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?

  • friek
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    2 months ago

    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.

    • kbal@fedia.io
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      2 months ago

      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.

      • friek
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        2 months ago

        It was required for setup, and the latest update shoves ads at you.

        • youmaynotknow@lemmy.ml
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          2 months ago

          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.

          • Analog@lemmy.ml
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            2 months ago

            I have recent LG TVs. They did start showing ads, but if you dig around in the menus you can disable them.

            • youmaynotknow@lemmy.ml
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              2 months ago

              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.

              • Analog@lemmy.ml
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                2 months ago

                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.

        • Xatolos@reddthat.com
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          2 months ago

          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.

    • FeelzGoodMan420@eviltoast.org
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      2 months ago

      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.

    • newbeni@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      So, stupid question, all I have is internet TV, no cable carriers, how do I pull that off with no internet access to the TV? It’s late and I’m tired, I could be really dumb right now.