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Vizio designs and sells smart TVs and sound bars that feature a built-in, ad-supported streaming platform called WatchFree. These products work by combining high-definition hardware with integrated software that allows users to access both paid apps and free, live channels without extra equipment. Unlike competitors that rely solely on hardware sales, Vizio uses a dual business model that generates ongoing revenue by selling advertising space directly through its interface. The company's goal is to make home entertainment accessible by providing budget-friendly technology that integrates hardware and free content into one system.
Industries
Hardware
Consumer Software
Consumer Goods
Entertainment
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Irvine, California
Founded
2002
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Total Funding
$557M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
4 Rounds
Plex on your Vizio have a white box top left? You're not alone. Vizio released a new version of their software last week (or the week before, I've been been a bit busy,) that has had the effect of causing the Plex app to display a small white box in the top left, most of which will get drawn over when a show starts. Unfortunately if you're watching something that made the cinematic choice to go letterbox, you'll see that white box hanging over the top right of your movie or show. From what I'm seeing it appears that if you wipe the TV's data and factory reset you also might never be able to open Plex again. The white box was the first thing I saw after I got the upgrade message, and it's terrible. I've started watching my Plex on my old NVIDIA Shield, which does everything better except work with my local plex server (for some reason it refuses to display local media art, and yes I've adjusted the allow insecure connections.) Pocketables can only hope that Vizio will push an update that fixes this at some point, but the solution in the meantime is to grab a streaming device and watch on that, or drape a black piece of paper over the top left of your screen.
Vizio smart TV owners leading the fight for control over your idiot box. Could Pcper get access to the full code running on its Linux tvs? The legal fight between Vizio owners and Vizio itself started in 2021 and it seems Vizio's lawyers have finally run out of ways to delay the court case, as it will be going before a Californian court this year. Their legal argument doesn't stem from the privacy concerns of Vizio owners, though it is definitely a driving reason behind the case. Instead they argue that Vizio is in breach of the terms of GPLv2, seeing as how the TV's operating system is based on Ubuntu. That is a major problem for the defence as GPLv2 is legally binding and definitely applies and can be enforced. Vizio's lawyers have made some successes, or so they seem to feel, such as not having to provide "guarantees a TV will continue working properly if a user reinstalls a modified version of the OS." They seem to think that will discourage Linux gurus and speaks to the depth of their ignorance of the community. Vizio and Walmart have also tried to argue that the Software Freedom Conservancy "doesn't have the right to sue Vizio to enforce license terms" and that "GPL is a software license, not a contract". These do not seem like strong arguments; but Pcper will finally see them properly tested in court. The argument that making their source code available could reveal DRM keys that Netflix and other streaming companies provide TV manufacturers, however SFC has repeatedly pointed out that they are not seeking access to those keys. If they are so poorly encrypted as to allow someone with access to the source code the ability to figure out the DRM keys, that seems to be very much a problem for the providers and is not involved with their breach of GPLv2. If the SFC succeeds in their legal battle, it will have huge implications for the market as LG's webOS, Samsung's Tizen, and Roku's Roku OS are all also based on Linux distros which are covered under GPLv2 or other versions of that license. Check out Ars Technica's article on the legal fight against Vizio for the many other benefits getting access to its TV's source code will provide. Now, after numerous delays since the SFC filed suit in 2021, a California jury will decide in August whether Vizio must provide that code in executable form to SFC and any Vizio TV owner who wants it. More tech news from around the web.
MarkApp x VIZIO Ads: expanding premium CTV reach across smart TV environments. MarkApp partners with VIZIO Ads to expand premium CTV reach, enabling smarter audience activation, contextual targeting, and scalable advertising across connected TV environments. Connected TV continues to reshape the global advertising landscape, with smart TV environments becoming one of the most valuable channels for premium audience engagement. MarkApp's partnership with VIZIO Ads strengthens its CTV ecosystem by expanding access to high-quality streaming audiences and scalable advertising opportunities across smart TV environments. The opportunity: premium CTV audiences at scale. As advertisers shift budgets toward streaming, demand is increasing for: * Premium, brand-safe CTV inventory * High-engagement viewing environments * Cross-device audience activation * Measurable performance beyond impressions CTV is evolving from a reach-focused channel into a performance-driven ecosystem. The partnership: smart TV scale meets programmatic intelligence. Through this collaboration, MarkApp integrates VIZIO Ads inventory into its global programmatic infrastructure, enabling: * Access to premium smart TV audiences * Scalable CTV inventory across key markets * Improved audience engagement through contextual targeting * Enhanced monetization opportunities for advertisers and demand partners This partnership further strengthens MarkApp's global footprint across North America, EMEA, APAC, and MENA. How MarkApp activates this collaboration. Pantheon - Contextual intelligence for CTV. Pantheon enhances VIZIO Ads inventory by enriching every impression with: * Contextual and environmental signals * Device and screen intelligence * Content classification and engagement scoring * Privacy-first targeting capabilities Operating upstream of the auction, Pantheon improves bid quality and pricing efficiency without relying on identity-based tracking. Harion DSP - omnichannel performance activation. Harion DSP enables advertisers to activate VIZIO inventory through: * Cross-device campaign execution * Branding and performance strategies within one platform * Flexible buying models (CPM, CPC, CPA) * Real-time optimization aligned with business KPIs This creates a seamless connection between premium CTV reach and measurable outcomes. MarkDash - unified visibility and operational control. MarkDash provides: * Real-time reporting across VIZIO-connected campaigns * Performance analytics and optimization insights * Supply-path transparency * Financial reconciliation and operational alignment This ensures full visibility across the campaign lifecycle. The business impact. This partnership enables brands and agencies to: * Reach highly engaged streaming audiences * Activate premium CTV inventory at scale * Improve campaign performance through contextual intelligence * Operate with greater transparency and efficiency Looking ahead. The future of television advertising is programmatic, data-driven, and context-aware. Through its partnership with VIZIO Ads, MarkApp continues to expand its premium CTV ecosystem, enabling advertisers to combine scale, intelligence, and performance across the evolving streaming landscape.
Blacknut cloud gaming FREE for 30 days on VIZIO. April 15, 2026 Premium gaming that streams directly to your TV? It's finally here. Blacknut cloud gaming has arrived on VIZIO OS, and it's bringing over 1000 games to your living room - no console required. Better yet, you get to try it free for 30 days. Here's what you need to know. WHAT IS BLACKNUT GAMING Blacknut is the world's leading pure-player cloud gaming service built for everyone, with one of the largest all-you-can-play cloud gaming catalogs. With over 1000 titles - including recent hits like Assassin's Creed Shadows, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Anno 117 from Ubisoft, alongside fan favorites such as, NBA2K23, and Just Cause - Blacknut offers instant access to games without consoles, downloads, or additional hardware. The catalog spans every genre: racing, action, adventure, indie gems, sports, simulation, and family favorites. Whether you're playing solo, competing with friends online, or sharing the controller during family game nights, Blacknut has something for every type of player and every type of play. FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES BUILT IN Blacknut isn't just for hardcore gamers. The service includes features designed with families in mind: Multiple Player Profiles: Everyone in the household gets their own profile with personalized game libraries. Curated Collections: Discover games organized by genre for easy browsing. Parental Controls: Manage what kids can access and play, giving parents peace of mind. Whether you're introducing kids to party games or diving into action-packed adventures yourself, Blacknut has something for every kind of player. TRY IT FREE FOR 30 DAYS Want to test it out? Vizio Inc. has partnered with Blacknut to offer you a 30-day free trial exclusively on VIZIO OS. After that, it's just $15.99 a month for unlimited access to the entire catalog with no playtime limits. Simply open the Blacknut app on any eligible device and follow the instructions below. HOW TO FIND BLACKNUT ON VIZIO Blacknut is available on select VIZIO TVs and onn TVs powered by VIZIO OS. Here's how to check if your TV is compatible: 1) Open the app menu on your VIZIO OS device 2) If your TV supports Blacknut, the app will automatically appear 3) You can also search for Blacknut in the "Gaming" row 4) Once in the app, follow the sign-up process to unlock a 30-day trial With Blacknut now on VIZIO OS, your living room gives you access to premium gaming without barriers. No additional hardware, no storage limits, and no waiting for downloads. From racing games and action titles to indie discoveries and family faves, Blacknut brings over 1000 games directly to your screen, powered entirely by the cloud. Ready to play? Start your 30-day free trial today and discover why cloud gaming is the future. Offer restricted to US residents on select VIZIO TV and onn TV models powered by VIZIO OS; subscriptions automatically renew after first 30 days unless cancelled. Limited time offer. Availability subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Wirecutter picks quantum dot-powered Vizio as best budget TV. January 5, 2026 The Vizio Mini LED Quantum Series just earned the top budget pick in NYTimes Wirecutter's latest best 4K TV roundup and quantum dots are doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
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Industries
Hardware
Consumer Software
Consumer Goods
Entertainment
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Irvine, California
Founded
2002
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