Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing the Insignia 40 Inch TV

If you’re in the market for a new TV, you may have come across the Insignia 40 Inch TV – one of the most popular models from electronics brand Insignia. With its large 40 inch screen and budget-friendly price point, it’s easy to see why this TV is appealing to so many buyers.

But before you purchase the Insignia 40 Inch, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider and weigh for your needs. Below I’ll provide a comprehensive buying guide going through all the details on the Insignia 40 Inch TV, from its features and specifications to how it compares against competitors. Read on for the ultimate inside scoop on whether the Insignia 40 Inch TV is the right choice for your home entertainment needs!

Overview of the Insignia 40 Inch TV’s Features and Specs

The most important specs and features to evaluate on any TV are the display resolution, smart platform, ports and connectivity, refresh rate, and display technology. Here’s an overview of what the Insignia 40 Inch TV offers in each category:

• Display Resolution – The Insignia 40 Inch has a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution display, which is the standard for most 40-43 inch TVs today. While not 4K, the Full HD resolution still provides great image quality for most non-4K content.
• Smart Platform – This Insignia TV uses the Fire TV platform, running Amazon’s Fire TV software for access to all major streaming apps, Alexa integration, and easy streaming from mobile devices.
• Ports – For connectivity, the Insignia 40 Inch TV has 3 HDMI ports for hooking up devices, 1 USB port, ethernet, audio out, composite input, and RF input.
• Refresh Rate – The listed refresh rate is 60Hz, which is standard for most LED TVs in this price range.
• Display Technology – As an LED TV, the Insignia 40 Inch uses LED backlighting to illuminate the LCD display panel. This provides a thinner profile and better energy efficiency compared to older CCFL backlighting.

Some additional handy features of this TV include built-in WiFi for getting online, DTS sound processing, and support for Alexa voice commands using the included voice remote.

What Is the Price for the Insignia 40 Inch TV?

One of the main attractions of the Insignia brand is that it provides affordable pricing on their electronics like TVs. The MSRP for the Insignia 40 Inch TV is $199.99, but you can often find it on sale from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy for $169.99-$179.99.

At well under $200 even at full MSRP, this Insignia 40″ TV offers incredible value compared to models from premium brands that can cost 2-3x as much for similarly sized 1080p TVs. The budget price makes the Insignia TV an attractive option for guest rooms, kids’ rooms, dorms, or anywhere you want simple smart TV functionality on a tight budget.

Is the Insignia 40 Inch a Smart TV? What Platform and Apps Are Included?

Yes, the Insignia 40 Inch TV is a smart TV, running Amazon’s Fire TV platform. This gives you access to a wide range of popular streaming apps and services through the Fire TV interface and Alexa voice remote control.

Some of the key apps that come pre-installed on this Insignia Fire TV include:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Disney+
• Prime Video
• HBO Max
• YouTube
• Pluto TV
• IMDb TV
• Sling TV
• Spotify
• Pandora

The Fire TV platform also gives you the ability to download hundreds of additional apps from the Amazon App Store. And if you have an Amazon Echo device, you can control the TV through Alexa voice commands.

Overall the Fire TV smart platform provides a robust streaming experience similar to Roku TVs or Android TVs, with the added benefit of native Alexa integration.

What Kind of Resolution and Image Quality Does the Insignia 40 Inch Offer?

The Insignia 40 Inch TV has a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution display. While not at the 4K Ultra HD resolution of more expensive TVs, the Full HD 1080p resolution still delivers excellent image quality for most TV watching.

At 40 inches, the lower 1080p resolution isn’t as readily apparent or lacking in detail as it would be on larger screen sizes. And when you’re watching 1080p content, which is still most standard TV/movie streaming and broadcasts today, it will look great on this Insignia TV and make use of the full resolution.

You’ll only really notice the lack of 4K resolution when viewing native 4K content, which this TV will downscale to 1080p. But for the price and intended uses of this budget TV, the 1080p resolution is very sufficient and provides good clarity and detail.

The overall image quality is vibrant and clear thanks to the LED backlighting, and specs like HDR support also help expand the color range and contrast. While you can’t expect the black levels and richness of more advanced display technologies like OLED, this Insignia TV still delivers very pleasing picture performance for everyday TV viewing.

What Kind of Ports and Connectivity Options Does this Insignia TV Have?

For connectivity and hooking up your devices, the Insignia 40 Inch TV has the following ports and inputs:

• 3 HDMI ports – For connecting devices like Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming sticks, etc. HDMI carries both high quality video and audio signals.
• 1 USB port – For plugging in USB thumb drives or hard drives to view media files.
• Ethernet port – For wired internet connectivity if needed or preferred over WiFi.
• RF antenna input – For connecting an over-the-air HDTV antenna to receive free local broadcast channels.
• Digital audio output – For sending audio to a sound bar or home audio system.
• Composite video input – For older devices that use composite video cables rather than HDMI.

The 3 HDMI ports should cover most basic needs, but you may need an HDMI switch if you have more than 3 devices to hook up. The USB and ethernet ports are also handy for entertainment purposes. And the composite input gives you flexibility to connect older DVD players or game systems.

How Do You Set Up and Connect the Insignia 40 Inch TV?

Setting up the Insignia 40 Inch TV is straightforward, especially if you don’t wall mount it and just use the included stand. Here are the basic steps:

1. Attach the TV stand by inserting it into the bottom mount holes and securing with screws.
2. Place the TV on a secure surface like a TV stand or entertainment center.
3. Plug the power cord into the TV and connect to an outlet.
4. Connect an HDMI cable from your streaming device, game system, or cable/satellite box.
5. If using WiFi, connect to your home wireless network through the Settings menu.
6. If using ethernet, connect an ethernet cable to your router.
7. Connect the RF coaxial cable from an HDTV antenna or cable/satellite box for live TV.
8. Insert batteries into the Alexa voice remote.
9. Turn on the TV using the power button or remote to begin setup prompts.

The on-screen setup wizard will walk you through settings like language, location, linking Alexa and your Amazon account, connecting to WiFi, activating streaming channels, and more. And you’ll be ready to start streaming!

Can You Get 4K Content on the Insignia 40 Inch? How Does It Handle 4K?

While the Insignia 40 Inch TV has a 1080p display panel, you can still access and watch 4K Ultra HD content on it through streaming apps. However, any native 4K video will be downscaled to match the TV’s 1080p resolution.

When watching 4K video on this TV, you’ll still get some benefits like enhanced colors and contrast. But it won’t have the full 4K clarity and detail you’d get on a native 4K TV. Essentially it will look like very good quality 1080p footage once downscaled.

The good news is most streaming services also offer their original shows and movies in 1080p resolution, so you’ll still get great looking high definition picture quality even if not at the 4K level.

While not ideal for enjoying 4K content to the fullest, this Insignia TV provides a cost-effective option if you want access to 4K streaming on apps like Netflix and Prime Video but don’t necessarily need the full 4K experience.

How to Connect the Insignia TV to Your WiFi Network

It’s easy to connect your Insignia 40 Inch Fire TV to your home WiFi network for streaming and smart features. Here are the steps:

1. From the Home screen, go to “Settings” in the top menu.
2. Select “Network” from the Settings options.
3. Choose “Set up new WiFi connection”.
4. Select your WiFi network name from the list of available networks.
5. Enter your WiFi network password when prompted.
6. The TV will connect to your WiFi network automatically.

You can also connect via ethernet cable for a wired internet connection. The benefit of WiFi is that it avoids running long cables to your TV’s location. Once connected to your home network, you can stream shows, download apps, and access Alexa skills.

What Apps and Streaming Services Are Included?

A major perk of the Insignia 40 Inch Fire TV is that it comes pre-installed with the most popular streaming apps. So you can enjoy all your favorite shows, movies, music, and more.

Here are some of the top apps available right on this Insignia TV:

• Netflix – Tons of original shows and on-demand movies and series.
• Hulu – Current TV shows, originals, and movies on demand without cable.
• Disney+ – Stream Disney classics, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and more.
• Prime Video – Amazon’s video service with a huge selection of movies, TV, and award-winning originals.
• HBO Max – New movies plus HBO classics and Max original content.
• YouTube – Watch millions of videos, music videos, shows, movies and more on YouTube.
• Apple TV – Access Apple’s library of iTunes movies/TV shows, Apple TV+ originals, Apple Music, and more.
• Pluto TV – Over 250 free live TV channels across news, sports, movies, TV series, viral video channels and more.

So whether you want to watch Stranger Things, Monday Night Football, or NCIS, you’ll have tons of options with this TV’s streaming apps! No need for extra streaming devices.

How to Troubleshoot Common Issues with the Insignia 40 Inch TV

Hopefully you don’t run into too many problems with your new Insignia TV. But if you do experience any technical issues, here are some troubleshooting tips for the most common issues:

No sound:

• Check that volume isn’t muted and turned up to an audible level. Cycle power on the TV and devices connected to it.
• Ensure proper cable connections from your device to the TV audio inputs. Try different cables if possible.
• If using external speakers, check the speaker connections and power.

No picture:

• Make sure TV power cord is securely plugged into the outlet and TV.
• Check that connected devices like cable boxes are powered on. Try different input sources.
• If using antenna, verify antenna connections are secure. Rescan for channels.

Remote not working:

• Point remote directly at the TV’s sensor from no more than 25 feet away.
• Check remote for stuck buttons. Install new batteries.
• Sync remote by pressing and holding Home + Select buttons.

Can’t connect to WiFi:

• Double check WiFi password entered correctly.
• Try moving WiFi router closer to TV or consider ethernet.
• Forget the WiFi network on TV and re-enter password to reconnect.
• Restart modem/router if they are the issue and not connecting.

Following basic troubleshooting steps can help identify and resolve most minor technical issues with the TV. Contact Insignia support for further help fixing any major problems.

Does the Insignia 40 Inch Come with a Remote? What Features Does the Remote Have?

Yes, the Insignia 40 Inch Fire TV edition comes with an Alexa voice remote control. This remote allows you to power the TV on/off, navigate menus, control volume, and access Alexa smart assistant features.

Key capabilities of the included Alexa voice remote include:

• Voice commands – Use your voice to launch apps, search for content, play music, check weather, control smart home devices, and more with Alexa.
• TV controls – Buttons for power, volume, mute, playback controls, app shortcuts, menu access, etc.
• Motion sensors – Point anywhere to navigate on-screen instead of needing line of sight.
• Private listening – Plug headphones into the remote to listen to TV audio privately.
• Find remote – Alexa can make the remote play a sound to locate it if lost.
• Bluetooth – Pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers directly with the remote.

The Alexa integration really ups the convenience and functionality factor. You can change channels, look up shows, check sports scores, play music, and much more completely hands free just by asking Alexa.

How Does the Insignia 40 Inch Compare to Other Brands’ 40-43 Inch TVs?

The Insignia 40 Inch TV compares very favorably to similarly sized and priced 1080p TV models from other brands like Samsung, LG, TCL and Vizio.

As one of the least expensive 40 inch options, the Insignia obviously won’t have all the bells and whistles of pricier models. But when comparing display quality, connectivity, smart features and ease of use, the Insignia 40 inch holds its own against the competition.

Some key points of comparison:

• The Insignia display may not get quite as bright or have as wide viewing angles as some competitors, but it still provides a pleasing, accurate picture for the price.
• The Fire TV platform offers a great smart TV experience similar to Roku, LG WebOS or Android TV.
• Sound quality from the built-in speakers is fairly average but similar to other brands in this price class.
• Features like voice control, WiFi connectivity, and number of ports are on par with competitors.

Considering its very wallet-friendly price, the Insignia 40 inch definitely punches above its weight against the competition. Unless you want higher resolutions or more advanced display tech like QLED, the Insignia makes an excellent budget-friendly choice.

Is the Insignia 40 Inch Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant?

The Insignia 40 Inch Fire TV edition has full compatibility with Amazon Alexa through the included Alexa voice remote. You can use voice commands to ask Alexa questions, control TV functions, access content, check information, manage smart home devices, and more.

However, the TV does not offer direct integration with Google Assistant. But you can still use a separate Google Home speaker or display to provide some voice control capabilities:

• Ask Google to play specific shows on services like Netflix which will open the content directly on the TV.
• Request Google to play music which you can cast or Bluetooth to the TV.
• Leverage Google for general questions which Alexa on the remote can also handle.

So while not as seamless as the Alexa integration, you do get some options for using Google Assistant voice features with this TV thanks to Chromecast and Bluetooth built into the Fire TV platform. Alexa support provides the main voice assistant functionality right from the remote.

What Are the Refresh Rate, Response Time, and Viewing Angle?

Here are some key specs relating to picture performance on the Insignia 40 Inch TV:

• Refresh Rate – 60Hz native refresh rate, with support for up to 60fps content. Provides smooth motion clarity.
• Response Time – 8ms response time. Quick enough to prevent distracting blurs in high motion scenes.
• Viewing Angle – 176° (H) / 176° (V) viewing angle range. Wider than some budget TVs but color and contrast still degrade at extremes.

The 60Hz refresh rate is typical in this price range. While higher 120Hz rates provide smoother motion, 60Hz is adequate for most TV watching and gaming.

Similarly the 8ms response time delivers crisp visuals for sports, action films, and gaming without noticeable ghosting or blurring.

Finally, the extra wide 176° viewing angles allow watching from multiple positions with good color accuracy before fading or washing out occurs off-center.

Can You Mount the Insignia 40 Inch on Your Wall?

Yes, the Insignia 40 Inch TV is designed with standard VESA mounting holes on the back panel. This allows you to mount the TV securely on your wall for a streamlined, space-saving setup.

The specific VESA measurements are:

• VESA mounting hole pattern: 200mm x 200mm

So you’ll want a wall mount designed for these 200 x 200mm VESA specifications. The TV weighs just 12.7 lbs without the stand, making it easy to mount for one person.

Just be sure your selected wall mount is rated to safely hold the weight and dimensions of a 40” TV. And always use proper tools and anchors to attach the mount securely to your wall. The end result is a clean wall-mounted TV perfect for smaller rooms.

How Do You Update the Software and Firmware?

It’s a good idea to keep the system software and firmware updated on your Insignia 40 Inch Fire TV. Software updates add new features and apps, along with important bug fixes and performance improvements.

You can check for and install updates in a few quick steps:

1. From the Home screen, select “Settings” from the top menu.
2. Choose “Device” from the Settings options.
3. Select “About” to see your current software version and check for available updates.
4. If a new update is found, select “Download” to get it.
5. Once downloaded, select “Install” to install the software update. Your TV will automatically restart when done.

It’s a straightforward process to keep your apps, platform, and TV running their best through quick software updates. Be sure to peek in Settings periodically to grab any available updates.

Where Are the Best Places to Purchase this Insignia TV?

The Insignia 40 Inch TV is one of the most popular models carried at major electronics retailers like:

• Best Buy – Frequently have this 40” Insignia model in stock at local stores. Also available on their website with shipping or in-store pickup.
• Amazon – Carry the Insignia TV with fast free shipping for Prime members. Often at the lowest prices.
• Walmart – Stock this TV both local stores and online. Site-to-store pickup is free.
• Target – Brick and mortar locations will have limited quantities on hand. Online ordering with home delivery or in-store pickup available too.

Insignia is Best Buy’s in-house brand, so you’ll often find the best availability and deals there. But don’t hesitate to shop around for discounts or bundles that include wall mounts, audio gear, and more for ultimate value.

Does the Insignia 40 Inch Have Enough HDMI Ports for My Devices?

With 3 HDMI inputs, the Insignia 40” TV offers ample ports for connecting all your devices like:

• Media streamers (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV)
• Game consoles (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
• Blu-ray or DVD players
• Cable/satellite boxes

Most people’s home entertainment setups won’t require more than those 3 HDMI ports. Even if you had a game console, media streamer, and cable box, you’d have an open HDMI for one more device before needing any kind of splitter.

Of course power users with extensive A/V gear may need more inputs. In that case, adding an HDMI switch or splitter gives you expansion capabilities to match devices with the ports. But for general everyday TV watching, 3 HDMI inputs is plenty.

What Kind of Energy Efficiency and Consumption Levels Does this TV Have?

As a newer LED TV, the Insignia 40 Inch TV offers very good energy efficiency and reasonable power consumption levels.

Some key specs related to the energy performance:

• Requires 120V power input at 60Hz standard AC voltage
• Energy consumption rated at 55 watts
• Estimated yearly electricity cost of just $8 (at $.12 per kWh)
• Energy Star certified for meeting EPA efficiency guidelines

With LED backlighting, the TV only pulls about 55 watts while being used. This equates to reasonable energy costs of just $8 yearly according to Energy Star’s average usage assumptions.

The TV also meets all the requirements for Energy Star certification as an energy conscious product. So you can enjoy great picture quality without excess energy waste or costs.

What Do Users and Reviewers Say About the Insignia 40 Inch TV?

The Insignia 40 Inch Fire TV edition scores very positively among buyers thanks to its superb value. Here’s a sampling of real verified buyer reviews:

• “Amazing TV for the price! Picture quality is excellent, smart platform works great, and it has all the features we need.”
• “Easy to set up right out of the box. The Fire TV integration and Alexa voice remote make it feel just like the experience of a more expensive TV.”
• “Great smart TV with lots of streaming apps for cord cutting. Don’t need to buy any extra devices to start watching.”
• “Big, beautiful screen for our living room. Wasn’t sure about brand but it works flawlessly for Netflix, Disney+ for the kids.”

Overall most reviews cite being extremely impressed with the display quality, smart features, and streaming versatility of this budget-priced Insignia model. For a secondary TV or kids’ room, most buyers are very satisfied with its performance and quality.

Can I Connect External Speakers or a Soundbar to this Insignia TV?

Yes, you can definitely connect external audio equipment like speakers or a soundbar to enhance the audio experience from your Insignia 40 inch TV.

There are a couple options to hook up alternate sound devices:

Digital Optical Audio Out – For simple connection to a soundbar, use an optical/TOSlink cable from the TV’s digital audio output to the soundbar optical input. Provides pure digital audio signal.

HDMI ARC – For greater bandwidth, Dolby formats, and CEC control, use an ARC-capable HDMI cable between the HDMI ARC port on the TV and soundbar. Allows transmission of video and audio over one cable.

Bluetooth – The Alexa remote has Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to pair wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers for private listening or wireless connectivity.

RCA Analog – You can use the red/white RCA audio outputs with an analog audio cable connected to powered bookshelf speakers. Most flexible for basic speakers.

With these options, you can experience room-filling sound and enhanced audio to match the great picture quality of the Insignia TV. External audio gear helps overcome the limitations of small built-in TV speakers.

Conclusion

After reviewing all the key specs, features, and details, the Insignia 40 Inch 1080p TV provides an exceptional entertainment value. For bedroom TVs, kids’ rooms, secondary spaces, or anywhere you want smart connectivity on a budget, it delivers solid quality and performance.

While it lacks more advanced display tech and resolution offered on pricier TVs, it nails the basics with pleasing HD image quality, snappy Fire TV interface, and essential ports like HDMI. For shoppers not needing extensive HDR or 4K abilities, this user-friendly Insignia model makes streaming, antenna TV, and casual gaming a breeze without breaking your budget.