Samsung, LG Quiet on Vizio's YouTube Spoof Promotion Insulting Curved TVs

Curved TV makers Samsung and LG didn’t comment Monday on Vizio’s spoof infomercial running on YouTube offering consumers "anti-curve glasses" for curved TVs. The ad, modeled after late-night TV infomercials, asks consumers if their new curved TV is causing them "frustration," depicting a male viewer who appears to be suffering from a serious headache. “Is the picture distorted, disappointing and just a disaster?” the voiceover asks. “Wouldn’t it be great if there were a simple, easy way to fix that and more? Well now there is,” the ad says, launching into a pitch for “anti-curve glasses” that are “easy to wear” for the entire family, “even pets.” Consumers who call immediately, the ad says, will get a “special seating guide to help you find the best seat for your curved TV.” Viewers acting in the “next 10 minutes” will also get “state-of-the-art caution tape so no one bumps into those curved TV corners again.” Viewers are directed to call 855-472-7890, a Vizio number identified as the “anti-curve TV hotline” where a recorded message thanks callers for watching the “spoof infomercial” and offers them “as a token of thanks” a “special $100-off coupon, subject to restrictions,” on a new 55-, 60-, 65- or 70-inch “beautifully flat” Ultra HD P-Series TV at vizio.com/fixcurve. Quantities are limited and the offer is good until 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, it said. Coupons are available for $100 off each of the four models, according to terms at the website.