Vizio (http://www.viz.com) has introduced a wireless Internet router optimized for Vizio Internet Apps (VIA), the platform that enables viewers to experience web and on-demand content, as well as three wireless Blu-ray players with Internet Apps.
The XWR100 Dual-Band HD Wireless Internet Router prioritizes HD video and audio to VIA HDTVs and Blu-ray players, such as VIA-enabled VBR200W, VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231 Blu-ray players that are capable of streaming content from online services such as VUDU, Netflix and Pandora. The universal wireless router can also be configured to prioritize traffic to other Internet-connected devices as well as share a high-speed Internet connection to other Internet capable devices in the home, such as laptops, game consoles and smart phones, according to Laynie Newsome, Vizio’s chief sales officer and co-founder.
The XWR100 802.11n dual-band wireless Internet router operates at both 2.4 and 5GHz at the same time so can also make use of the less crowded 5GHz band for the most time-sensitive traffic, such as HD video streams, music and games. In addition to other standard wireless security protocols, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) capability makes the secure addition of new devices as simple as the push of a button, says Newsome.
The router also sports a USB 2.0 port to connect a USB hard drive for shared access to personal photos, videos and more. In addition to its wireless capability, four standard Ethernet ports are provided for wired connections to Internet capable devices. The router can be wall mounted. Compatible with both Mac and PC systems, the XWR100 will be available in the third quarter of the year at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$99.99.
In addition to providing full 1080p performance with Blu-ray and 1080p up-scaling with DVD discs, Vizio’s new Blu-ray players, the VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231 offer even more entertainment on demand from the Internet, from top brands like Netflix and VUDU, which offers High Definition movies and TV shows, and Pandora Internet Radio. The players also deliver access to other well-known online services, such as the Associated Press.
The VBR210 and VBR220 Blu-ray players utilize built-in 802.11n single-band 2.4 GHz wireless to connect to the user’s high-speed Internet connection. Each delivers up to 7.1 channels of digital audio output over HDMI, with support for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS HD audio formats. Both players have a USB port that supports JPEG and MP3 media playback. Available now, both players carry an MSRP of $189.99.