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LG, Panasonic and Vizio fight motion smoothing with 'filmmaker mode'
Today the UHD Alliance -- an industry group of various companies involved in getting 4K video to you -- banded together and announced something that couldn't come too soon: filmmaker mode. According to its backers, which include manufacturers like LG, Vizio and Panasonic, the feature will make sure movies and TV shows are seen as intended. That means automatically disabling motion smoothing technology (Tom Cruise will be very happy), as well as ensuring the correct color, aspect ratio and framerate. Until now, figuring out the settings has been something everyone needs to do one their own -- we have some suggestions for you -- with out of the box defaults that can absolutely destroy the viewing experience. As described in the press release, Filmmaker Mode is activated either automatically through metadata in a disc or stream, or via a single button press on the remote, to make it as easy as possible for 4K TV owners to use. Vizio said in a statement that the feature will be available in its 2020 televisions, while we haven't heard from the others. Netflix launched a similar setup with its "Calibrated" mode last year, but this could have a much wider reach. The name and settings will be consistent no matter which brand of TV you're buying. Rian Johnson spoke at the event, while other directors including JJ Abrams, Christopher Nolan, Ryan Coogler and Martin Scorsese offered support in pre-recorded comments. "The thing that sets Filmmaker Mode apart is it will be a pure, clean expression of what the movie was meant to look like when it was made," said Johnson. Ryan Coogler said that "By allowing the artists in the tent to help consult and give feedback to the electronics companies on Filmmaker Mode, we can collectively help make the consumer's experience even more like it is in the cinema."
Vizio begins updating its TVs with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
After unveiling it at CES 2019, Vizio has announced that it's finally rolling out support for Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit platforms. Coming via an update to its SmartCast 3.0 platform, it'll let users play videos, music and photos directly from iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. Best of all, it'll work not just on its recent 2019 TVs, but on Vizio SmartCast models dating all the way back to 2016.
The best TVs and streamers to use in a dorm room
Sure, studying is important. But in between classes and hitting the books everyone will need time to relax with some Netflix. Some students might be able to get by with just a laptop, tablet or even phone for TV watching, but we think you can do better without breaking the bank. We've picked out a few TVs, keeping in mind that students will need sets that are smaller and not too expensive. And, if you happen to pick a TV that doesn't already have streaming apps built in, we've listed some of our favorite streaming devices, too. Speaking of streaming apps, you'll need good stuff to watch. We're not bothering recommending Netflix because let's face it, you probably already are mooching off your parents have your own account. Instead, allow us to recommend some services you might not have heard of -- say, for anime and manga fans.
Vizio's 2019 4K TVs arrive with promise of AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support
Vizio has released its 2019 4K TV lineup to the market and announced that Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will be coming to current and older models. While the company is best known for budget 4K TVs with impressive image quality, this time it's going after the premium market with its flagship P-Series Quantum X. The new 65-inch ($2,200) and 75-inch ($3,500) sets are pricier than you'd expect from Vizio, but feature quantum dot displays with 384 or 480 local dimming zones. That enables black levels nearly on par with OLED displays, but with brightness levels up to 3,000 nits.
Get ready for targeted ads on your smart TV
By now, we're all used to targeted ads on social media. And whether you're comfortable with having your interests shared with advertisers or not, it looks like "addressable advertising" is coming to your smart TV too, sooner rather than later. Several top media companies -- including Disney, Comcast, NBCUniversal, CBS and Discovery -- announced they're teaming up with smart TV company Vizio to develop a new standard that might make commercials feel eerily personal.
Vizio will soon test SmartCast 3.0 with AirPlay 2 support (update)
One of Vizio's biggest reveals at CES this year was a new version of SmartCast that works with Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. And soon, the electronics-maker will start testing* its updated smart TV platform with the intention of rolling it out to all its TVs with SmartCast Home by the second quarter of the year. Once you get SmartCast 3.0, you'll be able to beam videos, photos and music from your iPhones, iPads and Macs to Vizio's SmartCast TVs. Yes, including any 4K and Dolby Vision HDR movies and shows you purchase from iTunes.
Everywhere we found AirPlay 2 at CES 2019
As is tradition, Apple was once again infamously absent at the biggest technology show of the year, CES. The company hasn't actually stayed out of the headlines over the past week, however. Apple didn't do any announcing of its own, but it was name-checked in practically all press conferences held by the biggest consumer tech brands at CES. The reason? AirPlay 2.
Vizio's SmartCast will work with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit this year
Part of Vizio's big news for CES 2019 is the reveal of SmartCast 3.0. This edition of its smart TV platform's big addition is support for Apple AirPlay 2, as well as enhancements for tie-ins with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The new software is coming to all SmartCast TVs eventually, after a beta test in Q1 of this year before rolling out widely in Q2.
Vizio works on making its 4K TVs even better in 2019
While many other manufacturers chase new technology with 8K and HDMI 2.1, Vizio is enhancing its 4K TV lineup, starting from the lower-priced V series all the way up to its top-of-the-line P-Series Quantum X. The V series steps in where Vizio's E line of TVs used to reside, with smart TV features, Dolby Vision HDR and up to 16 zones of local dimming, with models ranging from 40- to 75-inches.
The best home theater gifts
There's a good chance you know someone who could use a home theater upgrade. Their TV doesn't support the latest streaming services, and the audio quality from the set's built-in speakers could be charitably described as "modest." Thankfully, you can help them modernize their living room with our holiday gift guide. Could your lucky recipient use a media player? We've got you covered, whether it's the affordable Roku Premiere+ or the pricey-but-powerful Apple TV 4K. And if you're determined to improve their listening experience, you don't just have to get them a basic soundbar -- the Sonos Beam gives them a TV audio upgrade and a smart speaker in one device. Whatever you choose, they're bound to thank you on movie night.
Vizio is selling a Product RED TV to help fight AIDS in Africa
If you've ever found yourself looking at your TV, wishing its gray or black casing was a little more exciting, Vizio might have the answer. Plus, you might help out a good cause, too.
Vizio's Dolby Atmos home theater speakers arrive starting at $500
You have to pay if you want room-shaking Dolby Atmos vertical surround sound, even if you're looking at value brands. Vizio has revealed pricing and availability for its upward-firing home theater systems, and the cheapest is the $500, 36-inch 5.1.2 home theater system. The 46-inch 3.1.2 and 5.1.4 models, meanwhile, will cost you $800 and $1,000 respectively.
Your Vizio smart TV might tell you if it spied on you
Vizio smart TVs might display a strange notification in the near future -- one telling you if the company collected and sold your data. Back in 2015, a ProPublica exposé revealed that Vizio installed software on its smart TVs that allowed it to track and sell your viewing habits to advertisers without explicit consent. That unsurprisingly spawned class action lawsuits, and a judge ruled back in 2017 that the company has to pay $2.2 million to settle with the government.
AMD prevails in patent fight with Vizio over TV graphics
AMD's legal blitz against TV makers over graphics patents has claimed a major casualty. The US International Trade Commission has issued a final determination that Vizio and chip supplier Sigma Designs violated an AMD patent for a parallel pipeline graphics system. The Commission has ordered Vizio and Sigma to "cease and desist" making products that violate the patent, and has banned them from importing any existing products. Vizio is no longer allowed to bring some of its TVs into the US, then, although it's not certain just how much damage this does to the company's bottom line.
The best TVs for dorm rooms
At the end of the school day, you'll probably want to wind down and watch a movie or show, but sooner or later, your laptop screen just won't cut it. There are lots of choices when shopping for TVs, so here are the best options that fit a variety of dorms and apartments. For the purposes of our back-to-school guide, we focused on models that came in at $500 or less. While there are even less expensive models out there, we recommend spending a bit more for a 4K TV, as there's now more content available for it. Samsung's 43-inch NU7100 Smart 4K UHD is a solid choice that won't take up too much space. If you're not short on room, consider Vizio's 50-inch E-series 4K HDR, or even going for the less feature-heavy but lower-priced Hisense 55-inch 4K UHD. Any of these will be welcome choices that are likely to hold up for years -- well past graduation, even.
Vizio adds over 100 free streaming channels to its SmartCast TVs
Vizio announced today that it's launching a new free streaming service called WatchFree. Rolling out now, the service will be available on most Vizio SmartCast TVs and will include more than 100 channels, such as NBC News, MSNBC, Fox Sports, Crime Network, The Surf Channel, Cats 24/7 and multiple movie channels. The service is powered by the ad-supported free streaming service Pluto TV, which will soon add two pop-up channels that feature Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares and Unsolved Mysteries.
Vizio's super bright P-Series Quantum TV is now available
You can finally get your hands on Vizio's flagship 2018 4K TV, the 65-inch P-Series Quantum, starting today. The $2,100 set is the company's most advanced TV yet, with 2,000 nits of peak brightness and a sleek new bezel-less design. It also packs in 192 local dimming zones, compared to 100 from the previous P-Series set. That helps the Quantum TV reach its high brightness, and it also improves contrast and black levels. In a brief demo a few months ago, the P-Series Quantum offered a noticeable improvement in image quality from the earlier line.
Lawmakers ask FTC to investigate smart TV data collection
Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to the FTC this week requesting that the agency open an investigation into how smart TVs collect consumer viewing data and whether manufacturers disclose that practice adequately. They wrote that while smart TV advancements have "ushered in a new era of innovation and interactivity," they must not come at the expense of consumer privacy. "Televisions have entered a new era, but that does not mean that users' sensitive information no longer deserves protection," the senators said. "The content consumers watch is private, and it should not be assumed that customers want companies to track and use information on their viewing habits."
Vizio's feature-packed P-series 4K TVs go on sale
Vizio set the hearts of AV lovers aflutter earlier this year when it announced its newest lineup of 4K TVs. The almost overwhelmingly-large range features full-array backlighting, vast color spectrums, Dolby Vision, voice activation and smart home controls, with prices ranging from $350 to $2,600. Some of the models hit the shelves straight away, while would-be buyers were made to wait for others, namely the P-series, which has now finally arrived in stores.
The real star of Vizio's 2018 TV lineup is value
If you're in the market for a 4K TV this year, Vizio's latest lineup is filled with several compelling options. In fact, the only issue is that it might be tough to figure out which model is best for you. First, there's the new P-series Quantum, which is Vizio's brightest and most feature-packed TV ever. But the rest of the company's P- and M-series sets are also cheaper and better equipped than before. An abundance of choices is ultimately a good thing for shoppers, of course -- just be prepared to do your homework.
