7 ms·

That's exactly why I personally try to stay away from as many of these things/devices as I can reasonably do. TV: just don't buy an actual TV. Buy a monitor an

That's exactly why I personally try to stay away from as many of these things/devices as I can reasonably do. TV: just don't buy an actual TV. Buy a monitor and hook it up to a Linux box with something like Kodi. You can hook up your cable box if you have that or stream from Netflix and such. Sure, even Netflix makes it hard as you can't get 5.1 surround but I'll take that and 2.0 -> 5.1 upmix over buying a Smart TV any day! Games: Kerbal Space program sounds fun. Lots of mentions on HN. Apparently after some company bought them up changes of this sort have been made. So I decided against getting it even though I would probably very much enjoy playing it. Don't buy games like that. Buy games like Factorio or some GoG stuff (the ones that actually do work on your current Windows OS if that's what you use ... ;)) and do not buy into the GoG Galaxy thing. Get the installers. Otherwise that's like falling for Steam or Xbox Live or whatever the "Windows Live" BS is called nowadays. Tablets and Phones: Use them for what they're good for: Making phone calls and browsing the web on the go. Apps are a curse, I avoid installing them as much as possible. Some exceptions prove the rule, like a free GPS tracker app for hiking created by a single guy. UI looks like it's out of the 90s but works for my use case. Found it because the other app I used started requiring a login even for the free part of the app. I refuse to bow to such things.

dspillett 5y ago
> Netflix makes it hard as you can't get 5.1 surround Then get it from *ahem* elsewhere, you've paid for access to that content in that quality, if they can't provide that… Maybe if enough do that they'll fix the problem, so they can start tracking your use of the content again when you return to consuming it their way.
Sebb767 5y ago
> TV: just don't buy an actual TV. Buy a monitor and hook it up to a Linux box with something like Kodi. You can hook up your cable box if you have that or stream from Netflix and such. Sure, even Netflix makes it hard as you can't get 5.1 surround but I'll take that and 2.0 -> 5.1 upmix over buying a Smart TV any day! I've looked into this, but this option is really not great, either: - Large Monitors are unavailable or (if you use business monitors) a lot more expensive and usually don't have latest panel tech. - You'll loose surround sound and also 4K on most platforms - The integration is usually worse (you'll have to start more devices, if you're lucky CEC decides to work) - Good luck with HDR I personally settled for a SmartTV behind a PiHole-equivalent, but an Apple TV or an Android TV combined with an offline smart TV are good contenders, too. Unfortunately, there's really no silver bullet right now.
- weq 5y ago
  - Shamii 5y ago
    I'm a software engineer because I love technology. Your opinion is fine don't get me wrong but my 4k 55" OLED tv is really really impressive. It's a marvelous picture. My DSLR images look brilliant on it, games do as well, HDR is surprising ly nice as well. We watch most tv shows still on a 10 year old 720p beamer due to image size. 110" is still more immersive than 55". But I do expect being able to buy 110" 4k in a few years either through a more affordable 4k projector or by microled panels. I can't follow your 4k = full of propaganda Point. Not sure what you mean by it.
    - int_19h 5y ago
      I'm into fractal videos (e.g.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cgp2WNNKmQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cgp2WNNKmQ), and resolution makes a huge difference there. I got a 4K TV largely for this reason, and seriously considering 8K for the next one.
- weq 5y ago
- tharkun__ 5y ago
  I looked into it too ;) - Large Monitors are unavailable or (if you use business monitors) a lot more expensive and usually don't have latest panel tech. Agree, monitors in regular TV sizes are way more expensive than the largest 'cheap' monitors. But I'd rather make a decision between paying $300 CAD for a 32" monitor that is 'large enough' but not huge or a ~43" monitor that is way larger, has 4k etc. and costs ~$1200 CAD etc. or a $500 50" 4k "generic Smart TV" in "dumb mode" than to use it as an actual Smart TV. - You'll loose surround sound and also 4K on most platforms There you go, no expensive 4k monitor needed if you can't get it anyway. Surround sound I'll give you but see your sibling if you are so inclined to go the potentially unlawful but ethically probably totally OK route. - The integration is usually worse (you'll have to start more devices, if you're lucky CEC decides to work) To be fair it's been a while that I've had cable and had to deal with that and that was in low-def times (so I had a cable card in the mythtv server). I don't fancy setups w/ IR switching cable channels and such but to be honest, I think it's worth it to at least try if you have to keep actual cable for some reason. Nowadays other viable options than having cable do exist if you ask me. - Good luck with HDR I probably just don't know what I am missing and as long as it stays that way it's like staying on 720p and a monitor most people would think is way too small but actually totally adequate than to complain that my huge 4k one looks bad with that source material ;) offline smart TV are good contenders, too Totally agree, if you're looking for a cheap huge "monitor" that can definitely be a good option as long as you stay away from the actual "features" and are fine with the other limitations. Personally I'm on a 32" regular HD IPS panel monitor. Given the size of the living room and how far away the sofa is, this is totally adequate (I upgraded from my >>>10 year old 4:3 "I don't even remember the size of it" monitor when it finally broke!). Surround sound depends on the source. If it's Netflix the upmix is "good enough" for most of what the kids wanna watch and then there's other material too where proper AC3 is available. Most of the times I can't really have the bass turned up anyway so as not to wake the kids :P
teh_infallible 5y ago
For TV, get a short throw projector. It’s a dumb screen, and it’s fun to play retro games projected on the wall
- baq 5y ago
  for best results you really want a screen and if the top end is close to the ceiling, you want to paint that black, too.
dotancohen 5y ago
> Games: Kerbal Space program sounds fun. Lots of mentions on HN. Apparently after some company bought them up changes of this sort have been made. The changes to Kerbal are in Kerbal Space Program 2, not the original KSP. I highly recommend KSP, go ahead and get it. KSP 2 will have better graphics and add some new capabilities to the game, but honestly you could play KSP for years (I have) and not get tired of the graphics or what the game offers. To me KSP 2 seems like a competing game, not a replacement.
- tharkun__ 5y ago
  That would be sweet if I mixed this up! Will have to look into it. Thanks!
  - tharkun__ 5y ago
    Nope, not mixed up. Redshell apparently was added in KSP 1.4 by Take Two. After an uproar in the community it was removed again but personally this is something that's just too big of a thing to dismiss. Not changing my mind. Reference: https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/201762-red-shell-in-ksp2/ https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/201762...
    - dotancohen 5y ago
      Thank you. I had not head of Redshell, and I thought that you were referring to features being removed. I'll now be very wary to see if spyware like this is installed again.
Tor3 5y ago
> TV: just don't buy an actual TV. Buy a monitor and hook it up to a Linux box with something like Kodi. I simply bought a non-smart TV. I just made sure it had a number of HDMI ports. I plug my various media sources into the HDMI ports. A "smart" TV must be the most un-smart TV possible - you're stuck with whatever's there. The "smart" part (say, a Pi or a Chromecast or both) must be detached from the display device (the TV), not a part of it. "smart" TVs remind me of back when I bought a webcam with integrated Skype, for my old parents. It did make it easy for them to skype with their grandchildren, using the TV. But of course Skype, or MS at the time, plugged the pull on the version of Skype used by the webcam and then it became a brick. Never again.
- baq 5y ago
  the problem is, non-smart-TVs are twice as expensive. you can buy a smart tv and never connect it to the internet, though.
  - skummetmaelk 5y ago
    5G modems in every TV are just around the corner.
  - Tor3 5y ago
    That may be changing, but when I bought my 49" non-smart TV a few years back it was quite a bit cheaper than the same-size smart TVs. It wasn't that long ago, but a quick check at the same shop shows only "smart" (read: stupid) TVs. Unfortunately. As the price for the non-smart TV I bought was lower than the equivalent "smart" version I believe we'll be paying for a feature we don't need.
    - baq 5y ago
      you're looking for 'digital signage displays' (expensive) or a 'video monitor' (seriously expensive for anything tv-sized, if it exists at all).
  - kroltan 5y ago
    Smart TVs are equally expensive, you just pay with your sanity and data instead of bucks.
sqqqqrly 5y ago
What is the gps app? Give it a shout-out.
m1gu3l 5y ago
You missed the step where you hit the internet to spread that sweet smug sanctimony.

dspillett 5y ago

> Netflix makes it hard as you can't get 5.1 surround Then get it from *ahem* elsewhere, you've paid for access to that content in that quality, if they can't provide that… Maybe if enough do that they'll fix the problem, so they can start tracking your use of the content again when you return to consuming it their way.

Sebb767 5y ago

> TV: just don't buy an actual TV. Buy a monitor and hook it up to a Linux box with something like Kodi. You can hook up your cable box if you have that or stream from Netflix and such. Sure, even Netflix makes it hard as you can't get 5.1 surround but I'll take that and 2.0 -> 5.1 upmix over buying a Smart TV any day! I've looked into this, but this option is really not great, either: - Large Monitors are unavailable or (if you use business monitors) a lot more expensive and usually don't have latest panel tech. - You'll loose surround sound and also 4K on most platforms - The integration is usually worse (you'll have to start more devices, if you're lucky CEC decides to work) - Good luck with HDR I personally settled for a SmartTV behind a PiHole-equivalent, but an Apple TV or an Android TV combined with an offline smart TV are good contenders, too. Unfortunately, there's really no silver bullet right now.

weq 5y ago
- Shamii 5y ago
  I'm a software engineer because I love technology. Your opinion is fine don't get me wrong but my 4k 55" OLED tv is really really impressive. It's a marvelous picture. My DSLR images look brilliant on it, games do as well, HDR is surprising ly nice as well. We watch most tv shows still on a 10 year old 720p beamer due to image size. 110" is still more immersive than 55". But I do expect being able to buy 110" 4k in a few years either through a more affordable 4k projector or by microled panels. I can't follow your 4k = full of propaganda Point. Not sure what you mean by it.
  - int_19h 5y ago
    I'm into fractal videos (e.g.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cgp2WNNKmQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cgp2WNNKmQ), and resolution makes a huge difference there. I got a 4K TV largely for this reason, and seriously considering 8K for the next one.
weq 5y ago
tharkun__ 5y ago
I looked into it too ;) - Large Monitors are unavailable or (if you use business monitors) a lot more expensive and usually don't have latest panel tech. Agree, monitors in regular TV sizes are way more expensive than the largest 'cheap' monitors. But I'd rather make a decision between paying $300 CAD for a 32" monitor that is 'large enough' but not huge or a ~43" monitor that is way larger, has 4k etc. and costs ~$1200 CAD etc. or a $500 50" 4k "generic Smart TV" in "dumb mode" than to use it as an actual Smart TV. - You'll loose surround sound and also 4K on most platforms There you go, no expensive 4k monitor needed if you can't get it anyway. Surround sound I'll give you but see your sibling if you are so inclined to go the potentially unlawful but ethically probably totally OK route. - The integration is usually worse (you'll have to start more devices, if you're lucky CEC decides to work) To be fair it's been a while that I've had cable and had to deal with that and that was in low-def times (so I had a cable card in the mythtv server). I don't fancy setups w/ IR switching cable channels and such but to be honest, I think it's worth it to at least try if you have to keep actual cable for some reason. Nowadays other viable options than having cable do exist if you ask me. - Good luck with HDR I probably just don't know what I am missing and as long as it stays that way it's like staying on 720p and a monitor most people would think is way too small but actually totally adequate than to complain that my huge 4k one looks bad with that source material ;) offline smart TV are good contenders, too Totally agree, if you're looking for a cheap huge "monitor" that can definitely be a good option as long as you stay away from the actual "features" and are fine with the other limitations. Personally I'm on a 32" regular HD IPS panel monitor. Given the size of the living room and how far away the sofa is, this is totally adequate (I upgraded from my >>>10 year old 4:3 "I don't even remember the size of it" monitor when it finally broke!). Surround sound depends on the source. If it's Netflix the upmix is "good enough" for most of what the kids wanna watch and then there's other material too where proper AC3 is available. Most of the times I can't really have the bass turned up anyway so as not to wake the kids :P

teh_infallible 5y ago

For TV, get a short throw projector. It’s a dumb screen, and it’s fun to play retro games projected on the wall

baq 5y ago
for best results you really want a screen and if the top end is close to the ceiling, you want to paint that black, too.

dotancohen 5y ago

> Games: Kerbal Space program sounds fun. Lots of mentions on HN. Apparently after some company bought them up changes of this sort have been made. The changes to Kerbal are in Kerbal Space Program 2, not the original KSP. I highly recommend KSP, go ahead and get it. KSP 2 will have better graphics and add some new capabilities to the game, but honestly you could play KSP for years (I have) and not get tired of the graphics or what the game offers. To me KSP 2 seems like a competing game, not a replacement.

tharkun__ 5y ago
That would be sweet if I mixed this up! Will have to look into it. Thanks!
- tharkun__ 5y ago
  Nope, not mixed up. Redshell apparently was added in KSP 1.4 by Take Two. After an uproar in the community it was removed again but personally this is something that's just too big of a thing to dismiss. Not changing my mind. Reference: https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/201762-red-shell-in-ksp2/ https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/201762...
  - dotancohen 5y ago
    Thank you. I had not head of Redshell, and I thought that you were referring to features being removed. I'll now be very wary to see if spyware like this is installed again.

Tor3 5y ago

> TV: just don't buy an actual TV. Buy a monitor and hook it up to a Linux box with something like Kodi. I simply bought a non-smart TV. I just made sure it had a number of HDMI ports. I plug my various media sources into the HDMI ports. A "smart" TV must be the most un-smart TV possible - you're stuck with whatever's there. The "smart" part (say, a Pi or a Chromecast or both) must be detached from the display device (the TV), not a part of it. "smart" TVs remind me of back when I bought a webcam with integrated Skype, for my old parents. It did make it easy for them to skype with their grandchildren, using the TV. But of course Skype, or MS at the time, plugged the pull on the version of Skype used by the webcam and then it became a brick. Never again.

baq 5y ago
the problem is, non-smart-TVs are twice as expensive. you can buy a smart tv and never connect it to the internet, though.
- skummetmaelk 5y ago
  5G modems in every TV are just around the corner.
- Tor3 5y ago
  That may be changing, but when I bought my 49" non-smart TV a few years back it was quite a bit cheaper than the same-size smart TVs. It wasn't that long ago, but a quick check at the same shop shows only "smart" (read: stupid) TVs. Unfortunately. As the price for the non-smart TV I bought was lower than the equivalent "smart" version I believe we'll be paying for a feature we don't need.
  - baq 5y ago
    you're looking for 'digital signage displays' (expensive) or a 'video monitor' (seriously expensive for anything tv-sized, if it exists at all).
- kroltan 5y ago
  Smart TVs are equally expensive, you just pay with your sanity and data instead of bucks.

sqqqqrly 5y ago

What is the gps app? Give it a shout-out.

m1gu3l 5y ago

You missed the step where you hit the internet to spread that sweet smug sanctimony.