Samsung Smart TV becomes next to useless over time...

[WorriedNoodle]

Just notice our 2012 model Samsung Smart TV no long allows the YouTube app from the Smart Hub to work. Apparently this has happened since mid last year but we've only just used the TV again recently. It was about the only app in the Smart Hub of any use for our family. There is a poor workaround whereby we use the SmartTV browser to access Youtube but that is not user friendly at all. 

 

Now we'll have to fork out for a external player to connect to the HDMI input for the TV to be of any use in accessing Youtube. I swear I will never buy another Smart TV again, just dumb screen and Android boxes from now on. 

[sotsira]

Last year i looked in to buying a smart tv after my old plasma died.

 

After thoroughly researching the market of LG, Samsung and Sony i decided 

the Sony Android Smart TV's were the best option, and i couldn't be happier with that 

choice.

 

With Android O/S built in and Chromecast built in, it's functionality is great for downloading

apps and casting from mobile devices. This is where Samsung and LG become a let down due 

to their lacking individual operating systems. 

 

 

[samsensam]

 

in the past tvs used to last forever.

[userabcd]

There is nothing smart about those smart TV's.

 

Each year new TV models come out and the older TV's smart firmware updates (even security) get abandoned, just like many android phones.

 

Better with just a normal TV and an external media player connected via HDMI.

[sotsira]

10 minutes ago, userabcd said:

There is nothing smart about those smart TV's.

 

Each year new TV models come out and the older TV's smart firmware updates (even security) get abandoned, just like many android phones.

 

Better with just a normal TV and an external media player connected via HDMI.

The problem i found last year with trying to buying just a normal tv these days is that the manufacturers offer very limited options unless you buy a Smart Tv.

 

Non Smart Tv's are being fazed out and the ones that are available are always at the bottom of

the range with the lowest grade picture quality and soon to become obsolete.

 

So i'm afraid to say that the future is all tv's will be Smart Tv's.

 

[lopburi3]

36 minutes ago, samsensam said:

 

in the past tvs used to last forever.

Actually our first TV was based on converted radar display (1949 model) and it may have lasted 10 years but it burnt through a lot of tubes and required a lot of servicing.  

In later years have had many more modern sets but none lasted forever and most cost a goodly amount.  Today you can buy models for very little that may last just as long as those that cost a lot more in the past.  But agree the 'smart' functions are often not updated on new sets (or they do not want to pay fees) and access to services can end or become difficult.  

[scubascuba3]

Yes avoid Smart TVs if more expensive than a non smart TV. Companies are notorious for not updating their smart capability. Just get a TV box. I recommend Minix, but Amazon Fire Tv has high ratings

[WorriedNoodle]

21 hours ago, sotsira said:

Sony Android Smart TV's were the best option

I'm not familiar with these, but my first concern is what happens when Android gets updated, I suspect the whole TV unit is made obsolete as well without an HDMI input? I will stay with external android boxes for around 2500THB and buy new ones every 2-3 years. The TV could last 10 years or more using an HDMI connection.