LAS VEGAS – Three-days prior to the opening of International CES,
revealed that it is showing here this
week 21 1080p LCD TV models in screen sizes ranging from 22 to 71 inches that
all incorporate its new “Theater 3D” passive glasses technology.
Vizio is using the “Theater 3D” moniker on HDTVs using the passive
(polarized) 3D glasses system, which is said to deliver up to a two times
brighter picture with significantly less crosstalk and flicker than current 3D
TVs using active shutter glasses.
Theater 3D eyewear is also battery-free, lightweight and
comfortable, works with most 3D movie theaters, and will be available in a
range of styles and colors from brand name designers.
“Theater 3D is a significant move forward from the conventional
Active Shutter TVs introduced last year,” stated Matthew McRae, Vizio
chief technology officer. “Users immediately experience a brighter picture, no
flicker, less crosstalk, and the comfortable glasses enabling them to enjoy the
content without the technology getting in the way. And by making this next
generation 3D affordable Vizio aims to fulfill our brand promise of
Entertainment Freedom for All.”
Vizio will offer Theater 3D sets in its E, M and XVT 1080p LCD TV
series.
Vizio will bundle up to four pairs of passive 3D glasses with the
new sets (depending on the model), as the company looks to eliminate the top
two complaints about 3D glasses – the high price and wearing comfort.
“By incorporating all of the 3D processing into the TV instead of
burdening the eyewear, as is the case with active 3D, Vizio Theater 3D enables
users to wear comfortable, eco-friendly, battery-free eyewear instead of active
shutter glasses that are heavy, awkward, and require recharging and other
maintenance,” the company said.
Each Theater 3D model will support a wide selection of 3D formats
including Blu-ray, broadcast, cable, satellite, and gaming. This includes frame
packing, side-by-side, top and bottom, Sensio Hi-Fi 3D and the RealD Format.
DisplaySearch recently forecast sales of 3DTVs in the North
America climbing more than 300 percent to 7 million units in 2011, as
manufacturers pack 3D capability into more and more levels of TV sets.
Vizio is offering the Theater 3D technology in a range of LCD
display models, including edge-lit LED Razor units with Smart Dimming
technology, to control LED brightness levels across 32 zones.
The technology is said to produce a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1.
Select advanced XVT models will feature full array TruLED backlighting
with Smart Dimming technology, offering over 120 zones of brightness control.
Additionally, all Theater 3D models will incorporate Vizio
Internet Apps (VIA) technology, offering a variety of information and
entertainment services including streaming movie deliver from a variety of
provider partners, including: Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and Vudu. Other
services include: Pandora, Facebook, Flickr, Rhapsody, Twitter, and Yahoo! TV
Widgets, Fandango, iMemories, MediaBox, My-Cast, TuneIn Radio, Web Videos, Wiki
TV and Yahoo Fantasy Football.
Vizio is supplying IR or Bluetooth (depending on the model)
universal remotes with QWERTY keypads to operate the connected systems.
Sets also feature built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi access.
The 47-inch XVT3D476SV and 55-inch XVT3D556SV are part of the new
Via Plus ecosystem that combines the entertainment on demand with seamless linking
to all devices in the ecosystem, including the Via Phone and Via Tablet.
Via Plus TVs, which will incorporate the Google TV platform,
feature an intuitive user interface that allows users to access their favorite
apps as well as search and browse the web using a premium Bluetooth QWERTY
universal remote with touchpad and built-in dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi.
To compliment the 3D video of the Theater 3D TVs, M and XVT
models include SRS Labs’ high performance surround sound technologies including
SRS TruSurround HD.
They also include SRS TruVolume to modulate volume levels across
changing programs and channels.
Select Theater 3D TVs will also include SRS StudioSound HD, which
is billed as an “ultimate all-in-one audio suite” designed specifically for flat
panel TVs. Among other things, the system is said to improve audio clarity
(particularly for dialog), rich bass, an elevated sound stage and consistent,
spike-free volume levels.
