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Ask HN: Are there any 4K “dumb” televisions?

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Re: Ask HN: Are there any 4K “dumb” televisions?

#22
I seem to recall hearing that certain Google TV’s could be set to dumb mode?

Ah, here it is: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/02/the-best-feature-of-...

> The new Google TV is a fine smart TV interface, but when it gets integrated into some TV sets later this year, its best feature might be that you can turn it off. A report from 9to5Google details an upcoming "Basic TV" mode that will be built into Google TV, which turns off just about all the smart TV features. Right now, Google TV is only available in the new Chromecast, but Google TV will be built into upcoming TVs from Sony and TCL. Basic mode means we'll get smart TVs with a "dumb TV" mode.

> ...

> When the new feature rolls out, you'll be asked to choose between "Basic TV" or "Google TV" at setup. 9to5Google says that with basic mode, "almost everything is stripped, leaving users with just HDMI inputs and Live TV if they have an antenna plugged directly into the TV. Casting support, too, is dropped." The UI notes that you'll be turning off all apps, the Google Assistant, and personalized recommendations.

Re: Ask HN: Are there any 4K “dumb” televisions?

#24
post #2

Just don't connect it to the network or agree to any of the license clickthroughs, it can't do things behind your back then. HDMI and the RF tuner can still work fine.

HDMI cables now come with 10/100 Ethernet built in. So it could connect via your devices connection.

So pay attention to the hdmi cable you use.

Re: Ask HN: Are there any 4K “dumb” televisions?

#25
Depends a lot on country. I think the US has more options than EU (but I might be wrong...). Framework had a blog post (https://frame.work/blog/in-defense-of-dumb-tvs) about this exact thing and NEC digital signage displays are an option or Iiyama (https://iiyama.com/) makes 55,60 inch 4K displays that are non smart.

I was looking for something similar and it's frustrating to see you can pick up a 65inch Samsung Q90A for about $2500-$3000 but a similarly sized comercial display will cost significantly more and use significantly more power (at least as far as I've seen, I might be wrong on this one). Comercial displays are rated for 16/24 or 24/24 usage, so they should, in theory, last significantly longer.

As far as my search went, I ended up going with a Dell U4320Q (43inch monitor) instead. It cost a bit more than the equivalent Samsung Q90A display, but it does have a USB C port with power delivery support, I can keep my desktop and laptop plugged in and it works/looks great. It also doesn't have Smart features, it's just a display. Depending on country you might be able to get some cashback on it and make it even more competitive price wise and the stand + warranty are pretty solid.

Hope this helps!

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