this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2023
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Asklemmy
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A high-quality dumb TV.
Get your ads (and security vulnerabilities) out of my damn house.
They exist, they're just not cheap since they're meant for enterprise use and should last much longer.
At least for most smart TVs, they're completely operational if you never connect them to the Internet, though.
You still end up with awkward, overcomplicated UIs that make using the TV in basic ways unnecessarily obnoxious.
Want to change the volume? Thereβs an app for that!
Plug in your own Kodi box. Problem solved.
People who would like to get their hands a bit dirtier can take off the back cover and remove/desolder the WiFi and Bluetooth chips (if present). Just don't touch the IR chip
I do use Kodi for local content, but this unfortunately doesn't help with streaming services, and even dedicated steaming boxes have ads on their home screens now.
DNS blocking (Pihole, adaware, nextdns...) Can take care of those ads on dedicated streaming boxes.
This is how I use my TV but it's still not perfect. When my TV turns on, it always try to shove a list of "smart apps" in my face which takes a minute to load even with no internet, and the input switcher is slow and clunky. I guess I would accept it anyway though since the smart features push down the price. I don't think I'd be able to afford the LG C1 otherwise
Just plug a computer into your TV, and never give the TV Ethernet or WiFi access.
Manufacturers have gotten smart to that, if you don't agree to the terms you may not get the full features. Not just the smart features.
Interesting. The only feature I can think of mine missing is firmware updates.
Visio penalizes you for not giving it Internet access by taking extra long to turn on while it vainly tries to phone home. There's no way to turn off the "feature".
Why is it not illegal for manufacturers to cripple hardware if you don't let them invade your privacy?
Are there any alternate firmware sources for TVs that remove the smart features?
*dumb house.
The only way
I kinda disagree here - I have no problem using smart lights, etc., as long as they're controlled by a non-cloud system like HomeAssistant. This just doesn't seem to be an option for more complex devices.
Agreed, "smart" isn't what matters, it's more connected and in control, with Internet optional, no proprietary app or weird protocol mandatory.
Tutanota?
I'm not sure how an email service helps here...?
Sorry, I don't know why my comment surfaced here. I replied to someone else.
Get a pyhole. No more ads (or devices phoning home) in your home network.
*Pi-hole
Already got one. A lot of devices seem to route ads over channels that can't be blocked without compromising other device functions.
FWIW using an Android video projector with VLC connecting to uPnP server, only my video files availble. Otherwise can use its HDMI input but as-is it's all wireless.