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Vizio flashes a sleek new HDTV design in Rose Bowl ad, we'll see more at CES (video)
For the second year in a row, it looks like Vizio has taken advantage of its sponsorship of the Rose Bowl to tease a new product -- last year it was an Android tablet, and the 2012 game brought this new display design. It flashes around :25 into the ad (embedded after the break), and while there's no details on exactly what it might be, we know Vizio had plenty of Google TV tech to show off last year, and after a year of development plus the release of Google TV 2.0, it may have decided to match Sony's funky TV setup with an interesting stand of its own. Whether there's Android, OLED or any other new tech to be found in the flat-panel we'll surely find out more in just a few days once CES 2012 gets underway.
Microsoft brings Kinect float to Rose Bowl Parade: a making-of video
Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade? Pish posh. As any red-blooded American will likely confess, it's the parade preceding the annual Rose Bowl that really gets one's attention, and this year's edition featured a float from none other than Microsoft itself. As Russell Wilson and co. were gearing up to take the field in Pasadena, a smattering of folks were strapping on their winter gear and heading atop an admittedly eye-catching Kinect float. No, there's no way to actually dictate the rest of bowl season through your motion-sensing peripheral, but there is a making-of video just after the break for the handicraft sect.
Vizio teases entry into the tablet fray with pizazz via Rose Bowl spot (video)
Teasing tablets ahead of the CES deluge is nothing new for manufacturers now, but we'll at least give Vizio a few style points for its expensive approach to the tactic. That's because what looks like a Vizio-branded tablet made a not-so-secret appearance during the Rose Bowl. Specifically, the device appeared about 15 seconds into the chairman's message in the hands of Vizio chief sales officer Randy Waynick. Just in case a mere sighting was too subtle, Waynick was also kind enough to mention Vizio's dedication to "entertainment freedom for all" and the ability to view content on "any of their great new products, from anywhere" -- wink wink, nudge nudge. Details on the gadget are obviously unknown, but we're confident the actual specs (if any) will emerge next week. We're also pretty positive it's not Vizio's 7-inch razor portable TV. If you weren't watching the game, check out a video of the device's brief cameo on national television after the break. Update: We originally speculated that this tablet was probably running Android based on the buttons. Some eagle-eyed readers have pointed out though that only three buttons are visible at the bottom of the Vizio screen -- which means WP 7 could also be a possibility. It's worth noting too that no traditional Android buttons were visible on the prototype Motorola Honeycomb Tablet. The bottom line is we can't make a ruling on the OS based solely on the buttons.
Pyro Spectaculars to use HD-friendly fireworks
There's nothing like oversleeping on a Wednesday, only to realize that all is well thanks to a day we Americans get to celebrate our independence and utter obsession with pyrotechnics. This year, however, you may be better off watching the action from the comfort of your own sofa, particularly if you can tune in to a high-definition broadcast of a Pyro Spectaculars show. The firm will be utilizing a specially formed "HD shell" that's designed to "perform at a lower altitude" and react more cooperatively with cameras. Moreover, the fireworks emit "fuller bursts with more density and deeper colors," which purportedly perform quite admirably when captured in HD. The firm's wares will be used tonight at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California and also at Dodger Stadium, and those not in Schwarzenegger's state can catch them at the Macy's New York show as well as in Boston, Seattle, and Houston.
HDTV Listings for January 1, 2007
What we're watching: Happy New Year, and for us the highlight of the day is in just a few minutes when Michigan takes on USC in the Rose Bowl on ABC, but later on tonight we've also got the Fiesta Bowl featuring Boise State and Oklahoma. Not into football? Never fear, with three episodes of Heroes on NBC, a Northern Exposure marathon on Universal HD and Brokeback Mountain on HBO-HD there should be a suitable option for your HDTV viewing pleasure. Let's hope the rest of 2007 is as well-stocked with HD goodness as today is.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Jan. 4: What's on HDTV Today
What we're watching: The game of the century.#1 vs. #2. Texas vs. USC.Rose BowlI've barely been able to sleep at night as visions of Vince Young, Reggie Bush and Matt Leinhart danced through my head and finally the day is here. I'm leaning towards Texas in an upset because I think they have a better defense than USC has seen so far. But if Reggie Bush and Matt Leinhart (and Lendale White) are half as good as they have seemed all season, it's really impossible to call.There is nothing else worth watching tonight, the two best teams are playing, be there and in HD. After the jump is our traditional listing of HD programs throughout the night.
