Vizio-Co-Star (Reviews), Your Hands On Experience

[Wisdom]

Official Request To "GTV-Issues" For Flash 11 - (Please Vote)

Hi all. I made an official request for Flash 11 on GTV devices - at the "GTV Issues" web page for GTV code developers. Please go to that page (see link below) and click to "star" that feature request. The stars are in the column on the left side. Just click on the star. The request for Flash 11 is item #87. This is something that will improve GTV for everybody. Thank you: A CATFISHRIVERS PROJECT ...!

Issues - googletv-issues - Google TV Issue Tracker - Google Project Hosting






[/video] ......

A earlier Vizio Co-Star Smart TV Streaming Player review at the 2012 CESI

f you have received your new Vizio Co-Star already, please give this GoogleTV Forum Community and future owners of the Vizio Co-Star, the true 411 (Info) on how it stands up to your expectations and user experience .... In others words we want your personal hands on experience reviews, even tell us about the (New Apps You Have Installed) .... Your Vizio Co-Star video reviews are most welcome too, please feel free to ask questions about things you don't yet understand, concerning your new Vizio Co-Star ......





*$$$ BUYING A NEW VIZIO CO-STAR $$$***


**************************** "WELCOME HOME OF THE VIZIO CO-STAR BIBLE" ****************************


In the beginning KNOWLEDGE IS POWER ...........


******IT STARTS HERE, GET YOUR VIZIO CO-STAR WORKING PERFECT*******



THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOUR NEW VIZIO CO-STAR WORKING PERFECT, RUNNING SMOOTH AS A SILK 24/7, PLUS TOOLS AND HOW TO TIPS**** (Social Network Apps For The Vizio Co-Star Are Below)







The NEW Just Released OTA Ultimate Vizio Co-Star v5.3.0 Google TV 3.0 (OS) Update Upgrade is NOW available, go here for details Hulu Plus Server Fix Included In Just Released Co-Star v5.3.0 Firmware Update (NEW) ....


Currently Walmart has the Co-Star listed for online purchase only (not stocked in retail stores yet):

google tv - Walmart.com

*VUDU, NEW M-GO APP AND AMAZON INSTANT VIDEO (HD) NOW Available

{Now Available}

*CinemaNow high end upscale movies service, Download for the Vizio Co-Star go here (Side Loading Required) http://www.googletvforum.org/forum/v...-top-hits.html ....







I must admit, one of the sweetest new features of the Vizio Co-Star v4.6.0 Google Tv 3 upscale upgrade is the "Google TV PrimeTime Quick Guide" .... You can scroll the "Quick Guide" across the bottom of your TV screen, even during viewing live TV, yeah sweet ....(l0l)



*PRIMETIME QUICK GUIDE FIX, GO HERE Vizio Co-Star v4.6.0 PrimeTime Quick Guide (FIX), Thanks To "Zach" Of VIZIO CORP ...

PLEASE NOTE: THIS POST AREA OP #1 IS STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT, MORE INFO GOODIES ARE YET TO COME FOR YOUR NEW VIZIO CO-STAR, SO CHECK BACK HERE FROM TIME TO TIME


** *You don't have to be a rocket scientist to set up the Vizio Co-Star correctly ... As they say, it's so easy a caveman can do it .(lol)

*Read the "USER GUIDE" before your new Vizio Co-Star arrives at your home ....! All of you who has pre-ordered the Vizio Co-Star the "USER GUIDE" is HERE http://store.vizio.com/documents/dow.../UM_VAP430.pdf ....


A.\ In the beginning, make sure ALL video/audio equipment that going to have any type of connection to your new Vizio Co-Star is unplugged during your first initial set up (No Electric Current) ... Make sure All HDMI connections are correct, tight and firm in each of the HDMI connection ports ....

*

HDMI CABLES: USE HDMI CABLES 1.4 ONLY WITH YOUR NEW VIZIO CO-STAR AND (CAT #6) ETHERNET CABLES ONLY*(Save Yourself A Lot Of headaches) You can think of HDMI 1.4 as the successor to 1.3. Specifically, it adds 4 new features to your HDMI connection:1) Higher resolution capabilities (allowing for Ultra High Definition 4K x 2K which is about 6x the resolution of 1080p) .....2) Support for 3D video at 1080p with compatible Blu-Ray Players, Set-top Boxes, PCs and TVs ....3) Audio Return channel allowing audio from an HDMI 1.4 TV to be passed back to the receiver though the HDMI cable rather than having to run a separate audio cable to the TV .....4) Ethernet link channel allowing all of your HDMI 1.4 devices to connect to the Internet though an existing HDMI cable provided that just one of your 1.4 devices is connected to the Internet via Ethernet or WiFi .....



Also, an important point to note, is HDMI pass-through means that the receiver simply passes the video signal on exactly as it receives it with no modification or processing whatsoever ...

*The quality of your HDMI cables can be the difference between a (Black/Blue Screen) and perfect picture pixel crystal clear video resolution quality ....

(Comcast-Xfinity cable Boxes/Cox Cable Boxes/Time Warner Cable Boxes/Dish Network/DirectTV Satellite Receiver Owners Take Heed)

*If You Should encounter the (Black Screen) crash mode during your initial set up (Don't Panic), it does NOT mean that your new Vizio Co-Star is a lemon ... 99.9% of the time the (Black Screen) mode is caused by your cable box/Satellite receiver having the wrong display parameters or incompatible video/audio equipment ...

The (Black Screen) can also be cause by faulty HDMI cables, and faulty HDMI ports not connected properly ... Remember video/audio pass through is the fuel of the Vizio Co-Star, along with high speed strong video/audio data stream connection links ....

That's why it's recommended before you start your first initial set up, set your cable box/satellite receiver display parameters to 1080i (This Parameter is Needed By Your Vizio Co-Star In Order To Function Properly), before you do anything, again make sure all HDMI connections are tight, firm ... This is something that should have been explained by Vizio Corp in the Vizio Co-Star "User Guide" (See Photo Below With Instructions) .....

*PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU PURCHASING $100.00 HDMI MONSTER CABLES ....!

You can get high quality HDMI cables for as low as $3.00 ...! FYI, did you know HDMI 1.4 specification have now five HDMI cable types to choose from. read here (Thanks To revue5)

After the above has been done, it's now OK to turn "ON" (POWER UP) all of your video/audio equipment back "ON", but make sure you turn the new Vizio Co-Star "ON" (POWER UP) last....

*PLEASE NOTE: All Video/Audio Equipment Component Parts, That You May Want To Connect To Vizio Co-Star May Not Be Compatible, Do Your Homework First .. *Another thing, do not compare the Co-Star set up to the Revue, Roku Box, Boxee Box, Apple TV or WD Streaming Media Player ...




*GET STARTED SCREEN SECTION:



*{PLEASE READ THIS GET START SCREEN SECTION, IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE IN THE "Vizio Co-Star Bible" THIS GET START SECTION IS VERY IMPORTANT}*


*(I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU PERFORM THIS ACTION)* Personal Recommendation To All (NEW) Co-Star Owners, Now Understand You Don't Have To Do This, It's Only A Recomendation*

When you first turn on your new Vizio Co-Star you will be greeted with the (Get Started) screen, immediately do three (3) hard resets, via the hole on the bottom of your Co-Star ...

Using a paperclip, just push the paperclip in the bottom hole, hold it in untill the Co-Star goes off, then take the paperclip out of the hole and repeat this process two (2) more times ...

The reason to do this is to clear out ALL FACTORY DATA CORRUPTION, Your Co-Star will run/work a million times better ....


*If You Desire To Skip The Above Recommendation Proceed With The (Get Started) Screen*

Now it's OK to proceed with the (Get Started) screen set up, follow the simple on screen instructions to the "T" ....*After you have gone through the first initial set up, you will be greeted with a new firmware (UPDATES, v2.3.1, v3.5.0 And v4.6.0 ...ECT) immediately, gone complete the firmware updates .....

*(I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU DO A HARD RESET AFTER YOU INSTALL THE 4.6.0 UPDATE, FOLLOW THE VERY SAME PAPERCLIP BOTTOM HOLE METHOD AS DESCRIBED ABOVE FOR THE RECOMMENDED HARD RESETS) .....



*(PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE A NEW CO-STAR OWNER, AFTER YOU HAVE DONE THE INITIAL FIRMWARE UPDATES, v2.3.1, v3.5.0, v4.6.0 ....ECT YOU WILL HAVE TO DO A HARD RESET AND GO THROUGH THE START SCREEN SET UP ALL OVER AGAIN IN ORDER TO USE THE NEW v4.6.0 SET UP OPTIONS WITH YOUR NEW CO-STAR START SCREEN SET UP)

(THE USER MANUAL GUIDE WILL NOT GIVE YOU THIS INFO, SAVE YOURSELF A LOT OF HEADACHES, DO A HARD RESET AFTER YOU INSTALL THE v4.6.0 UPDATE FIRMWARE, FOLLOW THE VERY SAME PAPERCLIP BOTTOM HOLE METHOD AS DESCRIBED ABOVE FOR RECOMMENED HARD RESETS)





The Vizio CO-Star Remote:






THE VIZIO CO-STAR REMOTE:



THE VIZIO CO-STAR REMOTE MOST MISUDERSTOOD COMPOTENT OF THE VIZIO CO-STAR .....!


*PLEASE NOTEYOU WILL NOT FIND THIS INFO IN THE VIZIO CO-STAR USER MANUAL GUIDE)

By Default The Vizio Co-Star Remote "Touch Pad/Pointer Combo" (CURSOR) Is Out Of The Box "OverClocked" (TO FAST), Most Buyers Of The Co-Star Don't Know This ...

*This Is One Of The BIGGEST Reasons Why Most Buyers Of The Co-Star Want To Return Their New Co-Star ....

*Not Knowing The "Touch Pad/Pointer Combo" (CURSOR) Speeds Can Be Adjusted With Ease within 30 seconds or less, (SLOWER/LOWERED) To PinPoint Stop On A Dime Accuracy To Work In Complete Harmony With The Built In On Board Chrome Web Browser (See The Adjustment Scale In The Photo Below) ...

*"Touch Pad/Pointer Combo" (CURSOR) Set Up Instructions: My advice, first test/play with the "Touch Pad/Pointer Combo" (CURSOR) without making any changes, and see how awkward it is to control the pointer (Cursor) with pinpoint accuracy, when using it with the chrome web browser ...

* The majority of Co-Star buyers think this is the way the Co-Star remote control "Touch Pad/Pointer "Combo" (CURSOR) was made to work, which is NOT TRUE ...

*Go To Settings> Devices> Pointer> Pointer Settings (Change pointer speed settings) >*To set up the "Touch Pad/Pointer Combo" (CURSOR) to pinpoint accuracy use the speed level scale in the photo below, let the blue scale line past the letter "d" in the above word Speed by a "Quarter Inch" Or Lower It even More If You Desire, TAP ON SAVE, that's it ....

*The Keyboard Side Of The Vizio Co-Star Remote:

Give yourself time to adjust to the feel of the keyboard, be patient, human error is the cause of sticky keys, not the keyboard itself ... Holding the keys in to long will cause run on letters ect.... rrrrrrrrr, but noting is wrong with the keyboard .....

This is why you will have to be patient and get used to the two sided remote, flip/control it in your hand in a way that feels good to you, until you master the remote ...

*REMOTE COLOR BUTTONS:

COLOR BUTTONS ON THE VIZIO CO-STAR REMOTE ARE NOW FULL FUNCTIONAL VIA THE V4.6.0 UPSCALE UPDATE ...!

The color buttons on the Vizio Co-Star remote are now full functional, when used with the new v4.6.0 Google TV 3 upscale update ... You can now assign/edit the color buttons to different functions/tasks (SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW) ....





VIZIO CO-STAR BROADBAND SPEED AND THE CHROME WEB BROSWER (MORE INFO COMING SOON)






D.\ VIZIO CO-STAR BROADBAND SPEED AND THE CHROME WEB BROSWER (MORE INFO COMING SOON)


To Copy And Paste To get an url click Ctrl and L and that will high light it.Then Ctrl C to copy then Ctrl V

Zooming In The Chrome Browse Use CTRL with +(plus) keyCTRL + Up/Down Arrow



E.\HIGH SPEED INTERNET AND THE VIZIO CO-STAR MEDIA PLAYERS AND THE GOOGLE CHROME WEB BROWSER:

The First thing You want to Know about streaming video via the Co-Star media players, via the Google Chrome web browser, it requires a "FAST BROADBAND SPEED" connection ... No matter how fast you broadband connection is avoid a wireless Internet connection set up at all cost if possible (Like You Would The Plague) ....

If you want the best streaming experience, use a (WIRED INTERNET CONNECTION) with your new Vizio Co-Star ...... 10MB, 5MB broadband speeds for streaming video via the Co-Star media players and the Google Chrome web browser is not going to cut it (You Can Get By With 5MB, 10MB Speeds, BUT) ...

Don't complaint about the Chrome browser crashing, lag, poor video quality or the Co-Star is just to slow with a slow broadband connection (It's Not The Co-Star, It's Your Slow Broadband Connection)....

You need at least a 15MB to 20MB or higher broadband speeds for the Vizio Co-Star to hold on to a good strong video/audio data stream link without lag ...

*See the speed test in the above photo ....

"SPEED" is the name of the "GAME FUEL" for the Vizio Co-Star, without the speed fuel behind your Vizio Co-Star you are asking for trouble ...! ALL Internet Streaming Media Players Requires SPEED fuel, the faster your broadband speeds, the better ...!

The best router for the Co-Star is a high speed gaming router for the best streaming experience, your video will be picture pixel crystal clear 24/7 via your Co-Star ...


E\. Get To Know Your Chrome Browser Settings (More Info Coming Soon)



*CACHE CLEANER APP BELOW: Please Follow The easy simple instructions ....

*Vizio Co-Star Tools For Performance Enhancements:

*TOOLS FOR THE VIZIO CO-STAR (YOUR BEST FRIENDS, FIRST READ THE SETTINGS AREA OF EACH TOOL) (Side Load)


Tools Section:

1.\ The "Cache Cleaner" get it HERE mobi.infolife.cache-2.apk (Side Load) (A MUST HAVE WITH THE v4.6.0 UPDATE)


Instructions:

Go to the Settings area of the Cache Cleaner app and check mark ALL the blocks, exit the app ..... The Cache Cleaner app will now auto clean your Co-Star's Cache and every time you manually open the cache Cleaner app it will also auto clean your Co-Star's cache ... (It's Good To Manually Open The Cache Cleaner App From Time To Time) ......

*Set the "Auto Cleaning Interval" to ever hour (1 Hour)* ....

2.\ ES File Explorer get it here (No Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...Ryb2lkLnBvcCJd .....

3.\ System Tuner get it here (USE THIS TOOL AS A TASK MANAGER ONLY FOR ADVANCE USERS) (NO Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...NjYzcxLnBtdyJd .....

4.\ Another awesome tool that I have installed on my Co-Star is the *("Uninstaller") App by Rhythm.Hexise, this brings up all the apps on your Co-Star in one place for fast and easy uninstalling of any app that's on your Co-Star, get the FREE "Uninstaller" App HERE http://www.mediafire.com/?y7iiyi9n92bokw5 ..... (Side Load)

"*VIZIO CO-STAR BETTER TO HAVE HIGH MAINTENANCE TOOLS*"(Via Side Loaded)*

Most of the Co-Star apps on the CO-Star like Plex, YouTube, Netflix ...ect and lots of other apps on the Co-Star have the fastest largest cache build up ... It's a known fact, if the huge cache build up is left unnoticed, it will cause your Co-Star to operate in a highly erratic minor ...

In the second photo above (Photo Has Been Removed) is the "Setting" area of the Cache Cleaner app, notice I have ALL the Settings blocks check marked (Photo Has Been Removed) ... This is how I control the large cache build up, when using certain apps like Netflix, Plex, YouTube, Google Movies & TV, GTVBox and PlayPoint .... By chance if you cannot access Google Play Store to get the FREE Cache Cleaner App, then get it HERE mobi.infolife.cache-2.apk .....

2.\ A Cooling Fan:




Keep your Vizio Co-Star COOL all the time, via the Onn Laptop Cooling Fan ...! The above photo is what it looks like with the Co-Star setting directly over the cooling fan hole, Onn Laptop Cooling Pad - Walmart.com ....

The 4 port USB hub is called the "USB MAN", sold at Walmart also .... Works Like a charm ....!* Understand this now, do not connect you USB fan to any USB connection port to the Vizio Co-Star for "POWER", this is a no, no ...

Connecting your USB fan to the Vizio Co-Star for "POWER" will cause it to work/play video/audio in a erratic minor ...(THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)*PLEASE NOTE: I DON'T BELIEVE THE POWER PULL OF THE USB FAN HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR (I Could Be Wrong) ....

FOR REASONS UNKNOWN TO ME, THE USB PORT LOOKS FOR USB FLASH DIRVES, KEYBOARDS/MOUSE TYPE USB DEVICES ... THE CO-STAR WILL WORK OK WITH THESE TYPES OF USB DEVICES, BUT IT WILL NOT WORK WELL WITH USB POWER PULLING DEVICES ... WHY I DON'T KNOW...!


3.\ DROPBOX: The Easiest Way To Side Load Apps On To Your Vizio Co-Star:

(A) SET UP: VIA DROPBOX, YOUR HOME PC/Laptop AND YOUR NEW VIZIO CO-STAR


1.\ Install DropBox First On Your Home PC/Laptop, (DOWNLOAD PC/LAPTOP VERSION HERE) https://www.dropbox.com/downloading , before Installing The *Dropbox.apk On Your new Vizio Co-Star (Read Simple Instructions Below)

2.\ On Your Co-Star Go To *Settings> *Applications> *Unknown Sources And Make Sure It's Check Marked

3.\ As soon as you can, purchase the app "Orientation Control" from the Google Play Store and set the app parameter to the "Landscape" mode, this is a "Must Got To Do", if you are going to continue side loading apps to your Vizio Co-Star ...


The easiest way to side load apps on to your Co-Star is via the dropbox installed on your Co-Star and your home PC/Laptop ... You must send the dropbox.apk file, get it HERE https://www.dropbox.com/android to your Co-Star via your Gmail account to yourself ... You will have to access your Gmail account via the Chrome web browser on your Co-Star, just login, you will see the dropbox.apk email, that you sent to yourself ...

Open the dropbox.apk email, tap on the word "Download" in blue, until you see the message "Download Started" ...After about 45 to 60 seconds or sooner go to the "Download app located in the Apps Screen section" and finish installing the dropbox.apk to your Co-Star .... As you know from then on you must have the Dropbox PC version installed on your PC/Laptop first and foremost, which you should have already installed on your PC/laptop ....

When you have completed the installation of the dropbox.apk on your Co-Star, from this point on, all the apps you want to side load on to your Co-Star must be installed FIRST to your PC/Laptop dropbox and the apps will auto uploaded to your dropbox on your Co-Star ... Open the dropbox app on your Co-Star. and scroll down, tap on the app you want to install to your Co-Star and follow the simple installation instructions, that's it .....*

PLEASE NOTE: If by chance you have to do a hard reset on your Vizio Co-Star in the future, ALL of your Vizio Co-Star (Side Load) apps will still be in one place/location for easy access to reinstall very fast if needed, think about it now ....

They are other ways to do this to, but this way is smooth as butter and silk too ...!(lol)*Another easy method for (Side Loading Apps To The Vizio Co-Star), open up an account at any free file hosting website like Free Online Storage - MediaFire and upload the APK app you want to install on your Co-Star to your Choosen file hosting website ...

Next download the APK app from your choosen file hosting website that you want to install to your Vizio Co-Star via the Google chrome web browser that's on your Vizio Co-Star ..... Now install the APK app using ES File Explorer, simple and easy (Thanks To Snowglyder) ....


Bluetooth Headsets: Most bluetooth headsets should work like a charm with the Vizio Co-Star ......!


TIVO PREMIERE SERIES 4 SET UP:






Since the new v4.6.0 upgrade, Tivo Premiere box set up for cord cutters OTA (Broadcast Digital TV Signals) set up has changed. *Good news, you can now add the sub channels to your *Favorites 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 ....ect

I integrated my Vizio Co-Stars with the Tivo Premiere *(For Cord Cutters Using OTA Digital TV Signals) by using the new v4.6.0 Co-Star update, *(Set Up Your Device)> *( DVR >*(Other Service Provider)> *(Broadcast Digital zip code)> *(Brand, type in Tivo)> *(Model, type in Premiere) and continue following the easy on screen instructions .... As far as the Co-Star remote is concern, it works better than I expected, almost 100% full function ....!

*They are other ways to do this without using the Tivo Premiere at a very low cost, http://www.amazon.com/Kworld-HDmi-Ex...er+hdmi+output !

Please Note: When searching for your local channels and you get a error message, just tap on (Back), retry until you get you local channels, (They Will Come In, See Photo Above), this may take several tries, so be patient ....


If you want the Tivo Premiere Series 4 set up with the Vizio Co-Star go here Vizio Co-Star/Tivo Premiere Combo, Dream Team Unbeatable, A Cord Cutters Utopia ....!



DLNA/UPNP MEDIA DEVICES (The Best Dlna/Upnp Media Players For The Vizio Co-Star And Media Apps) More Coming Soon











SKIFTA THE BEST DLNA/UPNP MEDIA DEVICE FOR THE VIZIO CO-STAR (FREE)

Notice in the above top photo, Skifta ask you to choose a playback device,(Video/Audio Playback Device), whereas the GTVBox can play video/audio ... The Skifta DLNA Media Player app cannot playback video, but it gives you the OPTION to Choose a Video Player to play your movies... That's why it's a good ideal to have several movies players on your Co-Star like Plex, GTVBox and aVia .... Skifta can playback music files....!

In the above photo notice the playback device "Intergalactic Media", it has been renamed, it's actually the "aVia" Media Player, which can playback video/audio files .... PlayPoint can also playback video/audio files ... I have changed just about all my movies to the Mp4 format, therefore I have no problems with the above playback devices via Skifta ......

You can aim your Android handheld mobile devices (Install Skifta to you DLNA Android smartphone/tablet first, free Skifta app below), now you can aim your Android handheld mobile devices at your big screen DLNA Vizco Co-Star connected TV and auto start playing your selected streaming media from your DLNA Android smartphone/tablet and their is more ....*

By chance if you cannot download the free Skafta.apk from the Google Play Store, then get it here (Must Side Load To Your Vizio Co-Star) com.skifta.android.app-1.apk ....

This whole set up is super sweet on the Vizio Co-Star, works like a charm .... Get more details here http://www.skifta.com .....

Description:

Control and play your media whenever and however you want with Skifta.Skifta for Android is a DLNA Certified(R) software app that combines media shifting with DLNA/UPnP and lets you play your digital music, photos and videos on connected devices anywhere – no wires, no downloading. Control digital media on your phone, from the Internet, or remotely from home, and stream it over WiFi to your TV, PS3 or stereo ....Check out more at Skifta™ and the Android smartphone and side load it to the Vizio Co-Star (Sweet) ... I have already replaced the GTVBox with Skifta as far as movies/music playback, plus the high power DLNA options of Skifta, which the GTVBox is limited to these options ... Another thing, Skifta's UI is a lot more user friendly than the GTVBox ...


*How to Connect YouTube Remote with PC or Google TV (VIA THE VIZIO CO-STAR)Follow the simple steps below:

• Go to YouTube.com and sign in with your Google account.
• Now open the YouTube Remote app on your phone and sign in with the same Google account used for YouTube.com.
• Search for a video to play or add videos in the queue from the existing channels.
• Open YouTube Leanback (http://www.youtube.com/leanback) on [COLOR=#0CB4E7 !important][COLOR=#0CB4E7 !important]your [COLOR=#0CB4E7 !important]computer[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] or Google TV.
• YouTube Remote app will show the controls now. The app is now connected “virtually” with YouTube Leanback.
• *Plex For Google TV: If you have problems go here Plex Forums .....
• Plex Connection problems usually can be fixed by resetting the system bundle, easy instructions can be found here How to reset the System bundle - Plex Forums .....

* How I got Mkv files and AC3 audio files to work with Plex via optical out from your TV to a receiver (Thanks To Zevot)

I had many mkv files that would not play audio no matter what options I chose in the Plex app. I was able to get it working by launching the main Settings app (not the one that loads from the built in launcher). Here are the instructions that worked for me. I hope this works for others. BTW, I am using using optical out from the TV to my receiver.

1. Install another launcher from the play store (I picked Go launcher, shouldn't matter which one you get)2

. Press the home button (Vizio button) and it will ask you to select the launcher, so select the one you just installed.

3. Press the menu button (the one with the horizontal lines).

4. Using the pointer, double tap on Settings.

5. This will open up the main settings application, open Picture + Sound.

6. Select Optical Audio Output under Sound.7

. Pick Dolby or DTS (it seems that PCM also worked for me).8

. Open Plex and under advanced settings, disable AC3.

9. Optional: Press home button and select the option to make the built in app launcher the default if you don't want to have to pick one when you press the home button.*GTVBox Media Player, get support here http://www.googletvforum.org/forum/g...r-support.html ....

*aVia, get support here Get support for the aVia media player ....




WIDE HOME APP SCREEN LOOK


If you want to add a awesome highly expensive upscale look to your Vizio Co-Star connected TV with bling bling, flare and color enhanced to another level adding beauty to your Vizio Co-Star home app wide/full screen look with the live Honeycomb Wallpaper (With Time, Month And Date) ...

First install the app "Go Launcher HD for Pad" get it here https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...VuY2hlcnBhZCJd ......! It's compatible with the Vizio Co-Star (No Side Loading Required), it will give your Vizio Co-Star connected TVs the wide/full app screen look, like those $3,000.00 Vizio/Samsung/LG TVs (Plus Their Is A Lot More) ....

Also you will need to install the "Honeycomb.apk" (Side Load), get it from here Honeycomb.apk (After Installing Do Not Open. Click On Done) .....

After you have installed both apps, open the "Go Launcher HD for pad" app, click on the plus + sign in the upper right corner, click on Wallpaper>, click on Live Wallpaper>, click on "Honeycomb Wall" (Set Wallpaper), that's it (You Will See The Android Live Honeycomb Bees Flying Across Your Vizio Co-Star Connected TV Screen) ....

When you click on the (Set Wallpaper) option, make sure the wallpaper screen changes immediately similar to the above screen in the photo (Icons Maybe Different) ... If it does not change, after clicking on (Set Wallpaper), continue to click on (Set Wallpaper), until the wallpaper screen changes, two to three clicks should do it, enjoy ...

Just like having a new smart TV with a high class expensive upscale look, because it's the same LAUNCHER TECHNOLOGY that Vizio/Samsung/LG TVs uses, truly sweet ....!

Another Hidden Dimension Of The Vizio Co-Star .....!Originally Posted by Amuzeme

I've downloaded and installed both apps, everything is working fine. The problem is whenever I place an icon on the grid, it's there permanently. How do you remove or move an icon to another place on the grid using the CoStar remote? See copy/paste instructions in post # 1 (here) using the "minus" key below the number 9 on the keypad side of the remote ...

Highlight the icon you want to move with the cursor, push in the "minus" key with one finger (Holding It In) and slide the icon with another finger using the "touch pad" to your desired location ... You can also use the same method to "delete a icon off the grid by sliding it to the upper right corner, you will see the trash can there ....

TWONKY BEAM RULES

Vizio Co-Star Hidden Dimension With Twonky Server, Plus Twonky Beam, Sweet



In the above photo is a NASA video from NASA's website, that's being beam to my TV from my computer via Twonky Beam, via my Vizio Co-Star, via PlayPoint in 1080p video resolution quality ....

I had no ideal this dimension even existed on the Vizio Co-Star ... PV Corp made the Vizio Co-Star for Vizio Corp, PV Corp made the Twonky Server/Twonky Beam also, so it all makes sense now ..(lol)

This technology dimension between the Vizio Co-Star and Twonky Beam is truly sweet, because it allows you to beam videos, music, and photos from certain websites direct to your TV via the Vizio Co-Star, and it does this almost automatic, it does not get any better than this ...(lol)*

PLEASE NOTE: When You Have The Vizio Co-Star Connected To You Big Screen Non DLNA TV, It Automatically Becomes a DLNA TV With The Vizio Co-Star Connected To It ... You Now Can Also Bean Media From Your Android DLNA Smartphone/Tablet Direct To Your Vizio Co-Star Connected Big Screen DLNA TV .....

Get more info, details here Vizio Co-Star Hidden Dimension With Twonky Server, Plus Twonky Beam, Sweet .....!


BEST APPS FOR MOVIES:

1./ amo Navi-X for Google TV (No Side Loading Required)

2./ Mitty (FREE, No Side Loading Required)


MAJOR USA NETWORKS:


Dont forget if you want the major USA TV networks ABC, NBC, CW, and CBS TV go here Watch Streaming Movies and live TV in HD. Watch Football and Compare us to Hulu, Zattoo and TVCatchup. .... Watch Streaming Movies and live TV in HD. Watch Football and Compare us to Hulu, Zattoo and TVCatchup via your Vizio C0-Star chrome web browser ......

PODCAST APP:



DoggCatcher is the best podcast player app for the Vizio Co-Star (Hands Down) also (NO Side Loading Required) get it here https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...NoZXIudjFfMCJd ...




VIZIO CO-STAR NEW 2012/2013 SERVIIO v1.2 DLNA/UPNP PROFIILES: (ADVANCE USERS ONLY )









NEW UPDATED 2012/2013 Serviio V1.2 Profile

They are four (4) different Serviio Profiles for the Vizio Co-Star, you can get all the latest Serviio Profile for the Vizio Co-Star all-in-one package .....

1.\ You can get the above (NEW UPDATED 2012/2013 v1.2) Serviio Profile (DLNA/UPNP) For The Vizio Co-Star (See Below/Above Also), already packaged into the original Serviio Profiles package (Profile.xml) ...Instructions For Installation: First Install the Serviio server to your PC/Laptop, (Windows 7/8) get it HERE http://www.serviio.org/download .....

Mkv Files NOW Works Like A Charm With The GTVBox With Mp3 Audio ......!BooYaaaah

*The advantage of the Serviio Profile (DLNA/UPNP) For The Vizio Co-Star, it gives you the technology to play (Mkv Files With Mp3 Audio), plus it has Mp4, Avi and Mpegts containers built IN also ...


2.\ Download the NEW 2012/2013 Serviio Profilies.xml zip file from HERE http://www.mediafire.com/?k10xu0f0l1t8o5t ....

Unzip the file on your PC/Laptop, copy the file to >Program Files> Serviio> config> and just overwrite the config Profile.xml file that's already there and restart your PC/Laptop ...

Once your PC/Latop is back up, open the Serviio server console, set up your Vizio Co-star profile via the drop menu on the line that says "Local Player or use the IP address of your Vizio Co-Star", the green dot should be there too (See Above Photos) ...





3.\ You can copy my Vizio Co-Star Profiles (Code) below and make you own Serviio v1.2 Co-Star profiles ....







<Profile id="150" name="Vizio Costar" extendsProfileId="1">
<Transcoding>
<Video targetContainer="mpegts" targetACodec="mp3" aBitrate="320" forceInheritance="true">
<Matches container="matroska" />
<Matches container="mpegts" />
<Matches container="mpeg" />
<Matches container="avi" />
<Matches container="mp4" />
</Video>
</Transcoding>
</Profile>


<Profile id="151" name="Vizio Costarac3" extendsProfileId="1">
<Transcoding>
<Video targetContainer="mpegts" targetACodec="ac3" aBitrate="320" forceInheritance="true">
<Matches container="matroska" />
<Matches container="mpegts" />
<Matches container="mpeg" />
<Matches container="avi" />
<Matches container="mp4" />
</Video>
</Transcoding>
</Profile>


<Profile id="152" name="Vizio CostarCodecpak" extendsProfileId="1">
<Transcoding>
<Video targetContainer="mpegts" targetACodec="mp3" aBitrate="320" forceInheritance="true">
<Matches container="matroska" aCodec="ac3" />
<Matches container="matroska" aCodec="dca" />
<Matches container="mpegts" aCodec="ac3" />
<Matches container="mpegts" aCodec="dca" />
<Matches container="mp4" aCodec="ac3" />
<Matches container="mp4" aCodec="dca" />
<Matches container="avi" aCodec="ac3" />
<Matches container="avi" aCodec="dca" />
</Video>
</Transcoding>
</Profile>


<Profile id="153" name="Vizio CostarMkvMp3" extendsProfileId="1">
<Transcoding>
<Video targetContainer="mpegts" targetACodec="mp3" aBitrate="320" forceInheritance="true">
<Matches container="matroska" />
</Video>
</Transcoding>
</Profile>
</Profiles>



2.\ You can copy the Vizio Costar Profiles below and make you own Serviio Co Star profiles ....< /Profile>

*All of you who has pre-ordered the Vizio Co-Star the "USER GUIDE" is HERE http://store.vizio.com/documents/dow.../UM_VAP430.pdf ....



5.\ CORRECT DISPLAY SCREEN RESOLUTION FOR YOUR CABLE TV BOX/SATELLITE TV RECEIVER (Very Important)




The above photo shows the correct "Display Screen Resolution" parameters for your cable tv box/satellite tv receiver ....

The above parameters are needed by the Vizio Co-Star in order to function properly according to Vizio Corp high tier techs... If your cable tv box/satellite tv receiver is not set to the above parameters, your Vizio Co-Star may give you the (BLUE SCREEN/BLACK SCREEN) or the on screen error message (Mode Not Supported, See Above Photo) ....

*PLEASE NOTE: DirectTV Satellite Receivers/Dish NetWork Satellite TV Receivers/Comcast Xfinity Cable Boxes/TimeWarner Cable Boxes/Cox Cable Boxes and maybe ALL other Satellite/Cable Boxes, needs the above set up to work properly with the Vizio Co-Star ... If you are experiencing, crashes, audio without video, blur screens, blue screens, black screens, error messages this maybe the cause ...




SOCIAL NETWORK APPS:

*You can the above new latest upgraded FaceBook app here (Side Load) http://www.mediafire.com/?xa779tdfsib4t9p




You can get the new latest Google Plus+ app here (Side Load) http://www.mediafire.com/?qcbk9w2fp5h1c4n


Description:

Live tweets over your Live-TV or any other app you have running on Google TV.Search using hashtags, @ users, keywords and combos. Follow sporting event tweets in real-time, or watch a movie while following a trend.You may interact with Live-tweets for instance, by clicking on the Tweeters avatar, or a link inside a tweet to go to the users page, or the tweet link.

In addition to that, please rest assured that you have a lot of options including font size, appearance, placement, languages and more.Thank you for giving your Google TV an upgrade while watching live-sports, tv, movies or any other application.Get the TV Tweets app here (No Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ZWV0c2ZyZWUiXQ .....

Get the above Tweeter app for Google TV here (No Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ZHJvaWQudHYiXQ ......




NEWS, WEATHER AND SPORTSCNNCNN NEWS Via your Google chrome web browser on the Vizio Co-Star CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News

NEWS REPUBLIC (No Side Loading Required) get it here https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...WMuYXBweXR2Il0 .....

You can get the Weather Channel app (Hands Down The Best) get it here (NO Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...LldlYXRoZXIiXQ ....

Raindar (NO Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...LlJhaW5kYXIiXQ ....

Rain Alarm (No Side Loading Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...cmFpbi51c2EiXQ .....

****SEE LIVE SPORTS VIA YOUR VIZIO CO-STAR****"

Sport Live Stream.apk" SEE ALL NFL/NBA/WNBA/NHL GAMES, GLOBAL SPORTS {Side Load} HERE http://www.googletvforum.org/forum/v...rience-56.html

"Over 200 APPS For The Co-Star" HERE https://play.google.com/store/search...start=0&num=24

Get apps and links for your Vizio Co-Star here also Google TV

VPN options for Vizio Co-Star: Thanks To "MarDukeme"

Here is any easy way to connect your gtv box to a vpn. I have the Sony gtv box but it should be the same for the costar. This procedure is written for Windows 7, since that is what I have.

1. On your PC connect to your vpn service

2. Open up Network & Sharing Center

3. Click on the vpn's "Local Area Connection" link. Probably be called "Local Area Connection 2"

4. Click on the box called "Properties"

5. Select the "Sharing" tab at the top

6. Make sure both boxes are checked off here

7. Click the "OK" then "Close" buttonsBy default Windows will change your IP address on your local LAN to something else. We have to fix this now.

8. Back in Network and Sharing Center click the "Local Area Connection" link

9. Click on the box called "Properties"

10. Double click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

11. Select Us the following IP address.

12. Enter a valid static ip within your network. For example 192.168.1.10. I used ten because my router is .1 so basically add a 0 to it. Subnet Mask is usually 255.255.255.0. Default gateway is your routers IP address probably 192.168.1.1. For the DNS server add your routers IP address or any other dns settings you prefer.

13. Click the "OK" then "Close" boxThis last step is done on your gtv box

14. Go to Settings menu --> Network --> Ethernet or Wi-Fi depending on which you are using.

15. If using Wi-Fi long press your connection an select "Modify Network" scroll down and change your settings to static.

16. Enter a valid IP address from your network.

17. Under Gateway enter the IP address your PC which you entered under "Local Area Connection" not your VPN IP address. THIS IS IMPORTANT IT HAS TO BE THE SAME AS YOUR LAN.

18. Network prefix length is usually 24. DNS is your routers IP address. Click the "Save" button

19. Now turn you WiFi OFF then back ON, otherwise the settings will not take. That's it, you are done. Go check your IP online to see if it changed to your vpn's ip on your gtv box. IF not make sure your saved your ip info correctly on your gtv box.To disconnect your gtv box from your vpn change your gateway address back to your routers IP address. An remember to disconnect and reconnect your connection for the settings to take affect.

*"All info here has been tested to make sure it works, but I take no responsibilty for what you do with your Vizio Co-Star"*

[Ads]

[Wisdom]

OnLive The Ultimate OnLine Gaming Service With ALL Of The Top Tiers Games, A Must Have






UPDATE: New games at OnLive ....!




Check out the YouTube review ...



The Controller is beautiful, very interesting I must say, I believe it will work also with my Android smartphone and tablet via bluetooth, awesome ....




Free your games. Free yourself.....!

OnLive delivers top-tier video games on demand to your TV, PC, Mac®, Android Smartphones or Tablets—whatever you have on hand. Sign in. Play. It's that simple ......

You can get complete details HERE http://www.onlive.com ....

OnLive Games Library HERE https://www.onlive.com/games/feature...&tab=top_games ......

I finally found the OnLive gaming desktop/laptop app here http://www.mediafire.com/?ek40dx5g4sfihga ....




*All of you who has pre-ordered the Vizio Co-Star "USER GUIDE" is HERE http://store.vizio.com/documents/dow.../UM_VAP430.pdf ....









VIZIO CO-STAR

MUST HAVE HIGH MAINTENANCE TOOLS
{POST #1} HERE http://www.googletvforum.org/forum/v...xperience.html

"Sport Live Stream.apk"
SEE ALL NFL/NBA/WNBA/NHL GAMES, GLOBAL SPORTS
{Side Load} HERE http://www.googletvforum.org/forum/v...rience-56.html

"Over 200 APPS For The Co-Star"
HERE https://play.google.com/store/search...start=0&num=24

[christinacooper]

Awesome, I'm taking a look at it now! Thanks for the post.

[Wisdom]

Awesome, I'm taking a look at it now! Thanks for the post.

Thanks ChristinaCooper, You know I'm looking forward to your video unboxing and user experience reviews ... I know they are going to be awesome ...

[christinacooper]

Thanks ChristinaCooper, You know I'm looking forward to your video unboxing and user experience reviews ... I know they are going to be awesome ...

I'm excited. Lets hope my package comes soon. It's so close that I wish I could drive out and get it.

[Wisdom]

I'm excited. Lets hope my package comes soon. It's so close that I wish I could drive out and get it.

I'm excited for you too, I just wish I could get mine today ... I have tested the Roku XS and the WD Streaming Media Player ... I did not like the Roku XS, it was a no go for me, to cheap looking ... The WD streaming was better, what I liked about it was the DLNA, it communicated with all my computers (Media) on my home network ... I did not like the changing I had to go through to get back to live TV, so I took it back to BestBuy ....(lol) I believe I'm going to love the UI on the Vizio Co-Star ......!

[eug7]

Went home for lunch and there it was on the doorstep. I had enough time to go through the set-up. After set-up the unit detected a firmware/software update. I left the house with the upload in progress. The set-up screens look very polished. I hope this is a sign of good things.

I bought the Co-star to run Plex. I want to retire the PC (with Plex server running & the Plex client) to an out of the way location and use the Co-star as a set top local media player. I will see if the Google Plex app will meet my expectations.

[Wisdom]

Went home for lunch and there it was on the doorstep. I had enough time to go through the set-up. After set-up the unit detected a firmware/software update. I left the house with the upload in progress. The set-up screens look very polished. I hope this is a sign of good things.

I bought the Co-star to run Plex. I want to retire the PC (with Plex server running & the Plex client) to an out of the way location and use the Co-star as a set top local media player. I will see if the Google Plex app will meet my expectations.

I'm looking forward to your full Co-Star review, because I will not be getting the new Sony media box ... I did not know that Plex can handle all the media on your home network from different computers like DLNA, now that's music to my ears ... I'm just sold on the Vizio Co-Star UI, it's On .....!

[eug7]

I have almost no interest in online streaming so I'm just checking out how Plex will run. With Plex you will need to have the Plex server running on a PC because the Google Plex app will look for the server. The server software creates and maintains your media library and will transcode the media you want to play in the event the Co-star cannot natively play the media file. Just in case you didn't know. Maybe XBMC for android in the future and with XBMC you won't need a server running but then again if the Co-star can't handle the particular media file you have no recourse.

[Wisdom]

I have almost no interest in online streaming so I'm just checking out how Plex will run. With Plex you will need to have the Plex server running on a PC because the Google Plex app will look for the server. The server software creates and maintains your media library and will transcode the media you want to play in the event the Co-star cannot natively play the media file. Just in case you didn't know. Maybe XBMC for android in the future and with XBMC you won't need a server running but then again if the Co-star can't handle the particular media file you have no recourse.

I have the Plex's server on all PC's on my home network, but I never really got into it, but you are telling me stuff, I did not even know, awesome ...(lol)