From the leading anime streaming service to one of the most popular mainstream television brands, Crunchyroll and Vizio make a perfect viewing pair. With some simple setup, you can enjoy endless on-demand anime in gorgeous high-definition quality using your existing devices.
This comprehensive 2700+ word guide will cover everything you need to know about accessing Crunchyroll across various Vizio television models. You‘ll learn all about Crunchyroll‘s massive anime library, the best streaming configurations, troubleshooting advice, and tips for getting the most out of your subscription. Time to take anime viewing on Vizio to the next level!
A Brief History of Crunchyroll‘s Rise to Anime Dominance
Crunchyroll began in 2006 as a site for sharing East Asian media content of questionable legality. But after receiving $4.05 million in venture capital funding in 2008, they pivoted to become a licensed premium anime streaming service [1].
Fast forward 15+ years and Crunchyroll now touts over 5 million paying subscribers who stream more than 120 billion minutes per year across devices [2]. They are the definitive global leader in anime streaming.
To highlight Crunchyroll‘s immense growth:
- 70+ million registered users [3]
- 1,500+ anime series comprising over 45,000 total episodes [4]
- Available in over 200 countries and territories
- Average of 35+ new anime series added each calendar quarter [5]
- 120,000+ minutes streamed every hour [6]
The worldwide anime market itself also continues expanding rapidly. Per analytics firm Data.ai:
- Global anime video market topped $24 billion in 2021, up 23% year-over-year [7]
- Anime streaming grew even faster at 29% to $6.1 billion revenue
- Crunchyroll and competitor Funimation account for roughly 80% market share
So between voracious fan demand and surging production output, Crunchyroll finds itself in an enviable market position. Next let‘s examine how to access this towering anime library on Vizio smart TV hardware.
Why Crunchyroll Hasn‘t Launched a Vizio Smart TV App
Avid anime viewers may find themselves wondering why Crunchyroll hasn‘t yet developed a proprietary smart TV app for Vizio platforms. After all, the streaming service offers dedicated apps across mobile, desktop, gaming consoles, and various streaming devices.
The main reason comes down to software environment fragmentation within television operating systems. Major manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Sony have long established smart TV ecosystems. By comparison, Vizio‘s SmartCast platform only launched widely in 2016 and continues evolving [8].
Creating apps for myriad TV systems requires extensive development resources. So Crunchyroll likely deprioritized Vizio‘s smaller install base in favor of larger viewer segments on Roku, Android TV etc. Even today, niche anime services relegating Vizio support to screen casting rather than native apps.
Thankfully, Chromecast functionality integrated directly into Vizio televisions keeps streaming straightforward sans dedicated software. Next we‘ll explore accessories and methods for viewing Crunchyroll using this capacity along with tips for optimal performance.
Streaming Crunchyroll from Android Smartphones and Tablets
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to put Crunchyroll on your Vizio is by screen mirroring Android mobile devices you may already own. Smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 or higher with access to the Google Play Store can install the app in seconds.
Compared to iPhone options, streaming from Android does not always enable the highest video quality. But convenience factors make it a great starting point. Here is an step-by-step walkthrough:
Pre-Steps
- Enable Chromecast on Vizio Television – Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced Settings > Cast. Ensure options for "Cast Device Auto Connect" and "Send Device Volume Control" are toggled ON. Reboot the TV afterward.
- Configure WiFi – Ensure your Vizio television and Android mobile device are connected to the same wireless network. For best performance use 5Ghz band and in close proximity to router.
Streaming Process
- Install Crunchyroll App – Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet, search for "Crunchyroll", tap Install. Launch the app afterward and login or create account.
- Connect to Vizio – Inside the Crunchyroll app, tap the Cast icon (looks like wireless signal bars). Select your Vizio TV from the target device list. Accept any connection permissions prompts on mobile or TV.
- Select and Play Anime – Browse categories and shows using the Crunchyroll mobile interface. Select a series, choose episode, then tap the Play icon. Video will begin streaming directly through your Vizio television!
Bonus Tip: Once connected, you can exit or minimize Crunchyroll app on the mobile device while video continues playing on the television uninterrupted.
Recommended Android Products
- Tablets – Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, Amazon Fire HD 10
- Phones – Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Motorola, Budget: Xiaomi Poco
Focus on mid-high tier models featuring smooth software performance and reliable WiFi connectivity for best casting results.
Enjoy Crunchyroll via iPhone, iPad and Apple TV
Own an Apple ecosystem device? You can likewise easily mirror Crunchyroll onto Vizio televisions with just a few quick taps.
Compared to Android, Apple products send higher resolution video providing a superior viewing experience. For anime fans desiring maximum quality up to 4K, iOS devices excel.
Streaming Process
- Get Crunchyroll iOS App – On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch visit the Apple App Store. Search for "Crunchyroll" app > Tap Get > Wait for install. Sign-in or register new account.
- Enable Screen Mirroring – Under your Vizio TV‘s Input menu ensure "Cast and Screen Mirroring" settings are enabled. Reboot the television afterward.
- Connect to Vizio – Inside Crunchyroll iOS app tap the Cast icon and select your television listed as an available device, accept prompts.
- Select and Play Anime – Video will display fullscreen on Vizio via iOS interface controls. Browse shows and enjoy ad-free streaming!
Apple TV set-top boxes also include a dedicated Crunchyroll app allowing big screen viewing and offline downloads without needing an external device.
Recommended Apple Products
iPhone – iPhone 12 and newer (Pro/Pro Max models provide OLED display quality. Mini options offer portability).
iPad – 10.2" iPad and iPad Air provide balance of screen size versus affordability. Latest iPad Pro 12.9" excels for home anime viewing.
Apple TV – Revamped Apple TV 4K with Siri remote makes an ideal Crunchyroll streaming box.
Focus on recent models featuring strong wireless connectivity and ideally 120Hz high refresh rate displays for smooth motion animation.
Crunchyroll Streaming Stick and Box Options
Beyond mobile devices, Crunchyroll apps come pre-loaded many popular standalone streaming devices attaching directly to televisions. Options like:
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast with Google TV
Benefits over casting phones/tablets include dedicated remotes, higher average video quality, multichannel audio, and offline downloads. Most models listed here cost $50 or less making them highly affordable upgrades for anime fans.
Both Chromecast and Roku product ecosystems have robust integration with Vizio televisions via software and universal search features. So start by checking builtin channel stores on your existing television before buying anything new!
Comparing Crunchyroll‘s Paid Subscription Plans
Thus far we‘ve focused primarily on the free, ad-supported version of Crunchyroll. However, upgrading to a premium subscription unlocks plenty of extra perks resulting in a vastly improved viewing experience.
First and foremost, paid Crunchyroll eliminates ads allowing for completely uninterrupted anime watching. Additional benefits relative to free include:
- HD/1080p resolutions + select 4K series
- Multi-language subtitles and audio
- New episodes only one hour after Japan
- Offline viewing on mobile
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Crunchyroll offers three main paid membership tiers:
Fan – $7.99 per month
- Ad-free HD streaming
- Latest simulcast access
- 4 concurrent streams
Mega Fan – $9.99 per month
- Everything in Fan tier
- Offline viewing
- Exclusive content
- Discounts on merchandise
- Annual gift memberships
Ultimate Fan – $14.99 per month
- Everything in Mega Fan tier
- Free digital manga
- Convention perks + swag
- Special member Q&As
The premium Fan level works great for most anime viewers interested primary in ad-free series watching rather than extras. But feel free to compare all the features and pricing tiers as you evaluate!
Technical Recommendations for Optimal Crunchyroll Streaming
To achieve smooth stutter-free Crunchyroll playback without frustrating buffering or errors, your home technology setup does matter. Follow these tips:
Television Display
- Resolution: Minimum 720p, ideally 1080p or 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz provides smoothest animation
- HDR: Boosts color and contrast (Dolby Vision excellent)
- Peak Brightness: 300+ nits rated (700+ much better)
- Response Time: sub-10ms input lag
Home Networking
- Minimum 25Mbps broadband speed
- 5Ghz WiFi frequency less interference
- Newer WiFi 6E router technology preferred
- Position router centrally to devices
- Streaming device wired ethernet connection
Mobile Device Considerations
- iOS generally outperforms Android video quality
- Charging device prevents battery drain casting
- Close proximity to wireless router
- Avoid using when cellular mobile data connected
Also be attentive to executing basic connectivity troubleshooting steps if experiencing playback problems:
- Force close and re-launch Crunchyroll app
- Restart streaming device and Vizio television
- Ensure software is up-to-date (app, TV firmware, etc)
- Reboot primary wireless router and modem
- Toggle Airplane mode on/off to refresh connections
Issues are often transient and intermittent. So have patience and try streaming content again after resetting all equipment. But for persistent difficulties, don‘t hesitate to contact Crunchyroll customer support via their website for human troubleshooting assistance.
Crunchyroll Streaming Quality Benchmarks
Diehard anime enthusiasts curious whether Crunchyroll streaming can match crisp Blu-Ray physical media standards should find the following statistics reassuring:
According to independent testing, Crunchyroll 1080p video bitrate quality averages 6.5 Mbps [9]. This lands reasonably close to Blu-Ray‘s maximum of 10 Mbps peak. While pixels per inch and exact encoding parameters vary, the difference while noticeable side-by-side proves minor for most viewers.
Crunchyroll‘s 4K HDR limited series catalog also continues improving, nearing Blu-ray-equivalent masters. Overall streaming infrastructure and technology advancements help close the gap each year.
So while tangible quality differences remain between the two, Crunchyroll still brings absolutely gorgeous anime to fans globally. And offsets physical media hassles of changing discs, scratched surfaces, expensive individual releases etc. Both formats have merits depending on series loyalty, cost factors, how discernible video nitpicking proves for you personally.
Crunchyroll Viewing Q&A
Let‘s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q: Why doesn‘t Crunchyroll stream anime the same day as Japan?
A: Crunchyroll abides by distribution agreements making new simulcast episodes available to paying Premium subscribers within 1-6 hours after Japanese broadcast. This brief exclusivity window provides critical revenue given production committees rely heavily on international streaming licensing. After several months they then publish via ad-supported Free tier.
Q: Can I download anime for offline viewing?
A: Paid Crunchyroll subscribers can download select series to Android and iOS mobile apps for offline playback. Useful for flights or areas lacking sufficient internet connectivity. Some platforms like Roku also now enable downloading via Extras features. Offline options continue improving gradually.
Q: Which Crunchyroll platform streams highest video quality?
A: Apple TV 4K currently delivers best-in-class performance including Dolby Vision HDR. Followed closely by Xbox Series X game consoles wired via ethernet, allowing 4K plus Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Roku Ultra, Chromecast Google TV round out top options. Vizio native app likely very competitive whenever launched.
Q: Does the Crunchyroll library include anime dubs?
A: Yes! In addition to original Japanese audio subtitled, Crunchyroll now streams English dubbed versions for hundreds of popular series such as Naruto, My Hero Academia, Food Wars, etc. Plus dubs in Spanish, Portuguese for select titles. Enable alternate audio tracks as available per episode.
Q: Can I use gift card credit if Crunchyroll charges via app stores?
A: Unfortunately directly issued Crunchyroll gift card and promotional codes only apply towards web/mobile subscription billing, not in-app purchases and auto-renewals conducted through iTunes, Play Store, Roku Channel store etc. Manage subscriptions inside the respective apps to apply external credit.
Keep Enjoying Anime on Vizio!
This concludes our epic Crunchyroll on Vizio streaming guide! We covered deep technical basics, troubleshooting suggestions, subscription comparisons, quality benchmarks, and even purchasing recommendations.
Whether long-time anime otaku or casual viewer, accessing a world of subs and dubs proves astoundingly easy thanks to built-in casting protocols. Always feel free to contact Crunchyroll support with lingering questions.
So go forth finding captivating new anime series, queue up your watchlist, tap play on your mobile devices, and keep enjoying thousands of shows on Vizio smart TVs for years to come!
Sources
- https://techcrunch.com/2008/01/31/crunchyroll-raises-45-million-for-legal-anime-streaming/
- https://www.crunchyroll.com/press
- https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2022-02-09/crunchyroll-passes-70-million-registered-users/.182707
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crunchyroll
- https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/10/29/crunchyroll-reveals-q3-2022-content-slate
- https://www.crunchyroll.com/press#:~:text=Currently%2C%20more%20than%20120%2C000%20minutes,across%20more%20than%20200%20countries.
- https://www.parrotanalytics.com/insights/the-global-anime-streaming-market-is-booming-but-Rivalries-intensify-as-netflix-makes-a-big-play-for-the-top-spot/
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/vizio-smartcast-tv-2016-hands-on/
- https://www.cordcutters.com/crunchyroll-review
