Vizio Brings Facebook, Twitter, Vudu to Connected HDTVs

Vizio, which just recently unveiled its 2009 lineup of HDTVs, is adding a slew of content partners to its line of Internet Apps (VIA) Connected HDTVs.

The XVT series HDTVs, which will ship in Fall 2009, will now come equipped with eBay, Facebook, Radiotime, Revision 3, Rallypoint Sports, Showtime, Twitter and Vudu.

The VIA Connected HDTVs have integrated 802.11n dual-band wireless and wired networking to access these Internet features. The sets will also work with the Yahoo! Widget Engine, Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster On Demand, Flickr, Netflix, Pandora and Rhapsody.

Vizio offers these descriptions for the new features:

eBay — Get real-time updates, place bids, and monitor your favorite items with the eBay TV Widget. Search, view photos, and compare prices of products with the press of your remote—you won’t miss a buying or selling opportunity with the eBay TV Widget.

Facebook — Facebook gives everyone the power to connect and share with their friends. Over 200 Million people use Facebook every month and Facebook Connect brings this audience into your TV, making it even more social.

Radiotime — makes it easy for listeners find local, national, or global radio programming airing on more than 60,000 AM/FM and Internet radio stations in 140 countries broadcasting in 55 languages.

Revision 3 — The home of Internet Television, Revision3 creates content for passionate communities who want to watch shows that entertain, educate and help to expand their life experiences.

Rallypoint Sports — Rallypoint delivers fantasy sports, social networking, and e-commerce services to consumers through Internet-connected HDTVs and other devices. Launched in 2009, RallycastSM Fantasy Sports services give consumers unprecedented ability to personalize their HDTV sports viewing experience with real-time fantasy league stats – and stay connected with their friends and competitors - using just their remote control.

Showtime — The Showtime TV Widget takes consumers inside Showtime with video extras, trailers, trivia, and select sample episodes of hit series such as Dexter and Weeds.

Twitter — Twitter is a communication network valued for its real-time capability in connecting people to breaking news, shared events and everyday conversation. People share short posts via SMS, Web, 3rd party applications, and now through the TV.

Vudu — VUDU is a leading digital entertainment service that delivers tens of thousands of movies and more, including:

• Largest HD collection available anywhere
• Superior AV quality, including 5.1 surround sound
• HDX, VUDU's exclusive ultra-high quality HD format
• Movies available same day as DVD
• Popular Internet services like Pandora

Vizio's VIA Connected HDTVs also come with a universal remote control with a sliding QWERTY keyboard. Users can type in shows, movies, music, etc. and also use the remote, which has traditional IR capabilities, to control other devices.

Slideshow: Vizio 2009 HDTV Lineup Consists of 31 Models