Hello everyone, and happy holidays! I’m from Canada and the last TV I bought was back in 2010. I’m looking to buy a new one now, focusing solely on image and picture quality. I’m not interested in a ‘smart’ TV though. Do all new TVs come with smart features? Thank you so much for your input; it’s very helpful and I appreciate your time!
Most TVs nowadays are smart, but you don’t need to connect them to the internet. I use mine just like a screen, and for streaming, I use an Apple TV.
Ken said:
Most TVs nowadays are smart, but you don’t need to connect them to the internet. I use mine just like a screen, and for streaming, I use an Apple TV.
This is the way
Ken said:
Most TVs nowadays are smart, but you don’t need to connect them to the internet. I use mine just like a screen, and for streaming, I use an Apple TV.
This is the way
Exactly. Most TV manufacturers don’t support their smart TVs for very long, turning them into a security risk. I keep mine disconnected and use separate streaming devices like Apple TVs or Rokus.
Indeed, almost all new TVs have smart features. The only alternative might be a commercial digital display, which doesn’t come with these features.
Marshall said:
Indeed, almost all new TVs have smart features. The only alternative might be a commercial digital display, which doesn’t come with these features.
That’s true, and these commercial displays often handle more intensive use without being more expensive than mid-range consumer TVs. For example, I recently bought a 55-inch rated for 18 hours of daily use for around $400 to use as a work dashboard.
@Aidan
Can you share a link to the one you bought? I’m tired of the slow performance due to bloated smart features.
B3nj4m1n said:
@Aidan
Can you share a link to the one you bought? I’m tired of the slow performance due to bloated smart features.
Here’s the link: Amazon.com: SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K Bed-H Series HDR Business Pro TV w/ 3-Sided Bezel-Less Slim Design, Use for Digital Signage Displays, Commercial TV, Alexa Built-in (LH55BEDHLG, 2024 Model) Some reviews complain about the lack of smart features, which is ironic since it’s not marketed as a smart TV.
@Aidan
Perfect, thank you!
B3nj4m1n said:
@Aidan
Can you share a link to the one you bought? I’m tired of the slow performance due to bloated smart features.
A less bloated option is to use an alternative launcher like Projectivy, which I use on my Sony Android TV. It keeps the system fast and free from ads.
@Landen
Is Projectivy something I can install on an Android TV?
B3nj4m1n said:
@Landen
Is Projectivy something I can install on an Android TV?
Yes, it’s not about flashing your TV; you just add it as a new app and set it as your primary launcher. It also works on Android TV boxes.
@Landen
I’ll check it out, thanks!
B3nj4m1n said:
@Landen
I’ll check it out, thanks!
I think you’ll find it improves your experience significantly. Here’s the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details/Projectivy_Launcher
Marshall said:
Indeed, almost all new TVs have smart features. The only alternative might be a commercial digital display, which doesn’t come with these features.
You might consider a projector as well. They often lack smart features, making them a good choice for pure display purposes.
Marshall said:
Indeed, almost all new TVs have smart features. The only alternative might be a commercial digital display, which doesn’t come with these features.
For smaller sizes like 32 inches or less, you could also consider using a monitor with separate speakers, which can be a cost-effective solution.
Marshall said:
Indeed, almost all new TVs have smart features. The only alternative might be a commercial digital display, which doesn’t come with these features.
It does seem counterintuitive to buy commercial versions just to avoid smart features.
Yes, most new TVs have smart features as manufacturers use them to subsidize the cost through advertising and data tracking.
If you don’t connect it to the internet, any smart TV can function just as a regular TV.
LillyGrace said:
If you don’t connect it to the internet, any smart TV can function just as a regular TV.
I hadn’t thought of that simple workaround, thanks!