OpenLGTV: Legal reverse engineering and research of LG TVs firmware (openlgtv.github.io)

Article summary

The OpenLGTV project is a collective, non-commercial effort to reverse engineer and research LG TVs' firmware, with the goal of improving functionality and adding new features. The project is open to contributions and has several active repositories. The team is not affiliated with LG and emphasizes that their work is legal. The project's website provides information on how to contribute and contact the team.

Main themes

• LG TV firmware reverse engineering
• custom firmware
• dumb TVs
• manufacturer support
• open-source development
• privacy and control

What commenters say

• Some users are frustrated with LG's lack of support for older TVs and want custom firmware to add new features or turn their TV into a dumb monitor.
• Others argue that there is no market for dumb TVs or custom firmware, as most people want a TV with built-in streaming apps.
• The desire for custom firmware is driven by the desire for privacy and control over one's device, as well as frustration with manufacturer-imposed limitations.
• Some commenters suggest that a modular design, where streaming devices can be easily added or removed, could be a better solution than custom firmware.
• The open-source nature of the project means that even a small market or individual interest can be enough to drive development.
• There are differing opinions on the feasibility and usefulness of creating custom firmware that does nothing, with some seeing it as a desirable option for those who want a simple, ad-free viewing experience.
• Others point out that this would require significant development effort and may not be a priority for the project.
• The discussion highlights the tension between manufacturer interests and user desires, with some arguing that open-source projects can fill the gap left by manufacturers' priorities.