this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2024
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[–] [email protected] 24 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (5 children)

Since at one point in the near future I'll be shopping for a TV, is there such a thing as a good quality panel TV that is dumb? I intend to hook it up to a PC or a set top box. Alternatively, is there a smart TV that can be easily bootloader unlocked and rooted without consequences (similarly to how a Pixel phone can)? I realise this is even more niche than unlocking/rooting a phone, but still, someone might have ideas.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

My LG OLED TV can be configured to load directly into a HDMI input. I keep it disconnected from wifi at all times. I never see the smartTV OS. It’s probably the best option because OLED panels are the best current display technology.

I use an AppleTV as an external media box for all my needs. But the same would apply for an Android box or HTPC setup etc.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

I'm still a bit concerned about OLED - my main gripes being 1) the potential for burn in and 2) the somewhat limited maximum brightness. Still, thanks for the suggestion.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

It was maybe 7 years ago now, but I bought a dumb Sceptre TV and it still works great. Was only $300 at the time.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Scepter televisions are a great option, no "smart" features at all. Bought two of them about 6 years ago and no issues.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Try a Spectre t.v. they're made for digital signage. I got one and hooked it up to a media server.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Seems promising, but also seems to be an US thing. I should've mentioned I'm in the EU.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Ah, my bad. Sorry.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

They seem to be consumer grade, but dumb. Does someone here have one? How are the refresh rates? Can I play FPS games with at least 60hz on it?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I have one. It's 4k, which gave me some trouble from an Ubuntu media server, and the refresh rate is ~144, I believe. It cost me something like 300-400 USD.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Awesome, then I'll probably get one. Thank you!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

It's also 60", which is absurdly large to me lol. Glad I could help, though.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Get a non-consumer TV if you can. They're more expensive but are actually built to last, have way more features and you can swap in whatever compute board you want so you're not stuck with an underpowered Android TV board.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I'm very interested in this. Any suggestions as far as specific models to look at, or where to source one without needing a fancy business vendor connection? Maybe a trustworthy review site to compare some options?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I've not looked into it much other than seeing it in this video by Jeff Geerling and making a mental note for next time I'm in the market for a TV but it may be of interest to you.

I'm sorry I can't provide more details than that, but it's basically a digital signage TV designed to run 24/7 for years, and as such is actually built without the absolute bargain basement parts that go into consumer units.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

3000 dollars

Guess I’ll continue to use my old computer and an hdmi connection to a physically Wi-Fi disabled smart tv. I understand why it costs what it does but fuck.

[–] [email protected] 23 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I just bought a smart TV, updated the software, and disconnected it from the Internet, only allowing it access to our local Plex server. No ads and no stupid suggestions. It's great.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (3 children)

You could also try this, apparently.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Anyone have a non-Spez link?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Oh, that's clever! Definitely bookmarking that for future reference.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Not available in all markets

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Might be cheaper than a purposedly dumb TV nowadays too, despite the receiver. It's ridicolous.