Ask HN: Are there any 4K “dumb” televisions?

Article summary

The author is looking for a 4K TV without smart features, citing concerns over data collection and advertising. They mention issues with Samsung and Vizio TVs, including bricking and data privacy concerns. The author wants a TV with modern resolution, but only inputs and a tuner, no smart features. This desire is driven by past problems and news reports about smart TV issues.

Main themes

• dumb TVs
• smart TV concerns
• data collection
• advertising
• TV manufacturer practices
• network connectivity
• consumer choice
• privacy concerns

What commenters say

• Some argue that not connecting a smart TV to the network can prevent it from collecting data and showing ads, but others claim that some TVs can still connect to nearby networks or show cached ads.
• There are concerns that TV manufacturers may use various means to connect devices to the internet, including HDMI cables with Ethernet, to collect data and show ads.
• Others suggest that buying a TV with free returns and testing it without a network connection can help determine if it meets the user's requirements.
• Some commenters believe that TV manufacturers will go to great lengths to collect data and show ads, as the profit from these activities can be greater than the profit from the sale of the TV.
• A few commenters mention that some TVs can be used without a network connection, and that blocking ads at the router level or using a Pi-hole can help prevent data collection.
• Some argue that the best solution is to return a TV that requires a network connection or shows ads, as this is an anti-consumer practice.
• Others claim that using a device with HDMI CEC can help automate the TV's input selection and reduce the need for a smart TV interface.
• A few commenters suggest that the future of home broadband may lead to more devices being connected to the internet without user consent, making it harder to avoid data collection and ads.