Vizio plans another strong year with Jive home theater

Several new HDTVs are due from the manufacturer, which saw significant growth during the past year.

Vizio came from basically nowhere to reach the top spot in LCD TV for the second quarter of 2007. Sales have cooled somewhat since then, but it still remains quite competitive in the market.

The new champion is hoping to continue those good fortunes with eight new models to be released during the year, and also offering its first home theater option for its higher end televisions.

On the high end, the company is introducing the following:

* Two large-screen plasma models, the 50" VP504F and the 60" VP605F, both capable of 1080p resolution, and high-def picture in picture. The company will include an HDMI cord in the box, and would also include 2 HDMI ports on the side of the television to allow for easy game console hookups. Retail prices would be $1699 and $2899 when they go on sale in June

* Two LCD models, part of its new "Black Tie" series. 1080p resolution, four HDMI inputs, and also easy connection to its new home theater system. When it ships in July, the sets would be priced at $1499 and $1899 respectively.

The home theater system for these products, called the Jive SV5.1, features wireless transmission of audio to from the Black Tie sets to the speaker system. Retailing for $299, it would feature an easy install, long a problem with setting up home theaters.

Rounding out the lines are package deals with a home theater system, a 50" 720p plasma, as well as a 1080p version, available in June; and various plasma models ranging in size from 32 to 50 inches with retail prices ranging from $689 to $1399, launching in May and June of this year.