New VIZIO Plasmas Starting at $599

[McBain]

Press release:

VIZIO Introduces New HDTV Plasmas Starting At Only $599

Irvine, CA – June 25, 2008 - VIZIO, the fastest growing brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America, announced the release of two new plasma models, the VP422 ($799) and VP322 ($599), offering next generation plasma performance with a remarkable contrast ratio of 30,000:1, providing super deep blacks and brilliant colors. Both models offer extremely fluid and uninterrupted motion, making them a great choice for viewing sporting events, playing fastpaced video games or watching action-packed movies.

Both models provide superb high-definition 720p native resolution with enhanced picture controls, multiple color temperature settings and independent Red/Green/Blue adjustment to optimize video performance to any source. Component video, RGB PC and 3 HDMI (1 side panel HD Game Port) inputs for connecting high definition sources directly to the TV accompany standard definition inputs along with an ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner. These two midsized HDTVs are perfect for consumers who want to start enjoying HD broadcasts and Blu-ray discs or even for a large multi-use TV/monitor for PC use and gaming.

Plasma TVs continue to offer many performance advantages for HDTV with better black levels, higher contrast ratios and fast refresh rates for sports, games and action movies. The VP322 and VP422 are VIZIO’s newest models using the latest generation glass that provides increased brightness levels for viewing in high ambient light conditions and a 60,000-hour half-life to ensure many years of enjoyment. Now more consumers can enjoy the videophile-quality of plasma HDTVs in their homes with the attractively priced VP322 ($599.99) and VP422 ($799.99).

Additionally, according to Tamaryn Pratt of Quixel Research, VIZIO had North America’s #1 top selling plasma* along with the best-selling 32” and 37” LCD TVs in the first quarter of 2008. “In a traditionally slow quarter VIZIO charged forward with their VP50HDTV outselling all other plasma TVs in the category and was the only manufacturer to increase unit sales quarter-toquarter, stated Pratt. “The company’s earlier plasma success and their new lineup of 32” and 42” models puts VIZIO well on their way to increasing plasma market share again 2008. Their 32” plasma TV pricing is ‘spot on’ and offers consumers an option at the 32” screen size where they are very familiar with VIZIO because of their best selling LCD TVs,” Pratt concluded.

"America’s consumers have made the 32 and 37” LCD HDTVs their best sellers," said Laynie Newsome, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at VIZIO. "With these mid-sized plasmas now available from VIZIO and Wal-Mart, combined with our traditionally best-selling 50” plasmas, we are looking for significant growth in this category for 2008. We just love the look and picture quality of plasma HDTVs. When they find their way into American homes, we should see many new VIZIO plasma fans."

Wal-Mart has been instrumental in expanding VIZIO's national distribution and an ideal retail partner due to their shared values, where the success of both companies is based on reputations for providing customers quality products and service at remarkable prices. In fact Wal-Mart named VIZIO their “Electronics Supplier of the Year” in 2007. Highlighting this success, VIZIO was ranked recently as North America’s fastest growing and the #2 ranked brand of flat panel
HDTVs in the first quarter of 2008 by both DisplaySearch** and iSuppli Research.

The new VIZIO VP322 and VP422 plasma HDTVs started shipping in May at all 3,400 North American Wal-Mart locations.

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc. "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company**. The VIZIO brand has been seen and heard on TV and radio, including NBC's Today Show, ABC's Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, The Ellen Show and Live with Regis and Kelly, won numerous awards from leading publications 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, Sound & Vision's Editors Choice, Home Theater Magazine's Rave Award, PC Magazine's Editors Choice, AVRev.com's #1 Product We Love the Best and The Perfect Vision's Products of the Year. VIZIO is bringing vision to the consumer electronics market through practical innovation. VIZIO products offer customers advanced technologies at the most affordable value. Products include the VIZIO, Maximvs and Gallevia lines of Plasma and LCD HDTVs. Many of these products can be found at BJ's Wholesale, Circuit City, Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Sears, Wal-Mart, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, Gallevia, Maximvs, 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.

*Quixel Research reports VIZIO had North America’s #1 and #2 best-selling plasma HDTV’s in Q’1 2008.
** DisplaySearch research for 20”+ LCD HDTVs in year end 2007.