Vizio Finally Takes Wraps Off Its First 800-Nit Dolby Vision TVs

It took longer than expected, but Vizio finally took the wraps off its first Dolby Vision high dynamic range TVs Monday, announcing plans to introduce 65- and 120-inch sets under its Reference Series. One surprising element of the Vizio announcement was its mention that the Dolby Vision sets will have full-array LED backlights with 800 nits of peak brightness. At last year’s IFA show, Dolby talked about expectations that the first Dolby Vision HDR sets would feature higher levels of peak brightness (see 1409040067). Dating back to last summer, Dolby executives by process of elimination predicted that Vizio would market the industry’s first Dolby Vision TVs in the U.S. in time for the 2014 holiday selling season (see 1408070021), a forecast that didn’t come to pass. Pricing and availability of the Vizio Dolby Vision TVs weren't disclosed. The Vizio 65-inch TV is being showcased at the Dolby Labs booth on the upper floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center's South Hall. Also on display at the booth is the range of Dolby Vision streamed content options to be available from Warner and Vudu. Vizio also unveiled seven new models in its soundbar lineup starting with 2.0 systems priced at $79 and $99 measuring 29- and 38 inches wide. A 38-inch 2.1 model adds a subwoofer ($179), and 5.1 soundbars with surround sound are available in 38- and 40-inch widths ($249, $349). Vizio also is adding two sound stands for smaller spaces: a 2.0 channel ($149) and a 2.1 version ($249), it said. The 40-inch flagship system ($349) has HDMI connectivity, Bluetooth with aptX, Dolby Digital surround, DTS Digital Surround and DTS TruVolume, said Vizio. The models are rolling out this month to retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, BJ's Wholesale, Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Target, Vizio.com and Walmart.