Los Angeles, California – Roku TV owners in California are facing a new headache following recent software updates. Apart from arbitration-demanding terms of service and upcoming ads on the home screen, some Roku users are now grappling with an unexpected issue that affects their viewing experience.
Reports on Roku’s community forums and Reddit indicate that owners of TCL HDTVs, equipped with Roku OS, have noticed a phenomenon known as “motion smoothing” occurring without their consent after updating to Roku OS 13. This feature, also referred to as “Action Smoothing,” involves the use of Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC) to artificially enhance frame rates in videos, resulting in a smoother but often unnaturally realistic viewing experience.
Users have complained that despite not activating this feature themselves, they are unable to disable it through the TV’s settings. This has led to frustration among some consumers who find the heightened clarity unsettling, as it removes the traditional motion blur and softness typically present in films and TV shows. The issue has become so prevalent that even celebrities like Tom Cruise have spoken out against it in the past.
Ars has reached out to Roku for comment on the matter, with updates expected to follow. In the meantime, affected users can typically locate the motion smoothing setting in the “Expert Settings” section of the TV or by enabling “Movie” mode from the quick settings.
This unexpected glitch serves as a reminder of the complexities that come with software updates and the impact they can have on users’ experiences. As technology continues to evolve, it’s essential for companies to prioritize user control and transparency to ensure a seamless viewing experience for all customers. With the growing reliance on streaming services and smart TVs, addressing issues like motion smoothing becomes crucial in maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty.