Factory Reset on your TV - Should you perform it after a Firmware / Software Update?

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the risks of performing a factory reset on a TV after a firmware update. While not typically necessary, factory resets can lead to lost data, including app passwords and, most notably, TV calibration settings. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding these risks, especially if a professional calibration was done, which can be costly and time-consuming. The broader issue of poor quality control in firmware and software updates is also addressed, with an emphasis on how consumer demand for new features often leads companies to release products prematurely.

Takeaways

• 😀 Performing a factory reset after firmware updates is not recommended, unless necessary.
• 😕 Many tech companies, including LG and Samsung, are under pressure to release updates quickly, sometimes at the expense of quality control.
• 🛑 Factory resets can erase all TV settings, including app logins, network settings, and calibration data.
• 💸 If you've paid for professional calibration, a factory reset can result in losing that investment, as calibration settings are erased.
• ⚠️ Auto-calibration data might be impossible to retrieve after a factory reset, as it’s not stored in the accessible picture menu.
• 📝 It’s important to write down your TV's calibration settings before performing a factory reset, especially if you’ve had it professionally calibrated.
• ⏳ Waiting for an official firmware update instead of forcing it from external sources helps avoid unnecessary problems.
• 📉 A factory reset might be unnecessary unless there is a clear, ongoing issue with your TV that can’t be resolved with other methods.
• 🔄 Quality control issues in tech, including both TV firmware and games, are a growing concern as more updates are rolled out with bugs and performance issues.
• 🤔 Consumers should be aware of the risks of factory resets, including losing personalized settings and calibration, and try troubleshooting before resetting.

Q & A

Why should you not perform a factory reset after every firmware or software update on your TV?

Performing a factory reset after each update can lead to losing all your settings, including app logins, network settings, and most importantly, any custom calibration settings you may have applied to the TV.

What is the main reason companies release software and firmware updates that might be buggy or unoptimized?

The main reason is pressure from management and the high cost of verifying updates thoroughly. Companies often prioritize releasing updates quickly over ensuring the updates are fully tested due to competition and the increasing complexity of the devices.

How does the speaker view the role of quality control in firmware and software updates?

The speaker believes that quality control is lacking due to time and budget constraints, and while it's understandable, it shouldn't be an excuse for companies, especially large ones like LG or Samsung, who have the resources to test updates more thoroughly.

What specific example does the speaker use to highlight issues with unoptimized software?

The speaker mentions 'Gotham Knights' as an example of an unoptimized game, which reflects a broader trend in the industry where rushed software or firmware updates can cause problems for consumers.

What happens if you perform a factory reset on your TV, especially regarding calibration?

A factory reset will erase all your custom settings, including picture settings and calibrations. If a professional calibration has been done, it can be costly to lose those settings, and some calibration data might not even be recoverable.

What advice does the speaker give to those who have had their TV professionally calibrated?

If you've had a professional calibration, make sure to write down the calibration values before performing a factory reset, as you will lose them and may need to spend additional time and money to recalibrate the TV.

What does the speaker think about the current state of the tech industry in terms of releasing products and updates?

The speaker feels that companies are too focused on getting their products out quickly, often at the expense of quality control. This leads to consumers facing issues with unoptimized software and firmware, even in high-end products.

How does the speaker feel about losing time troubleshooting issues caused by software updates?

The speaker is frustrated by the time wasted dealing with issues related to firmware updates, especially when they could have been spending time on other planned activities, such as testing HDR features in games.

What does the speaker recommend doing instead of performing a factory reset after updates?

The speaker recommends avoiding factory resets unless absolutely necessary and suggests focusing on keeping updates manageable. If any issues occur after updates, it's better to troubleshoot the specific problem rather than resetting the entire system.

Why does the speaker emphasize the issue of TV calibration and how it relates to firmware updates?

TV calibration is crucial for optimal picture quality. A factory reset erases any manual or auto calibration settings, which can be expensive to redo, particularly if you’ve paid a professional. The speaker stresses that losing calibration data due to updates or resets is a significant inconvenience.