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]
    link
    fedilink
    65 months ago

    My smart TV does some weird AI frame interpolation. It can be hard to tell in live action content, but it absolutely butchers things like anime. I had to dig through the settings to turn it off but it sometimes decides to turn it back on.

    • @Raiderkev
      link
      55 months ago

      My mom’s TV had that. Absolutely infuriating. I want my TV to play the signal it gets, not try to “fix” it.

    • ASeriesOfPoorChoices
      link
      45 months ago

      that’s the wrong kind of Weird Al :(

      I prefer Frank’s 2000" TV.

    • prole
      link
      fedilink
      English
      2
      edit-2
      5 months ago

      I hate when manufacturers put those settings on by default. I’m already someone who, when they get a new TV, will go through every settings menu it has to tune it to how I like it before I even start watching anything, so I catch those weird settings before they affect me.

      I guess I do this with all hardware (and even software, including video games), that is, fiddle with every possible setting until it’s exactly how I want it (or as close as the thing will let me get).

      Which is why I don’t own anything Apple.