Flixed Newsletter 1 - June.24/2019

Flixed Newsletter - Everything Coming to Netflix in July, Why Smart TVs are a Bad Buy, and MORE!

June 24, 2019

Issue 31: June 24, 2019

Is that smart TV everything it's cracked up to be? Before you click "buy" on that shiny new smart TV you're looking at, read here first. It might not be the best option for you! We've got the details on why smart TVs have significant limitations for cord-cutters.We also have the guides you need to see just what new titles are dropping in July on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu!Read on to find out more in this week's Stream Report.

.Interested in sharing Stream Report with a friend? Send them here!

Cord-Cutting Tip of the Week:

Do I Need a TV Device If I Have a Smart TV?

Smart TVs are exceedingly popular these days and for good reason. With a smart TV, you can install some of your favorite TV streaming apps, like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Some new and experienced cord-cutters often ask whether they even need TV-connected devices like the Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick if they have a smart TV.

Our answer is yes, you'll still need a device like Roku or Amazon Fire TV even if you have a smart TV

.

Here's why.

Some Smart TVs Have Limited App Support

Here's a big problem most smart TV makers won't openly admit. While most smart TVs have apps pre-loaded onto the device and even have their own app stores available, many TV streaming services don't actually have apps available for every smart TV.

For example, let's say you snagged a great deal on this

. Since it comes pre-loaded with Netflix and Pandora, you might just assume you'll be able to get other streaming apps on it as well. Unfortunately, you'll find yourself a bit out of luck once you buy it. Element smart TVs won't work with any live TV streaming services you might want, like

,

, or

, or

. It's also significantly limited with what on-demand streaming services it works with beyond those advertised.

If you plan to buy a smart TV, check the device support for the streaming services you plan to use, first. Every streaming service has a supported apps and devices section on its website that lists which devices it has apps for. If you do plan to use your smart TV as your go-to streaming device, we recommend you avoid purchasing anything but the major name brands. The most common smart TVs that have the widest app support from streaming services include:

  • LG Smart TVs

  • Samsung Smart TVs

  • Toshiba Smart TVs

HiSense

and

Insignia

are both great brands as well, but you might not find they're as well supported by streaming services.

Smart TVs Are Updated Less Frequently 

Your smart TV will work great for the first year or two, but within a few years, it may start running slowly. You may also find that the apps you're using with it slowly stop working as well, or at all. This is because smart TV makers update their operating systems less frequently than mobile device makers and streaming device makers. 

Additionally, when the various streaming services on the market update their apps, they have to update each app separately for each operating system. They usually prioritize the most-used operating systems for their apps first, which tends to leave smart TVs in the lurch for receiving necessary updates. As a result, some streaming apps may continue to work even without the most recent updates, but you may not be getting the best user experience and may even be missing new, critical features that were added for other devices.

Smart TVs Have Limited Backward Compatibility

If you plan to buy a smart TV, you're going to need to buy a new one. Smart TV makers tend to stop support for older models a lot quicker than other streaming device makers. So while you may be able to buy a 4-year-old Android or Apple device that works quite well with recently-updated streaming apps, the same may not be true for some smart TVs. 

Thankfully, smart TV prices have come down dramatically since they first hit the market several years ago. Nevertheless, if you're going to get a smart TV, you're better off getting a new one, as purchasing an older model means you'll either get a device that's no longer getting OS and app updates, or you'll get a device with a much more limited lifespan as an app streaming service.

ran an interesting piece on this issue last year as well. We recommend you check it out. 

Best Combination: "Dumb" TV and a Connected Device

Smart TVs aren't all bad. I own one, and I enjoy it. But it's also over 3 years old at this point, and I even had to have it repaired once already. Many of the streaming apps are already less-than-ideal compared to other streaming devices I use.

For cord-cutters, the best combination is a "dumb" TV with a connected device, such as an Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV. Your "dumb" TV will last just as long (if not longer), and it's much cheaper to replace an old connected device than to replace your entire smart TV with another, newer smart TV model. 

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Marvel's FX Show 'Legion' Season 3 Premieres TONIGHT on FX

Among Marvel's most surreal TV experiences,

Legion

enters its third and final season. Don't miss a thing on FX, which you can get at a low cost through Sling TV. -

2. Don't Miss the US vs. Spain in the Women's World Cup TODAY 

The US and Spain go head-to-head in the 2019 Women's World Cup TODAY at 12 PM EST. You can watch on Fox Sports, which is readily available through Sling TV.

 

-

Streaming Deals

1. Get 40% Off Your Sling TV Subscription 

Sling TV is still offering a heavy discount for new subscribers.

-

2. Sign Up For Sling, Get a Free Roku

 is currently giving away a free Roku Express to all new subscribers who prepay for one month of service. -

3. Sign Up For Sling, Get a Free Indoor Antenna and Air TV Bundle

is currently giving away a free indoor antenna and an Air TV Bundle to all new subscribers who prepay for three months of service. -

4. Get $5 Off Your First Month of Philo

Use coupon code "R9RFWJVG" at checkout to get $5 off your

. -

5. Get $15 Off Your First 2 Months of DirecTV Now

Use code "15OFF2" to get $15 off your first two months of DirecTV Now. -

News and Industry Developments

1. Everything Coming to (and Leaving) Netflix in July

It's that time of the month again, cord-cutters. A new round of shows is about to hit Netflix, with some titles heading out the door.

Stanger Things

is on its way back for Season 3, but there are even more goodies to look forward to in July. -

2. Everything Coming to Amazon Prime Video in July

Amazon Prime Video has been giving Netflix a run for its money with original content. So what's coming up in July? Take a look! 

3. Everything Coming to (and Leaving) Hulu in July

Hulu continues to knock the ball out of the park with both its original content and the TV shows, movies and anime titles it acquires. Here's everything you'll be able to enjoy in July -- and the stuff you love that might be disappearing soon. -

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