Oh come on, yes you have heard of Google TV. We may be late the Vizio Co-Star review party, but over the 4 months that I’ve had this device I’ve watched it improve and become the type of Google TV box that my Logitech Revue just couldn’t grow into.

The Vizio Co-Star was the first of the second generation Google TV devices to hit the scene, and though there have been other entrants since, it remains a bestseller. Normally, we have just a few weeks with a device loaned for review, but the timing ran me up against the Vizio presentation at CES this year, and then there was the Google TV 3.0 update that came to my review device in early March, so I’ve had and used this device for a very long time.

Had this review been written sooner, I’d have different feelings about the device. Given time, I’ve experienced the effort that Vizio has put into improving the Co-Star and ironing out the issues that exist in all new products.

Overview
The Co-Star is a companion set-top-box that Google refers to as a Buddy Box. With it, you can turn any TV with an HDMI input into a smart TV, regardless of the TV’s built in capabilities. The idea is to bring together your pay or over-the-air television service with all that’s available on the Internet, and make it searchable and discoverable. It’s an ambitious goal, but even in its earliest form, Google TV was an insanely useful add-on feature in my entertainment center.

The Co-Star brings a smaller footprint, a remote that I actually have come to love and the first OEM overlay that I think is actually useful, and a vast improvement over the standard Google vision for what a UI should be like.

I use the Co-Star as the guide for my DirecTV DVR, I search my program guide, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and HBO Go from one interface instead of four, and I find the things that I want to watch quickly and easily. In my use case, I also stream all of my online content from the Co-Star as well.

Hardware
The Co-Star is a tiny little box, larger than a Roku or an Apple TV, but insanely small compared to previous versions of Google TV hardware. Gone is the near Blu-ray player sized Revue, and in its place is a box that has disappeared into my TV stand atop my DirecTV DVR.

Also gone is the full sized keyboard remote that the Revue was famous for, as well as the difficult to use palm sized keyboard that was added on to my Revue. In their place is a much more convenient, if oddly shaped two-sided remote that adds the QWERTY keyboard to the back side.

The remote is definitely a fatty, but with thick batteries on one end, and a keyboard on the backside, fat was the only option available to keep the keyboard flat and useable. The remote also includes three branded buttons at the top for M-Go, Amazon Instant Video and Netflix.

I am not a fan of branded buttons or remotes, but I do regularly make use of the buttons for Amazon and Netflix. M-Go just became available for use in the last several weeks and I’ve yet to use that button, or the service. We’ll talk more about that later.

All of the things that the Revue never was from a hardware standpoint: small, lightweight, quiet and easily ignorable, that’s what the Co-Star is for me. After a week, the Co-Star became as stealth in my setup as the Roku it sits next to. The real test however was my one year old daughter. She grabs for lots of things on the TV stand, including the DVR, but not the Co-Star.

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Irvine, CA — April 15, 2013 — VIZIO—America’s #1 large size HDTV¹ and Sound Bar company²— announced today the “Win It For Mom” contest, giving sons and daughters the chance to pay tribute to mom heading into Mother’s Day. People across the country are encouraged to visit www.VIZIO.com/mom where they can upload a video or picture showing why they are Mom’s biggest fan and share their personal story of appreciation. The mom with the winning story will receive a Mother’s Day VIZIO Home Theater Gift Package. Consumers are invited to help VIZIO determine winners by logging on and voting for their favorite story. Voting is now open and concludes on April 30th.

This spring, the search is on to find the ultimate mom and reward her with the surprise of a lifetime that can be shared with her family, making her the much-deserved hero. Since the focus is on celebrating moms everywhere, VIZIO is committed to bringing this experience to life, honoring the women that give back to their families on a daily basis.

“Most of us know who our biggest supporter is. So, for Mother’s Day, we want sons and daughters across the country to tell us about their amazing moms,” said Lily Knowles, Vice President of Product Marketing, VIZIO. “We’re excited to be teaming up with DreamWorks Animation to pay tribute to moms across the country and can’t wait for our VIZIO fans to help us weigh in on which mom is most deserving of the Ultimate Mother’s Day Home Theater Package.”  

The Grand Prize winner will receive the following prize package:
•    VIZIO E-Series 70” Razor LED Smart TV (E701i)
•    VIZIO 42” 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer (S4251w)
•    $100 streaming movie credit
•    Four tickets to the premiere of “Turbo,” DreamWorks Animation’s new summer film

Three Honorable Mentions will receive:
•    VIZIO E-Series 60” Razor LED Smart TV (E601i)
•    VIZIO 42” 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer (S4251w)
•    $50 streaming movie credit

The four individuals who nominate the winning mothers will win a VIZIO 29” Razor LED Smart TV (E291i).

In addition to a complete VIZIO home theater, the Grand Prize winning mom will receive four tickets to the premiere of “Turbo,” the latest film from DreamWorks Animation in theaters July 17th. “Turbo” is a high-velocity 3D comedy about an ordinary snail who dares to dream big – and fast.  After a freak accident infuses him with the power of super-speed, Turbo kicks into overdrive and embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the seemingly impossible: competing in the world's fastest race.  With the help of his tricked-out streetwise snail crew, this ultimate underdog puts his heart and shell on the line to prove that no dream is too big, and no dreamer too small.

The “Win It For Mom” contest will be promoted via VIZIO social channels. Submitters are encouraged to share on their own social networks using the hash tag #WinItForMom to promote their unique story.  Once winners are selected, the winning submitters will be notified and the stage will be set to “surprise” the Grand Prize winning mom in their hometown.

More information about the “Win It For Mom” contest can be found at www.VIZIO.com/mom. 

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. 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 Walmart 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.

¹Source:  The NPD Group’s Retail Tracking Service based on units sold November 2012 – 60”+ Flat Panel HDTVs.

²Source:  The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service Based on Units Sold January – October 2012

Press Contacts for VIZIO:

Charley Fitzwilliam
The Brand AMP
T: 949-579-0405
E: charley@thebrandamp.com

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

###

Offering the top-of-the-line quad-core processors from both AMD (A10 APU) and Intel® (Core™ i7), the VIZIO Touch PC line-up boasts optimal performance in an exquisitely designed, premium PC.  Highlighted by 15.6” Full HD (starting at $1,189.99) and 14” HD+ (starting at $1,089.99) screen sizes, VIZIO’s Thin + Light Touch models showcase an ultra-thin profile, multi-gesture touchscreen and increased battery capacity.  A standard voltage quad-core processor enables the Thin + Light Touch to perform like a desktop, but is conveniently mobile thanks to an ultra-thin chassis.

The All-in-One Touch PCs are also now available to consumers, offering 24” (starting at $1,279.99) and 27” ($1,549.99) screen size options. With stunning, Full HD 1080p touchscreen display, enhanced 2.1 audio system with subwoofer, remote control and dual HDMI inputs, the VIZIO All-in-One Touch PC delivers world-class entertainment and performance. An alluring design with sleek lines, wireless keyboard and multi-gesture touchpad, the All-in-One Touch is a marriage of beauty and functionality.

“To help VIZIO PC users unlock the ideal interactive Windows 8 experience, we have integrated touchscreen functionality across our entire spring PC line-up,” said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO.  “With the launch of the new Touch PCs, we look forward to delivering enhanced performance and entertainment options to new VIZIO consumers.”

AMD and Intel processor options for the 24”All-in-One Touch, 14” and 15.6” Thin + Light Touch PCs allow consumers to select a model that best meshes with their lifestyle.  The latest AMD high-performance A10 quad-core APU with Radeon™ HD graphics is ideal for serious multi-taskers or gamers, armed to deliver strikingly rich visuals and immersive gaming experience, while the 3rd generation Intel® Core ™ i7 quad-core processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology focuses on high-performance, tackling the most demanding tasks, supporting all the applications with extra speed and maximum power.

Beyond the sleek design and processing power, VIZIO continues to leverage its HDTV background with brilliant picture quality, high contrast and wider viewing angles, a staple of the Touch PCs.  An expertly-tuned SRS Premium Sound HD™ audio system, a DTS technology, delivers rich audio quality, complementing superior visuals with deep, resonant sound to get the most out of music, movies, games and more.

Each Touch PC features upgraded Wi-Fi with 802.11ac, making VIZIO one of the first PC OEMs to deliver advanced technology. About three times faster than standard 802.11n¹, consumers are now able to stream HD content not only faster, but smoother via their Touch PC.

To further ensure a premium consumer experience, VIZIO once again delivers the only PC line-up fully equipped with Microsoft Signature for Windows and backed by award-winning VIZIO Customer Support. By eliminating junk ware and offering a meticulous configuration, built-in world-class security software and 90 days free Microsoft Signature support from Microsoft, VIZIO Touch PC users will fully enjoy Windows 8.
Consumers can now pre-order select VIZIO Touch PC models on VIZIO.com and purchase the 15.6” Touch Thin + Light (CT15T-B1) and 24” Touch All-in-One (CA24T-B0) at MicrosoftStore.com. 

VIZIO.com Pricing
14” Touch Thin + Light (CT14T-B0)         $1,089.99 MSRP - AMD A10 APU
14” Touch Thin + Light (CT14T-B1)         $1,419.99 MSRP - Intel® Core™ i7
15.6” Touch Thin + Light (CT15T-B0)      $1,189.99 MSRP - AMD A10 APU
15.6” Touch Thin + Light (CT15T-B1)      $1,469.99 MSRP - Intel® Core™ i7
24” Touch All-in-One (CA24T-B0)            $1,279.99 MSRP - AMD A10 APU
24” Touch All-in-One (CA24T-B1)            $1,439.99 MSRP - Intel® Core™ i7
27” Touch All-in-One (CA27T-B1)            $1,549.99 MSRP - Intel® Core™ i7

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. 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. In Q4 2012, VIZIO became America’s #1 60+ inch HDTV company based on units sold. VIZIO is the #1 Sound Bar Company and is a top rated sound bar brand 2-years running by leading consumer publications. As VIZIO celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary, it remains committed to what it does best, focus on the consumer to deliver visionary products at a great value. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics that now include PCs and mobility products.  VIZIO's products are found at Amazon, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale, Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, CNET's Editor's Choice, CNET Best of CES 2011 - Television, Home Theater Magazine’s Top Picks, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, PC World's Best Buy and Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice among many other prestigious honors. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit www.VIZIO.com.

*Screen measured diagonally.

¹ Source: 5gwifi.org. Level of performance subject to range of router being used.

© 2013 VIZIO, Inc.  The V, VIZIO, Thin + Light and all names, logos and phrases are registered or unregistered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  All rights reserved.
Manufactured under license from DTS Licensing Limited. SRS Premium Sound HD is a trademark of DTS, LLC.

HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Intel and Intel Core are registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

AMD, the AMD arrow logo, Radon, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Microsoft, Windows and Microsoft Signature are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Press Contacts for VIZIO:
Charley Fitzwilliam
The Brand AMP
T: 949-579-0405
E: charley@thebrandamp.com

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

###

1. Best TV Brand
There are a lot of great TVs out there, and everyone seems to have something to say about their favorite brand. With that in mind, here are final vote results for what About.com readers felt were the best TV brands.

WINNER - Vizio - 53%
Sony - 18%
Panasonic - 15%
Samsung - 9%
LG - 3%

To read more of this article, please click here.

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About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. 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 www.VIZIO.com.

© 2012 VIZIO,Inc.  The V, VIZIO, Thin + Light and all names, logos and phrases are registered or unregistered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  All rights reserved.

¹J.D. Power and Associates 2012 High Definition Television (HDTV) Satisfaction Report℠. Report based on responses from 1,009 consumers measuring 8 brands and measures opinions of consumers who purchased an HDTV in the last 12 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed August 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit www.jdpower.com.
² VIZIO’s new E-series HDTV line features edge-lit and direct-lit LED technologies
³ Source: The NPD Group Weekly Retail Tracking Service, October 14-20, 2012, based on units sold
⁴ Source: The NPD Group Retail Tracking Service, January-September 2012, based on units sold
⁵ High-speed/broadband Internet service and access equipment are required and not provided by VIZIO, Inc.  Additional fees and/or subscriptions may be required for certain content and services.  VIZIO, Inc. makes no warranties, representations, or assurances of any kind as to the content, availability, or functionality of third party content or services.
⁶ Source: Quixel Research®, USA Sound Bar Report Q3 2011 – Q2 2012
⁷ SB4021M and SB4021E sound bars rated at 101dB, SB4020M and SB4020E rated at 95dB. Sound Pressure Level measured using pink noise at 1 meter, C-weighted. Total Harmonic Distortion calculated as electrical measurement of amplifier distortion.

Press Contacts for VIZIO:

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

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

To read more of this article, please click here.

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