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Vizio's cheaper tablet-controlled 4K TVs start rolling out
If you want Vizio's 4K TV with SmartCast 6-inch Android remote, Ultra HD with Dolby Vision HDR and Google Cast receiving but you're not ready to pony up for a high-end P-Series set, a cheaper version is now available. Vizio announced the refreshed-for-2016 M-Series line in April and now they're going on sale, first via Vizio.com and eventually through other retailers. CTO and head of marketing Matthew McRae says that larger 70- and 80-inch versions are still on the way, but currently the $850 50-inch is the easiest one to get.
Vizio brings tablet remotes and 4K to lower-cost TVs
You don't have to splurge on Vizio's higher-end P-Series TVs to get some of their nicer features. The company is trotting out new M-Series and E-Series sets that bring over some of the nicer features, even if they aren't quite as eye-catching. Like its pricier counterpart, the M-Series now uses a 6-inch Android tablet remote (running the company's SmartCast app) and supports Google Cast streaming from other devices in your home. It's a big step up in quality over last year's model, too. There are twice as many active LED lighting zones (64) for higher contrast ratios, and you'll get luxuries like support for HDR video and Dolby Vision. Prices for the soon-to-launch, 4K-only line start at $850 for a 50-inch set, and scale all the way up to $4,000 for an 80-inch behemoth.
Vizio is bringing Google Cast to wireless speakers
Vizio's new SmartCast platform, based on Google Cast, isn't just headed to TVs. The company also revealed that it's working on a few wireless speakers that'll bundle in the technology. There's the Crave 360, a portable circular speaker that looks like Logitech's UE Boom lineup and Amazon's Echo, and the Crave Pro, a large bookshelf-like entry. Additionally, it's developed a wireless home theater system consisting of a soundbar, satellites and a surprisingly flat subwoofer. You'll be able to send music to the speakers through any Cast-enabled app, as well as manage them via the SmartCast app.
Vizio's new TVs sport Google Cast, HDR and Android tablets
Vizio's latest P-Series 4K HDTVs are more than just an annual upgrade -- they also completely redefine how you'll be accessing media. The TVs, which range from 50- to 75-inches, are still technically "smart," but they don't have any apps of their own. Instead, you'll have to stream content with built-in Google Cast -- a first for any TV set. You can shoot media to the sets using the Vizio SmartCast app, either from the included Android tablet remote, or any other iOS or Android device. SmartCast also serves as the central hub for discovering media, and it controls all of your TV settings.
Google is reportedly working with Vizio on Cast-ready TVs
Google has tried reworking Google TV into Android TV, but we're still not seeing the platform embedded in many more new TVs that were announced at launch. Now, according to a report from Variety, the company could try convincing manufacturers to build Chromecast-like receiving directly into TV sets. The first rumored partner is Vizio, which could be looking for a new edge in smart TVs with Yahoo shutting down its platform, and the possibility of an Android tablet remote. Vizio tried building its own Android tablet before, but packing one in with each new TV would be a step further.
Vizio's cheapest 4K TVs are on sale starting at just $600
Worried that Vizio's $130,000 120-inch Reference Series TV is a bit out of your price range? For the budget-constrained buyers among us, Vizio has recently launched a new series of 4K TVs that are cheaper than any it's ever offered before: the D-Series. The smallest one is a 50-inch television (D50u-D1) that slices an extra $30 from its M-Series counterpart to sell for under $600. The largest 4K version is a 65-incher (D65u-D2) that costs just $1,300, $100 less than the step-up M model. Of course, to meet those price requirements something had to give, and I think those compromises mean the M-Series is still a better option.
Vizio's high-end 4K TVs are on sale at (some) Best Buy stores
After more than a year of waiting Vizio finally opened up orders for two models from its "Reference Series" line, and now it's expanding the rollout. At Best Buy's Magnolia Design Center locations (they're a bit more limited than the regular Magnolia in-store units you're probably used to seeing, here's a list), well-heeled buyers can order up a $6,000 65-inch Ultra High Definition TV packing Dolby's HDR tech, or go big with the $130,000 120-inch model. Of course, at that price, some of you may want to window shop before making a purchase, and a rep told one AVS Forum poster that they may have in-store samples coming. This close to CES you may want to wait for what 2016's TVs have to offer, but Netflix has that ultra wide color tech, 384 LED lighting zones plus UHD apps from Netflix, Amazon and Vudu.
The best $500 TV
By Chris Heinonen This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. After over 100 hours of researching the field and testing five finalists, we found that the Vizio M43-C1 is the best TV that costs around $500. It provides the best image quality under real-world viewing conditions. It also produces contrast ratios that are twice as high as those of competing TVs: Its blacks are twice as dark as competitors', and its whites are the brightest, great for daytime use in rooms with window reflections. This set has five HDMI inputs, two more than every other TV we tested, and it generates the lowest input lag for the best video gaming performance as well. The fact that it offers UltraHD (or 4K) resolution, instead of 1080p, is a bonus.
Vizio's 120-inch Reference Series 4K TV with HDR costs $130,000
Although Vizio is known for making affordable 4K TVs, the manufacturer's also busy exploring other areas. Revealed back in April, its Reference Series television sets are designed for home entertainment buffs, featuring Dolby's Vision high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging technology -- which promises astonishing colors, contrast and brightness. Vizio's making its Reference Series available in two sizes, 65- and 120-inch, and they are both LED-backlit, Smart UHD TVs with Dolby and DTS sound options to boot. If you're interested, be prepare to break the bank: The 65-inch model costs $6,000, while the bigger 120-inch is priced at a whopping $130,000. You can order either one now from Vizio's site.
Vizio IPO plan shows how its TVs track what you're watching
While the past few years have been tough for many TV makers (Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba, Sony, just to name a few), Vizio has continued to grow its business, and now it's ready to go public. Vizio has made its name with impressive value-priced TVs that don't skimp on features (it's also a leader in the soundbar market, and has made attempts at selling tablets and phones too). According to the filing, Vizio has sold more than 15 million smart TVs, with about 61 percent of them connected as of the end of June. While viewers are benefiting from those connections, streaming over 3 billion hours of content, Vizio says it's watching them too, with Inscape software embedded in the screens that can track anything you're playing on it -- even if it's from cable TV, videogame systems and streaming devices.
A look at Vizio's affordable M-Series 4K TVs
Earlier today, Vizio introduced its latest 4K TVs, the M-Series. In similar fashion to the P-Series from last year, which started at $1,000, this year's models also come with an affordable price tag. But the M-Series ranges from $600 for a 43-inch model to $4,000 for the largest of the bunch, an 80-incher. Vizio says that with the M-Series, it was all about making refinements and not compromising in order to bring the price down even further. As such, most of the tech found on the P-Series has made its way into the new M-Series, like the LED panel and low-latency HDMI port (a feature loved by gamers, according to the company), among other things. Better yet, these UHD TV sets look great in person; they're relatively thin, sport a solid industrial design and, most importantly, have a picture quality that's not far behind its more expensive competitors. If you like what you see, some online retailers in the US are selling them as we speak.
Vizio's latest 4K TVs start at $600
Vizio has already developed a reputation for offering decent 4K TVs on the cheap, and it's cementing that image now that it's rolling out its 2015 line of Ultra HD screens. The company's new M-Series sets (above) tout full LED backlighting, speedy 802.11ac WiFi and a six-core processor starting at $600 for a 43-inch model -- not bad considering that even stripped-down TVs cost more just a couple of years ago. The M range scales up to an 80-inch set at $4,000, which is still a steal considering that many 4K panels that size will cost you a five-digit sum.
Netflix will tell you which TV is best for Netflix
Netflix is launching a new initiative to recommend the best TV for its streaming service. Starting this spring, a "Netflix Recommended TV" logo will start appearing on TVs from Sony, Sharp, Vizio, LG and manufacturers of Roku TVs (so far TCL, Best Buy's in-house Insignia brand and a few other second-tier players are signed up to produce Roku sets). What does this certification actually mean? According to Netflix, TVs bearing the logo will have hit some "performance criteria" targets including fast app launch, fast resuming of video playback or the ability to power a TV directly into the Netflix app. The program will initially be available in the US, but the features it brings will spread around the world through this year.
Vizio brings Amazon's 4K video to its TVs and fixes an annoying bug
Vizio may not be jumping on the curved TV bandwagon anytime soon, but it does have several TVs on the shelf chasing the Ultra HD/4K trend. Those P-Series displays will get some new tweaks soon, including an Amazon app with support for 4K video from its subscription Prime video service or VOD. Also coming soon are apps for UltraFlix and Toon Goggles, and both have 4K content ready for streaming. Netflix already streams 4K to Vizio's TVs, and other apps available include Plex and Spotify. A better upgrade is the one noted by our friend Robert Heron: When the new firmware rolls out, it will fix a bug that overly sharpened the picture on still photos, Blu-ray movies and even 4K video, while also improving the LED backlighting and motion processing. Owners can look out for the v1.1.13 update in the "coming days," which should go over better than another sweater or pair of socks.
Vizio 'anti-curved glasses' ad takes aim at gimmicky HDTVs
Vizio is cracking jokes about fellow TV manufacturers like LG and Samsung with this new ad for anti-curved glasses. While we weren't bothered by it in our observations, we also haven't seen a ton of benefit from the approach yet. As usual, Vizio is separating itself from the pack by promising tech customers want, at a lower price, something it claimed when the others were pushing expensive 3D glasses or charging a ton for WiFi-equipped smart TVs. The tagline for 2015? "Beautifully flat Ultra HD." Vizio won't be showing off its TVs in Las Vegas this year, but the ad will give us something to consider while we're checking out what all the others have to offer.
Vizio's affordable 4K TVs finally arrive
It feels like forever since Vizio introduced the world to its P-Series of Ultra HD televisions, but today is finally the day that the company is bringing them to market. For starters, what caught most everyone's attention back at CES was Vizio's asking price for these 4K TV sets, starting at $1,000 for the 50-inch model and going all the way up to $2,500 for 70 inches of high-resolution goodness. For comparison, LG just introduced 4K TVs that start at $999 -- for a 40-inch version. Aside from the low cost and UHD features, the P-Series also sport LED backlighting and Smart TV capabilities, making these a well-rounded package overall. Vizio's putting the P-Series up for pre-order today on its website, while other US retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart are expected to carry them at a later point.
Vizio recalls 245,000 HDTVs to fix stands that might let them tip over
Vizio's E-Series has been excellent cheap option for big HDTVs with full-array LED backlighting that enhances picture quality, but several versions are being recalled for a serious safety issue. According to the details posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 39- and 42-inch models sold since late last year have a stand that can fail and lead to the TV tipping over. Vizio says there haven't been any injuries as a result of 51 tipovers reported among the recalled sets, but HDGuru points out stats indicating thousands are injured every year in such accidents -- meaning we should probably all take a second look at our TV stands, or consider a wall-mount. If you have one of the 245,000 or so TVs being recalled, the recommendation is to detach the stand immediately and request a replacement (even if yours is wall-mounted you should request one, just in case it's taken down later). Vizio is notifying owners, and has a website where they can check their set's serial number to see if it's affected before requesting the fix.
Spotify comes to (a few) Vizio smart TVs
Despite the popularity of its music service, Spotify's presence on connected TV platforms is still spotty. It's on Apple TV via AirPlay, Roku, LG and Samsung, but not Xbox, PlayStation or Chromecast (officially). We can add on one more today, as Vizio says it's coming to their VIA Plus enabled TVs. The only bad news? That list is currently limited to just a few models consisting of the 2014 E- and M-series TVs, and you'll need Spotify Premium to tune in. If you don't have Spotify Premium you can try it free for 48 hours -- check out some favorites from our editors if you need musical suggestions.
HDTV deals of the week: 1.29.14
Early in the year is the best time to save your hard-earned cash on a new TV. Whether you're prepping for the big game this weekend or just looking to upgrade your existing living room display, there are price cuts across the board on 2013 models to make room for this year's releases. In order to lend a hand with the search, we've selected a handful of worthy contenders after the break. With a variety of sizes and price ranges covered, there's sure to be something for those eyeing a new HDTV this week. Just window shopping? No worries. Join us and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your "Want" list; every time there's a price cut in the future, you'll get an email alert!
How would you change Vizio's 24-inch All-in-One?
Vizio! Out of nowhere, the budget TV maker emerged with a laptop and desktop combination that earned plenty of sideways glances and praise. When we pulled the company's 24-inch All-in-One desktop into our labs, we found that form had taken too much precedence over function. Yes, it looks gorgeous, but we couldn't say the same about the flaky trackpad and painful keyboard. For $800, it was certainly cheap enough that you could splash out on a replacement keyboard and mouse, but was that too much for your blood? Share your thoughts on our forum thread and let's give Vizio's designers something to think about.
