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?
Nah, I disagree. I mean it depends on the age, but stuff from the 1980-s and 1990-s sounds like shit compared to modern, even Chinese, stuff.
But what’s really important is that artists and sound engineers were always working for the current media at the time. Old music sounds better on vinyl because it was recorded and mastered for vinyl. If you print modern music mastered for streaming, it will sound horrible on vinyl.