Solving Stuttering Issues on your Samsung TV: Ultimate Guide

Discover expert solutions to fix Samsung TV stuttering issues. Our comprehensive guide offers step-by-step troubleshooting, from connection checks to professional repair options.

Introduction

Samsung TVs are renowned for their stunning picture quality and innovative features. However, even these high-end devices can sometimes encounter issues, with stuttering being a common complaint among users. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of Samsung TV stuttering problems. It offers a wealth of solutions to ensure your viewing experience remains smooth and uninterrupted. Whether you’re dealing with choppy playback, frame drops, or jerky motion, we have expert tips and tricks for you. These tips and tricks will help resolve these frustrating issues. By following our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well-equipped to diagnose and fix stuttering problems. This will restore your Samsung TV to its optimal performance.

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Is your Samsung TV experiencing stuttering issues?

Follow these quick steps to fix the problem:

1. Check Internet Connection: Slow or unstable internet can cause buffering or stuttering. Ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and consider using a wired connection for better stability.
2. Update TV Software: Outdated firmware may lead to performance problems. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update to check for updates.
3. Adjust Picture Settings: High motion settings can cause stuttering. Navigate to Settings > Picture > Expert Settings and reduce motion smoothing options like Auto Motion Plus.
4. Reset Picture Settings: If the issue persists, reset to default settings by going to Settings > Picture > Expert Settings > Reset Picture.

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Identify the Source

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to pinpoint the root cause of the stuttering issue. This step will help you apply the most effective fix and save time in the troubleshooting process. Stuttering can stem from various sources, including network connectivity problems, outdated software, or hardware malfunctions.

Observe Stuttering Patterns

• Pay close attention to when and where the stuttering occurs. Does it happen across all channels or only on specific streaming apps?
• Note if the stuttering is consistent or intermittent, as this can provide valuable clues about its origin.

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Check Different Content Types

• Test the TV with various content types, such as live broadcasts, streaming services, and locally stored media.
• Observe if the stuttering is more pronounced with high-definition or fast-motion content, which can indicate processing limitations.

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Monitor External Factors

• Be aware of any external devices connected to your TV. These include gaming consoles or cable boxes. They could be contributing to the problem.
• Consider recent changes to your setup or environmental factors that might coincide with the onset of stuttering issues.

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Document Your Findings

• Keep a log of when stuttering occurs, including the time, content type, and any other relevant details.
• This documentation will be invaluable if you need to contact Samsung support or a professional technician for assistance.

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Check Your Connection

A stable and robust internet connection is vital for smooth streaming and overall TV performance. Stuttering can often be attributed to network issues, especially when streaming content or using smart TV features.

Test Your Internet Speed

• Use your TV’s built-in speed test feature or a separate device to check your internet connection speed.
• Ensure that your bandwidth meets the minimum requirements for streaming services, typically at least 5-10 Mbps for HD content.

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Optimize Wi-Fi Signal

• Position your router closer to the TV or consider using a Wi-Fi extender to boost signal strength in areas with weak coverage.
• Minimize interference by keeping the router away from other electronic devices and obstacles that could block the signal.

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Consider Wired Connection

• If possible, connect your Samsung TV directly to the router using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
• A wired connection can significantly reduce the likelihood of stuttering caused by Wi-Fi signal fluctuations or interference.

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Restart Network Devices

• Power cycle your modem and router by unplugging them for about 30 seconds before plugging them back in.
• Allow the devices to fully reboot, which can often resolve connectivity issues and improve overall network performance.

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Update Your TV’s Software

Keeping your Samsung TV’s software up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and can often resolve stuttering issues. Manufacturers regularly release updates to address bugs, improve functionality, and enhance compatibility with new content formats.

Check for Available Updates

• Navigate to your TV’s settings menu and look for the “Software Update” or “System Update” option.
• Select “Check for Updates” to see if there are any available firmware upgrades for your specific model.

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Enable Automatic Updates

• Configure your TV to automatically download and install updates when available to ensure you always have the latest improvements.
• This feature can typically be found in the same menu as manual update options, often labeled as “Auto Update.”

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Perform Manual Update

• If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to manually initiate the download and installation process.
• Ensure your TV remains powered on and connected to the internet throughout the update to prevent interruptions.

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Restart After Update

• Once the update is complete, restart your TV to apply all changes and clear any temporary data that might cause stuttering.
• After rebooting, test various content types to see if the stuttering issue has been resolved.

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Adjust Picture Settings

Sometimes, stuttering can be caused by overly aggressive picture enhancement features. Adjusting these settings can often alleviate performance issues and improve overall picture quality.

Disable Motion Smoothing

• Look for settings like “Auto Motion Plus,” “TruMotion,” or “Motion Rate” in your TV’s picture settings menu.
• Experiment with turning these features off or adjusting them to a lower setting to reduce processing load.

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Reduce Sharpness

• Locate the “Sharpness” setting in your TV’s picture menu and try lowering it slightly.
• Excessive sharpness can create artifacts that may contribute to perceived stuttering, especially in fast-moving scenes.

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Adjust Noise Reduction

• Find settings related to noise reduction or digital clean view in your TV’s picture options.
• Consider turning these features off or lowering their intensity, as they can sometimes cause stuttering in complex scenes.

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Optimize Picture Mode

• Switch between different picture modes like “Standard,” “Movie,” or “Game” to find the one that provides the smoothest performance.
• Custom picture modes may also allow for finer control over individual settings that could impact stuttering.

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Clear Cache and Memory

Over time, your Samsung TV can accumulate temporary files and cached data that may contribute to performance issues, including stuttering. Clearing this data can often improve your TV’s responsiveness and playback smoothness.

Access Smart Hub

• Navigate to the Smart Hub on your Samsung TV, which is the central hub for apps and settings.
• Look for options related to memory management or system maintenance within the Smart Hub menu.

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Clear App Cache

• Find the option to clear individual app caches or perform a general cache clear for all installed applications.
• This process removes temporary files that might be causing conflicts or slowing down your TV’s performance.

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Close Background Apps

• Identify and close any apps running in the background that you’re not actively using.
• Reducing the number of active processes can free up system resources and potentially alleviate stuttering issues.

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Perform a Cold Boot

• Turn off your TV. Unplug it from the power source for at least one minute. This will clear the system memory completely.
• This process, known as a cold boot, can resolve many temporary glitches and performance issues upon restarting.

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Verify External Devices

External devices connected to your Samsung TV can sometimes be the source of stuttering problems. It’s important to check and troubleshoot these connections to ensure they’re not causing issues with your TV’s performance.

Inspect Cable Box

• If you’re using a cable or satellite box, ensure it’s functioning properly and not overheating.
• Try disconnecting the box temporarily to see if the stuttering persists, which can help isolate the issue.

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Check Gaming Consoles

• For connected gaming consoles, verify that they’re not experiencing their own performance issues that might be affecting the TV output.
• Update the console’s software and test with different games to rule out specific content-related problems.

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Evaluate Streaming Devices

• If you’re using external streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, ensure they’re up-to-date and functioning correctly.
• Test the TV’s built-in streaming apps to compare performance and identify if the issue is specific to external devices.

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Assess Sound Systems

• Check any connected sound systems or soundbars for potential audio sync issues that might be perceived as video stuttering.
• Try disconnecting the audio system temporarily to see if it resolves the problem.

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Inspect HDMI Connections

HDMI connections are crucial for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals between your TV and external devices. Problems with these connections can lead to various issues, including stuttering.

Check Cable Quality

• Ensure you’re using high-quality HDMI cables that support the bandwidth required for your content, especially for 4K or HDR playback.
• Consider replacing older or damaged cables with newer, certified HDMI cables to rule out connection issues.

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Verify Port Compatibility

• Check that you’re using HDMI ports that support the features required by your devices, such as HDMI 2.0 for 4K content at 60Hz.
• Some TVs have ports with different capabilities, so try switching to a higher-spec HDMI port if available.

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Secure Connections

• Ensure all HDMI cables are firmly plugged into both the TV and the external devices.
• Loose connections can cause intermittent signal issues that may manifest as stuttering or other video problems.

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Test Alternative Ports

• If stuttering persists, try connecting your devices to different HDMI ports on the TV to rule out port-specific issues.
• This can help identify if the problem is related to a particular HDMI input on your Samsung TV.

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Disable Energy Saving Features

Energy-saving features are designed to reduce power consumption. However, they can sometimes interfere with your TV’s performance. This interference can potentially cause stuttering or other picture quality issues.

Locate Power Settings

• Navigate to your TV’s settings menu and look for options related to power saving or eco mode.
• These features might be found under “General,” “System,” or “Eco Solution” depending on your Samsung TV model.

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Adjust Brightness Control

• Find and disable any automatic brightness adjustment features that dynamically change screen brightness based on content.
• Manual control over brightness can provide more consistent performance and potentially reduce stuttering in some cases.

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Modify Power Saving Mode

• If your TV has a power saving mode, try turning it off or adjusting it to a less aggressive setting.
• These modes can sometimes limit the TV’s processing power, which may contribute to stuttering issues.

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Check Sleep Timer Settings

• Ensure that sleep timer or auto power-off features are not interfering with your viewing experience.
• While these don’t directly cause stuttering, they can disrupt extended viewing sessions if not properly configured.

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Reset Picture Settings

If adjusting individual picture settings doesn’t resolve the stuttering issue, performing a complete reset of picture settings can often help. This process restores all picture-related options to their factory defaults, potentially eliminating any misconfigured settings that could be causing problems.

Access Picture Settings Menu

• Navigate to your TV’s main settings and locate the “Picture” or “Display” submenu.
• Look for an option to reset or restore default picture settings within this menu.

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Choose Reset Option

• Select the option to reset picture settings, which is often labeled as “Reset Picture Mode” or “Restore Default Settings.”
• Confirm your choice when prompted, understanding that this will erase any custom picture adjustments you’ve made.

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Recalibrate After Reset

• After resetting, take time to recalibrate basic settings like brightness, contrast, and color to your preference.
• Pay attention to any improvements in stuttering as you adjust these settings from their default values.

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Test Various Content

• View different types of content. This includes fast-motion scenes and high-definition material. Assess if the reset has resolved the stuttering issue.
• Make note of any remaining problems to guide further troubleshooting efforts.

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Perform a Factory Reset

When all else fails, performing a factory reset can be an effective way to resolve persistent stuttering issues. This process restores your Samsung TV to its original settings. It potentially eliminates any software-related problems that may be causing the stuttering.

Backup Important Data

• Before proceeding with a factory reset, ensure you’ve backed up any important settings, app data, or personalized configurations.
• Note down your Wi-Fi password and any other network settings you’ll need to reconfigure after the reset.

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Access Reset Menu

• Navigate to your TV’s settings menu and look for options like “General,” “Support,” or “System” to find the factory reset function.
• The exact location may vary depending on your Samsung TV model, so consult your user manual if necessary.

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Initiate Reset Process

• Select the option to perform a factory reset, which may be labeled as “Reset” or “Restore to Factory Defaults.”
• Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your decision, understanding that this will erase all personalized settings and data.

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Reconfigure After Reset

• Once the reset is complete, go through the initial setup process as if you were setting up a new TV.
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, reinstall any apps you use regularly, and reconfigure your picture and sound settings.

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Contact Samsung Support

If you’ve tried all the previous steps and are still experiencing stuttering issues with your Samsung TV, it may be time to reach out to Samsung’s customer support for specialized assistance.

Gather Information

• Collect all relevant details about your TV model, including the serial number and any error codes you’ve encountered.
• Prepare a detailed description of the stuttering problem, including when it occurs and what troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.

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Visit Samsung’s Support Website

• Navigate to Samsung’s official support website and look for options to contact customer service or technical support.
• You may find helpful resources, including FAQs and troubleshooting guides specific to your TV model.

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Use Live Chat Support

• Many Samsung support websites offer live chat options where you can connect with a support representative in real-time.
• This can be an efficient way to get quick answers and guidance on your stuttering issue.

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Schedule a Phone Consultation

• If your problem requires more in-depth assistance, consider scheduling a phone consultation with a Samsung technician.
• Be prepared to provide detailed information and possibly perform additional troubleshooting steps during the call.

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Consider Professional Repair

When all DIY solutions have been exhausted and the stuttering issue persists, consider professional repair services. These services may be necessary to address potential hardware problems.

Locate Authorized Service Centers

• Use Samsung’s official website to find authorized service centers in your area that specialize in TV repairs.
• Authorized centers have access to genuine Samsung parts and are trained to handle complex issues specific to your TV model.

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Evaluate Repair Costs

• Contact the service center to get an estimate for diagnostic fees and potential repair costs.
• Compare these costs with the price of a new TV to determine the most cost-effective solution for your situation.

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Prepare for Service Visit

• If opting for in-home service, ensure easy access to your TV and clear the surrounding area for the technician.
• For carry-in service, carefully package your TV to protect it during transport to the service center.

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Discuss Repair Options

• During the diagnostic process, ask the technician to explain the cause of the stuttering and discuss all available repair options.
• Inquire about the expected longevity of the repair and any warranties on the service provided.

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Explore Warranty Options

If your Samsung TV is relatively new, exploring warranty options can be a cost-effective way to address stuttering issues. This is especially true if they’re due to manufacturing defects or hardware failures.

Check Warranty Status

• Locate your TV’s purchase documentation and review the warranty terms and conditions.
• Visit Samsung’s warranty check page online and enter your TV’s serial number to verify its current warranty status.

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Understand Coverage

• Familiarize yourself with what is and isn’t covered under your warranty, including any limitations on repairs or replacements.
• Note any specific procedures required for making a warranty claim, such as using authorized service centers.

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Initiate Warranty Claim

• If your TV is still under warranty and the stuttering issue qualifies for coverage, begin the process of filing a warranty claim.
• Follow Samsung’s official procedures, which may involve registering your claim online or contacting a specific warranty department.

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Prepare for Service

• If your warranty claim is approved, prepare any required documentation and your TV for inspection or service.
• Clarify whether the service will be performed in-home or if you need to take your TV to a designated service location.

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Prevention Tips

While addressing current stuttering issues is crucial, taking preventive measures can help maintain your Samsung TV’s performance and reduce the likelihood of future problems.

Regular Software Updates

• Enable automatic updates. Alternatively, manually check for software updates on a regular basis. This ensures your TV always has the latest improvements and bug fixes.
• Stay informed about new firmware releases by following Samsung’s official channels or tech news sources for announcements about significant updates.

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Optimize Viewing Environment

• Position your TV in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, which can lead to performance issues and stuttering.
• Keep the TV and its surroundings clean and dust-free to ensure proper airflow and prevent dust buildup on internal components.

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Maintain Connections

• Regularly inspect and clean HDMI ports and cables to ensure stable connections and prevent signal degradation over time.
• Consider using high-quality surge protectors to safeguard your TV and connected devices from power fluctuations that could cause damage.

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Monitor Usage Patterns

• Be mindful of how you use your TV, avoiding excessive continuous use that could strain the system and lead to performance issues.
• Give your TV occasional breaks to cool down and reset, especially after extended periods of use or when watching high-intensity content.

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Conclusion

Dealing with stuttering issues on your Samsung TV can be frustrating. With the comprehensive troubleshooting steps and preventive measures outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle the problem head-on. Remember that stuttering can stem from various sources, including network connectivity, software glitches, hardware limitations, or external device issues. Work systematically through each potential cause. Start by checking your connection. Proceed to performing a factory reset. You can often resolve the issue without professional intervention.

However, if the problem persists after exhausting all DIY solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Samsung support. You can also consider professional repair services. Your TV’s warranty status may also provide additional options for addressing stubborn stuttering problems.

Maintaining your Samsung TV through regular updates, proper care, and optimal usage practices is essential. These steps can help prevent many performance issues before they start. By staying proactive and informed, you can ensure a smooth, stutter-free viewing experience for years to come.

For more information, visit Samsung TV.

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FAQs

Why does my Samsung TV stutter only during certain programs?

Stuttering that occurs only during specific programs or content types can be due to various factors:

• The content’s resolution or frame rate might be incompatible with your TV’s settings.
• Streaming issues specific to certain apps or channels could cause buffering problems.
• Consider adjusting your TV’s picture settings or checking the app for updates to resolve content-specific stuttering.

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Can a weak Wi-Fi signal cause TV stuttering?

Yes, a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can significantly contribute to stuttering, especially when streaming content:

• Weak signals can lead to buffering issues and inconsistent data transmission.
• Try moving your router closer to the TV or using a wired Ethernet connection for more stable performance.

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How often should I update my Samsung TV’s software?

Regular software updates are crucial for optimal performance:

• Enable automatic updates to ensure your TV always has the latest firmware.
• If auto-updates are disabled, check for updates manually at least once a month.
• Major updates may be released less frequently, but it’s important to install them promptly when available.

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Does using a 4K resolution increase the likelihood of stuttering?

4K content can be more demanding on your TV’s processing capabilities:

• Ensure your TV model supports 4K resolution and has the necessary processing power.
• Check that your HDMI cables are compatible with 4K transmission (HDMI 2.0 or higher).
• Adjust picture settings or lower the resolution temporarily to determine if 4K is causing the stuttering.

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Can external devices like game consoles cause my Samsung TV to stutter?

External devices can indeed contribute to stuttering issues:

• Ensure all connected devices are compatible with your TV’s capabilities.
• Update the software on external devices regularly.
• Try disconnecting external devices to isolate the source of the stuttering problem.

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Is stuttering a sign that my Samsung TV is failing?

Stuttering alone is not necessarily an indicator of TV failure:

• Many stuttering issues can be resolved through software updates or settings adjustments.
• Persistent stuttering unresolved by troubleshooting may indicate a hardware issue.
• Consult with Samsung support or a professional technician if stuttering continues despite all efforts.

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How can I differentiate between TV stuttering and source content issues?

To determine if the stuttering is TV-related or content-related:

• Test multiple sources (e.g., different streaming apps, cable TV, and local media).
• If stuttering occurs across all sources, it’s likely a TV issue.
• If it’s limited to specific content or apps, the problem may lie with the source or your internet connection.

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Can overheating cause my Samsung TV to stutter?

Yes, overheating can lead to various performance issues, including stuttering:

• Ensure proper ventilation around your TV.
• Check if stuttering worsens after extended use, which could indicate a heat-related problem.
• Consider using a cooling fan designed for electronics if overheating is a persistent issue.

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Will a factory reset delete my installed apps and settings?

A factory reset will indeed erase most user data and settings:

• All installed apps, personal preferences, and network settings will be removed.
• Built-in apps will typically be restored to their default state.
• Back up any important data or settings before performing a factory reset.

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Take a look at similar posts – How To Fix Stuttering Issues In SONY TVs.