VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA

With VIZIO's first LED local dimming backlit HDTV just days away from debut and its first Connected TV nearing production, we were able to lay eyes and hands on the television and its funky QWERTY Bluetooth / IR combo remote. Check the pics and videos (including looks at VIZIO's smaller LED sets ready to hit shelves this fall) for a look at our walkthrough; in the demos at least, the VIZIO Internet Apps platform was speedy and easy to use, however our experience with widgets so far has given us more than enough reason to wait for a full retail rollout before making any final decisions. One tidbit for those not ready to invest a whole new TV? The next iteration of VIZIO's Blu-ray player should pack not only integrated Wi-Fi, but also the full VIA / widget experience.

VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet Apps demo

[UnnDunn Posted Sep 12th 2009 9:52PM]

This new trend of Bluetooth remotes is somewhat troubling to me. On one hand, you don't have to point them at the device, on the other hand the implications for universal remotes are troubling.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2009 4:38PM]

That's not the only problem, as far as I know Vizio still has not figured out that we need discrete IR commands for inputs and power too. How dare Vizio show up at CEDIA.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2009 8:42PM]

@Joseph: VIZIO does support discrete remote code.

The codes are posted on remotecentral.com and will work.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2009 10:26PM]

Nice concept but sensory overload to me. I love my gadgets but that is a really busy interface. I think I would still prefer the privacy of using my mobile phone for those social interactions even in my own home. If I lived alone and didn't care that all my online interactions are on my center piece then I would be interested in this.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2009 10:38PM]

I still find it hard to believe just how far Vizio has come in the past few years. It seems like only yesterday they were the off-brand with cheap hardware playing catch-up with the first-tier manufacturers, yet now they're among the first with Bluetooth QWERTY remotes, nice design features like the onscreen chassis button labels, and seem to be putting a lot more thought into menu design than the big guys (Sony's XMB Bravias excepted).

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2009 12:50AM]

I think I would rather have the player device separate from the TV for the time being. I don't think I like the idea of the TV having features that become outdated long before the TV dies or hits retirement age. Internet video devices for TVs is still a very young concept, I want to wait for it to mature before stuffing it into a TV.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2009 8:50AM]

If the VIZIO (VIA) Internet Apps can be updated and it doesn't burden you with additional cost, you may be pleasantly surprised.

[IseWise Posted Sep 13th 2009 1:57AM]

I don't know about the Bluetooth part of the remote, but the slide out keyboard is way better than any onscreen keyboard hunt-and-peck-style.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2009 10:11AM]

Any word on how "Snappy" these apps are ? Is the interface as slow as the Samsung interface or did they actually make something which is usable ?

Also any word on DLNA or networking capability to play movies off of network folders ?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2009 6:44PM]

Will the BluRay player with the full widget experience be available in time for the holidays? If so, SOLD!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2009 2:23PM]

I'd just like to have that remote for my Tivo!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2009 12:26PM]

Vizio has come so far with their products! I am so happy for them and their success. I just recently purchased their VMT40-55, the tilting wall-mount. It is so cool. I have an older HDTV hooked up to it right now but looking to get the 42 inch XVT with VIA