Modern smart TVs are designed to enter a standby or deep sleep mode when the power button is pressed, rather than fully shutting down. This mode allows the TV to power on more quickly and run background tasks like software updates and app refreshes. Standby mode is especially important for OLED TVs, which use organic light-emitting diodes that can be more sensitive to prolonged static images. These TVs often have a feature called automatic compensation cycle or pixel-refresh, which helps prevent image retention or burn-in—when a static image is left on the screen for too long, it can leave a faint imprint. If the TV is unplugged or turned off immediately after use, this protective process may not complete, potentially leading to uneven wear on the display over time. Although smart TVs use very little power in standby mode, the cost can vary depending on local electricity prices. ENERGY STAR-certified models in the U.S. use no more than one watt in standby mode, which is minimal but can add up over time. For instance, in regions like California, where electricity rates are higher than the national average, the cost of standby power could be more significant. If a TV won't be used for a long period, unplugging it is a recommended way to eliminate any standby power use and save on energy costs. There are situations where rebooting the TV may be necessary. If the TV becomes unresponsive or runs slowly, a reboot can help clear memory and improve performance. However, abruptly unplugging the TV could interrupt important background processes or updates, which could cause issues. To avoid this, it's better to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for rebooting. Typically, this involves using the remote to hold down the power button, which brings up a menu offering options to restart or shut down the TV properly. This ensures that all processes are completed safely and the TV remains in good working condition.