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> When can I buy a TV without smart features? There is a limited selection of 'dumb' TVs in the world. The 50-inch Sceptre E505BV-FMQK has no "smart" capabili
by topspin 7y ago
> When can I buy a TV without smart features?
There is a limited selection of 'dumb' TVs in the world. The 50-inch Sceptre E505BV-FMQK has no "smart" capabilities and lacks WiFi or Ethernet.
The usual advice is to simply not connect the internal "smart" capabilities to anything; disable WiFi and don't connect a Ethernet cable. The built-in host and all the nefarious crap it wants to run can't reach anything unless you somehow connect it. Just use the TV tuner and HDMI inputs. If you need a network connection for streaming from some local source then block the TV at your Internet router.
Like the adware you get with many laptops and other mobile devices there are 'financial incentives' to manufacturers to build this stuff in, so don't expect the practice to abate anytime soon.
- beamatronic 7y agoMarketing opportunity! Sell “Privacy TVs”
- quickthrower2 7y agoI wonder if my 8 year old 720p dumb TV will go up in value?
- bt848 7y agoHey, you're not wrong. "Privacy screen" displays that have been available on PC laptops for years are nothing but obsolete panels with terrible viewing angles. You can definitely charge more for something less good.
- rainbowzootsuit 7y agoNEC makes displays in their industrial display division that are _just_ displays. A few have an atsc tuner. The prices don't seem outrageous. https://www.necdisplay.com https://www.necdisplay.com
- Springtime 7y agoNice to see. Though it's hard to tell if these feature HDR support, despite the 'Ultra HD' nomenclature. On one sister site it mentions 'HDR support*' with a footnote that a 'HDR signal display is possible' which makes me dubious. As one of the draws of Ultra HD displays for consumers is HDR content which has become more common with online films/tv, UHD Blu-Rays and games.