6 Smart TVs To Avoid, According To Consumer Reports
▼ Summary
– The Vizio VFD32M-0807 is a poorly performing budget TV, ranked low by Consumer Reports due to its lack of 4K and native HDR support.
– Its picture quality is flawed, with dark scenes appearing flat and gray, and users report issues like slow image rendering and pixelation.
– The TV has very poor viewing angles, requiring viewers to sit directly in front of it for a clear picture.
– Audio quality is modest with weak speakers, and it is best suited for smaller rooms due to its limited sound output.
– A major connectivity limitation is its provision of only two HDMI ports, which is insufficient for multiple modern devices.
When searching for a new television, it’s crucial to consider performance and features beyond just the price tag. Some budget models, while initially appealing, can lead to significant disappointment due to subpar picture quality, limited connectivity, and underwhelming sound. A prime example is a certain 32-inch model that ranks poorly in expert evaluations. This television is restricted to Full HD resolution and lacks true high dynamic range support, which severely hampers its ability to display vibrant, detailed images. Watching films with dark cinematography becomes a frustrating experience, as shadows appear washed out and lack depth, turning what should be intense scenes into flat, gray visuals.
The problems extend beyond just resolution. The viewing angles are exceptionally narrow, forcing viewers to sit directly in front of the screen for an acceptable picture; moving even slightly to the side causes a dramatic loss in clarity and color. The backlighting technology, which lacks local dimming, results in poor contrast and unconvincing black levels. Online user communities echo these criticisms, with reports of slow image processing and noticeable pixelation during motion, further detracting from the viewing experience.
Audio performance is another major shortfall. The built-in speakers provide only modest volume and lack richness, making dialogue hard to hear and action sequences sound weak. For anything beyond a very small, quiet room, an external sound system becomes a necessity. Perhaps most limiting for modern setups is the sparse selection of ports. With only two HDMI inputs, the television cannot accommodate multiple devices such as a gaming console, streaming stick, and soundbar simultaneously without the purchase of an external switch. This adds unexpected cost and clutter, negating the initial value proposition of the affordable set.
(Source: BGR)
