Vizio unleashes 31 new HDTVs for 2009

We reported before that value-oriented Vizio is currently shipping more LCD TVs than anyone else in the country and it sure doesn't look like they plan on stopping. They have announced 31 new SKUs across three different product lines that will be rolling out this year.

The newest additions to their higher-end XVT series will sport bezels designed to look like wooden picture frmaes. Certain models will also get add-ons like their Smooth Motion technology (for dipslaying at 120Hz) and USB ports that support MPEG-2, H.264 and WMC9 video as well as JPEG photos and MP3 music.

Above all, they're keeping costs down, with the most expensive panel on the entire list (The 42-inch XVT 120 Hz LCD) ringing up at $2199. Check after the jump for the breakdown of the products.

Vizio ships more LCDs in the US than anyone else in Q1

A few Vizio panels have made their way in front of the S&V staff and the usual verdict is that they produce "solid" performance when you factor in the low cost. Apparently their formula is an effective one, allowing them to ship 21.6% of all LCD HDTVs in North America. They were also the largest shipper of "total flat HDTVs" in the US. From the press release: "LCD TV unit shipments grew 21% from 1,116,428 in the final quarter of 2008 to 1,351,860 in Q’1 2009. With plasma HDTVs added to the results VIZIO shipped a total of 1,400,207 TVs for the quarter and will also rank #1 in U.S. sales of total flat panel HDTVs."

It will be interesting to see if their growth continues as the economy begins to climb out of the sewer.

Vizio Ditching Plasma

Looks like it won't matter whether or not you prefer LCD or plasma, because yet another manufacturer is getting out of the plasma market.

Vizio, which became know as a value manufacturer, will not be producing an new plasma sets.  According to a story in The New York Times, there are several reasons behind this move. Laynie Newsome, co-founder of Vizio said, "Plasma sets simply don’t show as well in big box stores, which are typically lit by bright fluorescent and halogen lights, giving consumers the impression that LCD TVs have a more exciting picture. Also, the company wanted to devote all of its available shelf space to the technology that moves off the shelves fastest."

Sucks for me, because I'm one of the ones who likes the look of plasma much more than LCD. At least LG, Panasonic and Samsung seem to be sticking with plasma. For now.  --Leslie Shapiro

The New York Times

Vizio Going Long in '09

Vizio is looking to expand from a new-comer in the TV market to leading player in the home theater world. They're introducing a new product line destined to turn your sporting viewing into a super-event. 

120Hz is the latest buzz word, and Vizio's line wouldn't be complete without one. Their latest 55" 1080p LCD comes loaded with 120Hz Smooth Motion. Oooh. Silky smooth.

They have a new Sound Bar and a wireless subwoofer, which are both designed to complement the Vizio flat-panel TVs. Vizio is also releasing three small HD LCD sets, to give folks options as the digital transition gets closer.

One last bit of news is a 26" multimedia monitor with Full HD+, ideal for gamers.

Keep reading for the complete release on these new products.

Vizio Going High-End

It seems to be a common business model. Look at Hyundai. They hit the US market with very cheap affordable cars that were good, reliable modes of transportation. Get a reputation for building good, solid cars, then hit the market with luxury cars that rival the best in the biz.

Vizeo is doing the exact same thing. They spent years as the discount manufacturer of cheap value-priced, affordable HDTVs that were actually good and reliable. You know, Walmart-quality HDTV.

What's happening now?

VIZIO Hitting the High-Def Notes

VIZIO is known for affordable televisions, but they're adding features and specs to a newly announced product line that should start the big name brands to take a look. Three new sets were introduced, all 1080p resolution and 120 Hz processing. Two are LCD, one is plasma, and all have a new stylish look with piano-black bezels.

VIZIO's "Budget" Plasma TVs

If you've been holding back on upgrading to digital, take a peek at these two new plasmas from VIZIO. The VP422 is going to retail for $799, but the VP322 is a more enticing $599. Both have a contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and three HDMI inputs, including one mounted on the side for a game input. Why not pull out the plastic today?

Vizio Versus the Big Boys

Relative newcomer Vizio is in some awfully hot water. A veritable who's-who of electronics manufacturers, including Sony, Philips, Samsung and Mitsubishi have filed suit against the maker of affordable flat-panel TVs. What did Vizio do to piss off the rest of the industry?