Years ago I sold my TV (the big kind with the heavy back) and my DVD player on craiglist for 5$ usd each. I only watch video via a 30 inch monitor connected to my linux PCs. It's nice having full control over my hardware. I would never buy a "smart" tv out of principle.
It rolled out to me yesterday (Firefox/Linux/ublock in the midwest USA on comcast) and the "fix" instantly "fixed" it..... but I still prefer Freetube.
I started using freetube for linux a month or so ago. This is so much better than native youtube. The entire interface is smoother, I get less "loading" moments (none really) and it does not try and constantly reduce my resolution by "auto adjusting". No ads, no BS. Just better all around.
I usually watch youtube (well via Freetube) on 480, maybe 720 when I am paying attention and 360 when I am laying down. I prefer these small file sizes because I can skip left and right in the video time with the arrow buttons like the file is local and not online. I haven't pirated a movie in years (I would not want to watch anything new) but I download a lot of old racing from the 80s and 90s and it is already 480p, so as long as it is in english, not black/white I am happy.