Vizio’s previously released 55-inch 1080p/240Hz full-area LED backlit TV, model VF551XVT ($2,200 suggested retail), will ship to retail this September, according to John Schindler, the company’s new product development VP.
The LED-backlit VF551XVT by Vizio
Unlike LED offerings from other vendors, this model uses 960 LEDs across 80 cells (12 LEDs per cell) to illuminate the full back area of the LCD screen, said Schindler. The technology is said to reduce power consumption over traditional CCFL backlighting systems, while combining with the company’s Smart Dimming technology to yield greater color saturation and improved contrast and black levels from other non-LED-lit products.
What’s more, Schindler said, because the technology illuminates the full back of the LCD, the Vizio model will have more consistently even lighting across the full width of the screen.
In December the company will upgrade the VF551XVT to the VF552XVT, which for the same price will include the Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) system to enable the set to link to online content and programming services over the Web.
The company plans to expand the LED portfolio to a pair of smaller-screen models late in the holiday selling season, Schindler added. These models, which will be available in the 19- and 23-inch screen sizes, will use edge-mounted LEDs and are expected to see suggested retails of around $249 and $319, respectively.
Vizio is using a high-gloss black design with an all-glass screen for the models. Vizio will play up the products’ environmentally friendly attributes, made possible by the LEDs that require less power to operate than equivalent CCFL versions.
Schindler said the company is still exploring the distribution partners it will target for the smaller LED models, adding that derivative designs with different cosmetics may also be used for different retail partners.
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