LED backlighting in LCDs is the new 1080p—what everyone wants, but usually too damn expensive for the average person. Vizio's VF551XVT is 55 inches of LED-backlit glory with 240Hz for $2000.

By comparison, Samsung's 57-inch LED set fetches about $4000. Supposedly, the LED backlighting gives the VF551XVT a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. It was noticeably contrastier than its current CCFL-backlit VF550XVT, with darker, more detailed blacks. The gaudy gold and red bar thankfully might not make it to the final.

Vizio's other new XVT sets—47-inch SV471XVT and 42-inch SV421XVT—don't pack LED backlighting, but do have 240Hz, and are $1400 and $1100, respectively. And all three have an integrated soundbar with SRS TruSurround HD. We'll see all of them this summer.

For Immediate Release

VIZIO Expands Flagship XVT Series of HDTVs

-New arsenal includes 240Hz models from 42” thru 55”, a 55” LED
HDTV and Slim 120Hz 32” and 37” LCD HDTVs

-New 55" 240Hz is VIZIO's First LED LCD HDTV featuring 1,000,000:1 Mega
Dynamic Contrast for exceptional contrast along with 240Hz Refresh Rate with
Scanning Backlight and VIZIO Smooth Motion II™ technology

- NEW 42" and 47" models feature 240Hz Refresh Rate with Scanning Backlight
and VIZIO Smooth Motion II™ technology to deliver the most incredibly smooth
picture and rich detail

- All new models include NEW VIZIO Multi-Media feature with USB input
compatible to play MPEG-2, H.264 & WMV9 Video, JPEG Photos and MP3 Music
from Thumb Drive or FAT32 Hard Drive, they also come with 1080P content
loaded onto a 1GB USB Drive so you can enjoy 1080P video right out of the box!

-NEW Ultra Slim (2.5” depth) 32” & 37” 120Hz models provide exceptional picture
and sound performance with 50,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio, and SRS
TruVolume and TruSurround HD

Las Vegas, NV (CES 2009) and Irvine, CA — January 7, 2009 — VIZIO, America’s
HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company, unveils several new models to the XVT
Series expanding the performance line with five NEW models. The most dramatic
technology introduction is the use of LED panels featuring 240Hz with Scanning
Backlight and VIZIO's Smooth Motion II™ technology in their largest model the 55”
VF551XVT. LED backlight technology provides better picture quality with 1,000,000:1
Mega Dynamic Contrast with local dimming. LED also provides faster response times
and higher color saturation so you achieve a better picture. It is also environmentally
responsible because it is mercury free. The VIZIO VF551XVT also has 5 HDMI Inputs
and a speaker bar designed into the TV so you achieve more robust full body sound
from a flat panel TV with SRS TruSurround HD®, and TruVolume®.

They are also expanding their collection of 42” and 47” XVTs to include 240Hz with
scanning backlight using VIZIO's Smooth Motion II™ technology and Mega Dynamic
Contrast ratio of 50,000:1. The 42" SV421XVT and 47" SV471XVT are capable of
outstanding realism and are close to eliminating motion blur–once and for all. All new
XVT models integrate the latest SRS sound technologies like SRS TruSurround HD ®,
and SRS TruVolume®, for a complete all-in-one home theater solution.

“VIZIO is committed to providing the absolute latest advanced technologies to
consumers at a value. Consumers expect great performance and style from VIZIO” says
Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder and VP Sales and Marketing Communications.
"You will see this demonstrated in the many new products we are introducing at CES,
our prestigious XVT Series exemplifies what we believe is the BEST performing leading
edge HDTV technology for consumers.”

The Best in Video Performance
Launching two compelling new technologies, the expanded XVT Series offers more
advanced features than any previous VIZIO product line with a complete line of Full HD
1080p performance coupled with both 120Hz and 240Hz with Scanning Backlight.

Using advanced LED backlight control local dimming, the VF551XVT is capable of
delivering the brightest highlights and the deepest blacks. Coupled with VIZIO's Mega
Dynamic Contrast Ratio™ these sets can provide a contrast ratio that rivals the
performance of the best plasma displays. The use of local dimming to increase overall
contrast ratio and picture quality, especially in brightly lit rooms, allows these LED
models to exhibit deep, three-dimensional-like images.

VIZIO's Smooth Motion II™ technology steps up the game with 240Hz Refresh Rate in
the SV421XVT and SV471XVT for unbelievably flawless video — frame after frame by
eliminating motion blur from fast-action movie sequences.

Every LED and LCD model in the series is outfitted with the Advanced Glare Polarizer
(AGP) and Enhanced In-Plane Switching (IPS). AGP provides up to 60% better contrast
ratio in bright room environments. Earlier Anti-Glare screens tended to create an overall
haze on the TV image; however, VIZIO's solution counteracts the effects of ambient
light, while keeping images bright and crystal clear. By reducing the reflections that are
produced by ambient light, the overall picture contrast can be preserved. IPS produces
truer colors at wider viewing angles ensuring vivid and clear pictures even when sitting
off-axis.

VIZIO’s advanced HD/SD noise reduction removes noise and artifacts caused by signal
compression from cable and satellite providers. Each model is outfitted with multiple
HDMI inputs for maximum connectivity with DVD/Blu-ray players, digital cable and
satellite set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and HD camcorders. All XVT series sets have
a Game Port on the side of the set with inputs (including HDMI) for fast, easy
connection of other devices.

Sound Advancements

VIZIO's XVT Series is not just about superior video features and technologies. Every
model is equipped with audio enhancement technologies from SRS Labs to ensure the
best possible audio performance from built-in speakers. The 55" VF551XVT and
VF550XVT1A take audio performance to a new level with the integration of a Sound Bar
that delivers 30W of power (15W x2-speakers), enhanced by SRS TruSurround HD™
and TruVolume HD™. All the other new XVT models (SV320XVT, SV370XVT,
SV422XVT, SV472XVT) also take advantage of SRS TruSurround and TruVolume.

SRS TruSurround HD™ makes it possible to enjoy realistic surround sound without
running cables or adding additional speakers. Providing a suite of processes,
TruSurround HD uses the improved SRS TruBass™ to optimize the low frequency
performance of the VIZIO Sound Bar for cleaner bass tones. SRS Dialog Enhancement
ensures crisp and intelligible vocals, while Definition Control delivers maximum high-
frequency realism and clarity.

SRS' latest innovation, TruVolume HD™ allows customers to set their volume level at a
pre-defined position. Regardless of the content, be it a quiet movie passage or a loud
commercial, there are no annoying volume fluctuations. SRS uses Intelligent Multi-band
Monitoring and Analysis to establish a consistent volume while delivering a more natural
listening experience. There is no pumping, breathing, or clipping artifacts that is
commonly associated with traditional Automatic Gain Controls (AGCs). The circuit
works flawlessly with mono, stereo and even multi-channel sources.

Thoughtfully Earth-friendly

VIZIO is committed to making more eco-friendly products and designs. To that end, the
VX551VXT use LED panels rather than CCFL panels. LED panels do not use mercury,
and are highly efficient requiring significantly less power.

Also being introduced in these same models is Dynamic Power Control (DCP), which
lowers power consumption by up to 15% more than Energy Star 3.0 requirements
without sacrificing picture quality. DCP analyzes image data to optimize the amount of
backlight produced, minimizing image distortion. According to CNET tests, TVs that
meet Energy Star 3.0 requirements can save up to $100 a year, so it is possible to save
even more using VIZIO's latest products with DCP.

VIZIO guarantees zero bright pixel defects for the duration of the limited one-year
warranty on all their products. Additionally, they provide free one-year on-site service
and lifetime technical support.

XVT Models and Features

Model: SV320XVT *NEW*
Size: 32" 120Hz FULL HD 1080P LCD HDTV
Contrast: Mega Dynamic 50,000:1
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDMI inputs: 3
Audio Enhancements: SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume
Availability: Fall 2009
Price: $749.99

Model: SV370XVT *NEW*
Size: 37" 120Hz FULL HD 1080P LCD HDTV
Contrast: Mega Dynamic 50,000:1
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDMI inputs: 3
Audio Enhancements: SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume
Availability: Fall 2009
Price: $999.99

Model: SV421XVT *NEW*
Size: 42" LCD
Contrast: Mega Dynamic 50,000:1
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
HDMI inputs: 4
Game Port: Yes
Audio Enhancements: SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume
Availability: Summer 2009
Price: $1099.99

Model: SV471XVT *NEW*
Size: 47" LCD
Contrast: Mega Dynamic 50,000:1
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
HDMI inputs: 4
Game Port: Yes
Audio Enhancements: SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume
Availability: Summer 2009
Price: $1399.99

Model: VF551XVT1A *NEW*
Size: 55" LED
Contrast: 1,000,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDMI inputs: 5
Game Port: Yes
Audio Enhancements: Integrated Sound Bar, SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume
Availability: Summer 2009
Price: $1999.99

The new models can be seen at VIZIO’s private presentations at the WYNN Hotel’s La
Tache Ballroms during the International CES in Las Vegas from January 7-10, 2009.

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc. "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is
America’s HDTV Company. In 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1
selling brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and became the first American
brand in over a decade to lead major categories in U.S. TV sales. VIZIO is committed to
bringing feature-rich flat panel televisions to market at a value through practical
innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning Plasma and LCD HDTVs
including the new XVT series. VIZIO’s products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's
Club, Sears, Walmart, Target, BJ's Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with
authorized online partners. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in
the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Good Housekeeping's
Best Big-Screens, CNET's Top 10 Holiday Gifts, PC World's Best Buy among others.
For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, Where Vision Meets Value names, phrase and symbols are trademarks
or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their
respective holders.

Send an email to matt buchanan, the author of this post, at matt@gizmodo.com.