There are lots of things you need to know before buying a smart TV & the OS on your smart TV will define its interface and software capabilities

  • prince of space@lemm.ee
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    11 months ago

    Or you get a set top box and don’t worry about the trash software that comes with the tv.

    I really like my newish sony tv that has a basic mode. Disables all the smart BS so it functions just as a screen. I use an Apple TV or ps5 for all content.

    • ddnomad@infosec.pub
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      11 months ago

      Fiercely agree. I have Samsung “smart” TV that I use as a dumb screen for my Apple TV and PS5.

      Samsung’s software manages to bug out even without using it. The TV remote would randomly disconnect, screen would respring, randomly adjust contrast etc. It’s like “the printer of TVs”.

    • enu@lemm.eeM
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      11 months ago

      Couldn’t agree more with this. I just use a Roku set top box with all my TVs and never even connect the TVs to the internet.

  • Zeron@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    NEC makes some TVs where you can slot in a pi as the host OS, so i’d say that’s probably the best “smart” TV as it has an OS of your choosing.

  • Grass@geddit.social
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    11 months ago

    I still just want a nice dumb tv with the latest panel tech. Or a nice CRT in good condition for retro gaming.

  • db2@sopuli.xyz
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    11 months ago

    None. Any “smart” TV won’t be upgradable. It might get a few software updates but it will eventually be incapable of being updated enough to function as it used to with changes in services and codecs.

    I have Roku and Fire devices, even on the “smart” TV. When the device isn’t enough anymore I can just replace the device for like 20 bucks, not so for the built-in software on the TV.

  • 1984@lemmy.today
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    11 months ago

    Another thing that seems overlooked is that these smart tvs spy on your activities very much. Try installing pihole and you will see your TV chatting constantly and calling home.

  • arthurpizza@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Anything that can load videos from my NAS. Preferably with software like Kodi. Streaming services come and go but my media library has been growing for years.

  • zerbey@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    They all suck, but I’ve always found myself going back to Roku when I try any of the others. Still selling my data, but at least 99% of apps work.

  • LightProtector@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    The built-in TV software may be trash, but there is no way I can convince my dad that another device that does the exact same thing is worth it.