Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word “crowned,” the final results will be announced during a gala banquet on Monday, February 27 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Finalists from the U.S.A. and several other nations are expected to attend.  

“We are truly honored to be acknowledged for our sales and customer service excellence,” said Rob Brinkman, Chief Administrative Officer of VIZIO. “This is a testament to our team’s relentless pursuit to provide the best service to VIZIO consumers. Our US-based team is dedicated to meeting the satisfaction of our customers and we are humbled to be recognized for these accolades.”

VIZIO Dakota Dunes Contact Center is nominated in the following categories:
•    Contact Center of the Year
•    Best Use of Technology in Customer Service - Computer Hardware, Software, Services, Electronics, or   Telecommunications
•    Young Customer Service Professional of the Year
•    Customer Service Team of the Year – Recovery Situation

More than 1,000 entries from organizations in every industry were submitted to this year’s competition, an increase of almost 30% over 2011. 

“We’re delighted to kick off our celebration of the 10th year of the Stevie Awards movement with the 2012 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer, which will be the first program in which we’ll bestow Silver and Bronze Stevie Awards,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. 

The breakdown of submissions are considered in 27 categories for customer service professionals, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year. There are 38 categories for sales professionals, including Senior Sales Executive of the Year, Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year, Sales Department of the Year in addition to other categories that recognize new products and services and solution providers. 

More than 100 members of seven specialized judging committees will determine the Stevie Award placements. Final judging will take place January 30 - February 10.  

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/sales. 

* Source: IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q4 2011 Market Tracker Report of Q4 2010 - Q3 2011.

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Entertainment Freedom For All," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America’s HDTV and Consumer Electronics 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 in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and was #1 for the total year in 2009.  VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO’s products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, 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, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age’s Hottest Brands, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, CNET's Editor’s Choice, PC World's Best Buy and OC Metro’s 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, TruLED, Extreme VIZIO Technology XVT, VIZIO Internet Apps, 480Hz SPS, 240Hz SPS, Thin Line, Smooth Motion, Razor LED, Smart Dimming, Theater 3D, CinemaWide HDTV, Entertainment Freedom For All, names, phrase and symbols are trademarks or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.
Sponsors and supporters of the 6th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include American Support, Coloredge Los Angeles - New York, Competence Call Center, SDL and ValueSelling Associates.

Press Contacts for VIZIO:
Jim Noyd
Noyd Communications Inc.
T: 310-951-3768
E: jim.noyd@noydcom.com

Charley Fitzwilliam
Leader Enterprises
T: 949-579-0405
E: cfitzwilliam@leaderenterprises.com

Irvine, CA and (CES) Las Vegas, Nevada – January 10, 2012 — VIZIO announces the introduction of the first CinemaWide™ HDTVs with Theater 3D and VIZIO Internet Apps® (V.I.A.). The very first in the North American market with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, CinemaWide HDTVs are the ultimate display for cinema enthusiasts to enjoy films as they were created for the movie theater, in the CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio without the black bars as seen on conventional HDTVs. 

This uncompromising cinematic experience allows CinemaWide viewers to see each frame of the movie as the director intended, for a more immersive 2D and 3D movie and gaming experience at home. In addition, CinemaWide HDTVs feature V.I.A. functionality with the unique ability to allow users to view apps side-by-side with full-size and full HD resolution 16:9 programming.

“VIZIO CinemaWide provides the most accurate, broadest canvas for me to paint my film’s vision,” said award-winning cinematographer, Mauro Fiore, ASC.  “Finally my films can be seen at home the way they were intended – in 21:9 aspect ratio.”

Three CinemaWide sets are being introduced – the 50-inch XVT3D500CM, the 58-inch XVT3D580CM and the 71-inch XVT3D710CM. Each of these products will be on display at VIZIO’s private showcase at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas during the Consumer Electronics Show, January 10 – 13, 2012. 

“One of our most exciting introductions this year is our new CinemaWide HDTVs, which are a dream come true for movie lovers seeking that truly immersive theater experience which is only possible on a 21:9 aspect ratio display,” said John Schindler, VIZIO VP of Product Management. “Our perception is that consumers will immediately embrace the CinemaWide concept as soon as they experience it for themselves, not only because it enhances their enjoyment of films and games, but because it also enables them to simultaneously enjoy VIZIO Internet Apps without compromise to 16:9 content.”

Full Contact 2D and 3D 

VIZIO CinemaWide delivers the true movie theater viewing experience at home by supporting the ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio that renders films shot in the CinemaScope format without any black bars or loss of content as is sometimes experienced when films are cropped for 16:9 screens.

Big-budget Hollywood blockbusters and the majority of new productions are filmed in the much wider 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 aspect ratios, while today’s HDTVs have a standard aspect ratio of 16:9.  

CinemaWide HDTVs are the first with the ability to display films in their native CinemaScope aspect ratio, as well as intelligently scale up 16:9 content so users can enjoy a more immersive experience from all their favorite titles, from classics to today’s latest films, without the distraction of black bars and loss of valuable screen real estate.

Interactive TV: Uncompromising Side-By-Side App + TV Experience

With CinemaWide HDTVs, users can enjoy interactive TV through an enhanced smart TV experience using the award-winning V.I.A. platform. CinemaWide HDTV ensures a seamless V.I.A. experience when watching TV by displaying apps side-by-side next to a pixel-perfect 16:9 full HD image. CinemaWide LCD HDTVs are the first sets in the market to offer this capability, allowing users to simultaneously browse and use V.I.A. on the left side of the screen without missing anything from their 16:9 programming on the right. Whether it’s checking a fantasy football lineup while watching a game, catching up with friends over Facebook or Twitter while watching TV, or tracking a personal portfolio while watching financial news headlines, viewers can complement their TV experience like never before.

At the touch of a button, the V.I.A. ecosystem provides an ever-expanding range of apps, over 75,000 movies and TV shows and more, from the best online services and content providers, including: Hulu Plus™, Amazon Instant Video, Facebook®, Flickr®, Netflix®, Rhapsody®, Pandora®, Twitter™, VUDU®, Yahoo!® TV Widgets and Fandango.  

Also the Yahoo! Connected TV store makes its debut today on V.I.A. enabled HDTVs. Yahoo! Connected TV Store provides consumers easy access to more than 180 free and paid TV apps from leading brands including Amazon, CBS, Showtime, Pandora, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, AT&T, iHeart-Radio, Fandago, and QVC.  TV apps provide engaging content designed to complement TV viewing and include news, entertainment, finance, sports, games, social networking, music, photo sharing, shopping, and more.  For more information on the Yahoo! Connected TV Store, visit http://connectedtv.yahoo.com> http://connectedtv.yahoo.com  

Navigating the V.I.A. platform is simple and comfortably accessible from anywhere in the room, thanks to the premium Bluetooth universal remote control with its integrated QWERTY keypad. Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and one of the industry’s easiest setup experiences make it quick to connect to the Internet over a wireless connection.

Full Screen 3D

All CinemaWide HDTVs can also display 3D content delivered from a 3D-capable source, such as a 3D Blu-ray player, set-top box, or gaming console. Featuring VIZIO’s Theater 3D technology, these TVs render a superior crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D picture that's up to two times brighter than conventional active shutter LCD TVs, with significantly less crosstalk, a wider horizontal viewing angle, and smoother fast motion scenes. 

The accompanying Theater 3D eyewear produces far less eyestrain and headaches than conventional active shutter glasses, and is battery-free, lightweight and comfortable. Up to four pairs of Theater 3D glasses are provided with each set, and are also available in a rapidly growing range of styles and colors from brand name designers. They can even be used in most 3D movie theaters.

Completing the Picture

VIZIO’s advanced TV technologies deliver state of the art performance to please the most demanding viewers. These are the first* TVs capable of displaying CinemaWide Full HD resolution (2560 x 1080p), providing the finest detail available to date, whether viewing 2D or 3D films, games  or TV programming. The 50-inch XVT3D500CM and 58-inch XVT3D580CM feature VIZIO’s Edge Lit Razor LED™ backlight LCD with Smart Dimming™ technology. VIZIO’s Smart Dimming intelligently controls each set’s array of LEDs, which is organized in zones. Working frame by frame, based on the content being displayed, Smart Dimming adjusts brightness in precise steps down to pure black (where the LED is completely off). This cutting-edge technology minimizes light leakage and enables a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 1,000,000 to 1 for stunning picture quality. Both sets have a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth images, even with fast moving sports action. 

The 71-inch XVT3D710CM takes performance to an even higher level, using VIZIO’s Full Array TruLED™ backlighting with Smart Dimming™ technology. Using over 120 zones across the entire display, TruLED backlighting is able to control specific areas of the image to a much finer degree than edge-lit sets, resulting in even deeper blacks and higher contrast, with life-like images that "pop" off the screen with an incredible 20,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio.  A 240Hz SPS (Scenes per Second) refresh rate renders amazing detail and clarity in fast motion scenes.

Stunning CinemaWide images call for equally impressive audio, which is delivered with the latest high performance audio technologies from SRS Labs. SRS technologies help deliver an immersive, virtual, high definition surround sound through StudioSound™ HD - the ultimate all-in-one audio suite designed specifically for flat panel TVs. StudioSound HD delivers an immersive and natural surround sound by using only the built-in TV speakers. The suite also delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass, an elevated soundstage and consistent, spike-free volume levels. Here are a few performance details and specifications for the new CinemaWide sets:

For more information on when CinemaWide HDTVs will be available please visit www.vizio.com/ces.

# # #

*VIZIO is the first company in the United States to deliver CinemaWide HDTVs in an ultrawidescreen 21:9 aspect ratio.

** Viewing this type of content may require Internet access, separate equipment and/or subscription services which are not provided

Source: VIZIO, Inc.

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc., "Entertainment Freedom For All," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's #1 LCD HDTV Company. In Q2 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 shipping brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and in Q3 2007 became the first American brand in over a decade to lead in U.S. LCD HDTV shipments. Since 2007 VIZIO LCD HDTV shipments remain in the top ranks in the U.S. and were #1 for the total year in 2009 and 2010. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics.  VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, 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, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, CNET's Editor's Choice, CNET Best of CES 2011 - Television, IGN Best of CES - Television, Bluetooth.org Best of CES, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, PC World's Best Buy, Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice and OC Metro's 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors.  For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, VIZIO Internet Apps,  Theater 3D, CinemaWide HDTV, Full Array TruLED, Edge Lit Razor LED, 240Hz SPS, 480Hz SPS, Entertainment Freedom and Entertainment Freedom for All names, logos and phrase are registered or unregistered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc.  All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

Press Contacts for VIZIO:

Jim Noyd
Noyd Communications Inc.
T: 310-951-3768
E: jim.noyd@noydcom.com

Charley Fitzwilliam
Leader Enterprises
T: 949-579-0405
E: cfitzwilliam@leaderenterprises.com

###

Irvine, CA and (CES) Las Vegas, NV —January 10, 2012 — VIZIO, America’s #1 HDTV Company*, today announced its entry into several new product categories and the expansion of key product lines. The new additions to VIZIO’s Beyond TV line will provide consumers with better performance and optimized entertainment experiences never seen before.

Key new products include the VBR370 3D Blu-ray player, the VAP430 VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (V.I.A. Plus) powered Stream Player, the VHT215 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer, the VSD210 High Definition Audio Dock compatible with the iPod, iPhone and iPad, and the XCV100 VIZIO Internet Apps TV Video Camera compatible with Skype.

VIZIO’s Beyond TV line has shown strong growth in the last three years. The company now holds the #1 market position in sound bars, with four of its SKUs taking the top four slots in recent rankings from a major consumer review publication. Its recent entries in the tablet, Blu-ray player and cable categories have been well received by consumers and dealers alike.

"In the last two years, VIZIO has proven we can extend our high value/high-performance philosophy to categories beyond TV," says John Schindler, VIZIO VP of Product Management. "Our latest Beyond TV products are not only competitive, they exceed the performance of similar products on the market, and they offer consumers easy access to more entertainment options than ever before.”

3D Blu-ray Players That Deliver Far More Than Just Blu-ray

The VIZIO VBR430 is one of the most advanced 3D Blu-ray players on the market for many reasons. It offers the incomparable entertainment power of the latest Google TV experience through V.I.A. Plus. The player can run thousands of Android apps and includes a full-featured Chrome web browser with flash capability. It also gives consumers the power to search for the content they want to watch, just as they’d search for a video through a web browser. A touchpad universal remote with QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to control the V.I.A. Plus interface and other functions.

The VBR430 is also the first 3D Blu-ray player to feature V.I.A. Plus with DLNA. DLNA, or Digital Living Network Alliance, allows the player to access personal photos, music and videos stored on DLNA-enabled computers, mobile devices, and network drives connected to your home network – and display them on the TV. Built-in Wi-Fi makes network connection easy, and Bluetooth capability provides yet another conduit for streaming media from cell phones and computers.

The VBR430 and VBR370 and will be available in 2012, with specific ship dates and prices TBA. For more information, please visit www.vizio.com/ces/bluray/overview. 

The Most Advanced Streaming Player on the Market Today

With VIZIO’s VAP430 Stream Player, any TV becomes the world’s most advanced Smart TV. This stream player incorporates the latest Google TV experience with a rich V.I.A. Plus user interface, so you have access to thousands of Android apps and any web page through its Flash capable Chrome web browser. Consumers can access countless video and audio streaming services, such as Netflix®, YouTube®, Hulu Plus™, Amazon Instant Video™, HBO GO, Wall Street Journal®, Pandora®, iHeartRadio®, Slacker Radio®plus many more including the just announced M-GO™ video-on-demand services. (Some services may require subscription fees.) And its seamless multi-tasking capability makes it easy to jump from one experience to another.  

With the VAP430’s included touchpad universal remote with QWERTY keyboard, consumers can easily navigate through apps, surf the web, and search their streaming services and the web for any content they want. This innovative upgrade also includes HDMI-pass-through, which lets users connect cable or satellite set-top boxes through the VAP430’s built-in HDMI ports, for a smooth V.I.A Plus experience that overlays live TV so no one misses a minute of their favorite programs while multi-tasking. 

Thanks to DLNA, the VAP430 can access personal photos, music and videos stored on DLNA-enabled computers, mobile devices, and hard drives connected to your home network, then display the images on the TV and play the audio through the TV or any connected sound system..  Built-in WiFi makes connecting to the network a breeze.  Bluetooth capability and USB input provide even more ways to enjoy content from cell phones, computers, and USB drives. 

The VAP430 Stream Player will be available in 2012, with specific ship date and pricing TBA. For more information please visit www.vizio.com/streamplayer. 

A Super-Slim 2.1 Sound Bar With Wireless Subwoofer for True Home Theater Sound and Advanced Features

VIZIO created the new VHT215 sound bar to complement the latest slim-profile TVs. At less than 2 inches thick, the VHT215 looks great mounted on a wall under a flat-panel TV, or placed below the TV on a stand or table. With two HDMI inputs plus an HDMI output with ARC (Audio Return Channel), the VHT215 requires just a single cable to connect to a TV set. Dolby Digital decoding allows compatibility with all digital TV sets. Optical digital, coaxial digital and analog inputs connect the VHT215 to multiple entertainment components.

Thanks to meticulous engineering and careful tuning, the VHT215 delivers superior sound quality. Rugged drivers in the sound bar allow a lower subwoofer crossover point (108 Hz), so voices sound full and natural. Most competing sound bars have a crossover point around 200 Hz, which makes voices sound thin. The VHT215’s wireless subwoofer delivers the impact and dimension to create a great movie or music experience. SRS® TruSurround™ and TruVolume™ produce immersive sound while assuring the volume never gets too high or too low.

The VHT215 is available now.

An Affordable, iPad-Compatible High Definition Audio Dock That Outperforms Docks Three Times its Price

VIZIO’s VSD210 high-definition 2.1 audio dock produces big, room-filling sound from iPhone, iPad, and most iPod models. The audio performance of the VSD210 exceeds products at multiples of its price, with separate midrange drivers and tweeters for each channel, a 4-inch subwoofer, and sound carefully tailored through the use of digital signal processing.  A 3.5mm analog input connects to computers and non-Apple mobile devices, and a remote control is included.

The performance of the VSD210 compares with any sound dock at any price. It was tuned specifically to beat some of the best-known docks on the market, and it does so easily—yet at only about one-third the price of some leading models. Its modern, elegant design suits any room in a home or business.

The VSD210 is available now. 

Make Free Skype-to-Skype Video Calls Through VIZIO Internet Apps (V.I.A.)-Equipped VIZIO TVs

VIZIO’s new XCV100 Video Camera lets owners of VIZIO TVs with VIZIO Internet Apps (V.I.A.) capability and any Skype certified devices—phones, tablets, TVs—to make Skype-to-Skype video or voice calls and instant message anywhere in the world for FREE—and all from the comfort of the couch. The XCV100 mounts atop the V.I.A. enabled TV and incorporates a high-definition** video camera and four separate microphones with a range of 16 feet. The XCV100 tilts down as far as 10 degrees, to assure that the picture is perfectly framed and every member of the family can get in on the call.

Installation is simple: Just plug the XCV100 into the V.I.A. enabled TV’s USB port and launch Skype.  Learn more at www.vizio.com/tvchat.

The XCV100 is available now. 

* Source: IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q4 2011 Market Tracker Report of Q4 2010 - Q3 2011.

**Not all HDTV models support High Definition viewing. Please visit www.vizio.com for more information

# # #

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc., "Entertainment Freedom For All," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America’s HDTV and Consumer Electronics 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 in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and was #1 for the total year in 2009.  VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO’s products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, 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, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age’s Hottest Brands, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, CNET's Editor’s Choice, PC World's Best Buy and OC Metro’s 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, TruLED, Extreme VIZIO Technology XVT, VIZIO Internet Apps, 480Hz SPS, 240Hz SPS, Thin Line, Smooth Motion, Razor LED, Smart Dimming, Theater 3D, CinemaWide HDTV, Entertainment Freedom For All, names, phrase and symbols are trademarks or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

Press Contacts for VIZIO:
Jim Noyd
Noyd Communications Inc.
T: 310-951-3768
E: jim.noyd@noydcom.com

Charley Fitzwilliam
Leader Enterprises
T: 949-579-0405
E: cfitzwilliam@leaderenterprises.com

###

Last year Rose Bowl sponsor Vizio teased its then-unannounced 8-inch Tablet in a commercial during the collegiate match-up. It appears to have pulled from the same playbook this year, with a spot in yesterday's game giving what could be our first look at one of the company's new televisions. The ad features Vizio Chief Technology Officer Matt McRae discussing how technology has changed the way we experience events like the Rose Bowl — culminating in a brief glimpse at a sleek display with a black bezel, shiny silver backing, and a thin, graceful neck. We'll have to wait until CES next week to see if the new display is a real product or merely a concept, but in the meantime, check out the spot itself below. 

To read more from this article, please click here.

For the second year in a row, it looks like Vizio has taken advantage of its sponsorship of the Rose Bowl to tease a new product -- last year it was an Android tablet, and the 2012 game brought this new display design. It flashes around :25 into the ad (embedded after the break), and while there's no details on exactly what it might be, we know Vizio had plenty of Google TV tech to show off last year, and after a year of development plus the release of Google TV 2.0, it may have decided to match Sony's funky TV setup with an interesting stand of its own. Whether there's Android, OLED or any other new tech to be found in the flat-panel we'll surely find out more in just a few days once CES 2012 gets underway. 

To read more from this article, please click here.

VIZIO isn't waiting until CES 2012 to showcase its new technology. As presenting sponsor of the 98th Rose Bowl, VIZIO will bring new technologies and innovative activations to fans, adding to the game day experience for college football fans. On-site, at the center of both the Oregon and Wisconsin tailgate zones, VIZIO will take over adjacent Brookside Golf Course clubhouse, to create a special VIZIO Theater 3D™ Lounge. Open to the public, the lounge will house many of VIZIO's award-winning Theater 3D™ technologies, showcase other college bowl games and treat fans to an interactive 3D video game area. VIZIO has also partnered with the world famous Los Angeles radio station KROQ, who will be broadcasting live from the lounge and bringing a special performance from popular local band, The Dirty Heads.

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The Vizio Razor M3D550SR's black levels are very good for an edge-lit LED-based LCD TV. Shadow detail and colors are solid, while the matte screen really helps reduce reflections. The TV piles on the features with passive 3D, a Bluetooth QWERTY remote, and onboard wireless. The passive system creates minimal crosstalk, and Vizio includes four pairs of passive 3D glasses.

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When I got my wisdom teeth pulled I was in some serious pain. I'm fairly certain the doctor braced his feet on my face for leverage and just yanked like crazy. This resulted in me being on some rather serious pain-killers for something like ten days. That whole period was a blur. I watched virtually every movie I had ever intended to see, but once the drug-fog lifted I couldn't remember any of them. From time to time, though, I'd be watching a movie and want to look something up. I'd hunt for remotes to stop the movie, walk over to my computer, look it up, then go back, hunt for the remote again (okay, my room was messy... I was on meds, leave me alone), and resume. This all would have been so much easier if I'd had the Vizio VTAB1008 <http://www.woot.com/>. Not only does it act as a universal remote, but it's also a low-end Android tablet. 

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Those doubting the viability of Android tablets- and I've certainly been in that camp myself- will be pleasantly surprised by Vizio's entry, called simply the Vizio Tablet. No, it's not the iPad, but it provides tremendous value for its $299 price point.

Introduced subtly last January in a TV commercial that aired during the Vizio-sponsored Rose Bowl Game, then unveiled formally at CES the next week, the Vizio Tablet has been on the market since August although it has gradually added software updates and other new features since.

What separates Vizio's entry from most Android tablets is that it sports top-notch audio and video, and also doesn't feel like it was rushed out the door before it was ready. It runs Android 2.3 and its screen is eight inches- smaller than an iPad, but larger than the Kindle Fire or BlackBerry PlayBook. That screen size especially comes in handy when viewing YouTube and Netflix video. Not to mention, the Vizio Tablet offers the best “Angry Birds” experience I've ever had.

To read more from this article, please click here.