Credit: Vizio
Verdict
For an exceptionally cheap price, the new Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV gives a surprising number of smart TV features. Its image quality is good, despite the lack of extra pixels and HDR support, but its sound quality and low upscaling leave a lot to be desired. It performs well when compared to the few remaining Full HD TVs on the market, but it falls short of any of the 4K TVs.
Pros
- Some models are in Full HD resolution
- Brightness and dark levels are good
- Built-in SmartCast
- Extremely affordable
- SmartCast is compatible with Apple AirPlay and Google Cast
Cons
- There is no HDR support
- The audio is terrible
- There are just two HDMI ports
- The panel is dim
Although technology advances at a breakneck pace, the Vizio D Series 40″ smart TV falls behind. The all-new Vizio 40″ D-Series combines good smarts and Full HD visual performance at a price that is, well, quite reasonable, thanks to Vizio’s proprietary SmartCast platform.
Of course, you must be cautious which Vizio 40” D-Series smart TV model you choose, as there are two Full HD variants, the D40f-J09, and D43f-J04, as well as a normal HD model, the D32h-J09. In our evaluation, we can only speak to the last two versions, although they all have the smart 4K TVs without the extra pixels or HDR support.
The D-Series makes a solid argument for itself for those who don’t need or want that extra clarity – it has good black levels owing to its full array illumination, and the above-par brightness will surprise you.
The drawback of this screen? Its audio isn’t very impressive, and certain sequences have a lot of grain that you wouldn’t notice if the upscaling was better. Unfortunately, the basic IQ processor can’t compete with Vizio’s higher-end IQ Active and IQ Ultra processors found in the M-Series and P-Series models since it lacks the additional pixels. As a consequence, you get a picture that’s acceptable for a kid’s room but not the sort of tv you’d want in your living room.
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Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV
- VIZIO 40” D Series Smart TV Specifications
- VIZIO 40” D Series Smart TV Price and Release Date
- Build and Design of Vizio Smart TV
- Smart TV Performance
- Image Quality of Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV
- Audio
- It’s a fantastic tv for the price of $250
VIZIO 40” D Series Smart TV Specifications
| Smart TV OS | Vizio SmartCast |
| Display Size and Resolution | 39.5-inches diagonal, 1080p FHD |
| Backlight Type | Full-array LED backlight |
| Processor | IQ Picture Processor |
| V-Gaming Engine | Auto Game Mode, variable refresh rate, low input lag |
| Voice Controls | Vizio Voice, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Casting | Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-In |
| Port Selection | HDMI (2), Coaxial, Composite, Digital Audio, USB |
| HDMI Audio Passthrough | Yes, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support |
| Power Modes | Power Saver and QuickStart modes |
| Weight | 12.35 lb |
VIZIO 40” D Series Smart TV Price and Release Date
Credit: Walmart
Along with the new V-Series V5, new M-Series M7, and new P-Series TVs, the new Vizio D-Series is part of Vizio’s TV lineup for 2021-2022. The 32-inch D32h-J09, 40-inch D40f-J09, and 43-inch D43f-J04 are the three versions currently available, and they cost $179, $249, and $299, respectively.
As previously said, it’s important making sure you pick one of the two Full HD models since you’ll get more bang for your buck, but there isn’t much of a difference between the 40-inch and 43-inch models other than the slightly bigger screen size.
When compared to the competition, the Vizio D-Series 40″ smart TV is perhaps the cheapest TV from a respectable manufacturer, which makes it appealing. However, for just a little more money, you can get the TCL 4-Series with 4K, HDR, and Roku TV for $349, which we believe is well worth the extra money.
Build and Design of Vizio Smart TV
Credit: Vizio
The D-Series is rather stylish for a low-cost TV. The D-Series appears quite contemporary… at least from the front, with a small bezel around the screen, slim plastic legs, and a low-profile design.
However, turn it to the side and you’ll notice that it’s not quite trendy — the D-Series has a very broad middle that juts out several inches. The inputs and outputs for the TV are located here, and only two HDMI ports, composite-in, and both digital optical audio out and 3.5mm aux are available.
At this pricing, having only two HDMI connections isn’t a deal-breaker, but it is something to consider – if you know you’ll be plugging in more than two devices, you’ll need to either upgrade to a different model or invest in an HDMI splitter.
Credit: Walmart
Vizio has integrated its basic IQ Processor, which handles motion processing and upscaling, as well as a complete array panel, inside the TV. There are no contrast control zones listed for this TV, which we’ll discuss later, and the screen only has a native 60Hz refresh rate.
Finally, the TV includes a simple IR remote with shortcuts for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Crackle, and other streaming services, as well as Vizio’s own WatchFree service. Voice search isn’t incorporated into the remote, but there is a SmartCast software you may download if you want more features.
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Smart TV Performance
Credit: Amazon
SmartCast appears to be the TV’s strongest suit. It not only gives it an advantage over non-smart TVs, but SmartCast in particular provides a lot of function right out of the box.
Let’s start with the Cast in the SmartCast name, which allows you to transfer material from your phone to the large screen using Chromecast Built-in or Apple AirPlay 2. This may be accomplished in as little as two taps, and it works with the majority of big streaming providers.
When it comes to streaming services, all of the major players are there and accounted for. You have Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus, as well as a few other lesser-known streaming services like Adult Swim for Rick and Morty and Peacock for We Are Lady Parts.
Of course, the majority of those streaming services demand a membership to use. If that’s not your thing, check out Vizio’s WatchFree TV service, which combines traditional channels like MTV with internet-only stations to create a cable-like experience with advertising that you can watch when there’s nothing else on.
The main disadvantage of SmartCast on the D-Series is that it is slower than on higher-end models, and the power-on procedure can take a long time if you don’t set a quick start, which puts the TV in a low-power mode when you aren’t watching it. Even though it costs a little more in the long run, we strongly advise doing the latter because it will save you minutes of your life waiting for SmartCast to load.
Image Quality of Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV
Credit: Amazon
The image quality of the D-Series is actually above average for an HD TV. It has flaws that become obvious when compared to higher-end TVs, but if you’re moving from an outdated CRT or first-generation flat-screen, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Because of the complete array illumination, the TV has reasonably high brightness and good black levels. The D-Series can effectively blackout areas of the screen for enhanced contrast while leaving other parts of the TV brightly lighted thanks to array lighting rather than side-lit LEDs. When you look closely, you’ll see some light leaking to the side and a grey tone rather than plain black, but overall, the brightness and black levels are excellent for this price range.
Color reproduction and saturation are two areas where the TV falls short. This TV can’t create as many colors as a 4K HDR screen because it doesn’t have HDR built-in. As a result, the images aren’t as bright as they would be elsewhere.
The TV’s IQ Processor and native refresh rate are both issues; it just lacks the capabilities necessary to eliminate grain from space sequences in movies like Star Trek, and it isn’t suited to handle sports with its basic 60Hz refresh rate. If you simply use it to watch cartoons or dramas – both of which look amazing here – none of this matters, but you’re limited in what you can view.
The good news is that this Vizio 40-inch TV will attract mostly gamers. It boasts a dedicated Game Mode with less than 10ms input lag to ensure seamless gameplay, and its 1080p resolution is ideal for last-gen consoles such as the Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
Audio
Credit: Vizio
Unfortunately, the audio is a mixed bag. The audio we heard frequently lacked clarity in the mid-range, making conversation difficult to understand, and had a small soundstage.
That said, you’ll probably want to get a soundbar for this TV, such as the Vizio V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar, which converts stereo sound to surround sound.
Audio is a little narrow, direct, and unimpressive without a soundbar. There’s very little bass response, and the mids just mix together. You do get some high-end, but not nearly enough to make music sound great. The TV sounds acceptable at best, and the speech is a noisy, indistinct muddle at worst.
It’s a fantastic tv for the price of $250
Credit: Vizio
The D40f-J09 is one of the better alternatives available today for a $250 TV with a reasonable interface, solid connection selection, and amazing display. It’s a good affordable TV for adults, an incredible beginner TV for kids, and a simple solution for older individuals who are still getting used to streaming.
But I can’t help but think of Vizio’s V-series TVs. They have 4K HDR panels with Dolby Vision compatibility, AMD FreeSync for gaming, and Bluetooth for about $80-ish more than the D40f-J09. These features may extend the TV’s utility in the future years, particularly if you’re fussy or buying for a gamer.
FAQ
How good is a Vizio D Series TV?
The Vizio D-Series Full HD Smart TV offers smooth performance and a good display at an affordable price. It doesn’t have 4K resolution, but that’s to be expected for a TV under $200. Smart TVs are a great way to cut the cord and stream your favorite content.
Is the Vizio D series TV available with Wi-Fi?
Built-in 802.11n high-speed Wi-Fi is included with the VIZIO D-Series. Connect to your favorite apps wirelessly, including streaming TV, movies, music, social media, news, and more.
Is it better to buy a Vizio D or V series TV?
Viewing angles, color accuracy, and reflections are all somewhat improved on the V series. A faster refresh rate is one of the features that Vizio has introduced to the V series. The D Series only has 60hz, but the V Series has 120hz, making it a superior choice for managing fast motion flickering, especially in video games.
How many sizes are available in Vizio D Series?
The Vizio D-Series is relatively lesser than most other TVs on the market right now, at 32, 40, and 43 inches – and for you, it may be exactly the right size. If you don’t need a 55-inch or 65-inch TV in your living room, the D-Series provides a smaller option that is brilliant, light, and cost-effective.
Is Vizio a good brand of TV?
Vizio and TCL arе both known for thеir affordablе TVs with grеat fеaturеs. Whеthеr you’rе looking for a 4K TV or a basic HDTV, you’ll find a grеat option from еithеr brand.
Is the Vizio D series have 4K?
The 2018 VIZIO D-Series 43″ Class combines value and excellence (42.5″ Diag.) Smart TV featuring 4K resolution, HDR support, smart TV applications, and voice control compatibility with select devices.
What is the D series?
D-series trains are China’s high-speed long-distance trains that are slower than G-series trains.
Is the Vizio a Roku TV?
On your VIZIO Smart TV, you may watch Roku Channel. You just have to use your VIZIO Smart TV to sign up, download, install, and start streaming Roku Channel.
Reference Articles
- Common Problems with Vizio 40-Inch TVs and How to Fix Them
- How to Fix Common Problems with Your Vizio 40″ D Series Smart TV
- Everything You Need to Know About the Vizio D40f-J09 Before You Buy
- Vizio D-Series D40f-J09 TV Review
Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV Review
- Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV Review
Summary
The new Vizio 40” D Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart TV gives a surprising number of smart TV features. Its image quality is good, despite the lack of extra pixels and HDR support, but its sound quality and low upscaling leave a lot to be desired. It performs well when compared to the few remaining Full HD TVs on the market, but it falls short of any of the 4K TVs.
Dear Subham,Thnx 4 ur expert tech review,& I was just wondering if I got a good deal for D40F-J09 for $100.00.
I’m so glad I came across your review before making a decision. I’ve been debating between this Vizio D Series and a few other brands. Your insights have definitely swayed me toward this TV. Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed review.
This Vizio D Series TV review provides an excellent breakdown of its features and performance. I appreciate the detailed information on image quality and sound. It’s a helpful guide for anyone considering this TV.