PSA warning on Vizio "Smart" TV's not working OTA

[Hermes2]

I purchased three D-series Vizio "Smart" TV's for our motorhome in the spring of 2023. They worked well until the latest mid-2023 software update introduced "WatchFree+".

With the mandatory software update Vizio imposed on their "Smart" TV's which integrates Vizio's "WatchFree+" channel guide, conflicts are created that makes the TV very difficult to use or view, especially with Over-The-Air antenna or cable box inputs.

I've spent 2-1/2 hours on chat with Vizio tech support and have thoroughly tested all three of model D TV's based on their recommendations. The results were clear: Vizio has broken their smart TV's.

With Vizio "Smart" TV's, the only way to get effective OTA or cable channel use functionality is to re-set the TV's to Factory Defaults. Then, NOT ENABLE WiFi Internet integration and streaming capability during the TV set-up process. This essentially "bricks" the streaming capability you may want to use through the TV. If you want to stream directly to the TV, use a Roku or Firestick.

For more details, see this thread on iRV Forum: https://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/psa-...ta-623617.html

[Ray,IN]

Doncha love it when a company issues a "upgrade" to the OS and some things no longer work? I have that problem now with a smart household thermostat for heating and cooling. Their tech dept. insists it was an upgrade and to restore those lost functions would be a downgrade, which they refuse to perform.