Removal of VEWD TV Store

[Alec_Moffatt]

I notice Vewd is going to be removed from my Sony Tv.  Is it going to be replaced with something else? If not how am I to download apps I want/ need??

[Win_88]

Hi there,

The Sony Community is a place where users help each other as best as they can, but there are other ways to get help from Sony directly:

https://services.sony.co.uk/supportmvc/en/Contact/Email

Win_88

[UnhappySonyUser568]

This was the answer that they emailed to me regarding the Smart features:

"Thank you for contacting Sony support.

"With reference to your enquiry, we apologise for any confusion or misunderstandings, please see the below:

"1) The KDL-32W705B has a wide variety of applications which can all be accessed from the 'All Apps' list, please let us know if you are not able to access any of the other Apps on the TV.

"2) The 'VEWD Termination'  due to the expiration of the contract between the service provider and Sony, the VEWD TV Store will no longer be available on Sony TVs after 25th June 2019, you can find more details about it here:
https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00226633

"3) We are sorry to inform you that there isn't an alternative to the VEWD application, but it does not deem the television as unusable or no longer smart as the television essentially has features and internet access that qualify it as a smart television.

"We appreciate your patience and cooperation on this matter."

I hope this helps other users who are annoyed - although it did not me because that is just nit-picking especially as the few remaining apps fail due to memory issues.

Thank you for the suggestion about Watchdog. May I offer help in pointing out this link https://www.which.co.uk/news/2014/05/when-smart-tv-app-support-vanishes-what-next/ for Which Magazine - the UK Consumer association. The article is a few years old, but I am sure they would still like  to "hear from readers who’ve been affected by this issue, so we can lobby manufacturers to show real commitment to their paying customers."

[Jonquilla]

Thanks for sharing. All helpful

[Marwan5685]

@UnhappySonyUser568 

Thanks for sharing . 

This was interesting.

We are sorry to inform you that there isn't an alternative to the VEWD application, but it does not deem the television as unusable or no longer smart as the television essentially has features and internet access that qualify it as a smart television. 

Essentially has features and internet access  ,!?? What does that mean in terms of Smart features ? 

 What is the benefit from internet access if i cant use it . Since 25/06 and my TV is offline.

Vewd was the only  usefull application  and its now gone.

If they cant see that its no longer smart i dont know what to say honestly.

From my side i took  the decision . No more Sony for me, my family. And will be sure for every one i know. 

[Zoki84]

Is there something from sony?

[Tornike]

Same here. I bought Sony SMART TV 6 month ago, and it is no longer smart and unusable for me now. 

This is most irresponsible decision I have ever heard from a respectable company.

It is cheating, stealing and worst behavior.

May be they are going bancrupt and are trying to get most from their loyal customers until their death.

Sony!

[Jonquilla]

This is the reply I got back

Thank you for contacting Sony support.

We are sorry to learn that your Sony KDL-32WD751 losses your player, applications and external device.

In an attempt to resolve the matter, please perform the below steps:

1-Remove all external devices.

2-Unplug TV from mains and plug it back in after 2 minutes.

3-Ensure that the TV is running on 8.216 software version, by checking:

Home - Settings - Customer Support.

If your TV is not running on the above software version, please visit the below link for the latest update:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/lcd-tvs-wd75x_w75xd-series/kdl-32wd751/downloads/00015630

4-Connect your external device to a different HDMI port.

5-Connect your external device to your TV using a different HDMI cable.

6-Refresh internet content as follows:

Home - Settings - System Settings - Setup - Network - Refresh Internet Content.

7-Connect your TV to a different internet source such as a personal hotspot using a smart mobile.

8-Perform a factory reset as follows:

Home - Settings - Customer Support - Factory Settings.

Having the issue persists, we are seeking your kind patience to reply with the below to investigate the matter further from our end:

1-What is the device ID?
- This should be available inside system information section.
- Press Home then Help.
- Then, select customer support.
- Scroll down till you reach Device ID.
2-What is the current firmware installed on the device. Please write the exact version:
- Press the HOME button on your remote control.
- Select Help.
- Then, select Customer Support.
- Select System Information.
- You should now see your Software version and Serial number.
3-What is the MAC Address?
- Press Home, then select settings.
- Go to network set-up.
- Then, select view network status.
4-What is the exact issue providing the maximum details?
5- What is your Post Code?
6- What is the internal device IP Address?
- You may refer back to the internet service provider for further assistance.
7- What is the public IP address by visiting www.whatismyip.com?
8- What is the internet Service Provider Name?
9- What is the actual internet speed using SpeedTest.net?
10- What is the network environment: i.e. FTTH, Broadband?
- You may refer back to the internet service provider for further assistance.
11- Are you using VPN / Proxy / Anonymizer / TOR service to access the internet?
- You may refer back to the internet service provider for further assistance.
12- What is the brand and model of the router?

13- What is the results of connecting your TV with your personal hotspot?

14- Does the issue occur with other pre-installed applications?

15-How is your TV connected to the internet? Wired or Wireless?

16-If you TV is connected wireless, is it possible to connect your TV using a wired connection and to reply with the outcome.

17-When did the issue start? 

18-Do you have any external devices connected to your TV? Please mention which ports they’re connected to.

19-Is there any specific action you perform to produce this issue?

For registration purposes please reply to this email with the 7 digits serial number.

Should you have any further questions, please feel free to reply to this email.

Thank you for your enquiry.

As you can see quite a lot to do! Hope it helps.

[IamNic]

Hello all,

you are probably going to hate more for that, but has any one of you read the terms of service of VEWD?

https://www.vewd.com/contract/vewd-terms-of-service/

I think this paragraph is the most important one for this discussion:

Vewd may discontinue access to the Service. Vewd may in its sole discretion and at any time modify or discontinue providing the Service, or any part of the Service, with or without notice. Vewd may in its sole discretion terminate or suspend your access to the Service with or without notice. You agree that Vewd will not be responsible or liable to you or any third party for modifying or discontinuing the Service, or for terminating or suspending your access to the Service.

And before you reply - please read trough some other service providers terms of service e.g. Instagram/YouTube/Facebook - they all are essentially the same in this regard. If they close down - everything is gone.

- Nic

[Tornike]

Nic you are just saying that I have no chance if I sue Sony for this. 

The reality is that without app store smart TV is just 'dumb' TV as my current Sony TV and I can not return it unfortunately because your lawyers are better lawyers than I am and you are stating that it is still smart TV even if you have no option installing/using anything new :). That does not make any sense.

I would return it and buy Samsung if I could which is twice cheaper and may have less display quality, but would be usable and much faster SMART TV!

We, customers buy things from named brands and pay extra because we trust them. We think that we will not be disappointed without reading all the terms and conditions.

Fair company should take care of their customers and that is not the case with Sony!

No one should ever buy anything from Sony!

P.S. Do you read all hundreds of pages of terms and conditions of anything you use?

[Helin0x]

This is great and all, but we didnt buy any services from Vewd, we bought a smart TV from Sony which was advertised as a smart TV, so this is T&C for Sony, not us.