> I’m usually told something akin to: “well, just don’t connect the TV to the Internet!” But that route locks you out of firmware updates, and some TV makers remove functionality if you refuse to participate in their online ecosystem. Many smart TV GUIs also need to load before you’re even allowed to switch laggy HDMI inputs.
(although this is exactly what I did with the Samsung smart TV I picked up on a bargain, and I have zero complaints so far)
Lots of reasons. If you’re a gamer with a shiny new PS5 or Xbox then you’ll want the various updates for things like VRR and tweaks to the HDR performance. There are often other fixes and new features too that relate to image or audio quality.
I didn’t accept the various EULAs on my LG C1 TV. I’m able to update firmware but I don’t use any of its Apps. Instead I use an Apple TV for streaming and we don’t have a cable subscription. I haven’t checked how much data the LG is leaking (I really should turn off its Wi-Fi) and I trust Apple just enough to be less shady than LG.
TVs are more than just displays, and software has bugs. As an example, my last TV had numerous issues with CEC and HDCP [0]. this was _eventually_ resolved by a firmware update from Sony.
BBC iPlayer stopped supporting don't older TVs. I think it was a codec issue, they only now support more modern codecs? In which case a firmware update might have provided a fix.
I know several older people who changed TV because of it.
> But that route locks you out of firmware updates
Actually some people disconnect their TVs BECAUSE of malicious firmware updates. Last update for my TV was not fixing any bugs, no patching any vulnerabilities, not adding any functionality, not improving content, not providing connectivity... it was JUST adding encryption to the firmware image and closing every way to root it!
I think most of them could be updates through USB or by attaching a cable. you might need to dig a little through the interwebs to find a Howto for your model, but firmware updating over usb/cable is very common.
> I’m usually told something akin to: “well, just don’t connect the TV to the Internet!” But that route locks you out of firmware updates, and some TV makers remove functionality if you refuse to participate in their online ecosystem. Many smart TV GUIs also need to load before you’re even allowed to switch laggy HDMI inputs.
(although this is exactly what I did with the Samsung smart TV I picked up on a bargain, and I have zero complaints so far)