How TVs Must Evolve: Insights from Displace CEO

TVs have long been treated primarily as displays, but according to Balaji Krishnan, CEO of Displace, that era is changing. In a recent conversation, he argued that smart TVs must evolve into platforms that blend hardware, software and services more thoughtfully if manufacturers want to remain competitive.

Krishnan points out that artificial intelligence is not just another feature to tack onto a set. Instead, AI capabilities should be baked into device strategy to improve personalization, content discovery and performance management. That means on-device processing, smarter recommendations and adaptive interfaces that learn from how people actually use their TVs.

Monetization is another area Krishnan believes needs rethinking. The traditional one-time hardware sale model is under pressure; software and services offer recurring revenue opportunities. But for viewers, any paid layer must feel clearly valuable. Bundling meaningful experiences—better search, premium streaming features, gaming enhancements or home-entertainment integrations—could justify subscription models without alienating users.

Krishnan also said manufacturers should stop treating operating systems and app stores as afterthoughts. The software layer is where differentiation happens: faster updates, consistent privacy practices and a curated app experience can set brands apart. Partnerships with content providers and cloud services could help smaller TV makers offer richer experiences without heavy in-house investment.

Finally, he emphasized sustainability and modularity. Repairable, upgradeable designs extend device life and make it easier to add AI or connectivity upgrades over time, reducing e-waste and improving customer loyalty. For readers who care about future-proofing their living room tech, these shifts suggest the next-gen TV will be less about pixels and more about ongoing value.