We have teams at Roku releasing new firmware images for all of the smart TVs that have shipped on our platform, going back to the original "Liberty" models from 2014. It's a pain, especially with streaming services getting more and more bloated, but we've managed to keep them all going.
In our case, we've got a financial incentive that some TV manufacturers don't have, as people keeping the older TVs going and connected to the Roku service means more people using channels where we participate in the advertising or subscription revenue.
I mean, six years old isn't exceptionally old for a TV, so it's not great to hear what a pain it is. My parents had the same TV in the living room for over 20 years. My current TV is a Vizio from 2012 and there is nothing wrong with it.
I'm still rocking a high end plasma from the late 2000s that I bought for the World Cup. Pictures still fantastic.
What's left out is that Roku is no longer a neutral third party device. Those "channels" are actually rent-seeking ala the App Stores. That's why they fought with HBO Max to be a middle man and collect their troll toll:https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/hbo-max-roku-talks-war...
The annoying cable contract negotiations that customers despise are now going to be a feature of cord cutting. That's a crummy development.
I worked for one of ROKU's suppliers for a decade. I know I'd had been in a support role for a few things related to ROKU, and I salute the attitude but I can guarantee you its not normal.
At my former employer, the moment your contract ran out, we shut down your servers. In addition the way our accounting was structured, sales/project management were judged by revenue, committing to sustaining engineering was the surest way to tank your bonus-- all expense, no profit.
Do I agree this is a terrible and unethical business practice? Yes.
In our case, we've got a financial incentive that some TV manufacturers don't have, as people keeping the older TVs going and connected to the Roku service means more people using channels where we participate in the advertising or subscription revenue.