Vizio rolls out dual-band 'HD' router, trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players

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.

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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.