These are Netflix’s favorite smart televisions

For the second year running, Netflix is awarding its “Netflix Recommended” badges to smart TVs that meet its criteria. This year, the selection process has got a little tougher, with Variety reporting that the company has reduced the amount of time it gives TVs to perform certain tasks. A TV must meet five of the following seven criteria to get its stamp of approval from the company: it must turn on instantly, resume whatever activity was stopped, offer the latest version of Netflix’s app, launch and resume the app quickly, and make it easy to find the streaming service — either by offering a dedicated Netflix button on the remote, or making the app “prominent” in the user interface. Netflix says that increasing its speed requirements for some of these tasks will mean fewer TVs qualifying, but the streaming service has already picked its first winners: sets from Sony and LG. It’s interesting to note that many big names have yet to make the grade, including industry leader Samsung, which wasn’t recommended in 2015 either. The streaming service says the program is about pushing TV manufacturers around the world to improve their hardware, and while it’s true that many smart TVs still add more frustration than functionality to the viewing experience, there’s obviously a self-promotional aspect to the “Netflix Recommended” program too. Still, if you’re a binge watcher tired of waiting for Netflix to launch on your TV, look out for the company’s seal of approval next time you’re shopping for a new set.