My parents are getting a new tv, and are asking for recommendation. I think all I can influence is the brand/model (not realistic to propose rpi and more complex systems). I instinctively avoid google/android and lean towards anything else open source, so probably LG WebOS… But I had bad luck searching for more detailed comparisons. Maybe you have experience or opinions?
This is the way. I have an LG and bought one for my parents. Do the initial sign up/registration, then turn off Internet access. I actually thought mine was broken when I got it, but it was just my pihole blocking it. Temporary whitelist for setup, smooth sailing since.
That’s generous of you. If I’d mistakenly bought one that wouldn’t work without ever having a network connection, I’d be returning it and demanding my money back. Hasn’t happened yet, though.
Won’t work without setup?
It was required for setup, and the latest update shoves ads at you.
I used to be a fan of LG TVs (we have 3 of them, last model is a 2021 Nanocell). Because of this alone LG will never see my money again. Thanks for the warning.
I have recent LG TVs. They did start showing ads, but if you dig around in the menus you can disable them.
To each his/her own. It’s not easy in some places to find TVs that aren’t smart, and in all honesty, I think LG has no competition when it comes to the panels. But out principle, I’m not giving money to companies like that. Why isn’t it opr-in instead of opt-out and on top of that you have to dig deep to opt-out?
I do understand your position, and respect it. I’m just not willing to be part of their revenue.
Didn’t really state a position other than ownership, which does have some implications. I am fine with smart TVs but not ok with data collection and ads.
Either would only be ok if I had opted in, especially be paying a lower price with that tradeoff, but I and everyone else are paying full price, so I am adamantly opposed to it.
You took it a step further than me, and I applaud your efforts. I hope they are noted by the manufacturers.
This is why I buy my TVs from Costco. If it needs internet at any point, return. It’s a TV, it shouldn’t need internet at any point.
But you can just block all the ads on the home screen with pihole. Then you can still use the native TV apps. It’s a win-win.
If you turn off Internet access then your parents can’t stream.