The lowest excited electronic states of triplet character and related vibronic properties are discussed in detail on the basis of highly frequency-resolved and time-resolved emission and excitation spectra of per-protonated, per-deuterated, and partially deuterated [Pt(bpy)2] 2+, [Rh(bpy)3] 3+, [Ru(bpy)3] 2+, and [Os(bpy)3] ~+. Emphasis is placed on the use of the enormous amount of information displayed in well-resolved vibrational satellite structures. For comparison, IR data and Raman spectra are also used. In addition, data are given for [Ru(bpz)Pt(3-thpy) 2, Pt(2-thpy)(CO)(Cl), Pt(2-thpy) 2, Pt(qol)2, Pt(qtl)2. Trends and effects are also addressed, which are related to the amount of metal d-orbital mixing. In particular, we discuss the role of traps and sites in the context of high-resolution, site-selective, and line-narrowed spectra of chromophores doped into matrices; the interplay between states of ligand-centered 3rtrr* and ~MLCT character; localization versus delocalization behavior; radiative decay properties; zero-field splittings; spin-lattice relaxations via direct and Orbach mechanisms; Arrhenius behavior after time delay; Franck-Condon activities and Huang-Rhys factors; Franck-Condon versus Herzberg Teller activities and tunability of these activities under high magnetic fields; isotope marking and deuteration effects; aggregate formation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+; and radiationless energy transfer in neat [Ru(bpy)3](PF6) 2. These effects are in part treated in detail, but the aim is to use easy-to-follow descriptions. In particular, it is emphasized throughout this review that chemical tunability opens fascinating possibilities for controlled variation of physical properties.