RCA RTR3261 32 inch TV: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The RCA RTR3261 is a 32-inch 720p LED TV that offers a budget-friendly option for a smaller TV ideal for secondary rooms or dorms. This basic 720p HDTV provides adequate picture quality and connectivity for casual viewing and streaming.

The 32-inch screen size makes the RTR3261 well-suited for placing on a desk, tabletop, or in a bedroom. The slim LED panel and lightweight design also make this TV easy to mount on a wall. While image quality and features are limited compared to 4K models, the RCA RTR3261 offers an affordable way to add an HDTV with smart capabilities.

With built-in WiFi and access to apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more, this RCA set can stream movies, shows, sports and other content. It also supports screen mirroring and wireless connectivity. The 32-inch screen displays media and gaming in 720p resolution, providing decent clarity for an entry-level model.

Overall, the RCA RTR3261 is a budget 32-inch 720p TV that serves basic entertainment needs. It lacks image quality and extras of pricier 4K TVs, but provides adequate performance for secondary room viewing. The smart platform and multiple connectivity options allow access to streaming and screen mirroring.

Design

The RCA RTR3261 TV has a sleek, modern design with minimal bezels on three sides of the screen. The top and side bezels are quite thin, while the bottom bezel is slightly thicker. This gives the 32-inch screen a more immersive feel.

The TV is relatively lightweight compared to other 32-inch models, weighing just 7.7 pounds without the stand. The plastic stand has a simple two-legged design with a small footprint that fits well on most TV tables or entertainment centers. The stand connects securely to the back of the TV and feels sturdy enough to keep the TV stable. The stand does not allow for any swivel or height adjustments though.

Overall, the RCA RTR3261 has an attractive design for a budget 32-inch TV. The thin bezels and lightweight construction make it easy to place in smaller rooms or mount to a wall. Just don't expect a lot of flexibility from the basic stand.

The Westinghouse WD32HX1201 32-inch TV has a very similar minimalist design to the RCA model. It features narrow bezels on three sides with a slightly thicker bottom bezel. The overall footprint is nearly identical between the two 32-inch sets. However, the Westinghouse TV has a dark gray finish that some may find more stylish than the standard black plastic of the RCA.

In terms of the stand, the Westinghouse WD32HX1201 has a two-legged plastic stand as well. The main difference is that the Westinghouse stand allows for some swivel and tilt adjustments, which the RCA lacks. So you get a bit more flexibility for angling the screen on the Westinghouse model. This allows you to reduce glare or make the viewing angle more comfortable depending on where you place the TV.

When looking at the rear panel inputs, the two 32-inch TVs are again quite similar. Each has a standard assortment of ports including HDMI, USB, composite video, RF, and audio outputs. The Westinghouse does add an extra HDMI port for a total of 3 versus just 2 on the RCA model. So you get a bit more future-proofing with the Westinghouse if you need to connect multiple streaming devices, game consoles, etc.

In terms of dimensions, the Westinghouse WD32HX1201 is slightly lighter at just 6.4 pounds without the stand. Wall mounting either of these small 32-inch TVs is easy enough for one person to handle. Overall, the Westinghouse offers a nearly identical minimalist design to the RCA 32-inch TV but with some small additions like the swivel stand and extra HDMI port.

For more details on how the Westinghouse WD32HX1201 compares to the RCA and other 32-inch models, check out our in-depth 32-inch TV buying guide.

Display

The RCA RTR3261 TV has a 32-inch LED display with a 720p HD resolution. The native resolution is 1366 x 768 pixels, which is standard for most 32-inch 720p TVs.

The refresh rate is 60Hz, which is typical for most LED TVs in this price range. While higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 240Hz can provide smoother motion, a 60Hz refresh rate is adequate for most non-gaming uses.

In terms of brightness, this RCA TV can reach up to 250 nits according to the specifications. This peak brightness rating is about average and sufficient for well-lit or daylight viewing conditions. The television has a semi-gloss finish that helps reduce glare and reflections.

Viewing angles are also satisfactory on this model. As with most LED TVs, there is some contrast and color shifting when viewing from sharp side angles. But the picture remains viewable within reasonable viewing angles, enabling a family to watch together from different parts of a room. Overall, the display quality is very good considering the affordable price point.

The RCA 32-inch 720p LED TV provides a solid HD viewing experience and wide viewing angles thanks to LED backlight technology. For the budget-conscious shopper, it's a great option that doesn't compromise too much on display quality. Of course, there are more premium 32-inch TVs available, such as the LG 32LM570BPUA, which offers a full 1080p resolution, richer colors, and better motion handling. But you'll pay more for those enhancements. The RCA RTR3261 hits a nice sweet spot between price and performance.

With its 720p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, the RCA LED TV is best suited for casual television watching, streaming movies, and shows. It lacks more advanced features like local dimming zones that boost contrast. But for a family room, bedroom, or secondary TV, the display quality is quite satisfying. The bezel is relatively thin, giving it a modern aesthetic. And the 32-inch screen size is a versatile option, fitting well in most rooms.

Setup is straightforward with just a few connections in the back for hooking up devices like a cable box, game console, or Blu-ray player. The LED backlight delivers a bright, vibrant picture compared to older CCFL backlit LCD TVs. All things considered, the display and viewing experience represent a solid value for this affordably priced RCA 720p television.

Connectivity

The RCA RTR3261 has decent connectivity options for a budget 32-inch TV. It has 2 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, Ethernet, composite input, RF input, and a headphone jack.

• HDMI - The 2 HDMI ports allow you to connect devices like a Blu-ray player, gaming console, streaming stick, or cable box. Having multiple HDMI ports is handy so you don't have to constantly switch cables. The HDMI ports support HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 1.4.

• USB - There is 1 USB port to connect peripherals like a flash drive to view photos/videos or play media files. The USB port also allows you to record live TV with a hard drive plugged in.

• Audio Out - For connecting headphones or external speakers, there is a standard headphone jack (3.5mm). This allows you to listen to the TV privately or get better audio quality with speakers.

Overall the connectivity options are sufficient for most needs, with 2 HDMI inputs and USB being the most essential. The addition of headphone out is also nice to have.

Smart TV Features

The RCA 32-inch Class 720P LED Roku Smart TV (RTR3261-CA) comes with a range of smart TV features powered by the Roku TV operating system. This allows you to access popular streaming apps and channels directly through the TV without the need for additional devices.

Some of the key smart TV features include:

• Built-in Apps - The Roku TV platform provides quick access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and thousands more entertainment channels. You can launch and control these apps directly through the simple Roku TV interface.

• Roku Channel Store - You can access Roku's channel store which contains thousands of streaming channels and apps to install on your TV. This gives you tons of entertainment options all accessible from one place.

• Search - You can use the voice search or text search options to easily find movies, shows, actors across various streaming channels and apps. Roku's universal search makes it simple to find exactly what you want to watch.

• Private Listening - Plug headphones into the TV's headphone jack for private listening so you don't disturb others. You can even listen through headphones connected to your smartphone with the free Roku mobile app.

• Screen Mirroring - Wirelessly cast photos, videos, and music from your compatible smartphone or tablet to the big screen. Screen mirroring allows easy sharing and viewing on the TV.

The built-in Roku platform really expands the functionality of this budget TV by letting you stream from almost any app or channel you want right from the TV interface. It's a great smart TV option.

Remote

The RCA RTR3261 comes with a basic plastic remote that gets the job done but lacks more advanced features. The remote is lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand.

• Buttons - The remote has all the usual buttons like power, volume, channel up/down, input selection, etc. The buttons are decently sized and have a nice click to them when pressed. There aren't any dedicated shortcut buttons, which would have been nice to have.

• Voice Control - There is no voice control functionality on this remote, which is disappointing but expected for the price. Voice commands would make navigating the smart TV features much easier.

• Range - The IR remote has a decent range of about 20 feet before responsiveness starts to drop off. Pointing it directly at the TV is ideal, as the signal can be interrupted if there are obstructions between the remote and TV. The range is pretty standard for an IR remote.

Overall, the remote included with the RCA RTR3261 gets the job done but is very basic. Those looking for advanced remote features like voice control, keyboard or air mouse functionality will need to purchase a universal remote separately. But for basic TV control, the bundled remote is adequate.

Audio Quality

The RCA RTR3261 has decent audio capabilities for a budget 32-inch TV. It features 2 8W bottom-firing speakers that provide adequate audio for casual TV watching. While the speakers won't blow you away, they get sufficiently loud to fill a small to mid-sized room without distortion.

For sound modes, the RTR3261 includes preset sound modes like Theater, Music, News, and Sports to optimize audio based on what you're watching. It also has a volume leveling feature that helps prevent sudden volume spikes during commercials or scene changes.

In terms of connections, the RTR3261 has an audio output if you want to connect external speakers. There is an optical digital audio out port that allows you to hook up a soundbar or AV receiver for better audio quality. The analog 3.5mm headphone jack is also handy for private listening with headphones.

Overall, the audio on the RCA RTR3261 gets the job done for everyday TV viewing. While the built-in speakers sound thin compared to higher-end models, the multiple sound modes and audio output options provide some customization and expansion possibilities. The audio is certainly satisfactory considering the wallet-friendly price point of this 32-inch TV.

Performance

When it comes to picture quality, the RCA RTR3261 delivers decent color accuracy and contrast for an affordable 720p TV. It can't match the blacks or vibrance of more premium 4K models, but provides good enough image performance for most non-critical viewing situations like watching cable TV or streaming shows.

Motion handling on the RTR3261 is about average for the price range. There is some motion blur visible during fast action scenes, but not enough to be too bothersome. Engaging the motion interpolation setting can help smooth out motion further by generating additional frames. Just don't crank it all the way up to avoid the overly smooth "soap opera effect".

Input lag is important for gaming, and the RTR3261 provides a responsive gaming experience with low input lag around 15ms. This allows actions in game to feel snappy and responsive. The input lag is low enough that most casual gamers will be satisfied, though competitive online multiplayer gamers may still want faster response times offered on higher-end gaming TVs. Overall for the price, the RCA provides solid performance for movies, TV shows, and gaming.

Pros & Cons

Well-priced - At around $200, this 32-inch 720p RCA TV offers good value considering the size and smart features included. The price makes it very budget-friendly.

Decent display quality - With a 720p resolution, integrated Roku streaming, and 60Hz refresh rate, the RTR3261 provides decent picture quality that's suitable for most everyday TV viewing needs. Colors and contrast are satisfactory.

Easy to set up - The TV is straightforward to get up and running. The initial setup walks you through connecting to WiFi and linking any streaming accounts. The remote is also simple and intuitive to use.

Integrated streaming - Built-in Roku provides easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. No need for an extra streaming device.

Disappointing sound - The 5W integrated speakers don't deliver very robust audio. Quality and volume are lacking. Connecting an external soundbar would be recommended.

Only 720p resolution - While decent, the 720p resolution is lower than the full HD 1080p offered on comparable models. This can make some content look slightly soft or pixelated.

Basic port selection - Connectivity is limited to just 3 HDMI ports and a single USB port. Those needing more robust connections may find options too minimal.

No smart home controls - The TV does not support voice controls or integration with smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Conclusion

The RCA RTR3261 is a budget-friendly 32-inch 720p LED TV that offers decent picture quality and smart capabilities for an affordable price point. It has a simple no-frills design that gets the job done. The HD display and 720p resolution provide a satisfactory viewing experience for most everyday content. The built-in WiFi allows access to apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and more.

For the low price, this RCA TV packs in good connectivity options like 3 HDMI ports, USB input, and digital audio output. The easy to use remote makes navigating menus straightforward. Audio from the built-in speakers is passable but adding a soundbar can enhance the audio experience. Overall performance is suitable for casual TV watching and basic streaming needs.

Pros include the inexpensive price, good smart features like built-in streaming apps, satisfactory audio and video quality. Drawbacks are the lack of 4K resolution, limited viewing angles on the LED display, basic remote, and just decent sound quality without added speakers.

In summary, the RCA RTR3261 32-inch 720p Smart LED TV delivers respectable quality and features considering the very affordable price point. It's a decent option for secondary rooms or budget buyers. The smart connectivity adds convenience. So for anyone looking for an entry-level small screen TV that gets the basics right, the RTR3261 represents a solid value choice.