Smart TVs - deliberately confusing or just plain stupid?

erisana

I bought a 2016 model Sony Bravia TV from Amazon. It was supposed to be full HD, Smart, the whole 9 yards. Great I thought, it will save me having to connect my laptop to my TV to watch Amazon Prime and similar stuff.

After wasting half a day trying to set it up and registering on several Sony websites, I could not find out how to install the Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) app needed to watch Amazon Prime. I resorted to calling Sony customer services to be told that this 2016 model could not get the SEN app! It would be included in "a future software release". It's like buying a car to be told 5th and 6th gear will be released soon!

To add insult to injury I received an email this morning inviting me to explore the features of my TV and, when I did, it shows me features of the SEN that this model does not yet have!

Upon researching a replacement I find that most manufacturers have an inconsistent availability of basic apps (Amazon, BBC iPlayer or ITV hub, etc.) across their models.

I couldn't find an easy way to compare these as the answer to does it have 'x' app is usually buried in the customer reviews or Q&A. Has anyone found any way to figure out what you're actually buying?

Consumers are being misled by the manufacturers (can't blame the sellers here) into buying a pig in a poke. It's a total shambles, and needs fixing.

martinthebandit

Can't you just install the Amazon app?

wealdroam

erisana wrote: »

Consumers are being misled by the manufacturers (can't blame the sellers here) into buying a pig in a poke.

I am just a bit curious about why you think the seller should shoulder no blame?

The seller is entirely responsible for the goods he sells. If the goods do not meet the specification, then you should be complaining to whoever sold the thing to you. The seller in turn should ensure he receives satisfactory goods from his supplier, beit the manufacturer or wholesaler.

dacouch

Get an Amazon Fire dongle

photome

are you sure it is a 2016 model.

I bought a sony bravia 2016 model a few weeks back and that has the amazon prime app pre installed

LilElvis

dacouch wrote: »

Get an Amazon Fire dongle

They could have bought one for £15 on Prime Day a couple of weeks ago. So simple even my 5 year old can switch between the Firestick, PVR and the Smart TV functions.

DCFC79

Whats the model number of the TV ?

dj1471

wealdroam wrote: »

If the goods do not meet the specification, then you should be complaining to whoever sold the thing to you.

Only if the product was advertised as supporting the feature in question.

If you're looking for a specific feature when buying any product you need to do your research before buying, you can't just assume.

It's pretty common for new Smart TV models to be missing key apps initially as each company has to update their app for the new platform, this is beyond the control of the TV manufacturer.

[Deleted User]

photome wrote: »

are you sure it is a 2016 model.

I bought a sony bravia 2016 model a few weeks back and that has the amazon prime app pre installed

That's my thought too. More likely is an older model (sold at the discount) where the SMART functions of the TV are no longer updated.

Having said that, my own Sony Bravia (from 2012) has no problem receiving both Amazon and Netflix.

More information needed here.

Might also be wise for the OP to post over on the "Techie Stuff" section of this forum
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29