It appears Irvine-based Vizio Inc. is changing its strategy regarding 3-D TVs.
The leader in smart TV sales in the U.S. has omitted the feature in its latest lineup of E and M series TVs that debuted this month at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The move underscores waning demand for the 3-D format, which failed to meet the hype surrounding its introduction four years ago.
Content remains a challenge, as well, with the number of available 3-D movies, shows and documentaries still limited through online streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu.
Vizio entered the segment with a bang in September 2011, showcasing the technology at trendy sports bars in Los Angeles and other locales. It heavily tied its marketing plan to the rollout of ESPN 3D, which debuted in 2010.
The network pulled the plug on the dedicated channel last year, draining the 3-D hopes of many TV manufacturers along with it.
Vizio, like its competitors, is now investing its research and development dollars in ultra high-definition technology, commonly referred to as 4K, and other picture resolution improvements.
The company introduced its first line of 4K TVs during private meetings with media at CES.
It also debuted a new technology dubbed “high dynamic range,” with content and processing help from Dolby Vision that produces life-like images that pop off the screen in incredible detail.
“There’s more dimensions,” said John Hwang, senior product manager of Vizio’s HDTV division. “And the reason for that is the amount of dynamic range.”
Buy Ripples Through Industry
Google Inc.’s eye-catching $3.2 billion buy of Nest Labs this month sent ripples from Silicon Valley to Wall Street.
And at least one Orange County technology company benefited from the investment wave that followed.
Irvine-based networking equipment maker Lantronix Inc.’s shares jumped more than 45% in the trading week ending Jan. 17, pushing its market value to a modest $36 million.
Investors seized upon the Google buy, which added home automation technology in the form of smart thermostats and smoke alarms, fueling big gains for other possible takeover targets in the growing connected-home market.
The Internet of Things, a catchall phrase that describes the ability of consumers to control products from light bulbs to heating systems through a smartphone, tablet or Web browser, was one of the prevailing trends at CES.
Lantronix, which has sputtered along for the past few years after management and board changes, is a small company that plays into the developing ecosystem.
Its legacy technology essentially allows machines to talk with each other.
Lantronix, which posted revenue of $46.6 million in 2013, is projected to see similar sales this year.
We’ll see if the company can continue its run when it reports December quarter earnings this week.
Another OC company to watch in the connected home market is Irvine-based GreenWave Reality, which has attracted large utilities and service providers with its smart technology that controls home lighting and HVAC systems through smartphone and tablet apps.
