Vizio's M-Series Theater 3D TVs are officially available, at last

Last CES Vizio announced a slew of new LCD HDTVs with its passive glasses-compatible Theater 3D capabilities and Vizio Internet Apps built in, and now it's finally ready to announced the M-series midrange lineup is shipping nationwide. M3D models in various 40- and 50-inch sizes have been popping up over the last few weeks, featuring edge LED backlighting for between $1,039 (42-inch) and $1,649 (55-inch). Need something bigger on your wall? There's also a 65-inch version on the way in 2012, with a pricetag of $2,099. As usual, Vizio's displays bring a rather complete line of features without an ultra-high price tag, but there'd be more reasons to share the included four pairs of 3D glasses with friends if the NBA season would just ever start. As is, buyers will have to make do with whatever videogames and college sports they can find for now -- check after the break for more specs and prices.

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VIZIO Wins Popular Science Magazine's Coveted "2011 Best of What's New Award" for Theater 3D™ Technology and Celebrates with Release of Sleek M-Series Theater 3D Line to Retailers Nationwide

- VIZIO Theater 3D technology emerges from thousands of innovations as the "Best of What's New" in the Home Entertainment category by world's largest science and technology magazine

- VIZIO's M-Series Theater 3D™ HDTVs bring movie theater 3D experience home for the holidays, delivering crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D technology, and up to four pairs of lightweight, battery-free 3D glasses allowing the whole family to enjoy

Irvine, CA – November 16, 2011 - VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today nationwide availability of its M-Series Theater 3D HDTVs, after yesterday receiving Popular Science magazine's "2011 Best of What's New Award" for Theater 3D technology. As a winner in the Home Entertainment category, VIZIO Theater 3D Technology will be featured in the December 2011 issue of Popular Science magazine.

"For 24 years, Popular Science has honored the innovations that surprise and amaze us − those that make a positive impact on our world today and challenge our views of whatʼs possible in the future," said Mark Jannot, Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science. "The Best of Whatʼs New Award is the magazine's top honor, and the 100 winners − chosen from among thousands of entrants − represent the highest level of achievement in their fields."

Inherent in the M-Series 42", 46", 55" and 65" Edge Lit Razor LED LCD Theater 3D HDTVs, VIZIO Theater 3D technology boasts a brighter picture when compared to conventional 3D enabled units. The result is crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D, complete with a wider horizontal viewing angle and improved fast motion pictures. These attributes make the M-Series line perfect for watching HD or 3D content, bringing families together and providing viewers with stunning picture quality just in time for holiday gatherings.

M-Series Theater 3D HDTVs also utilize lightweight, battery-free glasses that work in most 3D theaters. The sleek VIZIO 3D eyewear is popular among Theater 3D viewers as it eliminates the discomfort felt by some and the high cost of active shutter glasses, common objections voiced by many 3D home theater viewers. With the affordable VIZIO Theater 3D glasses, families can host 3D gaming parties, 3D movie nights, 3D sports viewing get-togethers and other events, easily accommodating all viewers with comfortable and stylish 3D eyewear.

"From broadcast sporting events to streaming movies, VIZIO is truly making 3D content accessible for every family," said Matt McRae, VIZIO Chief Technology Officer. "The M-Series incorporates the very latest Theater 3D technologies and the recent recognition from Popular Science only validates our efforts to provide customers with great technology at an exceptional value."

In addition to a superb 3D picture, all M-Series units include VIZIO Internet Apps® (V.I.A.) technology and built-in 802.11n WiFi, giving users the convenience of on-demand movies, TV shows, social networks, music and photos, on their HDTV. By using the premium Bluetooth QWERTY remote to navigate the connected platform, the user's experience is further enhanced as VIZIO's web-based content is available at the touch of a button. Services such as Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster on Demand, Facebook®, Fandango®, Flickr®, Hulu Plus™, Netflix, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, Twitter™ and VUDU®, can all be accessed through the V.I.A. platform on the Edge Lit Razor Theater 3D HDTVs, providing families with the ultimate entertainment hub.

The V.I.A platform and the stunning quality of the Theater 3D picture of the M-Series is matched by the latest high performance SRS audio technologies. SRS technologies deliver an immersive, virtual, high definition surround sound through StudioSound™ HD - the ultimate all-in-one audio experience, designed specifically for flat panel HDTVs. StudioSound HD delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass and consistent, spike-free volume levels.

The M-Series Edge Lit Razor LED LCD Theater 3D HDTV is currently available in three different sizes. The 42" M3D420SR has an SRP of $1,039.99, the 46" M3D460SR has an SRP of $1,259.99 and the 55" M3D550SR has an SRP of $1,649.99. The 65" M3D650SV will be available in January 2012 with an SRP of $2,099.99.

*Source: IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q3 2011 Market Tracker Report of Q2 2011 1st half of 2011 results.