PICTURE QUALITY It did a very good job displaying fine detail. There was some slight loss of fine texture likely due to noise reduction processing. Color accuracy was very good, with images generally looking natural. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images had depth and dimension, typical of most models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. Black levels were generally good, though not as dark as better performers on the darkest scenes. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the model did a very good job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. Film mode operation for HD film-based content was only good, as was deinterlacing performance. There were visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes on movies, and jaggies were also visible when converting 1080i video content to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE This Insignia has a moderate viewing angle overall, decent, but not quite as good as the better-performing TVs we've tested. The optimal seating position for best picture quality is directly in front of this model. When we viewed the TV from the sides, image quality got worse. The picture showed a moderate loss of color, so flesh tones looked a bit washed out, along with a moderate color shift. Black levels visibly brightened, reducing contrast especially on dark scenes. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was very good. The picture showed minimal change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE Overall, very good. All native 4K content we played on this model, including movies and test videos, showed very good detail when played back via the TV's HDMI input. However, when viewed from up close, some of the fine image detail showed slight coarseness along the edges of objects in the scene. Even on our test patterns, very fine line patterns had somewhat of a "checkerboard" appearance. While UHD's extended detail was apparent, the clarity of the finest details fell short of the better UHD TVs we've tested. This TV supports video streaming of 4K programs via both Netflix, and YouTube. Image quality was similar to what we saw via HDMI, but here we also detected a touch of possible noise reduction processing, which affected the clarity of fine texture. We also checked 4K video and photo playback via a flash drive plugged into the TV's USB port. We were able to play 4K videos in the HEVC and VP9 formats, but not the MP4 file formats. Play back of high resolution photos and 4K test patterns were displayed in full 4K detail with very good fidelity. When playing 1080p movie content from a Blu-ray disc, we found the TV's HD-to-UHD up-conversion processing fell short of the best we've seen, with edges along diagonals of image content showing more jaggies than we expect. All four of the TV's HDMI inputs comply with the latest HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 specification, a requirement for compatibility with 4K movie play back devices such as a 4K Blu-ray player.
MOTION BLUR This Insignia TV has only fair motion performance, with significant blurring on our motion tests. This is typical of LCD TVs with the basic 60Hz frame rate. This model does not include a blur reduction feature. The visibility of blurring on typical program content is often subtle and may not bother most people, but keen-eyed viewers may detect some loss of texture and detail on scenes with movement.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY Though not as mirror-like as on some models, this screen surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
SOUND QUALITY This model has good sound quality; about average among the models we've tested. When watching a movie blockbuster, a concert, or TV show, it delivers decent performance but falls short of the better performers. With movies, dialog was generally clear and natural sounding, though a bit muffled, and remained well balanced with respect to background music and other sounds. Bass was lacking and was a tad boomy, and treble was nicely detailed, while the overall sound was a bit thin and a bit closed in. The speakers produced a good volume -- so this model should play sufficiently loud in typical room environments and without obvious distortion -- a plus if you'll be using this model in a large room or noisy environment. Most people would find this sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE Overall, it was fairly easy to setup and OK to do routine things. On first power up there is an on-screen guide that helps you through setting up the TV. The remote's buttons are labeled with non-standard icons, which can be confusing. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate.
STAND ASSEMBLY The TV's base does not come pre-attached, so some assembly is required. Mounting the support stand to the TV is straightforward, though the stand requires the assembly of one part before mounting.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capabilities via its "Roku TV" portal with access to a library of applications. Movie streaming services include: Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Vudu, YouTube, HBO Go.
CONNECTIONS This model has four HDMI inputs--one supports MHL (Mobile High-definition Link), and one composite input. It also has one USB port, an optical digital audio out, a headphone out, an Ethernet port. Wireless connectivity is built-in. DLNA: accesses files within your home network. Casting: control the TV from a smartphone that has the suitable app installed. Screen mirroring: the image on your smartphone or other compatible device can also appear on the TV. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX A quick start guide. A remote control with batteries. A detachable power cord. No printed manual is included.
ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), or USB port, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu, or home button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
