I got a “smart” tv and just don’t let it on the network. Problem solved.
I read about Samsung (?) smart TVs connecting to nearby unsecured Wi-Fi networks and others containing LTE hardware with a data SIM.
What is the best dumb TV?
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Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#12Earlier quoted context omitted.
Some of these TVs automatically connect to any open wireless network in the area, so that isn’t always an option
I haven't seen an open wireless network for years around my residence. Is open Wifi still a thing?
Yes, especially in more densely populated places. I can pick up a few open networks from where I’m sitting in a moderately-populated American suburb.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#13unfortunately the best "dumb tv" these days is obtained by getting the "smart tv" that you _wish_ was dumb, and never connecting it to the internet.
I've seen comments here mentioning newest models that won't make it past the boot step if they can't connect. I think these were Samsung but I've never seen real sources for it. Even if the comments were wrong, it is most likely coming soon.
The Vizio that I bought four years ago has kind-of gone that far. They updated the OS so that you can't access the main interface (which includes built in Netflix and Amazon Prime, among others) unless you agree to a ToS giving them access to all kind of information I don't want to give them. So I factory reset it and now I only use my Apple TV with it and am all the more happy having done so. Screw Vizio. They'll never get another dime of mine.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#14unfortunately the best "dumb tv" these days is obtained by getting the "smart tv" that you _wish_ was dumb, and never connecting it to the internet.
I've seen comments here mentioning newest models that won't make it past the boot step if they can't connect. I think these were Samsung but I've never seen real sources for it. Even if the comments were wrong, it is most likely coming soon.
I think there are too many people that have no computer and no home internet (and just use the their phone for internet browsing) for that to happen, at least generally.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#15Haven't read the article but as in the title, you shouldn't look to get the best dumb tv. Look for the best tv you can get, and see if you can make it a dumb one.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#16I’ve had good luck with sceptre brand TVs. They are no frills and cheap. Plug in a $30 roku and hook it up to some decent speakers and you are good to go. I’ve had two of them going on 8 years strong now. Loads of connectivity to. From vga to dvi to component/composite, 1/8” audio in/out, spdif, hdmi, etc, etc.
On the other hand the power supply in my (former) LG plasma tv died after 1.5 years. I DIY replaced that with a ~$100 part. Then 6 months later it broke down with large green vertical lines interrupting the screen, at which point I gave up on it.
So for me it will be no frills cheap TVs from now on. If it breaks in a few years I can replace it without feeling as much of a hit to the wallet. And the external streaming boxes will always be better, faster and more flexible for me than the inbuilt “smart” software that stops getting updates after a few years.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#17I got a dumb external
monitor for my laptop and then learned it doesn't have the right DRM for me to watch Blu-rays on it. Literally, I can view the Blu-rays on my laptop screen, but if I drag the window to the other screen, it won't display the video.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#18I’ve had good luck with sceptre brand TVs. They are no frills and cheap. Plug in a $30 roku and hook it up to some decent speakers and you are good to go. I’ve had two of them going on 8 years strong now. Loads of connectivity to. From vga to dvi to component/composite, 1/8” audio in/out, spdif, hdmi, etc, etc. On the other hand the power supply in my (former) LG plasma tv died after 1.5 years. I DIY replaced that wi…
thanks for responding based on the article rather than the title. the 2 recommendations from the article:
* Sceptre 65" 4K UHD LED TV
* Sceptre 50" 4K UHD Ultra Slim LED TV
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#19I got a “smart” tv and just don’t let it on the network. Problem solved.
I read about Samsung (?) smart TVs connecting to nearby unsecured Wi-Fi networks and others containing LTE hardware with a data SIM.
Sounds like a folk tale, unless you have a source? The second part in particular.
Re: What is the best dumb TV?
#20I agree with the sentiment but you’re only hurting yourself by choosing a worse TV at a given price point compared to just never connecting your TV to the internet. If you want a competitive display market where the best options are still dumb then look at getting a projector. The price and quality are comparable and I really like being able to “put away” the TV by just rolling up the screen.
Some of these TVs automatically connect to any open wireless network in the area, so that isn’t always an option
I mean I always saw this as something theoretical TV manufacturers could do but I've never seen such a TV in the wild. Can you give an example?