Are Smart TVs Really That Smart?

Key Points

1. User Experience Issues:

   • Smart TVs often suffer from slow, laggy interfaces.
   • Frequent advertising and privacy concerns degrade user experience.

2. Availability of Dumb TVs:

   • Dumb TVs (non-smart TVs) are difficult to find, as most TVs now come with smart operating systems.

3. Financial Incentives for Manufacturers:

   • TV manufacturers profit from installing smart operating systems due to financial kickbacks from companies like Roku, Amazon, and Google.
   • Advertising revenue on Smart TVs is an important income source for manufacturers.

4. Monetization Strategies:

   • Manufacturers gain money from direct deals with app developers, such as dedicated buttons on remotes.
   • Streaming services may pay to have their apps pre-installed on TVs, providing additional revenue.

5. Market Dynamics:

   • Lower-end smart TVs are sold at near break-even prices, akin to the inkjet printer business model (making profits through ink rather than the printer itself).
   • Dumb TVs represent only about 2% of current TV sales.

6. Performance and Usability:

   • Despite technical complaints, many consumers appreciate the convenience of built-in streaming capabilities.
   • External streaming devices can be an alternative for better performance.

7. Cost and Manufacturing Considerations:

   • TV models are now more oriented towards keeping costs low rather than improving performance.
   • There is little incentive to exclude smart features due to their low cost and potential revenue.

8. Options for Dumb TVs:

   • A few smaller brands still make dumb TVs.
   • Commercial-grade TVs or large computer monitors may be alternatives, although potentially more expensive.

Sponsorship

• Zen Market:
  • A service that helps with importing goods from Japan, offering features like consolidation of orders and free holding of items for 60 days.
  • Current offer includes bonus Zen points and international shipping discounts.

Conclusion

• Manufacturers prioritize revenue through smart features, while performance concerns are secondary due to the low-cost emphasis.
• Alternatives exist but may require additional investment or compromise on traditional television experiences.

Calls to Action

• Consider separate streaming devices for improved performance if Smart TV features are inadequate.
• Investigate commercial-grade TVs or monitors for alternatives to Smart TVs.
• Explore Zen Market for importing Japanese-exclusive products.

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