Disappointed with the TVs at CES 2025
Smart TVs showcased at CES 2025 are drawing criticism for prioritizing ads, tracking, and gimmicky AI features over basic usability and privacy. Commenters describe sluggish, overcomplicated interfaces and increasingly hostile remote designs—such as removing dedicated input and pause buttons—while many say they now treat TVs as mere dumb panels behind Apple TV/Roku boxes or even replace them with projectors and monitors. A recurring theme is demand for fast, high-quality “dumb” displays with simple controls, alongside concern that TV makers are monetizing user data and attention instead of improving the viewing experience.
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.