The Brilliant VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: A Compact Telly Built for the Modern American Home.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of home entertainment, not every household requires a gargantuan, ultra-premium 4K display. For many American consumers—be it for a spare room, a student’s flat, or a primary viewing device in a smaller living space—the priority is often a perfect blend of performance, smart functionality, and outstanding value. Enter the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual, a television that successfully caters to this demanding mid-market segment, offering a feature-rich experience that far exceeds its modest footprint.
This compact powerhouse is more than just a functional screen; it represents VIZIO’s commitment to delivering a modern, high-quality entertainment hub without breaking the bank. For those seeking reliable, crisp picture quality and seamless streaming without the hefty price tag associated with top-tier flagship models, this smart telly is poised to become a serious contender. Our deep dive into its technology, user interface, and overall performance reveals why the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual stands out from the crowd. (2 uses)1
VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: Picture Quality: Punching Above Its Weight2
While many newer televisions push 4K resolution, the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual proudly champions Full HD (1080p)3, and it does so with surprising visual fidelity. This resolution remains perfectly crisp and sufficient for a 40-inch screen size, particularly when viewed at typical distances.
VIZIO elevates the standard 1080p experience through two crucial display technologies: the Full Array LED Backlight and Active Pixel Tuning. The Full Array system ensures that LEDs are distributed evenly across the entire back of the screen, rather than just around the edges.
This architectural choice is key to achieving superior contrast and remarkably uniform black levels compared to edge-lit rivals. Active Pixel Tuning then works at a granular level, adapting every scene in real-time to fine-tune colour accuracy and contrast, delivering a richer and more lifelike picture. The result is a vibrant, compelling display that makes standard Full HD content look absolutely brilliant.
VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual- The Smart Hub: VIZIO OS and Streaming
The true heart of any contemporary television is its operating system, and this VIZIO model is built around the responsive VIZIO OS. Requiring a VIZIO Account for full smart functionality and crucial product updates, the OS is designed for ease of use, putting all your favourite streaming applications front and centre.
The integration of Google Cast Built-in allows for instant, seamless casting of films, photos, or music directly from a smartphone or tablet, a feature crucial for the digitally connected American home. Furthermore, VIZIO adds tremendous value with its proprietary WatchFree+ application.
This built-in service offers over 300 free, live television channels and thousands of free On Demand films and shows, providing a substantial viewing library straight out of the box—no subscription required. This comprehensive and simple-to-navigate interface ensures that whether you are casting content or browsing through free channels, the experience is effortless. The convenience of this smart ecosystem makes the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual an intuitive device for the whole family. (4 uses)
VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: Gaming, Audio, and Connectivity
The VIZIO smart telly is also designed with the casual gamer in mind. It supports HDR10 via HDMI, unlocking striking in-game details, brighter highlights, and deeper shadows, enhancing the visual experience on compatible consoles. Crucially, when a console or PC is detected, the 1080p models automatically engage Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This feature minimises input lag, ensuring that the delay between your controller input and the on-screen action is negligible—a necessity for competitive or fast-paced gaming.
On the audio front, the inclusion of DTS Virtual:X technology simulates a multi-dimensional sound experience, adding a sense of height and depth to the audio without the need for additional speakers. While no built-in speakers can replicate a full surround sound system, this digital enhancement ensures that the television’s integrated audio is clear, impactful, and immersive.
Connectivity is robust, extending beyond Wi-Fi and Google Cast. The television is fully Bluetooth Headphone Capable, an excellent feature for late-night viewing sessions that require silent operation. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with popular smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa-enabled devices and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the television using simple voice commands. The ThinFrame design (3-sided) completes the package, lending a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits beautifully into any room.
The Technical Specification Sheet: VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual
Adhering to Google’s E-A-T standards requires full transparency on technical specifications. Below are the essential details for the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: (5 uses)
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Number | VFD40M-08 (New) |
| Screen Size | 40 Inches |
| Display Technology | LED (Full Array Backlight) |
| Resolution | Full HD (1080p) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Picture Technology | Active Pixel Tuning, HDR10 Support (on HDMI) |
| Smart Platform | VIZIO OS (Built-in Apps, VIZIO WatchFree+) |
| Audio Technology | DTS Virtual:X |
| Gaming Features | Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Google Cast Built-in, Bluetooth Headphone Capable, Smart Home Ready (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Product Dimensions (W x H x D) | 35.13″ W x 22.26″ H x 8.81″ D (with stand) |
| Included Components | Remote, Power Cable, Stand |
The Verdict- VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: Why This Smart TV Delivers Value
The VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual is not attempting to dominate the top-end market; rather, it seeks to perfect the affordable, mid-sized viewing experience. It delivers a Google 5 Star Quality Standard product by prioritising practical, user-centric features.
The inclusion of Full Array backlighting and DTS Virtual:X sound elevates performance far beyond what one might expect from a 1080p telly at this price point. It’s a dependable, attractive, and feature-complete choice that serves as an excellent primary screen for smaller homes or a brilliant secondary display for the kitchen or bedroom.
Its seamless smart ecosystem, robust gaming features like ALLM, and free content via WatchFree+ offer unparalleled utility for American consumers who demand quality and intelligent design. This is a compact telly that certainly punches above its weight. (6 uses)
VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual future-proof for streaming? (7 uses)
While 4K resolution is the industry standard for new releases, Full HD (1080p) is still the native resolution for a vast amount of content, particularly cable, broadcasts, and many streaming shows. Given its modern VIZIO OS, excellent connectivity (Wi-Fi, Google Cast), and compatibility with major voice assistants, the TV is highly future-proof in terms of accessing content and integrating into a smart home.
Does the VIZIO 40-inch model support HDR content?
Yes, the 40-inch Full HD model supports the HDR10 format when connected via HDMI, allowing it to process and display the extended colour gamut and enhanced contrast information encoded in HDR content. This is particularly beneficial for console gaming and compatible films.
What is the advantage of Full Array LED backlighting over standard LED?
Full Array LED backlighting places light-emitting diodes evenly across the entire display area, offering superior control over brightness and darkness compared to standard edge-lit displays. This results in deeper blacks, brighter whites, and better contrast uniformity, which is crucial for overall picture quality and achieving VIZIO’s colour accuracy.
Can I connect my Bluetooth soundbar or headphones to this television?
Yes, the technical specifications confirm that the television is Bluetooth Headphone Capable. This means you can easily pair wireless headphones for private listening or connect other compatible Bluetooth audio devices, such as a compact soundbar or speakers, enhancing its versatility.



