Let’s be honest, a 40-inch 1080p TV in 2024 rarely spark joy.
It’s like finding a crumpled twenty in your old jeans – a pleasant surprise, but not exactly life-changing.
But the VIZIO D40f-J09 has done the impossible: it’s made me rethink my TV snobbery.
Update:
BEST PRICE on the VIZIO D40f-J09 40-inch D-Series 1080p Smart TV here:
First Impressions
This VIZIO isn’t some high-end OLED wet dream. It’s not going to make you weep over the majesty of nature documentaries. But it’s the TV equivalent of a cheap whiskey – rough around the edges, but it gets the job done, and surprisingly well.
Out of the box, this thing is light. Like, carry-it-with-two-fingers light. The setup? Child’s play. Even for a Luddite like me, it was plug-and-play. And the picture? It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s crisp, clear, and a hell of a lot better than the ancient 720p dinosaur I was rocking before.
Key Features
Full Array Backlight: This is the VIZIO’s secret weapon. It makes blacks darker and whites brighter, giving you a picture that doesn’t look like it’s been washed in dishwater.
V-Gaming Engine: If you’re a gamer, this is a nice touch. It reduces input lag and optimizes the picture for your Xbox or PlayStation. Not that I game anymore. The only battles I fight these days are with my inner demons.
SmartCast: It’s VIZIO’s smart platform. It’s got all the usual suspects (Netflix, Hulu, etc.), and it’s snappy and easy to navigate.
Apple AirPlay and Chromecast: Built-in, so you can cast your phone’s screen right to the TV. Perfect for showing off those embarrassing baby photos.
Speakers: Yeah, these are not great. They’re tinny and lack bass. But let’s be real, you’re not buying a budget TV for its audiophile experience. Get a soundbar, or just embrace the suck.
Pros
- Price: This is the biggest pro. It’s dirt cheap for a 40-inch TV.
- Picture Quality (for the price): It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s a solid 1080p picture.
- SmartCast: It’s a good smart platform, better than some I’ve seen on more expensive TVs.
- Easy to Set Up: You won’t need a team of engineers to get this thing on your wall.
Cons
- Speakers: They suck.
- Some Streaming Issues: A few people have reported problems with Chromecast. I didn’t have any issues, but your mileage may vary.
- Picture Settings: Out of the box, the picture is a bit wonky. You’ll need to fiddle with the settings to get it just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cheap TV that doesn’t look like it belongs in a landfill, the VIZIO D40f-J09 is worth a look. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s a damn good deal.
It’s the perfect TV for your guest room, your kid’s room, or your own damn room if you’re not a pretentious asshole who needs the latest and greatest tech. Love it.
Best Price On VIZIO D40f-J09:
I’ve scoured the depths of the internet to find you the best deal on this TV, so you can save your hard-earned cash for more important things:
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