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Giving the Market What It Wants Vizio Lets Loose with New TVs and Soundbars for 2021 By Michael Heiss Based on Vizio’s plans for new TV and soundbar products for 2021, it is clear that their new line is well aware of what the market wants. Time will tell, but this has all the earmarks of what will help keep the company at the top of the market share heap. On the TV side of things, Vizio is on top of the “must-have” features. All of the new sets cater to the growing demand for TVs that will deliver great images with the latest gaming consoles, and all have full-array backlighting. All 4K models, which are the bulk of the new line up, include the full range of major HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR-10+, and HLG. Connectivity includes at least three HDMI 2.1 inputs with eARC, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 LE. Vizio’s SmartCast Streaming App Updated Perhaps at the top of the list is an update to Vizio’s SmartCast streaming app and user interface ecosystem platform. Available on all Vizio TVs, it now features faster loading time and performance and a redesigned electronic program guide (EPG). Many of the latest streaming services have been added to the roster, such as the CW, Paramount+, and FOX Now, joining the all but mandatory Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube TV. Along with subscription services, there is a wide range of free, ad-supported apps. Equally important, with the inclusion of Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, service apps not included within SmartCast may be streamed to the TV. Even with pandemic restrictions loosening, work from home (WFH) and the use
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Residential Tech Today | Summer 2021
Vizio’s recently revealed plans for new TVs, soundbars, and handheld remotes for 2021.
of virtual meetings for personal, as well as business, activities, these two links are critical for being able to throw videos, business presentations, family meetings, and educational video calls to the screen. Voice Control on All Models Along with standard navigation on models with handheld remotes, all models also may be controlled with voice to initiate search requests and issue commands using Vizio’s free SmartCast Mobile iOS and Android apps. On 4K models, the new Vizio Voice remote makes voice search as well as control of Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit devices even easier. Vizio D-Series TVs Getting down to the actual sets, things start with the “D-Series”, of which the D4 Series are Full HD (FHD)/1080p and D Series where there are both FHD models and two HD/720P models. Their relatively small sizes and
affordable pricing give tribute to Vizio’s stake in the lower price ranges. While some might look down at FHD sets, their appearance in 24- and 32-inch screen sizes, as well as the 40- and 43-inch sizes in the D-Series, make them perfect for gamers. Particularly with the D4 Series adding AMD FreeSync, these may be perfect for budgetminded gamers and as computer monitors. The only downside is the HDMI 1.4 inputs. Prices range from $139.99 to $229.99, depending on the Series version and screen size. Some models are available now, with others coming in August. V5 and V6 Series The V5 and V6 Series set the midpoint of the new line and, as with all new 4K sets, they include the new Vizio Voice Remote. Both series have three HDMI 2.1 inputs (4K/60) with eArc and Dual-Band Wi-Fi. The
