Your Complete Resource for Learning About Insignia Televisions

In the world of home entertainment, televisions are a big investment. With many brands and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to select the right TV for your needs and budget. One brand that is becoming increasingly popular is Insignia – Best Buy’s signature line of affordable TVs. But what exactly are Insignia TVs, and are they a good choice for your next television purchase? This complete guide will provide an in-depth look at Insignia televisions so you can determine if they offer the right features and performance for your home theater setup.

What is an Insignia TV?

Insignia is Best Buy’s in-house brand of consumer electronics, including televisions. Best Buy launched the Insignia line in 1998 to provide affordable home electronics options to customers. Insignia TVs are designed to offer good quality and essential features at lower price points compared to big-name brands like Samsung, LG and Sony. The trade-off is that Insignia TVs lack some of the advanced technology and premium build quality of more expensive TVs. However, they provide decent performance that satisfies most casual viewers.

Insignia TVs come in HD, 4K UHD, and even 8K UHD resolution options. They range in size from 24 inches up to over 70 inches. Most Insignia sets utilize LED-backlit LCD display technology, but some higher-end models feature advanced technologies like quantum dot QLED displays. Insignia smart TVs run on various operating systems, like Fire TV, Roku TV or even Android TV. Key features include HDMI inputs, USB ports, WiFi connectivity, voice control compatibility and access to all the top streaming apps.

Where Can I Buy an Insignia TV?

Since Insignia is Best Buy’s exclusive in-house brand, Insignia TVs are only available for purchase through Best Buy, either online or in physical Best Buy retail stores. You won’t find Insignia TVs sold at other electronics retailers like Walmart, Target or Amazon. Going through Best Buy gives you access to their extensive Insignia television lineup, as well as perks like free shipping, flexible return policies, price matching guarantees, installation services and the Geek Squad protection plans.

Best Buy offers hundreds of different Insignia television models. You can browse Insignia TVs on BestBuy.com by display size, features, price point, customer ratings and more. Narrow down your options by settling on the screen type, resolution, smart platform and other preferences you’re looking for. You can also filter Insignia TVs by price range. Budget-friendly models under $300 are available, along with higher-end Insignia sets reaching up to around $1000 or more.

If you want to see Insignia TVs in person, visit your local Best Buy store. Their TV department will have several Insignia models on display so you can compare screen sizes, picture quality and overall performance. Best Buy employees can also provide recommendations and answer any questions you have as you decide on an Insignia television.

How Much Does an Insignia TV Cost?

One of the biggest appeals of Insignia TVs is their affordable pricing compared to premium brands. Insignia TV prices typically range from $100 on the low end to about $1000 on the high end. However, most popular Insignia models fall between $200 and $500. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay:

• Small 24″ to 32” HD Insignia TVs: $100 – $200
• 40” to 43” Full HD 1080p Insignia TVs: $180 – $300
• 50” to 55” 4K UHD Insignia TVs: $250 – $400
• 65” to 70” 4K UHD Insignia TVs: $400 – $700
• 75”+ 4K or 8K Insignia TVs: $800 – $1000

Of course, prices can fluctuate depending on time of year, product availability, features, promotions and sales events. Generally, the larger the screen size and higher the display resolution, the more you’ll pay for an Insignia TV. Advanced technology like quantum dot, increased connectivity ports, onboard streaming and voice assistants also raise the price. But overall, Insignia provides serious cost savings over the competition.

Is Insignia a Good TV Brand?

For budget-focused shoppers, Insignia is actually considered one of the better value TV brands. Insignia TVs manage to pack decent performance and features into affordable packages. They lack some of the sophisticated technology of top-tier brands, but their simple designs focus on the essentials most viewers want. The value proposition makes them appealing for secondary rooms, kids’ rooms, dorm rooms or other places you don’t need an elaborate high-end TV.

Insignia TVs receive above average owner satisfaction ratings, especially taking their prices into account. They offer good screen resolution, decent sound quality from built-in speakers, easy smart platforms and practical input/output options. Setup and usability are straightforward for these streamlined models. Insignia’s TVs deliver quality HD, 4K or 8K ultra high-def images that look sharp for everyday TV watching and casual gaming. Overall, Insignia provides reliable televisions with useful features at reasonable prices.

What Sizes Are Available for Insignia TVs?

One benefit of the extensive Insignia television lineup is that it includes screen sizes to fit any room and viewing need:

• 24” to 28”: Ideal for small bedrooms, kitchens, offices
• 32” to 43”: Suitable for guest rooms, dorms, as computer monitors
• 50” to 55”: The sweet spot for living rooms and central home spaces
• 65” to 75”: Provide an immersive entertainment experience
• 85” and up: Extra large TVs for dedicated home theaters

Insignia smart TVs come in both widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio as well as ultra-wide 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio. This allows you to choose the perfect screen dimensions based on your room layout, seating distance and overall viewing preferences. Whether you want a compact 24-inch set or a massive 86-inch display, Insignia has TV sizes to accommodate virtually any room and decor.

Does Insignia Manufacture Smart TVs?

Absolutely! Almost every Insignia television is a smart TV equipped with integrated streaming apps. This allows you to watch popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video and YouTube without any additional devices needed. Insignia smart TV platforms provide easy access to thousands of streaming movies, shows, music and more.

Many Insignia sets run on Fire TV, Amazon’s smart TV operating system. Fire TV offers a simple home screen for browsing content and supports Alexa voice commands. Other Insignia TVs use Roku TV, including Roku’s customizable interface and channel store. Select high-end Insignia models feature the Android TV platform for expansive app support and Google Assistant compatibility.

Regardless of which software your Insignia utilizes, their smart platforms are intuitive to use with remotes that have dedicated streaming buttons. Connect your Insignia TV to your home WiFi network to enjoy all the benefits of streaming and apps. With built-in smart functions, Insignia televisions provide complete home entertainment packages without requiring extra streaming gadgets.

Are Insignia TVs Compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant?

If you want to control your TV with voice commands, most Insignia smart TVs work with popular virtual assistants.

Many Insignia sets use Amazon’s Fire TV operating system, which has native support for Alexa. You can press the Alexa button on your Insignia Fire TV remote and issue voice commands to search for content, launch apps, play music, check information and more. Fire TV Insignia TVs also support Alexa smart home control for lights, thermostats and other compatible devices.

Select high-end Insignia models run the Android TV platform, which lets you use the Google Assistant for voice control functions. Access your personalized Google account, get answers on screen, manage smart home devices and effortlessly navigate your Insignia Android TV with natural voice commands.

So if you have an Echo Dot or Google Home smart speaker, you can easily connect it with compatible Insignia TVs for convenient hands-free voice control. Voice capabilities add accessibility and extend the usefulness of these feature-packed smart TVs.

What Operating System Does an Insignia TV Use?

As mentioned above, most Insignia smart TVs use one of the following operating systems:

• Fire TV: Amazon’s Fire TV OS comes pre-installed on budget-friendly Insignia sets. It offers easy streaming through Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more. Fire TV also enables compatibility with Alexa voice assistants.
• Roku TV: Many mid-range Insignia models utilize Roku TV. It’s a simple smart platform with thousands of streaming channels and a straightforward interface. Roku TV allows private listening through the mobile app.
• Android TV: Found on premium Insignia options, including the new 8K TVs. Android TV offers Chromecast built-in, Google Play Store apps, and Google Assistant for voice control.

The choice between Fire TV, Roku TV or Android TV comes down to personal preference. All three provide robust smart functionality. Optimal streaming, voice control and compatibility with other devices are key advantages of Insignia TVs’ operating systems.

How Do I Set Up an Insignia TV?

Getting started with your new Insignia television is quick and easy. Here are the basic steps for setting up an Insignia TV:

1. Take the TV out of the box and remove any protective foam, tape and plastic wrapping from the screen and body.
2. Securely mount the TV stand or wall mount if not placing on a table. Make all necessary cable connections in the back.
3. Turn on the TV using the power button on the set or remote. The initial setup wizard will appear on screen to guide you.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language preference, connect to your WiFi network, accept terms and conditions, and complete any software updates.
5. For smart models, you may need to sign-in with your Amazon, Roku or Google account. Also set up any linked streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu.
6. Use the Settings menu to adjust preferences for picture mode, audio settings, parental controls, closed captioning, energy saving options and more personal customization.
7. Connect external devices like a cable box, Blu-ray player, gaming console or surround sound system.

Within about 10-15 minutes, your Insignia TV will be fully set up and ready to enjoy! Consult the included user manual for assistance if needed.

What Are the Reviews for Insignia TVs?

Overall, Insignia TVs receive positive reviews, especially considering their budget-friendly prices. The average customer rating for Insignia televisions is between 4 and 4.5 out of 5 stars across retailer sites, tech review publications and consumer surveys.

For the very low prices, reviewers find Insignia TVs perform admirably when it comes to picture and sound quality. Images are sharp and colors are vibrant, though not quite as impressive as more expensive models. The simple smart platforms and interfaces work well. Insignia also gets praise for offering smaller screen sizes ignored by other brands.

Criticisms of Insignia TVs include cheaper build quality with lots of plastic construction. They also lack some of the advanced gaming, audio and aesthetic features found on high-end televisions. Reviewers warn not to expect top-notch performance, but say Insignia provides satisfying everyday viewing. Overall, they represent good value for budget home entertainment.

Does an Insignia TV Support 4K Resolution?

The vast majority of Insignia televisions are now 4K Ultra HD models. This provides a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels for enhanced clarity and detail over standard 1080p full HD sets. From small 43-inch sets to extra large 75+ inch screens, Insignia offers many 4K TV options across a wide range of prices.

4K Insignia TVs utilize High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology for bright, accurate colors and increased contrast. Popular formats supported include HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. All 4K Insignia sets can upscale lower resolution content from HD to Ultra HD for an improved viewing experience.

With sharp 4K resolution, HDR imaging and upscaling, Insignia’s 4K smart TVs deliver stellar picture performance that satisfies most viewers. Even their budget 4K models provide good UHD image quality that impressed reviewers. 4K brings Insignia TVs closer to premium tier visuals without the excessive price tag.

Can I Connect Streaming Apps Like Netflix and Hulu to an Insignia TV?

One benefit of Insignia smart TVs is that they come pre-installed with all the most popular streaming apps. As soon as you set up and connect your Insignia television to your home WiFi network, you’ll have immediate access to your streaming library.

Apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Peacock and many more are ready to enjoy on Insignia Fire TV, Roku TV and Android TV models. You can quickly sign into your existing accounts or start free trials to binge your favorite shows, movies and original programs.

Streaming capabilities are a central aspect of Insignia televisions. Their smart platforms make it easy and convenient to cut cables boxes and start streaming over WiFi. You can browse through catalogs, manage queues, cast content from mobile devices and get personalized recommendations all through your Insignia TV’s slick smart interface.

How Does an Insignia TV Compare to Other Brands Like Samsung or LG?

It’s only natural to compare Insignia TVs to more established brands like Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio. As Best Buy’s affordably priced house brand, Insignia televisions don’t have quite the same level of technology, performance and polish as the big manufacturers. However, they provide satisfying quality for casual viewing.

Key differences include:

• Build quality – Plastic construction versus premium metal/glass materials
• Display tech – Basic LED/LCD versus QLED/OLED/MicroLED
• Image processing – Decent upscaling and HDR versus exceptional processors
• Smart features – Simple onboard platforms versus expansive operating systems
• Audio performance – Acceptable built-in speakers versus immersive sound
• Gaming capabilities – Good responsiveness versus ultra low input lag

For most non-cinephiles and casual gamers, an Insignia TV offers sufficient performance. But home theater enthusiasts and gamers will want the advanced engineering of tier one brands. Overall, Insignia competes well on price and core functionality.

What is the Warranty on an Insignia TV?

Every new Insignia television purchase includes a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for 12 months from your original date of purchase. According to the terms, Best Buy will offer a replacement TV or parts at no charge subject to verification of the issue.

You can also add Best Buy’s Geek Squad extended protection plans on your Insignia TV purchase for further peace of mind. These provide expanded warranty coverage for 2, 3 or 4 additional years beyond the 1 year limited warranty. Protection plans also cover accidental damage from drops, cracks and spills after manufacturer warranties expire. Prices range from $40-$350 depending on TV model and plan duration.

Make sure to register your Insignia TV warranty with Best Buy either online or by mail. Contact Best Buy or Insignia support for any problems to determine if warranty or protection plan coverage applies. This ensures you get excellent service for your new Insignia television.

How Do I Troubleshoot Issues With My Insignia TV?

Insignia TVs are generally reliable, but technical problems can arise. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common Insignia TV issues:

• No power: Make sure TV is plugged into a working outlet. Press power button repeatedly. Try unplugging and leaving unplugged for 1 minute before reconnecting.
• No picture: Check connections on external devices. Try different video cables if issue persists. Reset devices being used as TV input sources.
• No sound: Increase TV volume and check content being played has sound. Check audio settings for correct input selected. Test alternate audio sources like streaming apps.
• Remote not working: Point remote directly at TV sensor, replace batteries, resync/re-pair remote with TV.
• Frozen screen: Press and hold the power button on the TV to force reset if screen is stuck. Or unplug from power for 1 minute.
• WiFi connection issues: Reboot the TV and router, check WiFi password entered correctly. Move router closer or add WiFi range extender.

For additional troubleshooting, utilize your on-screen owner’s manual or contact Insignia support online, by phone or through social media. They can diagnose deeper issues and arrange repairs if needed.

Does Insignia Offer TVs With Fire TV Built-In?

Many Insignia television models come with Amazon Fire TV built right into the set. Instead of needing an external Fire TV stick, the software is pre-installed for immediate access to Fire TV’s interface, content and features.

With Fire TV integration, Insignia TVs become a portal to all your favorite Amazon Prime Video shows and movies. You also get popular apps like Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, Pluto TV and more. Voice remote controls make navigating with Alexa super convenient.

Insignia Fire TVs provide excellent streaming functionality and smart home control. Hands-free Alexa allows you to launch apps, play music, check sports scores, see the weather, dim lights, view camera feeds and much more completely through voice.

From budget HD models to premium 4K sets, integrating Fire TV is a key offering across Insignia’s lineup. It adds convenience plus entertainment options without requiring any extra equipment.

Can I Use an Insignia TV as a Computer Monitor?

Need an external display for your laptop or desktop computer? Insignia TVs can absolutely double as computer monitors thanks to their HDMI inputs.

Connect your Windows PC or Mac computer to your Insignia television using an HDMI cable. Make sure to enable the correct video input on the TV. This will mirror and extend your computer screen onto the Insignia display, allowing you to use it as a large-scale monitor.

Insignia’s Plug & Play compatibility means no drivers or software are required on most computers. Just plug in and your operating system will automatically detect the Insignia TV as a second display output. Then adjust display preferences like resolution and orientation as needed.

Leverage your Insignia television’s large, vivid screen to create an immersive desktop workstation. The HDMI input also enables gaming directly from a linked gaming PC. Just remember to switch your Insignia TV back to its regular input source when done using it as an external monitor.

Is an Insignia TV Good for Gaming?

Insignia televisions can provide a surprisingly solid gaming experience. While not optimized for hardcore gamers, Insignia sets offer capabilities suitable for casual gameplay.

Most Insignia TVs support gaming resolutions up to 4K and 120Hz refresh rate. Response times average from 8ms to 15ms, which is decent though not as fast as premium gaming monitors. HDR visuals and Game Mode settings boost gaming performance. Input lag stays reasonably low across most models as well.

The bigger issue is that Insignia TVs lack more advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate, ultra low latency and HDMI 2.1. But their good 4K graphics, low input lag and quick response handle most console, streaming and PC games smoothly. Ultimately Insignia televisions give a satisfying gaming experience for the regular gamer on a budget.

How Do I Update the Software on My Insignia TV?

Like all smart TVs, Insignia sets need periodic software updates for new features, security patches and general improvements. For the latest firmware:

• Fire TV models: Go to “Settings” > “Device” > “About” > “Check for Updates” and install any available system updates.
• Roku TV models: Select “Settings” > “System” > “System Update” and click “Check Now” for updates.
• Android TV models: Choose “Settings” > “Device Preferences” > “About” > “System Update” to update.

Updating your Insignia TV’s software ensures compatibility, speed and stability. Look for notifications about available updates and install them when prompted. Keeping firmware up-to-date provides the best smart TV experience.

Are Insignia TVs Energy Efficient?

Given their affordable prices, Insignia televisions manage to pack decent energy saving capabilities. Their LED-backlit LCD displays are inherently more efficient than older CCFL-backlit panels. Local dimming zones better target screen portions in need of illumination versus constantly backlighting the entire display.

Insignia TV settings offer various energy saver modes that reduce power consumption by dimming the screen and disabling certain features during inactivity. Smaller screen sizes like 24” to 43” models require relatively little energy compared to larger screens. Even big 65”+ Insignia sets won’t break the bank when it comes to your monthly energy bill.

While not the most cutting edge in terms of green technology, Insignia televisions are certainly moving in an energy efficient direction. Their sensible designs balance power use and performance fairly well compared to other affordable TV brands. Going with Insignia allows you to save money upfront and continue saving on electricity for years to come.

Conclusion

With outstanding value across all screen sizes and feature sets, Insignia clearly provides compelling options for shoppers seeking good quality televisions on tight budgets. While premium brands boast show-stopping performance and innovation, Insignia satisfies core viewing needs at a fraction of the price.

From bedroom TVs to home theater centerpieces, Insignia models like their 4K Fire TV editions give you vivid images, robust streaming and intuitive voice control. Given their solid reviews and ratings, these affordable Best Buy exclusives punch well above their weight class. Insignia TVs cut costs without cutting essential corners—an ideal balance for bargain hunters.