If you are looking for a "dumb" TV, check out models that are for "digital signage" like the Samsung BEC-H series. They are as dumb as you can get while still buying new.
this post was submitted on 18 Oct 2024
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those screens tend to be overpriced for home use and their image quality is not the best since the signaging priorities are different.
I’m not sure about Canada, but in europe you just need to reject the terms of services of the TV OS and you can use it as a dumb tv.
That's def a way to get dumber tvs! Though I'm fine buying a smart tv as long as I can keep it 100% isolated from the internet and just use the hdmi inputs and pretend the smart stuff isn't there. idk if they have gotten quite so malicious yet that you can't even plug one in without it demanding to be connected to the internet and forcing you to agree to a eula. Roku comes close if I remember. But those shenanigans happened because tv's were connected and downloaded an update. So whatever is cheaper for the features I care about and I think digital signage you pay a premium for. But I won't count it out! Thank you
I remember reading about Samsung TVs looking for unprotected WiFi networks, so even if you don't give it your network details, it'll connect to your neighbour's if it's not password-protected.
Jesus...
They really aren't that much more expensive than a high end smart TV. I've been seeing them at about $10(US) per inch. So a 60 inch TV is roughly $600(US). But I guess it all depends on availability of them in your local market.
The distance and the budget call for 75-85". I have had good luck with an entry level Sony. I bought an X85K 85" two years ago. It's one step above the cheapest model. The cheapest model was an IPS panel which had a bit shittier performance. I don't recall in what regard. X85K is a Samsung panel. It's a standard no-nonsense LED side backlight which is very robust over time. The original unit was a lemon. It developed a line across the screen. I got it replaced under warranty. The second unit has been flawless so far. Software-wise, it's a bog-standard Android TV/Google TV. Doesn't require Internet connection to setup. With that said I use a CCwGTV with it and I don't hear a peep from the TV OS about anything. The only thing I didn't like about it was the price at the time. I bought it straight from Sony, they ship from GTA. It was available from other retailers too. I think this model might still be current actually. I still see it on Sony's web along with another one - X85J.
Prior to that I had an entry level Samsung 75". It was fine too. Didn't require Internet. The panel was a similar affair, slightly worse in terms of blacks and uniformity but I'm sure that wasn't due to its Samsungness but was simply a cheaper panel than what Sony uses.
I would go for an OLED. LG, Samsung and Sony all make good ones. I love my LG C3 and the newer C4 is also great. You could even find a C3 in a larger version so it fits your budget. the more expensive G4 is also there.
You can use it as a dumb tv if you reject the terms and services. (at least on the european versions)
Samsung is also good but lacks dolby vision and they seem to have a particular color profile that people seem to either like a lot or dislike.
Canadian? then https://forums.redflagdeals.com/costco-hisense-2022-2023-2024-4k-43-100-tv-model-sale-clearance-298-2629232/
With your budget, take the 75U78N at Costco, 2yr warranty + you can extend to 6yr for 150$ I think.
Hisense especially the 78N (and 88N) have absolutely beautiful stunning picture, maybe one of the best for the buck, check the review https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/hisense/u7n-u7-u75n it handles DolbyVision, HDR, 144Hz, etc
It does not use a shitty OS like roku nor ads like Samsung. You may need to have it plugged on internet for 1st boot and FW update, but after this you can obviously disconnect it, plug your HDMI device and that's it, it will act as a dumb monitor.