Vizio 32 Inch D Series Smart Tv Reviews

If you want something sleek and filled with streaming content options, this is a solid option.

All told, you're getting decently shadowy black levels, excellent color accurateness, and good video processing. Just be enlightened that with these smaller TVs, you lot're not getting the upgraded tech that has debuted on bigger, more expensive TVs: there are no quantum dots, no Ultra High Definition, no HDR. The series is 720p and 1080p only, and the backlight—while yet using a full-array of LEDs beyond the whole panel—doesn't have local dimming. That's right on par for TVs in this size/price grade, though; they're meant as affordable TVs that don't brand y'all pay for features you don't demand in a smaller, secondary Telly.

But if you don't listen a basic film and want something sleek and filled with streaming content options, the 2021 Vizio D-Series is a solid option. Still, y'all might want to store effectually our picks for the best 32-inch TVs before you make a final decision. For example, our current top choice, the 32-inch TCL three-Series, can be found for around $199 (a bit more coin than the 32-inch 720p D-Serial), and gets you more than brightness and the built in Roku platform. Just continue in heed that it's also 2 years older, and so information technology may be hard to rail down eventually.

Almost the Vizio D-Series

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

Vizio's D-Series is available in six sizes, from 24 to 43 inches. We tested and reviewed the 40-inch model.

This twelvemonth, Vizio'due south D-Series is available in half dozen screen sizes across two different resolutions:

• 24-inch 720p (Vizio D24h-J), MSRP $139.99
• 32-inch 720p (Vizio D32h-J), MSRP $179.99
• 24-inch 1080p (Vizio D24f-J), MSRP $159.99
• 32-inch 1080p (Vizio D32f-J), MSRP $219.99
• xl-inch 1080p (Vizio D40f-J), MSRP $249.99
• 43-inch 1080p (Vizio D43f-J), MSRP $299.99

You might run into some confusion differentiating between the 24- and 32-inch models, every bit they're available in both 720p (Hard disk) and 1080p (full-Hard disk drive) resolutions. If you're having trouble determining which 24- or 32-inch Vizio D-Series you're looking at, discover the "h" or "f" in the model names. The "h" is for "Hard disk" (720p), while the "f" is for "full-HD" (1080p).

It's likewise worth pointing out that Vizio has technically introduced ii "D" series this year: the D-Series and the D4-Serial. To clarify, this review covers the former, the range of six TVs listed higher up. The D4-Series is available in fewer sizes and is a bit of a pace up past way of features (you become support for AMD FreeSync, for example).

The 2021 D-Series is available in six sizes across two different resolutions.

Also the resolution differences, the specs are the aforementioned beyond D-Series sets:

• Blueprint: New Bezel Design
• Backlight: Full Assortment (no local dimming)
• Processor: IQ Processor
• Gaming Engine: V-Gaming Engine
• HDR Support: No
• Native refresh rate: lx Hz
• Smart platform: Vizio SmartCast 5.0

That about sums it upwards for the D-series. If you lot want mod picture enhancements like HDR or gaming extras like Variable Refresh Rate, you'll need to stride up in price to something like Vizio'southward V- or Grand-Serial line. That said, this series offers some of the smallest and most affordable models around that still net you smart features.

The results and observations below were gathered past evaluating a 40-inch D-Series, received on loan from Vizio, merely nosotros expect our takeaways to apply across sizes in the series.

Performance information

Similar every Goggle box nosotros test, nosotros set the Vizio D-Series upward in our Cambridge Goggle box lab and gave it 24 hours of warm-up time prior to testing and evaluation. As always, we sourced test patterns from a QuantumData 780A bespeak generator via SpectraCal'due south CalMan Ultimate software, and took measurements using two meters: the Konica Minolta LS-100 luminance meter and the SpectraCal C6 HDR color meter.

As with other Vizio TVs this yr, we ran our tests in the TV's "Calibrated" moving-picture show style. Considering none of the D-Series TVs support HDR, we only ran the standard (not-HDR) battery of tests. Here are the primal takeaways from that process:

• Dissimilarity (black level/brightness, ANSI checkerboard): 0.023 / 171.70 nits
• Elevation brightness measured during testing: 193.60 nits
• SDR (rec.709) color gamut coverage: 93.35%

Sound

When people ask if a Television's speakers are any proficient, nosotros unremarkably point them toward a swell soundbar. The dual x-watt speakers in this TV fire into the flooring from the bottom of the panel, and they don't sound amazing (almost no stock Television speakers practise, though). You won't get swell bass presence or super-articulate dialogue here, only for casual viewing purposes it's fine.

Something to keep in mind before buying are your available sound formats. The D-Series TVs back up DTS-HD high definition sound and DTS Virtual:X, but without Dolby Digital Plus support or an eARC-capable HDMI input, you lot won't be able laissez passer through Dolby Atmos content.

Connectivity

As Vizio's entry-level Television set for 2021, the D-Series models aren't exactly kitted out with a ton of connectivity options, but what's included hither is standard for this size/toll range. Here's what you'll notice on the back/side of the Television set:

• ii 10 HDMI (i ARC)
• i x USB 2.0
• 1 x SPDIF (optical) audio out
• i ten blended/AV input
• 1 ten ethernet (LAN) input
• 1 x analog audio out

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The smaller D-Serial TVs aren't every bit rich with connectivity options as pricier series, merely you're still getting two HDMI inputs and a litany of other options.

What nosotros like

A pretty sleek pattern for the money

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

For being as modest and affordable as they are, the D-Series TVs are quite sleek.

For a serial that starts at $140, the D-Serial could await a lot worse. This TV isn't as refined equally a loftier-end computer monitor, but it'southward easy on the optics overall. It features slim bezels around the screen, minimalist curved feet, and narrow enough panel depth in profile that you lot could wall mountain them (though they're a bit on the modest size for that, in my opinion).

You're also getting a standard IR (infrared) remote command—this year, the clicker is admittedly stuffed with hotkey buttons for launching specific apps, including Peacock, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Crackle, and Tubi. You're also getting full-size volume/channel rockers, a full number pad, and a navigational circumvolve. The remote is in no way trying to be minimalist or sleek, just it makes up for it in functionality.

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The included remote is full of useful buttons, including a cornucopia of app hotkeys.

As noted above, you're getting two HDMI inputs (one with ARC), too equally USB, ethernet (LAN) in, and an old composite/AV (crimson, white, and yellowish) input for legacy devices. Perhaps rightly and then, Vizio seems to be bold D-Series buyers might exist using older source devices similar last-gen gaming consoles, DVD players, or fifty-fifty VCRs. If yous're in that crowd, you're taken care of here. Lastly, I like that this Goggle box includes an analog sound output option, as that's hard to find these days. You lot could hook it up to some monster legacy speakers in your garage and stream Spotify right from the SmartCast platform.

As durability goes, our xl-inch D-Series model feels sturdy enough, though being every bit sparse/sleek every bit it is, you wouldn't want to be too rough with it. Information technology also has a cut-out/carrying handle in the center of the back, making it fairly easy to tote from identify to identify. I imagine this is especially convenient for the smaller models.

Picture quality that's notably… just fine!

The D-Series Boob tube isn't a bad-looking TV at all from a picture quality perspective. For existence a 1080p resolution pick in 2021—which has become exceedingly rare in the final couple years—information technology checks off all the basic boxes.

Even in Vivid mode, it's not super bright, so you wouldn't desire to use it in a room that gets a ton of sunlight—but it's also non so dim that you lot couldn't utilise it with a couple of lights on. Since it doesn't back up whatever HDR functions or HDR picture modes you don't really need it to be too much brighter than it is, just if you lot're considering a purchase you may also exist aware of what this TV is and isn't capable of, besides.

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

There'south no HDR here, and you're only getting 720p or 1080p resolution, but the core picture show quality is solid overall.

During lab testing, we measured a maximum brightness (in the "Calibrated" motion picture mode) of a trivial under 200 nits (nits being shorthand for candelas per meter squared, a measurement of luminance). I imagine yous'd get more than 200 nits from the D-Series Telly in one of the brighter picture modes, but in our tests Vizio's "Calibrated" mode is ane of the more than accurate ones, meaning overall information technology looks better even if it'southward non giving yous maxed-out brightness. On average, you tin wait well-nigh 170-180 nits during most scenes, paired with a blackness level around 0.02 nits. Compare that to the 2019 TCL 3-Series, for example, which yields college brightness (over 300 nits) but notably worse blackness levels (0.055 nits).

The D-Series would await a bit better in a dim/night room, withal. Effectually 200 nits brightness is quite average for not-HDR TVs over the last decade, simply the blackness levels we measured are very good for what you're paying. I watched a good bit of content—1080p stuff on YouTube, Vizio'south "WatchFree+" Wi-Fi-based cable service, and shows on Hulu and Netflix—and found that information technology all by and large looks good.

A full array backlight, accurate color, and decent video processing mean nigh content looks pretty adept.

On the other hand, even at the 40-inch size, I was aware that what I was watching was at 1080p resolution, in some cases being downwardly-sampled from native 4K. Color held upwardly well, simply admittedly in "Calibrated" mode it doesn't pop very much: afterwards years of watching HDR TVs with color that extends beyond the standard colour space, however, that'southward to be expected. The occasionally fuzzy resolution probably wouldn't prove up on the smallest sizes, but I personally find that 1080p is about the bare minimum feasible resolution for TVs over 32 inches, especially if you're but sitting a few feet away.

The 60Hz refresh rate you're getting (some TVs practice 120Hz, but tend to be upper mid-range and high-terminate sets) does occasionally evince some blurring and trailing during fast-moving content. Equally is typically the case, difficult photographic camera pans over complex scenes, particularly during film (24fps) content, consequence in some judder. But while the Tv isn't entirely ideal for fast-paced sports and video games, it'due south generally fine for well-nigh other kinds of content.

Decent smart features, too

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

SmartCast, Vizio'south smart platform, gives you lot access to a ton of pre-installed and installed apps for streaming content.

We've never beaten around the bush when it comes to Vizio's rather basic SmartCast platform, the suite of streaming apps built into many of the company's TVs. Nigh of the time the platform works just fine, though we notwithstanding generally adopt solutions like Roku or Apple tree TV. But overall it'due south a very welcome add-on to a Television receiver in this price range.

Vizio's SmartCast makes the D-Series into a veritable content motorcar. All you demand is electricity and Wi-Fi, and this (literally) totable little Boob tube delivers a solid range of apps right to your eyes, including Apple Tv set+. Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Prime number Video.

And that'due south the best affair about SmartCast here: it's really just a collection of apps with no extra bloat similar browsers or calendars you lot won't use. Many apps are pre-installed, just you lot tin install/uninstall from the Vizio SmartCast app collection as you lot choose.

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

Pretty much all of the mainstream content streaming apps are available—but recall that yous still need a subscription to use most of them.

As you might guess from the name, SmartCast also functions almost identically to Chromecast, allowing many mobile device apps to detect the Idiot box as a castable screen and send content straight to information technology over Wi-Fi. The D-Series shows up in my phone as "Office TV," and casting worked as expected.

Some of our favorite smart TVs have Roku congenital right in, which is bully. Just from a content/app perspective, you're not losing out on anything here except perhaps a slightly more streamlined navigation experience. One event you might encounter has to do with processor power/processing speed over fourth dimension: 1 or 2 years on, the D-Series' SmartCast experience may be a touch sluggish. It's already simply a smidge slower than I'd prefer fresh out of the box, and these things don't tend to speed up over time.

Finally, smart home lovers will be happy to know that even the basic D-Series is equipped to operate alongside Apple tree HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Hey Google.

What we don't similar

Not very hereafter-proof

There are a lot of conditions where the D-Series Television isn't going to let you lot take advantage of the latest content advances. There's a ton of 4K/HDR content available beyond services similar Netflix, Prime number Video, YouTube, and even some cablevision providers, and you won't be able to experience that here—not in whatever way that matters. You tin still watch all the same content every bit everything else, just the TV tin't really show any of the newer advances from the last few years.

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

If y'all lock into ownership a D-Series model, only proceed in listen that there'due south a whole swath of new content out there—stuff in 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision, for example—that you lot won't be able to accept reward of.

This is especially relevant for gamers: fifty-fifty the now last-generation Xbox One Due south/10 and PlayStation iv Pro consoles could output in 4K/HDR, so anyone with an Xbox Serial S/Ten or PlayStation v won't really be able to take advantage of their pricy new console. While the D4-Series offers you lot AMD FreeSync tech to brand for a smoother gaming experience, the basic D-Series only gets you Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which is all but negligible on a 60Hz TV: it generally just varies between 48Hz and 60Hz, which is something y'all're unlikely to notice oft. VRR tends to exist of much higher value when included on a 120Hz TV.

Of class, this is true for almost any TV in this price range. However, if you can track downward the 2019 TCL 4-Series, you lot can become the 43-inch version for around $250-$350, which is a fairly big step up, but will cyberspace you lot newer flick quality enhancements such as 4K resolution and HDR compatibility.

Should you purchase it?

Yes—if y'all but desire a portable content machine

It'd exist piece of cake to tell you to throw more money at a Telly that did more, just realistically, if all yous need is a perfectly performance Tv without the (expensive) addition of 4K resolution, HDR color, avant-garde gaming features, or local dimming backlights, the 2021 D-Series won't allow you lot downwards. The portable, sleek, apps-stuffed D-Series is competing generally with off-brand sets (recall Insignia, Chemical element, and so on), and in this size/toll range, I'yard willing to bet it's one of the all-time. Kudos to Vizio for the added market flexibility here: The D-Series is a welcome pick in an ecosystem where TV manufacturers only seem to update 55-inch or larger TVs—and not all of us have room for those.

The D-Series is especially valuable because of the dearth of 24-to-twoscore-inch options from name-brand manufacturers: yous'd be hard-pressed to find TVs of this size from Samsung, Sony, or LG unless yous get-go tracking down models from 3-5 years ago. If you're looking for as high-quality an feel as you can get for under $300, the D-Series is a good starting betoken. It's likewise an especially skillful choice for gamers with older hardware just looking for something decent to play on, since yous won't go the input lag traditionally introduced by upscaling to 4K.

However, you should be aware of your options if you're willing to spend a lilliputian more and/or search a petty harder. If you were interested in the 43-inch D-Series, for example, you might also consider the slightly older 43-inch TCL 4-Series, which costs $lxxx-$90 more but gets you 4K resolution, HDR compatibility, and more overall brightness. If you were aiming for a 32-inch TV and desire to put it in a room that'southward brighter than average, the 32-inch TCL three-Serial is well-nigh the same toll and is also a adept bit brighter overall—and likewise packs an extra HDMI input. Just remember that effulgence isn't everything: between the two, the D-Series is the better choice for moving picture night.

Run into the testers

Lee Neikirk

Editor, Home Theater

@Koanshark

Lee has been Reviewed'south point person for most television receiver and home theater products since 2012. Lee received Level II certification in Television set calibration from the Imaging Scientific discipline Foundation in 2013. As Editor of the Abode Theater vertical, Lee oversees reviews of TVs, monitors, soundbars, and Bluetooth speakers. He also reviews headphones, and has a background in music performance.

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you make clean with information technology, information technology'due south likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he'south a pretty big bargain. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his easily into freezing common cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands yous have a nice day.

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