Ugggghhh. The lag on smart tv apps makes me feel like I'm using Windows 95.
Posted by ResumeFluffer@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 104 comments
I select the app, I hear the sound, I try to scroll, it makes more sounds but the cursor doesn't move. Then the cursor moves to the wrong place. So I have to back out, sound, lag, fuck I went too many screens back, try to select option, sound, lag, wrong menu option, sound, button, lag. ...
At least in the 90s, I could issue a list of processes and just wait, and when I looked again (10 minutes later), it would be caught up. What's making you feel old these days?
Staggerlee024@reddit
TCL Roku TV works great. No issues whatsoever.
PilotC150@reddit
Smart TVs are garbage. You need an external streaming box, either Roku Ultra or Apple TV. (I’ve never had a single good experience with a Fire TV.)
I really wish they’d stop making smart TVs because it’s just a waste of money.
lawyers_guns_nomoney@reddit
It’s not a waste of money for the tv companies. They get to track everything you do and sell your data to advertisers.
Don’t connect your tv to the internet and get an Apple TV.
pogulup@reddit
Don't get a Roku, they sell your data worse than the others
NopeSorryNo@reddit
Rokus are easily the fastest I've found. I only buy Rokus and recommend them to everyone.
estephens13@reddit
Apply TVs are significantly faster than any Roku, plus they will never remove access to an app because of a dispute with a media company.
NopeSorryNo@reddit
I'm in a dispute with Apple though so...
blissadmin@reddit
Pihole can block a ton of that data harvesting. Worth it for the superior UX compared to the laggy crappy experience on my Samsung TV.
PoulsenTreatment@reddit
I got a Google tv 2020. It was great until a year ago. Than they pushed all these ads and featured content. I am looking towards Apple TV now for a more customer friendly experience. Also I want a better box for game streaming from the PC.
jesusmansuperpowers@reddit
Ya agreed. I have a nvidia sheild, works like a dream.
bluemitersaw@reddit
I got one about 3 months ago. I'm pretty happy with it. Although 90% of the time I'm only using Kodi.
dex206@reddit
Nvidia shield for the win
Great68@reddit
I'll never give up my media center PC. Easy to run adblocks ;)
fighthouse@reddit
What controller do you use for it? I loved the Lenovo N5902, but they discontinued it a while ago and i haven't found anything like it since.
Ws6fiend@reddit
Rii makes some cool mini keyboard/touchpad combos, but honestly the touchpad is the worst part of that. Best bet is just get a logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo and hide them when not in use. Like a minivan, it's not sexy, but it's reliable and practical along with being cheaper than the other options.
Great68@reddit
Yep this is what I do.
otterbox313@reddit
I've had a 55" TCL roku TV that has been extremely great... But other than that I completely agree with you.
sixfourtykilo@reddit
All of my Roku TVs are great. Except the one super budget TV that's absolute garbage. Apps constantly reinstall. Most of them crash. It's just slow overall and the picture quality with dark scenes is awful.
We have a Google TV and it's hot garage. It's also a TCL and the picture is amazing, but the interface constantly pisses me off. I don't understand why the OS insists on allowing apps to run in the background without a way to force close on exit. I have to go into the app settings and force close them, especially Tablo.
TrustInRoy@reddit
I know someone with a Fire TV (the TV, not the external device.) It's great. You hit the microphone button on your remote and say whatever you're looking for, and it searches all your streaming apps at once. Then it lists your options in front of you.
No more searching through HBO, Prime, Netflix, Peacock, Sling, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount, etc... one by one.
RB___OG@reddit
I just use an old laptop with a wireless mouse and keyboard
Firefox, ad blockers, vpn and the 7 seas and the One Piece are yours for the taking
TrollingForFunsies@reddit
FireTV is shit but cheap. They die and need replaced after a year or two. I think we're on #4. Luckily they were only like $25 each.
LoetherS@reddit
Not all fure tvs are the same. I have a bunch of the big cube ones and they work great. But I agree stay clear of the dongle/sticks.
Appropriate-Food1757@reddit
Roku ones are good, and have an Xfinity app so I only need 1 cable box. Weirdly cheap as well, I have 8 of them lol
ResumeFluffer@reddit (OP)
I used to keep up with tv tech, then smart tvs happened and made the tech pointless. Biggest and cheapest screen you can get with garbage speakers because you're gonna need externals nmw...
I like my various roku boxes. But the particular tv in watching is older and slower. The amazon prime app trips me up. Everything else is alright for the most part. Lol
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
So you buy cheap shit then complain when it works like cheap shit, got it.
ApolloWasMurdered@reddit
All Smart TV interfaces are shit. They’re not built for the user - they’re built to force feed you advertising and track what you do.
LG had a good one for years, but they’ve killed it with garbage updates.
Apple TV or Roku is the only way to avoid the manufacturers BS.
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
Sony has a pretty decent one that you can put in app only mode and turn off all the ads, but this dude said it himself he wants the biggest cheapest screen, that’s for sure not Sony.
I stand by what I said
ResumeFluffer@reddit (OP)
That's not what i said either. It's not even my fucking tv.
New_Stats@reddit
I have a big screen smart TV. Haven't watched it in over a year. Currently watching something on my laptop
I'm done with buying the latest and greatest technology because the latest hasn't been all that great in years
Aggravating-Alarm-16@reddit
Honestly I feel like there hasn't been any real breakthroughs in a while.
The folding screen on smart phones is the only thing I can think of
trailrun1980@reddit
Once a fire cube came out I've had good success, that's what we use in our smart TV, the old sticks seemed limited as well
But I hate all of them 😂
Polymox@reddit
It's not a waste of money. It is a way to sell ads that you must watch on the TV you purchased. It is an ongoing revenue stream for them after the sale. If yours doesn't have ads yet, it will.
PilotC150@reddit
How does it serve ads if it’s not connected to the internet?
Hint: It doesn’t.
AustinGearHead@reddit
todays tvs running as mini computers was a bad decision. I hate how slow my expensive ass bravia has become. 90% of it is all the advertising google is trying to shove through it
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
Try App only mode
AustinGearHead@reddit
is this a google tv thing?
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
It’s a Sony thing, not sure about Google TV
_R_A_@reddit
I just have a mini PC looked up to my TV. Works a lot better than the TV itself.
Thelmara@reddit
PC -> HDMI -> TV
No apps, no TV menus, just open my browser and watch what I want.
jcstrat@reddit
I refuse to allow my TV access to the internet. I’ll use the Apple TV.
Jonestown_Juice@reddit
I don't use any of the crap that comes with the TV and I ensure it doesn't connect to the internet. I use a laptop connected to the TV- that way I can use certain ad-blocking extensions with Tubi and avoid the lag.
port25@reddit
Do a factory reset on the tv, only add the apps you actively use. Remove all the others.
thecicilala@reddit
1000% I hate how long it takes to move apps and half the time it selects the wrong one!
giraffemoo@reddit
typing in the name of the show/movie I want to watch using the directional buttons of a remote control is pure torture for me!
Any-Scarcity-5020@reddit
I use an Apple TV. No problem for me. Would also recommend NVIDIA Shield if you don’t like Apple products.
bosco9@reddit
I find disabling wifi on the "smart" tv and getting an streaming box (my suggestion would be the Nvidia Shield) for my tv watching needs works best
Ok-Wasabi2873@reddit
Get an AppleTV 4K, that’s the solution. Nothing fancy, it ain’t cheap. Install VLC and steam your collection from local storage.
ResumeFluffer@reddit (OP)
Not really into Macs. A streaming box with a better processor would fix the issue. It just makes me laugh that I'm prompting and waiting again 30 years later.
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
I’ve gotten to the point where when someone says “I’m not into Macs” I hear “I know nothing about anything and I’m too stubborn to do anything about it”.
otterbox313@reddit
Meanwhile the neo is arguably the best laptop for the money, apple TV is arguably the best set top box... And slightly unrelated: windows 11 is hot garbage.
otterbox313@reddit
A streaming box with a better processor... Bruh, that's the apple TV. And I can't believe I'm about to say this, but your apple bigotry is just holding you back from a duh level solution to the exact problem you're describing...
Scope out 2-3 "streaming boxes with a better processor" and other than crapola with spyware from China... you're unlikely to find something else comparable in the price range. Then there's build quality and the interface, which other than being intuitive isn't anything like a mac.
greenmky@reddit
I don't like Apple stuff either but the Apple TV is pretty good (although the remote is not liked here much).
Picked it up as it was one of the few streaming devices that supported ASS subtitles from my Plex server (fancy subtitles that can pop up anywhere on screen)
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
I’ve used both, you should really rethink your stance, unless you love google ads and app garbage
greenmky@reddit
Um
Google ads where? I dunno what you mean.
All the OLED apps are fine, what few I use anyway.
Paramount+ kinda sucks but it sucks on ATV too
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
This is scary to me, some of you people can't even see the ads as ads any more.
greenmky@reddit
What ads? Inside YouTube? Or inside Netflix? Wtf
aqiwpdhe@reddit
That’s a pretty ignorant statement. Prepare to wait another 30 years I guess
PilotC150@reddit
You don’t need to be “into Macs” to have an Apple TV. It’s the best streaming box out there.
aqiwpdhe@reddit
It’s insane that they start at only $129 considering how sleek, user-friendly, and powerful they are.
Fawners@reddit
Looking at these comments and ....do you all work for Apple?? Is this like a hidden advert for these things?
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
Most Best Buys have one set up that you can try. We’re not making this stuff up. Too many people decided a long time ago that they didn’t like Apple, and now you’re missing out on the cool stuff that they are making now. You pay more for your device, but it’s your device, not an AI Google slop ad server/data farm
otterbox313@reddit
With the neo being out they're crushing the low end too...
jojotherider@reddit
I use tv apps in one room and another has a firestick. I watch my friend navigate his apple tv and its way better. I dont think its perfect, but its better for sure.
coopnjaxdad@reddit
Dude, fuck smart TVs. I run Plasmas and use appleTVs or Roku boxes I can replace when they shit the bed.
Significant-Kale-463@reddit
AppleTV is worth every penny. Zero lag for me.
DegTrader@reddit
Smart TVs are basically just giant, expensive tablets running on the processor of a calculator from 1998.
Southside_john@reddit
And the interface keeps updating and getting more graphically intense while that shitty processor sweats
Edexote@reddit
Cheap TVs are slow, but better TVs are much faster. Or get a streaming device.
krupta13@reddit
I've noticed that with tvs around the $3-4k mark. they didnt strike me as slow menu. they are all at least 120hz
Edexote@reddit
3k? A mid range TCL is pretty fast.
krupta13@reddit
tbh i hadn't owned a TV for like 15 years lol. so when I bought 2 the past year one was a Sony and the other a Samsung. I only looked to make sure they where 4k and 120hz minimum lol. enough for the footy.
Ifnerite@reddit
Why on earth would anyone not be using a htpc and ignore/disable all the TV "smarts"?
ResumeFluffer@reddit (OP)
You giving those out or...
Ifnerite@reddit
You complaining about a well known problem something I just gave you a good solution for?
Yes, companies call their tvs smart and put the shittiest processor they can get away with in it that just about does enough for people who don't know any better. The people who do know better get a bit irritated at the shit performance and that spying and apply a solution.
8008ytrap@reddit
Dumb TV + NUC double sided taped to the back of the telly.
One of those cheapo little $10 keyboard, trackpad, gamepad things. Whatever software you want.
adminillustrator@reddit
Big positive is that the streaming services have not all bothered to update tv apps with adverts. So no adds if we use the tv app.
chronicnerv@reddit
The new gaming TVs with 120hz over the last 5 years are really good in terms of performance but I would never use them for streaming, they are the biggest collectors and sellers of your personal data and I hate being advertised to so the internet stays disabled for smart functions and acts as display only.
LotharOfHillPeople3@reddit
Yeah every time I turn on the TV and try to watch something, I think we had so much better in the 90s with cable. It happened instantly. It's so annoying that it takes a few minutes for your TV to load now. It makes me think of Playstation 1.
ttttunos@reddit
Idk what your computer specs were but Windows 95 always ran great up until it was unsafe to use online. 98 and XP? That was another story and the first chapter of planned obsolescence/enshittification.
divestblank@reddit
Apple TV worth it
heaven_and_hell_80@reddit
I hate "smart" TVs with a passion. They don't do anything well.
edcrosay@reddit
Get a commercial grade digital signage display and an AppleTV. No smart apps, no shitty UI. And they are built like tanks, designed to run 24/7
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
Yes to the Apple TV, but digital signage isn’t cheap, you’re better off with a Sony
VVrayth@reddit
My smart TV is not connected to the Internet. It is a giant monitor that the devices I want to view on it are connected to. This is the way.
Urbit1981@reddit
Samsung did an update a while back that really helped their app. I now use it instead of the Amazon dohickey because strangely enough it does a better job. I also project my work on my screen fairly regularly so that makes it even easier.
Truth_Seeker963@reddit
I bought a Roku stick to stream and it’s so much faster than streaming through the tv apps.
Henchforhire@reddit
Of course, age verification for all users since they can't tell who is an adult or a minor and I'm sure it will be a monthly fee so you can log into on your devices and you can't bundle the devices or computers.
sputtertoo@reddit
That's the whole reason I don't use smart TVs. I barely, stand my Roku. As for what makes me feel old? When I can't fix a simple issue with my care, because something need to be reprogrammed or a whole section needs to be replaced along with the faulty part.
Electrical-Pie-8192@reddit
I thought it was just our crappy Internet. It does make me feel better knowing it's not just us
Gonna_do_this_again@reddit
Yup ended up just getting a Roku and using that. My next TV will be dumb.
redditydothis@reddit
Hook a computer up to your tv and you’ll never have to watch a commercial again.
Indjk@reddit
It’s cable boxes all over again. How in the world are they so slow
CalgaryChris77@reddit
Wait, we aren’t still on cable? Fellow olds back me up.
NoInvestment3870@reddit
Get an external box, hard factory reset the tv & never ever ever let it touch a network connection.
“Oh maybe there’s a setting’s update I want?
FUCK NO
We got the cheap tv’s & now it’s the monetization time frame for them if you’re in the US. Manufacturers are panicking about tariffs+supply lines+fuel prices or the repeat of any of those factors.
rjcpl@reddit
Yeah, ignore it and use another solution. Don’t even give your tv itself the wifi info. Also use a pi-hole to cut down on all the ads and tracking.
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
Get an Apple TV, most tvs don’t have very much built in storage
FishyFry84@reddit
Roku tv? Mine does this too
otterbox313@reddit
I was gonna say LG webtvos or whatever they call their garbage smart TV.
badwolf42@reddit
AppleTV is the only way to fly.
Sufficient_Focus4174@reddit
AppleTV 4K. Problem solved.
stretch1joe@reddit
Mine did this right before the Android system crashed and bricked the TV. I recommended doing a factory reset then getting an external dongle or box, like others said. Then don't ever connect your TV to the Internet again after the reset.
burnafter3ading@reddit
I just declared a beneficiary at my bank. Nothing's wrong, but it's still slightly strange to do.
TheWorldIsNotOkay@reddit
This is one of the many reasons to get a smart tv dongle or box, like the Onn 4k devices available for cheap at Walmart. The tv display itself should last far longer than the smart components are still relevant, and those components are often fairly underpowered even when the tv is new. My current living room tv is over 10 years old but still works great, largely because I use a smart tv dongle that I've upgraded a couple of times in that period.
Background-Manager87@reddit
Getting called Unc lol