When you connect a new device to a ‘smart’ tv, you must pay homage to the manufacturer with a ritualistic dance. Plugging and unplugging the device. Turning them on and off in the correct sequence like entering a konami code.

Every time you want to switch devices, the tv must scan for them. And god forbid you lose power, or unplug something. You are granted the delight experience of doing it all over again.

I have fond memories of the days of just plugging something in, and pressing the input button. Instant gratification. It was a simpler time.

What is some other tech that used to be better?

  • @[email protected]English
    12•6 months ago

    Spend some money get an rpi or those cheapish intel boxes with an N95 or N100 processors. Install Kodi. Use smart TV as dumb TV!

    • wuphysics87OP
      7•6 months ago

      Thanks. I’ll look into it, but tvs are one of those things I expect to ‘just work’. I swear my toaster is probably next 😮‍💨

      • @[email protected]English
        2•6 months ago

        Oh i completely understand that sentiment. I think due to enshittification i feel that its a pipedream to have things work as intended unless you do stupid research about the product. Maybe time to create a lemmy slice for unshittified products!

    • mesamuneEnglish
      5•6 months ago

      I get computer monitors as tvs now. While its a tiny bit more expensive (in some cases), you get a pi and your just as good. Everything is HDMI now anyways…

        • mesamuneEnglish
          4•6 months ago

          To be fair, if you get a TV that has a “Hotel mode”, you can un-smartify your smart tv. I have one. As long as you never plug it in via ethernet, you should be good.