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Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

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Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#101

Post by drnick1 »

aerhardt wrote: post #42
john_strinlai wrote: post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-commits-to-subscriptions-e... "But while BMW ultimately backed down over heated seats, the company still believes in the features-as-a-service model, and will continue to offer post-purchase upgrades through its ConnectedDrive platform. "

I drive a Cupra (a Spanish brand, a spinoff of SEAT, owned by Volkswagen) and when I was driving my car out of the dealership I had to tell the salesman I was not interested in signing up for the free app they were trying to foist me. He was dumbfounded. The model was selling like hotcakes yet I was the first customer that had outright refused to sign up for their shitty app. They pulled off the inevitable switcheroo…

Chances are the dealer and manufacturer can still get telemetry data through the cellular modem built into the car. You will need to remove it to be reasonably sure that data isn't extracted.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#102

Post by drnick1 »

krzat wrote: post #26
blitzar wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> an Apple TV device and unplugging the TV from the internet entirely Had this setup on different tvs for 10+ years, can confirm it is excellent.

I guess it's a matter of time until TVs include GSM modem for ads and DRM.

Cars already do, and the solution is to remove the modem.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#103

Post by drnick1 »

newscracker wrote: post #67
bilekas wrote: post #6

Ughh.. I recently turned on my 1000EUR+ LG Oled TV to find that it had automatically installed a Copilot app.. And keeps doing it every few days. Is there any smart TV that I can actually just use a TV how I want? Or am I reduced to buying an Apple TV device and unplugging the TV from the internet entirely ?

> Is there any smart TV that I can actually just use a TV how I want? I’ve heard that large computer monitors and TVs intended to be used as displays can be used without connecting them to a network. > Or am I reduced to buying an Apple TV device and unplugging the TV from the internet entirely ? An Apple TV is a good choice even otherwise. I’ve never seen a smoother and quicker interface on a native Smart TV (grante…

Better yet, use a Linux HTPC. The Apple TV box is comically restricted. For example, because there is no web browser, there is no straightforward way to watch YouTube ad-free on it.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#104

Post by aerhardt »

drnick1 wrote: post #101
aerhardt wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I drive a Cupra (a Spanish brand, a spinoff of SEAT, owned by Volkswagen) and when I was driving my car out of the dealership I had to tell the salesman I was not interested in signing up for the free app they were trying to foist me. He was dumbfounded. The model was selling like hotcakes yet I was the first customer that had outright refused to sign up for their shitty app. They pulled off the inevitable switcheroo…

Chances are the dealer and manufacturer can still get telemetry data through the cellular modem built into the car. You will need to remove it to be reasonably sure that data isn't extracted.

I know they are because they called me for service at the 10k km mark, but at least they’re not charging me for the pleasure.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#105

Post by drnick1 »

koolba wrote: post #27
ectospheno wrote: post #10

Once I verify a home video product works as intended I remove its network connection and never connect it again. I then leave its static ip address configured and block any traffic from it on the off chance it’s ever connected again. The sole exception is my PlayStation 5. I use apps on it for all streaming.

Pro tip for devices that refuse to simply remove working WiFi credentials ( cough Samsung), is to connect them to a different “dummy” WiFi and then simply turn that off. I’ve yet to see a device that caches more than one set of credentials. But I suppose it’s only a matter of time.

> Pro tip for devices that refuse to simply remove working WiFi credentials

Is there examples of such devices? AFAIK every smart TV can be switched to HDMI input without being ever connected to the Internet.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#106

Post by beej71 »

pithos wrote: post #94
beej71 wrote: post #81

Searching for "commercial display" will get you some dumb TVs. They tend to cost 2x, but you get what you pay for. We just gave away our 55" Hisense to our friend. I hope she doesn't think it means we hate her now. ;) (Side note: not having a TV in the living space allowed us to freely design it to be a living space.)

What do you do with this living space without a TV? Serious question from someone who grew up with a TV companion. I imagine this is what the current generation feels when thinking about smartphones.

We curl up on the couch and look at our phones. ;)

Actually we've made an effort to have people over more now, and we gather around the coffee table to chat. And even when we don't have people over, we're more likely to talk and be social.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#107

Post by RiverCrochet »

user3939382 wrote: post #48
aerhardt wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also had to take this approach with my LG TV. The OS actually had its use for a while but Apple TV has become my driver. I no longer wish to consent to LG’s EULAs which are starting to look like the legal corpus of a small nation. I’m also not interested in their software updates. Internet privileges: revoked. It’s concerning nonetheless as others are pointing out that in the current trajectory the TVs may soon ref…

I’ve read reports of these devices turning on wifi and auto connecting to known public wifi networks. Seems we went from a generation of technologists dismissing Stallman as paranoid to one living in his nightmare and not being appropriately familiar with his work, issues of art vs artist aside.

There hasn't been open public wifi networks near where I live for over a decade. It also seems increasingly rare for businesses to have them (they usually have an SSID and password posted somewhere). I don't think this is a thing.

But here's where it might go.

Verizon and other cell companies bundle streaming apps with their plans. It's really not a far leap for them to bundle a TV as well. Especially if TVs get really expensive due to whatever factors - get a 120" TV for just $30 extra on your bill over the next 5 years. And Verizon could contract with an OEM to make a Verizon-specific model, and put a 5G modem in it, and lock it to Verizon service. Verizon's just an example here, AT&T, T-Mobile could do the same.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#108

Post by ceejayoz »

drnick1 wrote: post #105
koolba wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Pro tip for devices that refuse to simply remove working WiFi credentials ( cough Samsung), is to connect them to a different “dummy” WiFi and then simply turn that off. I’ve yet to see a device that caches more than one set of credentials. But I suppose it’s only a matter of time.

> Pro tip for devices that refuse to simply remove working WiFi credentials Is there examples of such devices? AFAIK every smart TV can be switched to HDMI input without being ever connected to the Internet.

My parents got a new smart TV; if you don't give it wifi access it will nag repeatedly about it. Very annoying, and it only takes one time for it to go "Yay! I'll store these forever now."

(It will also wheedle you to re-enable the AI features and telemetry if you turn those off. Which you do like eight levels of confusingly and scarily named submenus.)

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#109

Post by drnick1 »

ceejayoz wrote: post #108
drnick1 wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Pro tip for devices that refuse to simply remove working WiFi credentials Is there examples of such devices? AFAIK every smart TV can be switched to HDMI input without being ever connected to the Internet.

My parents got a new smart TV; if you don't give it wifi access it will nag repeatedly about it. Very annoying, and it only takes one time for it to go "Yay! I'll store these forever now." (It will also wheedle you to re-enable the AI features and telemetry if you turn those off. Which you do like eight levels of confusingly and scarily named submenus.)

The best course of action here seems to return the TV. Any TV that cannot be permanently switched to HDMI input without nags is unfit for purpose and should be rejected.

Re: Hisense TVs add unskippable startup ads before live TV

#110

Post by drnick1 »

aerhardt wrote: post #104
drnick1 wrote: post #101

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Chances are the dealer and manufacturer can still get telemetry data through the cellular modem built into the car. You will need to remove it to be reasonably sure that data isn't extracted.

I know they are because they called me for service at the 10k km mark, but at least they’re not charging me for the pleasure.

The issue is that data is also shared with third parties, such as insurance companies and possibly the government. I could not, in good conscience, drive a car that spies on me and can be effectively controlled remotely.
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