Vizio 43 Inch FHD Smart TV review with HDR10 and DTS Virtual X

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

The Vizio 43-Inch FHD Smart TV (VFD43M-0804) immediately stands out with its sleek and modern design. The black finish gives it a professional and elegant look that blends seamlessly with most home decor styles. I found the 42.2 x 25.79 x 5.98 inches dimensions to be perfect for medium-sized rooms, and at just over 19 pounds, it’s easy to mount or place on a stand without much hassle. The build feels sturdy, and it’s evident that the materials used are of high quality. Even the frame around the screen is minimal, ensuring your focus stays on the 43-inch display rather than any distracting bezels.

Picture Quality That Stands Out

This TV’s Full Array LED backlighting is honestly a game-changer. It provides a more even brightness across the screen, which I noticed especially during scenes with high contrast. Watching movies with HDR10 support produced vibrant colors, and the 16:9 aspect ratio ensured I wasn’t missing out on any details. Whether I was streaming a nature documentary or catching up on my favorite TV series, the clarity and color accuracy were remarkable. The Spatial Scaling Engine also did a great job of upscaling lower-resolution content, making even older videos look significantly better.

Immersive Audio Experience

Audio is often overlooked in TVs, but the DTS Virtual X technology in this unit blew me away. The room-filling sound genuinely made me feel as though I was in a mini-theater. Even without an external soundbar, the audio quality was rich and immersive. I tried connecting Bluetooth headphones for late-night viewing, and the process was seamless. Having this Bluetooth compatibility is a thoughtful addition for private listening or connecting external speakers. However, I did notice that at higher volumes, the built-in speakers could distort slightly, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Key Benefits

• Full Array LED backlighting ensures even brightness and exceptional picture quality.
• DTS Virtual X provides a surround-sound-like audio experience without additional speakers.
• Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 allow for seamless streaming from a variety of devices.
• Compact and stylish design fits well in most rooms and setups.

Optimized for Gamers

As someone who enjoys gaming, I was impressed with the TV’s HDMI VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and the V-Gaming Engine. These features noticeably reduced lag and improved the responsiveness of my games. The Active Pixel Tuning and HDR10 made graphics vivid and lifelike, while the smooth performance kept me immersed in gameplay. I tested this feature using a range of different games, from fast-paced shooters to visually rich RPGs, and the TV handled everything without a hitch. However, if you’re a competitive gamer looking for ultra-high refresh rates, this might not be your top pick.

Drawbacks

• The sound quality at higher volumes could use improvement, as some distortion was noticeable.
• No support for WiFi 6, which might be a downside for those with next-gen routers.
• Limited app options compared to some other smart TVs, though the built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 help mitigate this.

Seamless Streaming and Connectivity

Streaming with this TV was a breeze. The dual-band WiFi 5 ensured stable connections, even when streaming in Full HD. Chromecast built-in and AirPlay 2 worked flawlessly, allowing me to cast videos, photos, and even mirror my smartphone screen without any lag. The addition of Vizio WatchFree+ was a pleasant surprise, offering a variety of free streaming content. Connecting other devices, like my laptop or gaming console, was easy thanks to the multiple HDMI ports and Bluetooth capability.

Competing Products

Compared to other 43-inch TVs in the market, this model holds up quite well. I tested a similar-sized Samsung model, and while it had slightly better app integration, it lacked the advanced gaming features like HDMI VRR. LG’s offering in the same range had superior sound quality but fell short on picture clarity, particularly in darker scenes. The Full Array LED backlighting on this Vizio TV is a notable strength compared to edge-lit models from competing brands. However, for those needing more robust smart TV app ecosystems, alternatives like Roku TVs might be worth considering.

Affordable Quality

When weighing the features against the price, this TV offers incredible value. The combination of HDR10, DTS Virtual X, and HDMI VRR makes it a versatile choice for both casual viewers and gamers. While it’s not the cheapest option available, the quality and performance justify the investment. I’d say it’s a smart spending choice for anyone looking for a mid-range TV with premium features. If you’re someone who values strong audio-visual performance without breaking the bank, this TV is a solid contender.

Additional information