Why Buying A Smart TV May Not Be So Smart

I have a not so smart, smart tv. The picture is great. The screen is big. It is from one of those name brand companies that make things that blow up. But the problem is, the apps. In fact even the internet is a problem.

When I first got it in no time it was locking up and you had to repeatedly turn it off and restart it. A call to tech support found an app failed to update and it was the problem. Then the internet settings were no longer compatible. I had to change them. Then some of the apps quit and I was told that was normal. That they just are no longer supported on your television. What about upgrades, updates and firmware revisions? Not applicable for my apps. I was "orphaned."

After another 45 minutes today trying to get the thing online so I could watch tv during breakfast, which was pretty cold after that, I decided to make a move...

I will be getting a streaming box for my smart television and bypassing the "smart" functions. It turns out you can save some money doing that. You can buy a nice old dumb television with a really nice picture and then for $29 to $129 buy a streaming box, even with gaming to hook up and be the smart box for your dumb, but with pretty picture television.

Amazon has one that comes with a gaming controller and good reviews and roku has several solutions for the cord cutters leaving cable tv. I still have an old roku on one of my televisions. We went for the Friday prime special and got it for $79 with the shipping and other perks. I think I will get the Amazon streaming box with gaming, my grandson is a master crafter at mindcraft.

And if that streaming box locks up....well if you are interested, the box will be in my garbage can.

best and be blest,

Scott Hogue CChH