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Old 02-20-24, 07:21 AM
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Vizio sold to Walmart

Walmart has agreed to buy TV maker Vizio, the companies announced Tuesday, as the largest U.S. retailer grows its high-profit ad business.

Walmart will acquire Vizio for $2.3 billion, or $11.50 per share, in cash. The big-box retailer announced the acquisition as it reported its fourth-quarter earnings.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/20/walm...-business.html
Old 02-20-24, 08:29 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

I mean this should be worrying for Vizio users (if there are any still out there), because as the title states, it's just considered a boost to their ad system, not, you know, like selling tvs is a profit center:

Walmart and its Sam's Club warehouse chain have long been major sellers of Vizio devices. But in buying the company, Walmart touted the potential to boost its ad business through Vizio's SmartCast Operating System, which allows users to stream free ad-supported content on their TVs.
Just a reminder to disconnect your "smart" tv if you're not using features and don't need firmware updates because all it is is sending more data to the companies. I think a lot of Vizio's earnings were basically selling customer data.
Old 02-20-24, 08:34 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

Originally Posted by fujishig
Just a reminder to disconnect your "smart" tv if you're not using features and don't need firmware updates because all it is is sending more data to the companies. I think a lot of Vizio's earnings were basically selling customer data.
I think many companies that make TVs make most of their profits from selling data and ads. That’s why TVs are so much cheaper now. They sell them at low prices to make money off ads and selling your data.
Old 02-20-24, 08:43 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

Originally Posted by fujishig
I mean this should be worrying for Vizio users (if there are any still out there), because as the title states, it's just considered a boost to their ad system, not, you know, like selling tvs is a profit center:



Just a reminder to disconnect your "smart" tv if you're not using features and don't need firmware updates because all it is is sending more data to the companies. I think a lot of Vizio's earnings were basically selling customer data.
Yep I only connect the tv to WiFi to check for updates then disconnect. Everything else runs thru my AppleTV box.

Originally Posted by lwhy?
I think many companies that make TVs make most of their profits from selling data and ads. That’s why TVs are so much cheaper now. They sell them at low prices to make money off ads and selling your data.
You are correct... some TV manufactures don't even hide the fact now. Vizio is one of them and will only get worse now with Walmart owning them.
Old 02-20-24, 09:57 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

I generally liked the quality of Vizio Tvs. I'd rank them under LG, Sony, and Samsung, but I'd rather have a Vizio than take a gamble on a Hisense or TCL since they have questionable build qualities. I guess we'll see if the quality of the actual TVs remain.
Old 02-20-24, 10:22 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

For their price point, Vizio's seemed to be pretty decent TVs. They were generally at the top of my list if choosing for a non-home theater location. Like lwhy? said, it'll be interesting to see if they keep up the quality.
Old 02-20-24, 10:53 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

I consider Vizio a mid-tier brand. Mostly reliable, fine for secondary display units after your main viewing device. The thing with Walmart is they've shown they aren't great at managing brands. Vizio may sink into the store brand trap and cut corners as Walmart demands.
Old 02-20-24, 11:09 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

I haven't shopped for a TV in a long time but I was under the impression Vizio gave way to TCL and the like as far as decent but budget tvs, mainly because the latter also made their own screens?
Old 02-20-24, 12:51 PM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

I remember when Vizio was at Costco. This was like in 2008 - 2009. Surprised Costco didn't just absorb them back then.
Old 02-20-24, 02:56 PM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

Originally Posted by lwhy?
I generally liked the quality of Vizio Tvs. I'd rank them under LG, Sony, and Samsung, but I'd rather have a Vizio than take a gamble on a Hisense or TCL since they have questionable build qualities. I guess we'll see if the quality of the actual TVs remain.
Both my friend and I got Hisense 4K TVs in late 2021. They have been rock solid. I did a bunch of research and review reading ahead of purchase. They have lived up to the reviews.
Old 02-20-24, 10:08 PM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

I had a Vizio years ago. It was okay. Our breakroom got a large Hisense just before this NFL season started. I think it's a 75". I am pretty impressed with it. My next tv might be a Hisense.
Old 02-20-24, 10:25 PM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

Originally Posted by Meathead
Both my friend and I got Hisense 4K TVs in late 2021. They have been rock solid. I did a bunch of research and review reading ahead of purchase. They have lived up to the reviews.
There’s a thread here one forum member had to return multiple Hisense 4K TVs. They eventually bought a Sony out of frustration. I’ve heard some bad stories about build quality. I’d rather have a Sony, LG, or Samsung first. Vizio would be my next go to. I’ve heard people return Hisense and TCLs too many times to make we not want to buy one.
Old 02-21-24, 04:13 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

From that article:

The move comes as Walmart tries to compete with Amazon’s growing ad segment.

Walmart’s control of the Vizio platform will give companies that advertise with the retailer a greater reach. In a news release, Walmart said Vizio’s SmartCast system has 18 million active accounts.

The retailer also said it could offer “innovative television and in-home entertainment and media experiences” after it acquires the TV maker.

Oh jeez, if only Walmart had owned some kind of streaming video platform. You know, something with high brand recognition and market share. Something that already had an ad delivery mechanism and had an app on all the streaming hardware platforms. Seems like that would have been ideal. Oh well, I guess buying a TV manufacturer for a couple billion is just as good to achieve that goal.


Old 02-21-24, 08:05 AM
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Re: Vizio sold to Walmart

Originally Posted by TheBang
From that article:


Oh jeez, if only Walmart had owned some kind of streaming video platform. You know, something with high brand recognition and market share. Something that already had an ad delivery mechanism and had an app on all the streaming hardware platforms. Seems like that would have been ideal. Oh well, I guess buying a TV manufacturer for a couple billion is just as good to achieve that goal.
I mean this way they can advertise and see what content you watch without having to pay for the content itself.

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