The Visio XVT 3D CINEMAWIDE™ TRULED™ SMART TV

Details

Three years ago I suggested it has to happen, and it’s finally been done.  Thanks to Visio, the 2:35:1 (or 21:9) cinema wide television hits the market next month.  I didn’t see it coming this year, but I’m thrilled to see it in motion.  We’re all well adjusted to the 16:9 flat panel standard, but with Visio’s CinemaWide (ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio) screen, you’ll finally be able to watch Blu-ray’s at the same wider width that Hollywood hits are viewed on at the movie theater, and without black bars above and below the image.  This is an exciting step in home video!

For years now we’ve been installing projection screens that support full-screen cinema wide viewing, but it’s not cheap – a decent projector that supports a ‘good’ 21:9 image costs big money, and so does the screen.  In these installations you’ll find a super-wide (2:35:1 screen) with a black velvet border and a controlled masking system that decreases the screens size to 16:9 while viewing cable, satellite, or other high definition sources – then with the masking up, watch 2:35:1 Blu-rays.  This is how we’ve been bringing the true cinema feel into the home when designing custom home theater rooms.  By implementing the wider television screen though, Visio has just changed what we can accomplish at home without a projector.

What’s to know about Visio’s new ultra-wide line? 

According to CNET’s David Katzmaier, “the CinemaWide 50- and 58-inchers will be available to buy in February, with a new 71-inch size to follow later in the year”.  It sounds like the 71” model will step up the performance, too – with a 240Hz-refreshing rate and a full-array LED backlight with local dimming.  Still, the 50 and 58” models will have edge-lit LED lighting and a refreshing rate at 120Hz.  Yes, just like any other newer television, the CinemaWide features 3D viewing, Internet Apps, and Wi-Fi.  My prediction is that these TVs are the beginning of a new-to-come standard - definitely not this year’s standard, but eventually.  Still, this year many movie lovers will be watching their Blu-rays on Visio’s new CinemaWide television.

 
click image to enlarge

While these Visio’s will currently be best suited for Blu-ray cinema-wide viewing (the only consumer available media currently produced at this ratio) - Visio’s VP, John Schindler, says they’ve released this format in hopes of encouraging software and media developers to jump on the trend.  I’ve already been assuming this would happen and I haven’t changed my mind.  I think Visio has made a wise assumption.  Watching a 2:35:1 movie in a custom home theater is quite delightful; football fans will love watching a game in the same wider ratio!  I won’t be surprised to also see other TV manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon very soon – I’ll be anxiously waiting to see what happens!

Below are the specs for the 58” bad boy, as listed on Visio’s site.  Right now the price is to-be-determined.  I’ll post pricing updates as soon as I have them.

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By Seth Gatewood | AV Technologies Group | Posted Jan 12, 2012

Pictures and Specifications are credited to Visio.com