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

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131–140 of 518 posts

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

#131

Seems like this would be a good use case for a "TV Honeypot" that would intercept phone-homes, recognize the model, imitate whatever jank rpc is needed to keep the unit happy, and dump all telemetry to /dev/null.

Imagine if it could replace the ads with pictures of your family, news, inspirational quotes…

Get one into your neighborhood switch; and show your own ads to everyone. Local advertisers desperately want someone to hand their money to.

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

#132

Earlier quoted context omitted.

TV display quality is dogshit compared to monitors. Even cheap low-end monitors tend to have better displays. They aren't the same panels at all.

Nope. I'm using an OLED TV as a monitor on my main PC, and it kicks the pants off any monitor I've ever used before, including the 2021 MBP monitor I'm typing this on right now.

Any worries of “burn in”? I read the risk of using one as a monitor is that with a computer there is often static images like your task bar. Those can burn into the screen permanently where as if it is just tv the image often changes. Shows like news often have a bar at the bottom and was warned those too can cause burn in. Curious what your experience has been? Thanks

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

#133
post #35

4K dumb projectors are easy to find. They're not for every room but can give you a great home cinema result while still working for normal TV and games.

Projectors are still a fairly poor substitute for a TV in the same price range, though. Every time I look at them, I'm not happy with the trade offs even if they've been getting better. Most recently it was a combination of price, brightness (HDR) and framerate (VFR, 120Hz).

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

#134

Earlier quoted context omitted.

TV display quality is dogshit compared to monitors. Even cheap low-end monitors tend to have better displays. They aren't the same panels at all.

Nope. I'm using an OLED TV as a monitor on my main PC, and it kicks the pants off any monitor I've ever used before, including the 2021 MBP monitor I'm typing this on right now.

same question

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

#135
post #32

4K monitors. You need a soundbar though or some kind of audio setup + remote. Also no built-in tuner or such but I assume you get a set top box from your service provider or use a streaming device (Apple TV, Fire stick etc.) 4K OLED https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=384002160&P=7 4K IPS https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=384002160&P=2 4K VA https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=384002160&P…

The price spread seems so drastic, more than four times. There is obviously much that I'm missing.

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

#136
post #69

Look, I think it’s a legitimate question, and I’m not thrilled about most “smart” TV operating systems. But why pigeonhole your search like this? You will almost certainly end up with a worse actual display, which is what you’re spending the money on in the first place. Just buy a nice panel and disable as much of the smarts as you can—-it’ll be fine. Android TV is the best option out there, in my opinion; and it’s w…

Smart TVs also take a lot longer to start up than dumb ones.

I’ve seen what you’re describing, but it’s far from universal. Most TV’s (like monitors) primarily exist in a standby mode and light up within a second or two, especially at the upper end of the market.

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

#137
Summing up the main options and linking to some comments that mentioned them:

* extra-large gaming monitors, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29383077

* Sceptre brand TVs (they can be purchased from Walmart) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29383298

* Projectors maybe, but 4k projectors are very expensive. (On the other hand, 1080p projectors look great in my opinion.)

* Most big brands such as LG, Samsung, etc. have "commercial displays" or "digital signage" that are dumb or at least have fewer problematic features. One kind you'll see is marketed for putting in hotel or hospital rooms. Another kind is marketed for displaying at e.g. a bar/restaurant, building lobby, etc.

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

#138

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Nope. I'm using an OLED TV as a monitor on my main PC, and it kicks the pants off any monitor I've ever used before, including the 2021 MBP monitor I'm typing this on right now.

Which one are you using if you don't mind me asking?

LG C1. I have to turn it off and on with a remote, take the usual OLED precautions, and tolerate its "smart" nonsense, but the color is gorgeous and the contrast is magical.

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

#139

Sceptre is fantastic for this. e.g. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sceptre-55-Class-4K-UHD-LED-TV-HD... Zero smart features, and all modern capabilities. It's also a TV, as opposed to a computer monitor, so it has the expected TV speakers and ports.

I could not find a product description. Stopped scrolling when I reached the related products and could not find a hyperlink in the sidebar. Is this just me stuck in old ways?

It's below the related and recommended products.

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

#140
post #32

4K monitors. You need a soundbar though or some kind of audio setup + remote. Also no built-in tuner or such but I assume you get a set top box from your service provider or use a streaming device (Apple TV, Fire stick etc.) 4K OLED https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=384002160&P=7 4K IPS https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=384002160&P=2 4K VA https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=384002160&P…

4K OLED monitors are insanely expensive. You can get an LG 65" OLED TV for $1,800. The OLED computer monitors I have seen start at $4,000.
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