Samsung under fire over ‘substandard’ TVs in Türkiye after Türksat switch

Samsung TVs face access problems after Türksat update ISTANBUL Some Samsung television models sold in Türkiye have encountered issues accessing specific channels following a recent satellite frequency change, according to consumer reports. The problem arose after the transition from Türksat 3A to Türksat 4A satellites on August 16, when broadcasters shifted frequencies and viewers were advised to update their channel settings. Consumers using certain Samsung models reported difficulty accessing several channels post-transition. These televisions lacked the Türksat Channel Update System (TKGS), a feature designed to automatically adjust satellite channel frequencies in Türkiye. Instructions on Samsung’s Turkish website reportedly failed to resolve the issue for televisions without TKGS support. Users have urged the company to take action and offer compensation. The issue gained attention as Türksat completed the shift of television and radio broadcasts from Türksat 3A to newer satellites on August 16. Although the satellites occupy the same orbital position, channel frequencies changed, necessitating compatible televisions and receivers to update their channel lists. Türksat stated that TKGS was developed to eliminate the need for manual tracking of frequency changes, allowing automatic updates when broadcast frequencies shift or new channels are added. However, some Samsung television owners found their channel lists incomplete or certain broadcasts inaccessible after the transition. Reports from Samsung’s own community forum indicated users faced challenges with TKGS and channel detection during the shift. One user described difficulties finding channels despite using TKGS and manual frequency settings. A Samsung moderator cited the transition period as a contributing factor to some of the problems. Questions have arisen regarding whether specific Samsung models sold in Türkiye support TKGS as intended. Samsung’s current Turkish support documentation outlines instructions for using TKGS on compatible televisions, along with a manual network-scan option for cases where automatic updates fail. The company revised its guidance on September 9, weeks after the satellite transition. Despite these updates, some users continue to seek assistance, while technology outlets have shared instructions for restoring missing channels via TKGS or manual frequency searches. For affected consumers, the core concern remains: a television purchased for use in Türkiye should provide reasonable access to the country’s satellite broadcasting system without requiring additional effort to restore channels after a planned frequency change. The situation has sparked inquiries into the specifications of individual Samsung models, their compatibility with Türkiye’s broadcasting infrastructure, and the information provided to consumers at the time of purchase.