Today’s question is from Sharon who says, “Our smart TV is only five years old, but it seems to be quite slow compared to the newer Fire TV stick we use on our ‘dumb TV’ in the basement. Do I need to replace my TVs more often now that they’re ‘smart’?”
Technology changes fast these days.
In general, you should plan to replace your streaming TV devices every 5 years. This will ensure that your streaming sticks and boxes get regular updates and have enough memory and horsepower to run your favorite streaming TV apps, including Tablo.
However, when it comes to smart TVs, there’s no need to spend several hundred dollars or more and create that much e-waste just to enjoy a more responsive streaming experience.
Instead of tossing your entire smart TV, it’s much easier and more affordable to pick up a top-of-the-line Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV streaming stick or box and connect it to the HDMI port on your older smart TV.
This will allow you to bypass the built-in smarts on your TV and use the younger, faster ‘brain’ of the streaming device. It doesn’t even have to be the same platform! If you have a Roku smart TV you can use a Chromecast with Google TV, or if you have an Amazon Fire smart TV you can use a Roku.
This is also a great workaround for when your smart TV platform doesn’t support a specific app you’re hoping to use.
By swapping out the streaming device connected to your older smart TV every few years, you can extend the life of the screen, save money and ensure you always have a compatible and speedy way to watch your shows.
Have a question about watching TV that you’d like answered? Send us a note and you may see your question on the Tablo blog and in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, Stay Tuned!
