“Instant On” is a feature available on many Samsung TVs designed to significantly reduce the time it takes for the TV to turn on from standby mode. Enabled allows the TV to start up more quickly, providing near-instant access to your content.
In today’s world, electronic devices such as TVs are predominantly used for their essential functions: TVs for watching videos. The critical aspect is the time it takes for the device to start and transition to these functions.
How Instant On Technology Works in Samsung TVs
The operation of Instant On technology has two independent processes:
- When the TV is in standby mode, specific components, such as the memory, WiFi module, or Ethernet module, remain in operation.
- The TV has an algorithm for loading programs.
Both processes ensure that the TV turns on quickly and starts showing videos. So here’s a closer look at how Instant On ensures that your TV turns on quickly.
Start Process: In standby mode, the memory and WiFi module remain on; this ensures fast loading of the operating system, the WiFi module is already connected to the router and some programs are already in the RAM. When you turn on the Samsung TV, first activate the operating system. It starts the module responsible for receiving TV programs from the air or via cable. The TV enters the operating mode and starts showing the picture within 2-4 seconds after turning on.
Sequential Loading of Features: After initial startup, the TV gradually loads additional programs that can be used but are not required, such as additional image processing modules and service programs.
Comparison with Computer Operation
A similar process is achieved in computers through hibernation mode, where programs are stored in RAM. This provides an almost instant startup when the computer is turned on, as the operating system and essential programs are already loaded and ready for use.
Prevalence and Practicality of Instant On in Televisions
Despite its convenience and innovation, Instant On on TVs has yet to be widely adopted. Many users prefer to wait for all TV functions to fully load, which takes 20-30 seconds, instead of using a limited mode of operation.
Why Instant On is no longer used
When the first Samsung Smart TVs came out, they were slow. TVs have fast processors, and the need for fast startup is gone. The advent of voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant has required TVs to always be in standby mode with WiFi or Ethernet modules enabled to turn on the TV remotely.
Another critical factor is the increasing use of streaming services, and it always takes time to start streaming services; the TV needs to update the Smart hub and authorize streaming services; no matter how fast the TV is turned on, it still takes time to authorize.
Historical Context and Technology Development
Instant On technology was first announced by Samsung for its TVs in 2014. It was a significant step in the evolution of the user experience, emphasizing Samsung’s commitment to innovation in the speed and usability of electronic devices. The feature was used quite extensively in TVs until 2018.
How to turn off instant on Samsung TV
To turn off the Instant On feature on a Samsung TV, you can follow these general steps:
- Access the Settings Menu: Press the ‘Menu’ or ‘Home’ button on your Samsung TV remote to access the main menu.
- Navigate to Settings: Use the remote to navigate to the ‘Settings’ option on the screen.
- Go to General Settings: Within the settings menu, look for a section labeled ‘General’ or something similar.
- Find Instant On Feature: In the General settings, scroll to find the ‘Instant On’ feature. The exact naming might vary slightly depending on the model of your TV.
- Disable Instant On: Once you’ve located the Instant On feature, select it and toggle the setting to ‘Off’.
- Exit and Save: Exit the settings menu. The changes should save automatically.
Please note that the exact steps can vary depending on the model and firmware version of your Samsung TV. If these steps do not match your TV’s interface, I recommend consulting the user manual for your specific model or visiting the Samsung support website for more detailed instructions.
How to disable Instant Power On on your Samsung TV via the Service Menu.
Turning off the “Instant On” Feature on Samsung TVs Through the Service Menu
Disabling the “Instant On” function on Samsung TVs via the service menu can be a more complex procedure and is usually not recommended for users without experience in electronics. It’s important to note that interfering with the service menu can lead to undesirable consequences, including voiding the warranty. If you decide to proceed, here are the general steps:
Entering the Service Menu
- Turn off the TV.
- On the remote control, press the buttons in the following sequence: Info → Menu → Mute → Power. This should turn on the TV and open the service menu. You can learn more about how to enter the service menu in the article “Samsung TV Service Menu, Entry and Description.”
Navigating the Service Menu
- Use the buttons on the remote for navigation. Be careful not to change or configure anything other than the necessary settings.
Disabling Instant On:
- Enter the ‘Option’ menu.
- Go to ‘MRT Option.’
- Find ‘Instant On’.
- Select this option and change it to ‘Off.’
Exiting the Service Menu: After changing the setting, carefully exit the service menu by pressing Power or Exit.
