If you are a Netflix subscriber you take note of some changes that are about to happen as the streaming company as announced that it’s dropping support for a number of old devices. The devices include old Samsung and Vizio smart TVs, and first-generation Roku boxes.
For those who are still using some of these devices, then from December 1st, you’ll need to either buy a new streaming box or replace your existing one with a newer model, if you want to continue using the streaming service with Netflix.
According to Samsung the move will affect its 2010 and 2011 range of TVs, while other reports from Cord Cutters News indicate that Vizio TVs that are four years old or older will lose support. BBC News reports that affected Roku players include the Roku 2050X, Roku 2100X, Roku 2000C, Roku HD Player, Roku SD Player, Roku XR Player and Roku XD Player Luckily no smartphone will be affected by this end of life support by Netflix even Windows phones will still have support.
Why Netflix will stop support
Over time, it’s inevitable that developers stop supporting older pieces of hardware, but the problem is more acute for TVs, which people tend to use for longer than devices like smartphones or laptops.
This isn’t a problem that’s unique to Netflix. Earlier this year YouTube dropped support for 2012 Sony smart TVs just four years later in 2016. Regardless of how many built-in streaming apps your TV supports at launch, eventually you’re probably going to have to buy a set-top box if you use it for long enough.
On the bright-side, standalone streaming set-top boxes are getting really cheap. Roku’s cheapest streaming device is just UGX 150k ($39.99) while Amazon’s cheapest Fire TV Stick will cost about the same. If you want more options, you can check out Netflix’s full list of supported devices on its website. It’s a shame to lose the convenience of navigating a built-in streaming service with your TV’s remote, but at least you won’t be cut off from Netflix entirely.
