Finding the Perfect Small Screen TV

As I scoured the internet and local stores for the ideal small screen TV to fit my budget and needs, one model kept catching my eye – the Insignia 24 inch TV. As a savvy shopper, I couldn’t make this big purchase without thorough research, so I compiled this comprehensive buying guide to help fellow consumers make the best choice. Whether you’re looking for a bedroom TV, kitchen TV, dorm TV, or just need something cheap and basic, I’ve got you covered with the need-to-know details on Insignia’s 24 inch offering.

Key Features of the Insignia 24 Inch TV

The most important factors I evaluated were picture quality, smart functionality, connectivity, sound, convenience features, and price. Here’s an overview of the Insignia 24 inch TV’s main specs:

• Resolution – It has a 720p HD resolution, which is standard for this screen size. Pixel density is adequate for normal viewing distances.
• Refresh Rate – Its 60Hz effective refresh rate is typical for affordable models like this. Fine for most TV content, but not ideal for fast-action gaming.
• Smart TV – It offers basic smart functionality with built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps. Includes Ethernet port too.
• Ports – Features 2 HDMI ports for connecting devices. Also has USB, RF, composite input, headphone jack, and optical audio out.
• Speakers – Built-in 7W stereo speakers handle basic TV audio needs. No fancy surround sound here.
• Price – Extremely budget-friendly, regularly available for around $120 USD. Picture quality is decent for the low cost.

Setup and Ease of Use

One of the best aspects of the Insignia 24 inch TV is how quick and easy it is to set up. Here are some key steps I learned for getting started:

• Take the TV out of the box and remove styrofoam inserts and plastic wrap. Watch for any accessories that may be tucked in.
• Place the TV on a secure surface like a TV stand or mounting bracket. Make sure cords are easily accessible.
• Connect devices like a streaming stick, Blu-ray player, or gaming console using the HDMI ports.
• For live TV, connect an antenna or cable using the RF input.
• If placing on Wi-Fi, connect the ethernet cable to your router or follow on-screen instructions to connect wirelessly.
• Turn on the TV using the power button or remote control and select your language and timezone. The initial setup wizard will guide you through any other steps.
• Scan for channels using the auto-program function if hooked up to an antenna or cable.

That’s it! With just those few simple connections, your new Insignia TV will be ready to start viewing.

Picture Performance for an Entry-Level Smart TV

As an affordable 720p model, the Insignia 24 inch TV delivers pleasing HD resolution for everyday viewing. While it can’t match the 4K clarity or HDR color of premium sets, buyers report a sharp, vibrant picture that belies the low price point. The 60Hz refresh rate renders motion smoothly enough for most TV shows, movies, YouTube videos, and casual gaming. Just don’t expect the fastest action scenes to look ultra-crisp.

Overall, first-time TV buyers are satisfied with the image quality from this basic Insignia set. As long as your expectations are realistic, it should suit most needs for a secondary room. Hardcore cinephiles and gamers may want higher performance, but it hits the sweet spot for budget-minded shoppers.

Smart Features for Streaming and More

While streaming sticks are still recommended for smooth apps, the Insignia 24 inch TV comes with handy smart capabilities right out of the box. The built-in Wi-Fi allows access to popular services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, and more without any extra equipment. There’s 8GB of storage for downloading apps, though the selection is more limited than a Roku or Fire TV.

Another great inclusion is the voice remote, bringing Alexa voice control to this wallet-friendly model. Ask Alexa to launch apps, search for titles, play music, check weather, and control other smart devices. This saves time and eliminates button-pushing. The remote feels better-built than expected for the price.

Overall, buyers say the smart features and voice remote add a lot of extra convenience. And more advanced options like gaming consoles and Blu-Ray players can be connected via the HDMI inputs.

Connectivity for External Devices

A common concern with compact TVs is limited input selection, but the Insignia 24 inch model offers ample options for hooking up devices like:

• Gaming Consoles – The two HDMI ports allow simultaneous connection of a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or other HDMI-enabled gaming device.
• Streaming Devices – Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast can be plugged in via HDMI for smoother app performance.
• Blu-ray and DVD Players – Get high-quality disc playback through the HDMI inputs.
• Cable or Satellite Box – Connect coax cable from the wall or feed from your antenna to the RF input.
• Headphones – Plug headphones into the 3.5mm jack for private listening.

With this generous selection, you can build a versatile home theater setup on a small scale. The built-in Wi-Fi rounds it out nicely.

Audio Quality from the Built-In Speakers

For a compact 24 inch model, buyers find the sound quality better than anticipated. The 7W stereo speakers provide ample volume to fill a small room. While bass is predictably limited, the audio is fairly crisp and clear for TV programming and basic music playback. Dialogue comes through nicely for shows and movies without requiring a sound bar.

Of course, there are no fancy audio effects or deep booming bass like a high-end home theater system. But the speakers get the job done fine for casual viewing. For more immersive sound, you can connect external speakers via the optical, RCA, or headphone jack. Overall, the audio exceeds expectations for the price and size.

Convenience and Design in a Compact Package

Insignia smartly designed this 24 inch TV with convenience and space-saving size in mind. At just 5.75 inches deep and weighing only 7.25 pounds, it fits easily on desks, countertops, and wall mounts with minimal intrusion. The bezels are refreshingly thin to keep the footprint tight. There are convenient cut-outs on the back for tidier cable routing as well.

The included stand offers tilt adjustment and can be removed for wall mounting. Most buyers opt for placing it on a counter or shelf versus mounting, since the TV is so light. But it’s nice having that flexible option. Operation is straightforward with dedicated buttons for inputs and volume right on the side panel.

If you’re restricted on space, need a kitchen TV, wall-mounted bedroom set, or dorm display, the compact Insignia 24 inch model is an ideal choice. Just remember to measure carefully since the screen dimensions differ from the overall width and height in the product specs.

Unbeatable Value for the Price

In an age of ever-rising tech prices, it’s refreshing to find genuine value in home electronics. For a mere $120, the Insignia 24 inch TV delivers shockingly good picture, sound, and features. Competitors like the Sceptre 24 inch and TCL 24S325 fail to match Insignia’s combination of HD resolution, smart apps, and Alexa voice assistance at such an affordable cost. This set consistently impresses first-time buyers with a level of quality far beyond the bargain price tag.

Of course, springing for a 32 inch or larger screen yields a more immersive viewing experience. But for auxiliary rooms and basic needs, it’s tough to beat the price-to-performance ratio offered by this Insignia model. If you manage expectations for an entry-level 720p television, it should readily meet needs for years to come.

Bottom Line

For shoppers seeking a compact smart TV at a wallet-friendly price, the Insignia 24 inch is a top contender. It provides pleasing HD resolution, built-in streaming apps, and Alexa voice control in a highly affordable package. Connectivity is ample, speakers perform admirably, and the design is sized right for small spaces. Expectations should be realistic for a budget 720p television, but overall quality far exceeds the bargain price tag. For casual viewing in a secondary room, the Insignia 24 inch TV is a top value pick.