Smart TV innovation: Non-smart

Mitchell & Brown targets an underserved buyer demographic with its app-free ‘non-smart’ TV mode option across its TiVo OS range.

Mitchell & Brown is once again proving that it listens to both its retailers and end-users with the launch of a truly unique feature across its new TiVo OS televisions. The new ‘non-smart’ mode across the brand’s TiVo-based TVs is designed to bring back the simplicity of traditional broadcast viewing without the apps, subscriptions and connected security worries.

When set up in non-smart mode, Mitchell & Brown’s latest TVs can bypass Wi-Fi connection entirely, hiding all smart menus and streaming services to create a pure linear broadcast TV experience. Unlike other brands’ “Wi-Fi off” options, Mitchell & Brown’s solution is permanent and robust, with no repeated prompts to connect even after reboot. The user interface is completely stripped of online distractions to leave a stable, secure and beautifully simple viewing environment.

“Retailers have been telling us for years that there’s a gap in the market for a genuinely simple, reliable TV,” says Dan Brown, Purchasing Director at Mitchell & Brown. “The non-smart mode is our answer. It’s not just Wi-Fi disabled, it is a complete simplification of the interface, turning a TiVo OS smart TV into a traditional broadcast set at the customer’s request. For many of your customers, that’s exactly what they want.”

Families purchasing TVs for elderly relatives will appreciate the peace of mind of knowing the user can’t accidentally enter a streaming app or change essential settings. Care-home operators and supported-living providers gain a robust solution that reduces call-outs, confusion and configuration issues while maintaining full access to Freeview channels and AV sources. And retailers themselves can confidently recommend a feature that no competitor currently offers, underlining Mitchell & Brown’s reputation for understanding real-world consumer needs.

This addition builds on the success of Mitchell & Brown’s TVs, which have long been a favourite among independents for their reliability, intuitive controls and class-leading seven-year warranty. Adding true non-smart operation to the new TiVo OS line ensures a single, unified platform that caters for every customer from tech-savvy streamers to those who prefer a simpler approach.

For retailers, this could mean fewer calls or returns from frustrated users and offers an ideal TV solution for elderly viewers who just want to watch standard TV channels. For those buying for parents or elderly relatives, care homes or holiday lets and guest rooms, these TVs increase security and reduce potential user-generated problems.

“Our mission has always been to make technology accessible for everyone,” adds Dan Brown, “The non-smart mode reflects that philosophy perfectly by offering choice. For the customer who doesn’t want connected features, or who values security and simplicity, it transforms a state-of-the-art TV into something familiar and unintimidating. For our retail partners, it opens new doors to customer groups that the major global brands aren’t serving. It’s an unusual innovation born not from chasing trends, but from listening to the people who buy and sell our products every day.”

In a market where differentiation is increasingly difficult, Mitchell & Brown’s new non-smart feature stands out, and underpins the company’s positioning as a British brand that genuinely cares for its customers.

The new non-smart mode is available now across the entire Mitchell & Brown TiVo OS television range. Retailers interested in stocking the range or highlighting the feature in store can contact Mitchell & Brown’s UK sales team on sales@mitchellandbrown.co.uk or visit mitchellandbrown.co.uk for full product details, promotional materials and training resources.

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Editors notes

Founded in 1996 by Jim Brown and his sons Matthew and Daniel, the TVD Group started from humble beginnings in a shop in Leigh and has now become a leading UK provider in audio visual solutions. Putting the customer at the heart of everything it does and offering unrivalled service and quality products has acted as a catalyst for growth, which has seen the group go from strength to strength.

In 2016, to celebrate the brand's 20th anniversary and pay tribute to their late father, the two brothers decided to develop their very own exclusive TV brand, names 'Mitchell & Brown' using their father's surname and Jim's mother's maiden name.

Built by Europe’s largest TV manufacturer, who design and manufacture TV’s for almost every major brand around the world, each television undergoes rigorous control processes and testing.

Mitchell & Brown TV sets come in various sizes, including LED TVs from 20” to 75” with build in features such as Freeview Play, Smart TV apps, 4K UHD, WIFI, Hotel Mode and DVD Combi.

The Mitchell & Brown TV range comes with an industry-leading 7-year warranty, so its products have a reputation for client satisfaction and reliability.