VIZIO, Inc. announced today the rollout of VIZIO SmartCast TV to all 2016 VIZIO SmartCast™ E-Series™, M-Series™ and P-Series™ Ultra HD Display models. SmartCast TV is the latest way for viewers to quickly access the content they love from popular apps on the big screen with just a tap of the remote. An intuitive home screen greets viewers with content recommendations along with top apps such as Fandango’s premium digital video service FandangoNOW, and other favorites like Amazon Video, Crackle, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Netflix, Pluto TV, Vudu and XUMO1. Now rolling out to all 2016 displays through an internet update, VIZIO SmartCast TV gives users another way to control the content they love.
VIZIO SmartCast TV users can browse new shows, music and movies – including titles in 4K Ultra HD and HDR2, where available – and then launch content directly from their displays with the touch of a button on the new 2017 remote. The “Discover” section offers other exciting benefits of SmartCast TV by aggregating popular and trending content from multiple sources all in one place. To make it easier for users to discover hot, new offerings, the “Discover” section allows them to efficiently browse selections without toggling in and out of multiple apps. Once they choose their content, consumers can easily control the selection through SmartCast TV.
Recently added to the SmartCast TV platform, FandangoNOW features curated lists from its library of more than 50,000 movies and TV shows, including an extensive catalog of titles, showcasing entertainment options for every occasion. With an installed base of millions of devices, including Smart TVs, over-the-top (OTT) streaming players, iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets, and online, consumers can watch movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere.
“TV shows, music and movies can now be accessed in multiple ways thanks to VIZIO SmartCast TV,” said Bill Baxter, Senior Vice President, Engineering, VIZIO. “With favorite apps such as FandangoNOW on the big screen, SmartCast TV really is the ideal solution for traditional TV loyalists, second screen users and digital natives. Not only can users access content via a dedicated remote control, but SmartCast Mobile makes it easy for those who want to search and control their viewing experience on their mobile devices.”
To use SmartCast TV, some owners who previously purchased eligible displays may need the new VIZIO SmartCast remote, which features the V-button to provide one-button access to the VIZIO SmartCast TV user interface, along with shortcut keys to top apps. For a limited time and while supplies last, owners of eligible models can receive the new VIZIO SmartCast remote either free or for a nominal fee by visiting VIZIO.com/remote (some conditions apply).
While SmartCast TV brings apps to the big screen, the free VIZIO SmartCast Mobile app for iOS and AndroidTMtransforms mobile devices into the ultimate touchscreen remote. The latest version of the app features a new navigational menu that allows users to easily browse SmartCast TV from their mobile device. Select SmartCast TV apps, such as Netflix, can be launched on-screen using SmartCast TV or via SmartCast Mobile utilizing a mobile device. SmartCast users can start a show using their remote via SmartCast TV, pause from any room in the house with SmartCast Mobile and even continue playback with their voice using Google Assistant on devices like Google Home. VIZIO SmartCast Mobile also lets users search for content across multiple apps at once, for even faster discovery and playback.
All VIZIO SmartCast displays feature Chromecast built-in, which allows viewers to browse thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps – including 4K and HDR content from apps like Netflix3 and Vudu – on their mobile devices. By simply tapping the Cast button in Chromecast-enabled apps, consumers can stream their favorite shows and movies right to the big screen. The Quick Start Mode allows VIZIO users to turn their displays on automatically by launching a Chromecast-enabled app and tapping the Cast button. The display will then power on and start streaming the selected entertainment.
