No doubt, Smart TVs have made our movie nights better than ever.
Gone are the days of hunting for remote controls, fiddling with antennas, or juggling multiple devices just to enjoy our favorite movies or TV shows.
We have now upgraded our home theater with sleek panels TV and can watch thousands of movies and videos online without connecting any additional boxes.
Of course, all of this was made possible only due to the integration of internet connectivity and a dedicated operating system.
But, after the gradual development of streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku TV, or Amazon Fire Stick from 2007 to today, 2023, and the advancement of the advertising industry, Smart TV OS has lagged behind, and in most cases, TV interference messed with shitty ads.
If I have to say directly, then the TV manufacturer made the system DOGSHIT.
System Slows Down Over Time. That’s the main Problem…
When buying a TV, my approach is simple: go for the best panel available.
In my home theater, I use a Bose Smart Soundbar 600 and Apple TV, so the TV’s software is the least of my concerns. Honestly, if I could get a TV that only switches inputs, I’d be thrilled! (Seriously, LOL.)
Take LG’s webOS, for instance—it loads tons of internet content, mostly ads, which slows everything down. Some even clutter the home screen with big ads, shrinking app icons and ruining the overall experience.
Here’s a tip: try resetting your TV and leaving it disconnected from the internet.
You’ll notice a significant improvement in performance. Tasks like changing input sources, which used to take a few seconds, now happen almost instantly.
It’s not just LG—most TV brands do this to maintain revenue streams. But honestly, I don’t feel the need to play along.
They Stop Providing Updates After a While
This is a major concern.
TV manufacturers typically provide regular system updates for the first few years, but then they eventually stop.
At first glance, this seems reasonable—older TV models often lack the hardware capabilities to support the latest software. However, this leads to two big problems:
- Compatibility issues with newer apps.
- Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks.
I discussed this with our staff writer, Abdur Rahman, and he shared some great advice:
“I always recommend using a streaming device with any TV, whether it’s a Roku, Firestick, or my personal favorite, Apple TV. These devices ensure your TV stays functional even if it stops receiving updates. For example, my 4-year-old Apple TV still gets all the latest software updates and features, making it a reliable solution.”
Don’t get me wrong.
There are many positive aspects, of course, and TV manufacturers are working hard to improve their systems every day.
But the truth is, with the growing demand, they’re struggling to keep up.
So, What’s the Solution?
The answer is simple: use a streaming device instead of relying on your Smart TV’s built-in software.
Devices like Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick plug directly into your TV, offering access to a vast library of shows and movies. They’re designed to perform better, work faster, and provide a smoother experience overall.
It’s like giving your TV a new brain.
You still get to enjoy the great picture, but you get rid of the slow, annoying software and replace it with something made just for watching shows and movies.
Here’s why a streaming device is the way to go:
- Super Fast: Streaming devices are built to stream videos and shows without any hiccups. You won’t have to wait around for things to load or deal with annoying pauses.
- Always Up-to-Date: Unlike Smart TVs that stop getting updates, streaming devices get new software all the time. This means you’ll always have the newest features and apps.
- Fewer Annoying Ads: Many streaming services let you watch without ads, or at least have way fewer ads than Smart TVs. You can also pick the streaming service that works best for you.
- Easy to Use: Streaming devices are made to be simple. You can easily find your favorite shows and get suggestions for new things to watch.
The best part?
A streaming device ensures your TV stays relevant even as it ages. While your TV’s built-in software may become obsolete, the streaming device will keep running smoothly, delivering a top-notch experience.
So why stick with clunky, outdated Smart TV software when a better, faster, and simpler option is just a plug away?
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.