Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

guru3d.com
March 10, 2026
2 min read
52/100
Summary
Hisense VIDAA TVs now display unskippable startup ads immediately after powering on, preventing access to live TV until the advertisement is viewed. Users have reported similar experiences with Toshiba and JVC televisions that utilize the same VIDAA platform.
Key Takeaways
- Hisense VIDAA TVs now display unskippable startup ads before accessing live TV, causing user backlash.
- The mandatory ads appear before users can reach traditional broadcast programming, pausing the TV interface until the ad completes.
- VIDAA's advertising strategy includes programmatic ad placements, allowing dynamic ad serving without relying on individual apps.
- Users report startup ads appearing even after disabling data-consent options, raising privacy concerns regarding data collection by VIDAA.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · guru3d.com
Community discussions
Historical count: 5 · 5 saved in sample · Historical sample
Analysis ready
Community Sentiment
Concerns
- The automatic installation of unwanted apps on smart TVs, like the Copilot app, frustrates users who want a straightforward TV experience.
- Many users express dissatisfaction with the intrusive nature of ads and unwanted features on smart TVs, leading them to consider alternatives like Apple TV.
- The perception that Hisense TVs lack quality and taste contributes to negative sentiment, as users feel compelled to give them away.
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