De-Rokufied our new "Roku TV"

[tcsenter]

Backlight died on our 4 y.o. HDTV yesterday (several days after firmware update, things that make you go hmmmm), so given I had a doctor app. in town, quickly looked on Walmart's site for in-stock options since Walmart would be nearby. Our TV stand limits help narrow the options to 55 ~ 60 class. Really surprised at how cheap two 4K HDR options were; from TCL and HiSense for $238! Very comparable specs to the 4 y.o. 55" Vizio, except lesser effective refresh rate (240Hz vs. 120MHz) but we never used the benefits of higher refresh rate anyway (gaming or HD sports programming, PIP). So I picked up one of them, doesn't really matter which for the purposes of this thread I assume they are all pretty much gonna be the same at this price point.

DOH! I had totally forgotten what a "Roku TV" meant, been a few years since I followed much dicussion around HDTVs. I just thought it fully supported Roku. NO, it IS Roku. Had to register for Roku account just to setup the TV and get the latest system software (and firmware) updates. But after fiddling around, sometimes in frustration, it turns out to not be that bad after modifications in settings (both on TV and online Roku account):

- Located all privacy (and advertising) settings, either turn off or 'not personalize' any ad and data sharing
- Turn off voice command/remote and deny microphone permissions
- Turn off 'Use info/data from TV inputs'
- Disable notifications I don't want (i.e. Roku pushing its services)
- Configured the default 'startup' screen from Roku Home to 'use last input/source' (I could also select individual input/source)
- Reset/clear network connection after getting latest system updates (deletes saved network and WLAN passkey)

Anything else I'm forgetting? For us, it isn't an issue to disconnet from the network because we just aren't using any streaming services for the past four years, anyway. We have Spectrum/Charter Cable service which gives us (mostly my mom, I do not watch much on the TV) content. It seems that Roku TV isn't really much different from the "Vizio TV" OS or Samsung whatever OS that promotes their own streaming services, but allows any other apps/channels to be installed and used.

 

[Tech Junky]

Internet is a good thing for those sets. Pluto has a decent lineup as well Tubi. Free on both. You can even stream the local channels if their in the Roku app to add.

 

[tcsenter]

We never use it except a few times to watch a free movie or a nice nature documentary. I just don't watch that much TV and my elderly mom doesn't care for any contemporary programming. Watches reruns. Even our Spectrum/Charter cable has a lot of free and payfer streaming or on-demand stuff, too.

 

[Tech Junky]

contemporary

None of it's new stuff. But, like on Plex you can zone out on a specific show back to back all day if you wanted to. Others are themed programming like court, outdoors, soaps, etc. There's even news options but, you have catv and the bill that goes with it.

 

[mindless1]

We have Spectrum/Charter Cable service which gives us (mostly my mom, I do not watch much on the TV) content. It seems that Roku TV isn't really much different from the "Vizio TV" OS or Samsung whatever OS that promotes their own streaming services, but allows any other apps/channels to be installed and used.

I have a similar situation, where my mother has a Samsung with Tyzen OS, and also a set top box for Spectrum CATV.

One of the main things worthy of mention about the built in smart features is whether they have good remote control support. The remote has a button to launch that app, or it can be set to come on when the TV is turned on, and the free Samsung TV channels allow pushing the remote number buttons to get channels, or channel surfing with the channel +/- buttons.

Tyzen also has Spectrum TV app support, and it gets more channels than the set top box does, but my mother does not care to use either because it requires pressing a few buttons to navigate the menus to use the apps, rather than just leaving the TV on the HDMI input from the set top box and using only the set top box remote. She just wants older shows from yesteryear.

It would have been nice if the Samsung TV allowed programming a button on the remote control to launch any app you set it to, sort of like it has the pre-programming buttons for Netflix and Prime Video, but it can't do that. It's the basic no-frills Samsung remote I'm talking about.

I also have a Samsung w/Tyzen and the Samsung TV free channels but I never watch them because there just isn't that much content that I found of interest. However if I wanted the cheapest TV viewing option possible, it's nice to know that it has them, but then I might as often just watch OTA programming instead. When I watch live TV it's mostly the local news.

Spectrum has made a shift, at least in many areas, where new customers are given a Xumo streaming box instead of a set top box, unless they specifically request one instead. Supposedly the Xumo box is a bit better than some 3rd party options because it can be set to come on and start up in the Spectrum app so it is more transparent to use, but after the promo new account period, it too has a monthly rental fee ($6?), BUT there exists the option to buy one for $60:

Xumo Stream Box - 4K

Meet Xumo Stream Box, the 4K streaming device that plugs right into your TV to bring together the best of cable and streaming apps in one easy experience. Xumo Stream Box comes pre-loaded with 250+ top apps, your live TV guide and content recommendations that make it so easy to stream without...

shop.xumo.com

As far as the TCL and Hisense, I won't be buying any more low end 2nd tier branded TVs because they just don't seem to last. I've had a couple of them fail within 2 years. Granted they were on a large % of the day, but many smart TVs are now "on" and doing something even when you use the remote to turn the screen off, as long as it is still plugged into the wall since the last time it booted.

 

[Steltek]

I have a similar situation, where my mother has a Samsung with Tyzen OS, and also a set top box for Spectrum CATV.

One of the main things worthy of mention about the built in smart features is whether they have good remote control support. The remote has a button to launch that app, or it can be set to come on when the TV is turned on, and the free Samsung TV channels allow pushing the remote number buttons to get channels, or channel surfing with the channel +/- buttons.

Tyzen also has Spectrum TV app support, and it gets more channels than the set top box does, but my mother does not care to use either because it requires pressing a few buttons to navigate the menus to use the apps, rather than just leaving the TV on the HDMI input from the set top box and using only the set top box remote. She just wants older shows from yesteryear.

It would have been nice if the Samsung TV allowed programming a button on the remote control to launch any app you set it to, sort of like it has the pre-programming buttons for Netflix and Prime Video, but it can't do that. It's the basic no-frills Samsung remote I'm talking about.

I also have a Samsung w/Tyzen and the Samsung TV free channels but I never watch them because there just isn't that much content that I found of interest. However if I wanted the cheapest TV viewing option possible, it's nice to know that it has them, but then I might as often just watch OTA programming instead. When I watch live TV it's mostly the local news.

Spectrum has made a shift, at least in many areas, where new customers are given a Xumo streaming box instead of a set top box, unless they specifically request one instead. Supposedly the Xumo box is a bit better than some 3rd party options because it can be set to come on and start up in the Spectrum app so it is more transparent to use, but after the promo new account period, it too has a monthly rental fee ($6?), BUT there exists the option to buy one for $60:

Xumo Stream Box - 4K

Meet Xumo Stream Box, the 4K streaming device that plugs right into your TV to bring together the best of cable and streaming apps in one easy experience. Xumo Stream Box comes pre-loaded with 250+ top apps, your live TV guide and content recommendations that make it so easy to stream without...

shop.xumo.com

As far as the TCL and Hisense, I won't be buying any more low end 2nd tier branded TVs because they just don't seem to last. I've had a couple of them fail within 2 years. Granted they were on a large % of the day, but many smart TVs are now "on" and doing something even when you use the remote to turn the screen off, as long as it is still plugged into the wall since the last time it booted.

Make sure the TVs that you buy aren't edge-lit as that is a built-in failure point on account of heat stress. Direct lit and FALD panels have moved down into this tier now, even with some of the cheaper ones from Samsung, TCL, and Hisense.

I agree with you on TCL and Hisense, as they apparently have issues living up to their warranties.

I'm in the process of replacing two Samsung TVs that I paid a combined approximate $3800.00 for. Both are edge-lit and suffered physical heat damage, one is 5 1/2 years old (it is on the way out), the other is just over 6 years old and completely dead. I'm trying to make it to Black Friday in hopes they'll be some good prices this year on a couple of nice OLED sets.

 

[Steltek]

double post

 

[gorobei]

interesting, i got a tcl 55" for my mom maybe 4 years ago. i managed to setup ota channels and the rest without a roku account. it worked fine but had no internet options. i setup a roku account later but kinda wish i hadn't as some of the menu ui patches were kinda worse.

 

[tcsenter]

interesting, i got a tcl 55" for my mom maybe 4 years ago. i managed to setup ota channels and the rest without a roku account. it worked fine but had no internet options. i setup a roku account later but kinda wish i hadn't as some of the menu ui patches were kinda worse.

Yeah I made the mistake of connecting to our WiFi when prompted by the Setup phase. Figured out later that you can skip it and will proceed without needing the Roku Account. But still need Roku Account if you want latest system update. There is reportedly a bypass for that too, haven't tried it. If you try to check for system updates with no network connection, it gives you a URL and some key code to enter, then takes you to a download link to a file that you can put onto USB flash drive and insert into the TV.

I also disabled the "Quick Start" or "Network Start" or however it was worded, those standby modes that permit the system to not fully power down and will stay connected to the network, do stuff in the background. Now it powers off like normal.

Haven't decided if I am going to keep this model. The backlight brightness (100%) seem IMO a tad lesser than the previous Vizio model that went kaput. But my mom doesn't see any issue. However it sometimes makes this popping noise through the TV speakers when switching CATV channels (as the new channel is loading). It is variable though, some channels don't do it, and when it happens, some are louder than others. But very inconsistent. Sometimes, the popping is absent.

Edit: I notice on reviews from Walmart page, that many are dying after 2 or 3 years. But overall rating appears to be dragged down by even more reporting their TV arrived physically damaged. Most appear to have been shipped to their home. A few reporting they picked it up themselves.

Also going to open up the Vizio, see if I can repair myself for less than $100. The entire backlight went so most certainly the board that supplies power to all the strips/zones.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Question for you all: I only use TVs as monitors for PCs. Can I never connect a new TV to my LAN and not have any issues with it?

 

[tcsenter]

Question for you all: I only use TVs as monitors for PCs. Can I never connect a new TV to my LAN and not have any issues with it?

Issues as in....??

 

[igor_kavinski]

Issues as in....??

There were a lot of firmware updates in the beginning of the 4K "revolution" as things/standards were in a bit of a flux. So you needed the firmware updates for proper compatibility/detection of features by Xbox/Playstation and even HDMI connected to PCs. I got at least 3 firmware updates on my LG OLED when I was using it since 2019. Didn't check what they were for but probably fixed some issues. If you do rely on built-in OS or its apps, firmware updates may be required to keep their functionality up to date.

But I suppose current TVs may not need these updates anymore, unless it's a brand new model and they shipped it out prematurely with bugs they decided they would fix later with an update. My Hisense OLED, for example, was almost a year old when I bought it but there was no firmware update for it available. Its OS was crappy anyway so it just turned out to be a very expensive $1500 mistake as I decided to keep it in case I needed it, without ever using it other than the first few hours, rather than suffer a loss by selling it.

By the way, you do not need any sort of login to update firmware on an LG TV. At least, that's the case with my LG C8 OLED.

 

[mindless1]

Question for you all: I only use TVs as monitors for PCs. Can I never connect a new TV to my LAN and not have any issues with it?

I don't know about never connecting to the LAN, but based on an experience I had with a hisense android/google-TV, I suspect you "could" still have issues, as mine started to lockup when used only as a PC monitor, so I disconnected it from the LAN (and power cycle/rebooted, inherent in being required after a lockup), disabled every smart thing I could find in the menus, yet it still locked up, even while being shut off with the remote control power button.

It was always doing something in the background even when shut off with the remote (or button on the TV). After a few weeks of that, I let it go online and get a new firmware but that didn't help. It did take longer to lockup when disconnected from the lan and the smart functions disabled as much as the menu allowed.

Eventually it apparently ran out of nvram, because it would no longer boot until I force flashed the same firmware to it that it already had, which in the process, also clears the nvram. I had not added any apps to it.

I'd consider it very manufacturer and model specific, if the OS has bugs and whether sufficient development time is spent to get rid of them. In the same use scenario except left connected to the lan, the replacement Samsung TV has not had any lockups or other issues, though if it is powered on with the PC off, it forgets which input it was using (reverts to displaying smart TV apps) and needs the button on the remote pressed a couple times.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Gratitude for the information. I was looking at a Hisense gaming TV as they are cheap and rated okay for gaming. Maybe I will pony up for a better brand after all. I am bent that so many things crap the bed now if you don't let them send their telemetry. Or stories like yours where you let them do it and the device malfunctions or bricks shortly afterwards. I had a hard time finding a dumb TV 10yrs ago, and it has been great. But it's only 1080p 60Hz with a 120Hz backlight. I'd like 4K with FSR/VRR.

 

[igor_kavinski]

I'd like 4K with FSR/VRR.

Open box and ticks all the boxes: https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lg-...ed-4k-uhd-smart-webos-tv-2022/6501907/openbox

 

[manly]

Gratitude for the information. I was looking at a Hisense gaming TV as they are cheap and rated okay for gaming. Maybe I will pony up for a better brand after all. I am bent that so many things crap the bed now if you don't let them send their telemetry. Or stories like yours where you let them do it and the device malfunctions or bricks shortly afterwards. I had a hard time finding a dumb TV 10yrs ago, and it has been great. But it's only 1080p 60Hz with a 120Hz backlight. I'd like 4K with FSR/VRR.

Hisense is very good bang for the buck. I probably wouldn't consider them for a higher-end unit (where they are beginning to compete), but in the budget space, they rock.

I've bought many Roku standalone streamers over the years, mostly as gifts. I have a Roku Ultra myself, because the alternatives are all meh too: Apple TV, Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV. In other words, pick your poison? Roku isn't perfect, but I'm trying to support the smaller American company instead of the behemoths. It's known for a very simple UI that hasn't changed much over time. This also means that major OS releases are less likely to ruin the UX.

My bedroom Hisense TV came with Fire OS; hopefully I won't ever need to use it.

As alluded to above, Pluto TV, Tubi and other OTT streamers are a lot cheaper than paying Spectrum for basic cable. If I didn't have NFL games to watch, I might never use OTA channels.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I won't leverage any smart features. I strictly want a 65" 4K gaming TV as a monitor. I am hoping I can use it offline without issue. Thank you for the great feedback and advice.

 

[tcsenter]

You shouldn't have any issues if your TV is "never connected" to the network. I think I misread your post but was waiting for you to clarify.

Are you saying you desire to never connect the TV to a network? That shouldn't be a problem. You could connect long enough to obtain the latest updates (if the manufacturer doesn't provide firmware updates for download to USB) then disconnect.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I don't even want the updated firmware or anything if I don't need them.

 

[manly]

I don't even want the updated firmware or anything if I don't need them.

But how else would you get the latest version of Enshittify OS?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Open box and ticks all the boxes: https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lg-...ed-4k-uhd-smart-webos-tv-2022/6501907/openbox

That's a nice set. I'd have to buy new but it's only $700 right now. Should be better priced yet for the holiday rush. Freesync premium, 120Hz, what's not to like?

 

[tcsenter]

Not really happy with the RokuTV popping noise when changing CATV channels and backlight brightness. Going to try to repair this Vizio set that went kaput. New (pull) power supply board is arriving today, we shall see if that was the problem. Have until Sept 21 to get the RokuTV back to Walmart for return.

 

[tcsenter]

Bought a newer A7 Series (2024) 55A7N model HiSense 55" inch from Target's website, to replace the HiSense Roku TV purchase in OP (an older series/model launched in 2021) I intend to return due to this annoying popping noise. 20% off promo from Circle + rewards first time customer or something, got it down from $299 to $240 (plus taxes environmental fee, etc). Target website said 2 in stock at my location, 20 minutes away. Waited about 30 minutes before leaving, we get there and just as we are parking, I hear a notification on my phone, expecting it to be from Target telling me your TV is ready for pickup but instead "Your item is out of stock" at the location. GAAAHHH!

 

[tcsenter]

Returned the Roku TV to Walmart for refund, got the newer TV (HiSense 55A7N from Target) up and running, not Roku this time but rather "Google TV". It's basically a glorified Android tablet with a ginormous screen! During first startup, it immediately asked if want to setup Google TV or 'Basic TV' i.e. without creating any online accounts. Has 7.2GB storage available (after fetching latest updates and in Basic TV mode).

Popping noise is gone. Contrast and brightness (backlight is full array sans local dimming) slightly better. More options in settings.

 

[Steltek]

Rtings.com has a calibration guide for the A7N panels that supposedly significantly improves the picture quality.