…and at $299, they will certainly make an impact in the nascent soundbar market.
Vizio is known for it’s line of LCD and Plasma HDTVs, and specifically known for being very value oriented and offered through retailers like Walmart, Costco, Target, Sears, etc. Well with that go-to-market strategy, Vizio has made themselves the market leader in North America, and simultaneously one of the biggest targets in the industry. As the likes of LG, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips all drop trau and shrink margins, Vizio and the entire FPTV market is headed into its inevitable commoditization cycles. The shakeout will begin.
In this environment, it’s not surprising that Vizio is entering the TV accessory business. The soundbar is a rapidly growing segment, as consumers demand a better, richer, audio experience that the cheap speakers built into panels can deliver. Often for second, third, and fourth TVs in a household, a full AVR or home theater setup is not in the cards for most consumers. So, CNET is reporting that Vizio is launching a soundbar that includes:
- Virtual surround sound (likely SRS Labs’ TruSurround HD)
- Wireless subwoofer (with wireless link by a company not unspoken of here at Wireless Audio Blog)
- Audio quality that will blow your mind, because it will cost only…
- $299 MSRP
The third bullet is what I’m most excited about. Vizio is one of the most clever technology sourcing companies in the world today. They understand the value function very well, value=f(performance/cost). I happen know that Vizio has found themselves some pretty disruptive IP that will make this soundbar sound unlike any other. It will surpass models that cost twice as much… easily. I am anxiously awaiting the reviews once Vizio gets this bar into the hands of the likes of Crave, EngadgetHD, Sound and Vision, etc. I think the consumers who swim in the audio gear market will greet Vizio with open arms.
Stay tuned…
One Comment
This is a pretty neat looking product. I have a Vizio tv and I think they are a great value. It’s nice to see that there will be some decent audio options now, as well.