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Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

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Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#81

Post by ofTheFountain »

jiggawatts wrote: post #31

Every time this comes up I feel obligated to add the following: 1) Samsung televisions spy on your mercilessly . They collect everything they can, including screenshots at regular intervals and send them back to Samsung so that they can sell this to "partners". They are not a FAANG and don't have anywhere near their level of security expertise. I have second-hand but reliable information about their security approach…

I have one of the earlier mid range 4k Samsungs. About two years in they gave it an update that added a Lote of bloatware, some of their own TV streaming channels full of Samsung ads. And for a bit I had Adguard home on my router and Samsung endpoints where the biggest thing blocked by far, and it was the only Samsung device in he house.

Now I have the internet disabled on it and just use an Xbox for smart stuff, will probably get an Apple TV next time they upgrade it.

Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#82

Post by dennis_jeeves1 »

aluminussoma wrote: post #7

I would only be surprised if the other manufacturers are NOT doing the same. We (collectively speaking) do the same at work. We optimize for what gets us promoted rather than what benefits the company. Companies optimize for revenue rather than a good user experience. This behavior of trying to game/cheat the benchmarks is entirely consistent with human behavior in other areas of life.

>This behavior of trying to game/cheat the benchmarks is entirely consistent with human behavior in other areas of life.

Great observation, in fact by default one must make that assumption of anything related to human undertakings, unless proven otherwise.

Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#83

Post by 4oh9do »

jiggawatts wrote: post #31

Every time this comes up I feel obligated to add the following: 1) Samsung televisions spy on your mercilessly . They collect everything they can, including screenshots at regular intervals and send them back to Samsung so that they can sell this to "partners". They are not a FAANG and don't have anywhere near their level of security expertise. I have second-hand but reliable information about their security approach…

> They are not a FAANG and don't have anywhere near their level of security expertise.

What a weird thing to say. Are you suggesting that it's fine that FAANG companies also spy on you mercilessly, because their security is ostensibly better?

Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#84

Post by kyriakos »

lern_too_spel wrote: post #44
CoastalCoder wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Many of us share your distaste for the issues your mentioned. The challenge is finding better alternatives. Do you have any recommendations?

LG makea better TVs, appliances, phones, everything.

LG doesn't make phones

Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#85

Post by 4oh9do »

mgraczyk wrote: post #48
jiggawatts wrote: post #31

Every time this comes up I feel obligated to add the following: 1) Samsung televisions spy on your mercilessly . They collect everything they can, including screenshots at regular intervals and send them back to Samsung so that they can sell this to "partners". They are not a FAANG and don't have anywhere near their level of security expertise. I have second-hand but reliable information about their security approach…

I have a QN90A, the ads are annoying but it's fine and it's a great TV overall. It's basically just a tiny banner ad at the bottom right of the home screen. Personally I take much bigger risks day to day by doing things like biking to work, so I'm okay with the risk of my TV sending data back to advertisers. BTW, I'm pretty sure the only Samsung TVs that are five figures are the 98" beasts. My 75" QN90A was $1600, an…

> the ads are annoying but it's fine

This doesn't parse. It's like saying 'this apple is rotten but it's fine'.

If the apple is rotten, then it is not fine.

If the television has annoying ads, then it is not fine.

Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#88

Post by silisili »

jiggawatts wrote: post #34
interpol_p wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Never allow a TV or monitor to connect to your Wi-Fi network and you'll be able to avoid these two issues

Well yes, but then you're basically buying an expensive monitor and will need a second device to be the "smarts". I personally use an Apple TV for this, but in general this can be frustrating for users that just want their Smart TV to work without spying on them or implementing centrally triggered scheduled obsolescence. This is a bit like saying you should "never" turn on your new car's engine and should immediately…

IMO, not a big deal. Google was basically giving away chromecasts with google tv, and if that's still not happening, ONN makes one that works fantastic for 20 dollars. With voice search and all if that's your thing. Both are way faster and easier to use than a built in smarts, and both you can take with you on the go if you want.

Re: Samsung Busted for Cheating TV Test Benchmarks

#89

Post by nvr219 »

4oh9do wrote: post #83
jiggawatts wrote: post #31

Every time this comes up I feel obligated to add the following: 1) Samsung televisions spy on your mercilessly . They collect everything they can, including screenshots at regular intervals and send them back to Samsung so that they can sell this to "partners". They are not a FAANG and don't have anywhere near their level of security expertise. I have second-hand but reliable information about their security approach…

> They are not a FAANG and don't have anywhere near their level of security expertise. What a weird thing to say. Are you suggesting that it's fine that FAANG companies also spy on you mercilessly, because their security is ostensibly better?

I mean if SOMEBODY is going to spy on me I'd rather they have better security
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