4 ms·

This is precisely why my "smart TV" isn't allowed on my network. Millions of dollars of work to theoretically save the user on a $10 HDMI cable (but, more hone

This is precisely why my "smart TV" isn't allowed on my network. Millions of dollars of work to theoretically save the user on a $10 HDMI cable (but, more honestly, just to make consumers buy new TVs every couple of years regardless of whether they need one or not, simply because the "smart" unit is out-of-date). Sometimes this industry needs a boot to the head.

rietta 7y ago
Despite all the trying I have, I cannot get my mom or grandmother to ever understand switching HDMI sources. The SmartTV has most functions built in with a single remote control. This is crazy significant to the appeal.
- awalton 7y ago
  My cable box has a remote that's able to turn off and on my TV and switch the TV's sources. I haven't taken the TV's remote out of its original packaging. It's 2019 - this is a solution in search of a problem.
  - hombre_fatal 7y ago
    Seems by your posts you're assuming everyone already has a cable box + service since you think the TV saves you a mere HDMI cable. Meanwhile I'm not sure I've even had roommates or been to someone's house my age (25-40) in the last 5 years that had cable service. It's always the same: everyone just navigates to the TV's built-in Netflix/HBO/Amazon/etc. app and puts something on. If you think everyone in the world has a cable box, then I understand why you don't understand smart TVs. But your premise is mistaken.
  - scarface74 7y ago
    Then you have to program the remote and make sure you are in the right mode. Have you compared the typical cable remote with the Roku remote for smart TVs with Roku built in? Not to mention remote listening where you listen to audio on your phone from your TV. But part of the purpose of having a smart TV is that you don’t need cable.
- wmf 7y ago
  BTW on Roku TVs the inputs appear as tiles next to the apps; it's easier to understand.
bootlooped 7y ago
Roku is built into my smart TV, so going non-smart would cost more money than just an HDMI cable. Some TVs have Steam Link built in, so that is another potential cost savings to the consumer. I already have so much stuff plugged in near my TV, I'm not yearning for more at this moment.
hombre_fatal 7y ago
It doesn't just save you a cable. It saves you from buying an external apparatus entirely. This is understandably attractive to people. I don't buy the bit about needing to upgrade the TV on some schedule since there's always the option to buy an external apparatus (like a cable box) which are almost always faster with better UI than the TV anyways.
stronglikedan 7y ago
I've had my dumb DLP for nearly a dozen years now. I just replace a <$100 bulb once a year and it's new again. Granted, it's only 1080p, but that's all I need.
megaremote 7y ago
> Millions of dollars of work to theoretically save the user on a $10 HDMI cable Not sure what you are talking about. Smart TV do mean not having to have a separate device to do streaming such as Netflix.
pndy 7y ago
First it was HD, then it was Full HD, the next big thing was 3D television that backfired and then, they figured out that device has to be "smart" to successfully produce money; thus, I don't think that smart tvs will disappear anytime soon.

rietta 7y ago

Despite all the trying I have, I cannot get my mom or grandmother to ever understand switching HDMI sources. The SmartTV has most functions built in with a single remote control. This is crazy significant to the appeal.

awalton 7y ago
My cable box has a remote that's able to turn off and on my TV and switch the TV's sources. I haven't taken the TV's remote out of its original packaging. It's 2019 - this is a solution in search of a problem.
- hombre_fatal 7y ago
  Seems by your posts you're assuming everyone already has a cable box + service since you think the TV saves you a mere HDMI cable. Meanwhile I'm not sure I've even had roommates or been to someone's house my age (25-40) in the last 5 years that had cable service. It's always the same: everyone just navigates to the TV's built-in Netflix/HBO/Amazon/etc. app and puts something on. If you think everyone in the world has a cable box, then I understand why you don't understand smart TVs. But your premise is mistaken.
- scarface74 7y ago
  Then you have to program the remote and make sure you are in the right mode. Have you compared the typical cable remote with the Roku remote for smart TVs with Roku built in? Not to mention remote listening where you listen to audio on your phone from your TV. But part of the purpose of having a smart TV is that you don’t need cable.
wmf 7y ago
BTW on Roku TVs the inputs appear as tiles next to the apps; it's easier to understand.

bootlooped 7y ago

Roku is built into my smart TV, so going non-smart would cost more money than just an HDMI cable. Some TVs have Steam Link built in, so that is another potential cost savings to the consumer. I already have so much stuff plugged in near my TV, I'm not yearning for more at this moment.

hombre_fatal 7y ago

It doesn't just save you a cable. It saves you from buying an external apparatus entirely. This is understandably attractive to people. I don't buy the bit about needing to upgrade the TV on some schedule since there's always the option to buy an external apparatus (like a cable box) which are almost always faster with better UI than the TV anyways.

stronglikedan 7y ago

I've had my dumb DLP for nearly a dozen years now. I just replace a <$100 bulb once a year and it's new again. Granted, it's only 1080p, but that's all I need.

megaremote 7y ago

> Millions of dollars of work to theoretically save the user on a $10 HDMI cable Not sure what you are talking about. Smart TV do mean not having to have a separate device to do streaming such as Netflix.

pndy 7y ago

First it was HD, then it was Full HD, the next big thing was 3D television that backfired and then, they figured out that device has to be "smart" to successfully produce money; thus, I don't think that smart tvs will disappear anytime soon.