Disappointed with the TVs at CES 2025

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Remote and Input UX Frustrations

  • Many complain about removal or downgrading of dedicated buttons (input, pause, play, numbers, mute, transport controls).
  • LG’s scroll-wheel “magic” remote is widely criticized: pause depends on app focus and often triggers wrong actions (subtitles, seeking).
  • Some newer Samsung remotes reportedly lack an input button; inputs are hidden in animated menus that reorder based on HDMI state.
  • Touch or gyro remotes (including some Apple TV generations) are seen as error-prone compared to simple button remotes.
  • A minority argue that learning long-press/home shortcuts is acceptable, but most see this as needless friction.

Desire for “Dumb” Displays and External Boxes

  • Strong demand for large, high-quality “dumb” TVs or just-big-monitors: good panels, multiple inputs, basic picture controls, no apps.
  • Common pattern: never connect the TV to the internet and use Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Shield, or a Pi instead.
  • Some cite commercial/signage displays or niche “non-smart” brands as imperfect but closer options.

Smart TV Enshittification: Ads, Tracking, and Control

  • Complaints about ad-filled home screens, auto-playing branded channels, and content tracking (ACR).
  • Several note that “smart” features subsidize panel prices, but feel that privacy and UX costs are too high.
  • Some TVs allow opting out or partially disabling smart features (e.g., Sony Bravia, buried options on Samsung/LG), but knowledge is rare.

HDMI, CEC, and Reliability Issues

  • HDMI CEC is described as flaky: devices randomly steal focus, fail to power on/off, or put consoles back to sleep.
  • Some Samsung models reportedly mishandle standard HDMI signals (e.g., laptops, Steam Deck) unless features like “Input Signal Plus” are disabled.

Alternatives: Monitors and Projectors

  • TVs remain cheaper per inch than monitors, but monitors generally offer better color accuracy, refresh, input lag, and ports.
  • Several use projectors instead of TVs, valuing immersion and the absence of a large black rectangle; picture quality trade-offs are accepted in dark rooms.

User Experience and Nontechnical Users

  • Input switching is seen as a major pain point for nontechnical users; confusing UX arguably helped streaming “win” over cable.
  • Some argue that remote and menu design now optimizes ad/engagement metrics rather than GOMS-style efficiency or usability.

AI on TVs: Skepticism and Niche Wishes

  • Strong pushback against paying subscriptions for LLM assistants on TVs for simple recommendations.
  • Fear of upsells, nag screens, and dark patterns if AI is embedded.
  • A few constructive ideas appear (context-aware Q&A about a show, spoiler-avoiding sports info), but commenters note current LLMs struggle with precise media recall.