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I plug my "smart" TV into ethernet now and then to get firmware updates, then unplug it the rest of the time.
by nickhalfasleep 9y ago
I plug my "smart" TV into ethernet now and then to get firmware updates, then unplug it the rest of the time.
- Filligree 9y agoAre the updates needed? Was anything broken?
- baq 9y agoIf you ever read some av forums, you'll find that modern TVs are about as reliable as modern computers, i.e. it's amazing they even turn on when requested. Features are DOA for new lines and need multiple updates to be useful, sometimes they're completely disabled and only get enabled after a year, e.g. Dolby Vision on 2017s Sonys.
- roywiggins 9y agoMy parents' TV has an incredible anti-feature where, if the video gets dark enough, the whole screen dims temporarily. There's no firmware update for it so they've just lived with it for years.
- wvenable 9y agoWhy do you need firmware updates for a TV not connected?
- Sylos 9y agoYeah, sometimes those might actually make things go smoother, but generally it's security updates, which you almost certainly won't need without internet connection.
- nickhalfasleep 9y agoIn my case, it fixed a random black screen Vizio e48u-d0 with an intel NUC pushing 4k 29hz.
- ManlyBread 9y ago2008: plug the TV into the power outlet and you're done 2018: your TV needs internet access because updates What the hell happened? This is ridiculous.
- NoNotTheDuo 9y ago2008: Manufacturer finds a defect in the firmware code that causes excessive processor usage, thus causing the internal electronics to fail earlier than anticipated. No fix available. 2018: defect in firmware found. New version deployed to internet connected devices and lifespan extended. Both of those are made up scenarios, but I would argue that there are legitimate reasons for devices to be connected to the internet. Along with a bunch of terrible reasons, of course.
- bambax 9y ago> lifespan extended Right. Sure. The manufacturer will spend time and money to extend the life of devices already purchased. I would prefer not take the chance, and see what happens. If the TV dies early, so be it.
- dest 9y ago2028: defect found, but purposely not fully fixed so that people buy a new TV
- ManlyBread 9y ago>2008: Manufacturer finds a defect in the firmware code that causes excessive processor usage, thus causing the internal electronics to fail earlier than anticipated. No fix available. There is a fix available - return it to the store.
- RaleyField 9y agoWhy do you think most Android phones stop receiving months after release and flag carrying ones one or two years after release? And what firmware in a HDMI decoder is supposed to be fallible? And why can't updates be supplied via USB stick.
- 9y ago