Netflix is recommending smart TVs to users, and it’s even created a website dedicated to tellies that were “built for a better Netflix experience”.
Only LG’s line of 4K UHD TVs with webOS 4.0 and Sony’s W800F / WF800 series Android TVs have made the grade so far for 2018. But fear not, the streaming company says it will “test all TVs that carry Netflix” and keep adding to its list.
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To pass Netflix’s tests, a TV needs to meet five of the following seven criteria:
- Your TV starts up instantly and apps are ready to use right away, just like your smartphone
- The Netflix app always launches quickly, whether it’s right after turning on the TV or after using several other apps
- The Netflix button on the remote control powers on the TV as well as launches Netflix, so you can start your TV and get to Netflix with the press of a single button
- The Netflix app is easy to access and convenient to launch from the TV menu
- Your TV remembers what you were doing and wakes to the same place as when it was turned off
- Browse Netflix in 1080p resolution – with crisper text and clearer images
- Your TV comes with the latest version of Netflix with the newest features
“From surveying our members, we know that people buying a smart TV care most about price, picture quality, screen size, and ease of use. While some of this is easy to research, it’s hard to know about things like device performance and ease of use. So, we want to shine a light on these important aspects,” wrote Brady Gunderson, Netflix’s director of product management, and David Holland, Netflix’s director of business development, in a blog post.
It continues: “We test all TVs that carry Netflix and will continue to report new designations throughout the year as new devices become available or get updated. Timing of availability for Netflix Recommended TVs will vary by market, and not all models will be available in all regions.”
You can find Netflix’s 2017 list of recommended TVs here.
Which criteria are most important to you when buying a new TV? Share your thoughts @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
