3 ms·

I miss the days when my TV didn't have software updates and was simply a dumb panel whose only job is to display a picture for whatever input I give it.

blfr 8y ago
Fortunately, you still can buy dumb screens and add smart features with addons like Chromecast or just a computer with HDMI output. This works reasonably well, much like the bluetooth adapter.
- ghaff 8y ago
  Chromecast is a candidate for most-overlooked electronic gadget. This $35 or so gizmo lets me use the great UI on my tablet (or sometimes laptop because... reasons) to fling video up on my TV without dealing with all the trials and tribulations of my TV remote and crappy TV apps. I get why TV makers hate this model. Too bad.
- debaserab2 8y ago
  There's not a ton of new dumb TV options. The majority of new offerings from the big TV makers are all smart TVs. The dumb panels that I looked at lacked specs on screen quality in comparison to smart TVs, too. I'd love to be wrong about this though.
- scarface74 8y ago
  I think Chromecast is one of the worse ideas for a shared communal TV. How do other people control the TV? Am I expected to leave my phone/tablet in the living room? A Roku stick/Apple TV/Nvidia Shield have apps and you can just use a traditional remote. With the AppleTV/Nvidis Shield you can Airplay/Cast when necessary.
  - blfr 8y ago
    I just disconnect when I'm done watching and the next person can connect using their device. With Netflix you need to at least switch profiles so it's about as convenient but I rarely watch anything on TV and never actual TV so it may be more annoying for heavier users.
newscracker 8y ago
I don't mind software updates on TVs as much as I mind having a Smart TV that can connect online and has some apps (there are "non-smart TVs" that can get firmware updates through USB and without having to be online). I'm happier and feel safer with an additional device that can be the conduit to connect online (like Apple TV) or to other devices in the home network (any cheaper local/network media player device).

blfr 8y ago

Fortunately, you still can buy dumb screens and add smart features with addons like Chromecast or just a computer with HDMI output. This works reasonably well, much like the bluetooth adapter.

ghaff 8y ago
Chromecast is a candidate for most-overlooked electronic gadget. This $35 or so gizmo lets me use the great UI on my tablet (or sometimes laptop because... reasons) to fling video up on my TV without dealing with all the trials and tribulations of my TV remote and crappy TV apps. I get why TV makers hate this model. Too bad.
debaserab2 8y ago
There's not a ton of new dumb TV options. The majority of new offerings from the big TV makers are all smart TVs. The dumb panels that I looked at lacked specs on screen quality in comparison to smart TVs, too. I'd love to be wrong about this though.
scarface74 8y ago
I think Chromecast is one of the worse ideas for a shared communal TV. How do other people control the TV? Am I expected to leave my phone/tablet in the living room? A Roku stick/Apple TV/Nvidia Shield have apps and you can just use a traditional remote. With the AppleTV/Nvidis Shield you can Airplay/Cast when necessary.
- blfr 8y ago
  I just disconnect when I'm done watching and the next person can connect using their device. With Netflix you need to at least switch profiles so it's about as convenient but I rarely watch anything on TV and never actual TV so it may be more annoying for heavier users.

newscracker 8y ago

I don't mind software updates on TVs as much as I mind having a Smart TV that can connect online and has some apps (there are "non-smart TVs" that can get firmware updates through USB and without having to be online). I'm happier and feel safer with an additional device that can be the conduit to connect online (like Apple TV) or to other devices in the home network (any cheaper local/network media player device).