Is your TV about to become a glorified paperweight? Confused? Well, here’s some context for you. Netflix, the global streaming behemoth, is about to pull the plug on 60 different smart TV models. However, before you start penning a strongly worded letter to Reed Hastings, let’s get down to specifics and see if your favorite box is on the chopping block.
First things first, take a deep breath. If you’ve bought a new TV in the last decade, chances are you’re safe. This mass exodus primarily targets TVs that have been airing shows since the days when “streaming” was something you did in a kayak.
The soon-to-be-snubbed devices are mostly Sony models with names that sound like rejected Star Wars droids. Besides Sony TVs, a couple of generations of Apple TVs will also be retired by Netflix.
Why is Netflix ghosting these TVs, you might ask? Well, as technology marches on, older devices struggle to keep up with the latest streaming features. Imagine trying to run the latest smartphone app on a Nokia Lumia; theoretically, it might be possible, but practically, it would simply be painful.
So, now that you know the technical details, when is D-Day for these doomed screens? Check out the full list of all affected TVs below (Note: changes will take place between July 23 – July 31):
S9Series
- KD-65S9005B
- KD-75S9005B
W5Series
- KDL-48W585B
W6Series
- KDL-40W605B
- KDL-48W605B
- KDL-60W605B
W7Series
- KDL-32W705B
- KDL-32W706B
- KDL-42W705B
- KDL-42W706B
- KDL-50W705B
- KDL-50W706B
W70Series
- KDL-32W705C
- KDL-40W705C
- KDL-48W705C
W8Series
- KDL-42W805B
- KDL-42W815B
- KDL-42W817B
- KDL-42W828B
- KDL-42W829B
- KDL-50W805B
- KDL-50W815B
- KDL-50W817B
- KDL-50W828B
- KDL-50W829B
- KDL-55W805B
- KDL-55W815B
- KDL-55W817B
- KDL-55W828B
- KDL-55W829B
W85Series
- KDL-60W855B
W95Series
- KDL-55W955B
- KDL-65W955B
X85Series
- KD-49X8505B
- KD-55X8505B
- KD-65X8505B
- KD-70X8505B
X9Series
- KD-55X9005B
- KD-65X9005B
- KD-79X9005B
X95Series
- KD-65X9505B
- KD-85X9505B
Other models:
- KDL-60W610B
- KDL-60W630B
- KDL-55X830B
- KDL-65X830B
- KDL-70X830B
- XBR-55X800B
- XBR-65X800B
- XBR-49X850B
- XBR-55X850B
- XBR-65X850B
- XBR-70X850B
- XBR-55X900B
- XBR-65X900B
- XBR-79X900B
- XBR-65X950B
- XBR-85X950B
If you’ve scanned the list and found your TV’s model number (cue dramatic gasp), don’t panic just yet. This doesn’t mean your screen is destined for the graveyard. You still have options.
You can consider this an opportunity to explore other streaming services. However, if you’re committed to your Netflix relationship (we’re not judging), it might be time to invest in a streaming device or a new smart TV. Think of it as a health upgrade for your eyes.
