There’s bad news for owners of older Sony TV models, as a staggering 42 Sony TV models from 2014 will soon lose support for the Netflix app.
The affected TVs, which include once-popular series like the W8 and X9, will bid farewell to Netflix starting July 24, 2024, with customers having to find alternative ways to watch the popular streaming service.
With some of these models still in use nearly a decade after their release, the sudden loss of Netflix support is likely to leave a significant void in many households (see the full list below).
The decision to end support for these TV models, first noticed by FlatpanelsHD, comes as a result of technical limitations, according to Netflix and Sony.
Earlier this year, Netflix stopped supporting 2011-2013 Sony TV models – and next month, support will be removed from 2014 models.
Streaming Roulette: Will Your Device Survive the Next Update?
As technology advances, older devices may struggle to keep up with the latest software and security updates, leading to a diminished user experience and potential vulnerabilities.
While it’s understandable that companies focus their resources on newer devices, this move is likely to disappoint many users who have relied on their Sony TVs for Netflix access.
The affected TV models were all released in 2014, making them nearly a decade old at the time of the announcement.
Despite their age, some consumers continue to use these TVs as their primary means of accessing streaming content, including Netflix.
The discontinuation of support for the Netflix app on these models may force some users to consider alternative solutions, although there’s no need to buy a whole new TV – as there are cheaper options.
Of course, the issue of devices losing support for popular streaming services is not unique to Sony or Netflix.
As the streaming landscape evolves and new technologies emerge, older devices may find themselves struggling to meet the demands of these platforms.
Last year, for example, we saw Disney+ removing support for older NOW TV streaming boxes (which were once quite popular).
Another major example of this came from ITV, which removed support for ITV Hub (and later ITVX) on many older devices, from popular Freeview boxes like the Humax FVP-5000t, to Freesat boxes like the Humax Hb1000s, and older Smart TVs from Samsung and other manufacturers.
In some cases, the loss of support for essential apps like Netflix and ITVX can render a device nearly obsolete, as many users rely heavily on these services for their entertainment needs.
How Can I Keep Watching Netflix?
For affected Sony TV owners, there are alternatives to replacing their entire TV set.
One option is to purchase a streaming device, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick or a Roku device, which can be plugged into the TV’s HDMI port.
These devices are relatively inexpensive, with many models available for under £50.
They provide access to a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix, and are regularly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest software (although, even old streaming sticks won’t get supported forever).
Another solution is to use a gaming console, such as a PlayStation or Xbox, which many users may already own.
These consoles offer built-in streaming apps, including Netflix, and can be a convenient way to continue accessing the service without the need for additional hardware.
However, while these alternatives can allow affected Sony TV owners to continue watching Netflix, they require additional hardware and may not offer the same seamless experience as a built-in TV app, especially for older customers.
Sony TVs Losing Netflix Support: The Full List
These are the Sony TV models from 2014 that will lose Netflix support on July 24, 2024 (not all of these were sold in the UK, but check your model) –
S9 Series
KD-65S9005B
KD-75S9005B
W5 Series
KDL-48W585B
W6 Series
KDL-40W605B
KDL-48W605B
KDL-60W605B
W7 Series
KDL-32W705B
KDL-32W706B
KDL-42W705B
KDL-42W706B
KDL-50W705B
KDL-50W706B
W70 Series
KDL-32W705C
KDL-40W705C
KDL-48W705C
W8 Series
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
W85 Series
KDL-60W855B
W95 Series
KDL-55W955B
KDL-65W955B
X85 Series
KD-49X8505B
KD-55X8505B
KD-65X8505B
KD-70X8505B
X9 Series
KD-55X9005B
KD-65X9005B
KD-79X9005B
X95 Series
KD-65X9505B
KD-85X9505B
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Never had this problem with dvd or blu ray.