of a basketball game -- which we assume was coming form the set's internal ATSC tuner -- wasn't good enough to tell how the VP322 scales and processes to its native 768 lines. The promised three HDMI and component inputs were all there, confirming that this TV is a decent choice for those making the digital transition. For $550 at Wal-Mart, though, we're not about to complain.

If VIZIO's brand new XVT Series is a bit rich for your blood, how's about a pair of plasmas for under eight bones? Yep, the 32-inch VP322 and 42-inch VP422 -- which were announced at CES at $689 and $999, respectively -- are now available in Wal-Mart locations across America, and they're selling for even less than that. Right now, those longing to hop in the HDTV game without breaking the bank can secure the VP322 for just $599, while the VP422 will set you back just $799. Both sets possess a 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 720p panel, 3 HDMI sockets (along with component / VGA) and a built-in ATSC digital tuner with ClearQAM support. Not too shabby for the price, wouldn't you agree? [Warning: PDF read link]

Well, what have we here? A trio of newcomers from "North America's fastest growing brand of flat-panel HDTVs," that's what. Kicking things off in the all new XVT Series is the 42-inch SV420XVT and 47-inch SV47XVT LCD HDTVs, both of which feature 1080p panels, VIZIO's Smooth Motion technology (120Hz), a 6,500:1 contrast ratio and the usual complement of ports including four HDMI 1.3 sockets. Next up we've got the 50-inch VP505XVT, a 1080p plasma with Silicon Optix's famed REON HQV processing engine. Furthermore, this one packs an integrated digital TV tuner (with ClearQAM support), a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and SRS Labs' TruSurround XT audio processing technology. The new trio is all set to ship next month for $1,499.99, $1,899.99 and $1,699.99, and of course, you'll find 'em perched at Circuit City, Sears and your favorite Club retailer. [Warning: PDF read link]

Just an update on that Vizio vs. the world tiff, one of the major shareholders of the company and major manufacturer for the brand, Taiwan-based Amtran, chimes in that it already paid royalties for the disputed MPEG-2 patents between the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008. It's important to note that the company apparently had not seen the details of the lawsuit yet and couldn't give details, but we'll see how this affects things between the cheap HDTV manufacturer and MPEG LA.

It's no secret the rest of the display industry hasn't been happy with Vizio shaking up the low end with its cheap HDTVs, and now Mitsubishi and others have joined in a lawsuit accusing the manufacturer of refusing to license necessary patents. The 15 patents allegedly violated are for MPEG-2 compression that Mitsu, Sony, Samsung, Philips, Thomson, JVC and Columbia University of New York claim Vizio refuses to license. Vizio says it don't need no stinking licenses, since its suppliers already have them and it believes these licenses extend to its products. MPEG-LA also filed a similar suit against Target's TruTech house brand of televisions; while we'll have to wait for a ruling on the case to see who is right, it seems if they can't compete with these lower prices, other manufacturers will make sure cheap HDTVs cost more to make. For its part, Vizio says it does not believe this suit will have a materially adverse impact on its business, so for now, let the low-price flat screens roll.

Read - Mitsubishi, Samsung Sue Vizio Over Video Patents
Read - VIZIO Comments on MPEG-2 Lawsuit By Electronics Competitors

Budget shoppers flocked to Wal-mart this past year to pick up Vizio sets, helping them to become the top-seller of LCDs in the US. Vizio is expanding the VW series to include 19- and 22-inch compact models, as well as upgrading the 42- and 46-inch models with 1080p. The 19-inch VW19L and 22-inch VW22L will launch in May and July for $399.99 and $449.99, and are intended for gaming and computing. The top end is bolstered with the 42-inch VW42LF, retailing for $1,349 starting in May, and the 46-inch VW46LF, priced at $1,749 with a launch date in June. The two 1080p sets offer many of the same features found in Vizio's other series, such as three HDMI 1.3 ports, ATSC and QAM tuners, 178-degree viewing angles, and a detachable base.

There aren't many industries more fun to follow then LCDs, not only do they get better and better every year, but they get cheaper and cheaper too. Now the number one two HDTV producer in the US has a whole new line that ranges from a 22-inch and goes all the way up to 52-inches -- and everything in between. Unlike most of the Vizio line, the Evolution series has a flat black finish and includes a 6-foot HDMI cable and the sought after "Deluxe Size Cleaning Cloth." The 42-inch, 47-inch and 52-inch models have four HDMI inputs on the back -- the rest of the line has two -- and are 1080p. The 32-inch and 37-inch are 720p, and curiously the 22-inch has a resolution of 1680x1050, which probably makes it a good candidate to pull double duty as a computer display. The prices and availability varies, but the entire line will be available at a warehouse near you in 2008.

• VO22L $459.99 March '08
  
• VO32L $699.99 March '08
  
• VO37L $899.99 March '08
  
• VO42LF $1,299.99 April '08
  
• VO47LF $1,799.99 Jan. '08
  
• VO52LF $2,499.99 July '08

[Update: Seems the VO47LF may retail for $1,599.99 instead of $1,799.99, but the press release and Vizio website contain conflicting prices.]

See there? We told you Vizio wasn't quite finished. Up next from "America's fastest growing flat-panel HDTV company" comes two new members in the family of Envys: the 32-inch VU32L ($699) and the 37-inch VU37L ($899). Both sets get 720p resolutions, a side access HD Game Port with HDMI and ship dates that have yet to be set in stone. Also of note, the entire lineup rocks a detachable base to accommodate on-wall mounting along with built-in stereo speakers (10-watts per channel), and if you're digging the look but craving a touch more, you can slide your eyes over to the already released VU42LF.

Trust us, these certainly aren't the only new LCDs that Vizio is doling out today, but you've got to start somewhere, right? The firm's new Black Tie family consists of the 42-inch SV42LF and the 47-inch SV47LF, both of which rock that 1080p goodness, 120Hz processing, 6,500:1 contrast ratio, four HDMI 1.3 inputs, an integrated NTSC / ATSC / Clear-QAM TV tuner, on-board Dolby 3.0 processing, Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC) and a side access "HD Game Port" with an HDMI input. These units also feature slimmer bezels than those found on Vizio's past sets, and should be available this July for $1,499 and $1,899, respectively.

Vizio's on quite the rampage today as CES gets going, and it's kicking things off with a new line of plasmas. The new VP series includes the 32-inch VP322 ($689), 42-inch VP422 ($999) / VP423 ($999), 50-inch VP503 ($1,399) / VP504F ($1,699) and the flagship 60-inch VP605F ($2,899). The latter two are Vizio's pride and joy of this bunch, as they both sport Silicon Optix HQV processing, 1080p resolution, an integrated ATSC / Clear-QAM tuner, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and four HDMI 1.3 inputs. The firm is also throwing out a pair of new "all-in-one" solutions (the VP500 / VP501) which include 50-inch sets along with 5.1 surround sound systems. For more details on the whole lot, be sure and give the read link some attention.

If you've got a Vizio slim bezel "Black Tie" LCD, and are looking to surround yourself in sound, the company has a treat for you. The company is rolling out its Jive SV5.1 Enhancement Kit. This bit of kit adds the all-important center channel, rear channels and a (2.4 GHz) wireless sub to your LCD's existing front channel so you can brag up your 5.1 surround system. That sub unit packs a 70-Watt RMS, 560-Watt peak amp in it for the Jive speakers. Vizio didn't break your checkbook with that LCD, and they won't with this surround system, either: expect a price around $299 when the system ships in July.

Ew. That Goatse-inspired pic with a "peek at perfection" tag-line are just a few of the startling things netizens will notice in that picture above. The other being the fact that Vizio hasn't announced the VO47L FHDTV yet. Or VW46L FHDTV for that matter (pictured after the break). The 47-inch 1080p VO47L LCD features a 2,000:1 contrast, 178-degree viewing angle, and a healthy spread of 4x HDMI inputs. The VW46L scales it back to 46-inches and 3x HDMI. No pricing yet, but you can expect them to bend over and pop on the budget side of your big box's offerings. Now let's see if Vizio gets their marketing department in check or at least, edu-macated about the dark-side of the intertubes before these sets get official.

Update: Oops, Vizio pulled the pages.

[Thanks, Dan]

Read -- VO47L
Read -- VW46L