Topic: Smart TVs, smart devices, and TV apps
By baiselmareo6
#25009
So my parents are finally at the point where they need new TVs (the tubes in their old rabbit ears are dying & the cost to fix is more than a new set). But all the TVs we can find are smart TVs. They were hoping to find "dumb" ones like I have (from 2006) but newer.

Since that's appearing impossible (short of buying used on eBay & they were really hoping for new that will last for years) is there a smart TV that does the least damage privacy wise &/or can have the smart features turned off? My folks are very concerned about privacy & the thought of having a TV with a microphone, & maybe a camera, that phones home about their viewing habits is a bit too Orwellian for their tastes. & with Christmas sales approaching I'd love to have some options for them.

Thanks in advance!
By johndeear
#29245
baiselmareo6 wrote: 28 Mar 2020, 07:23 So my parents are finally at the point where they need new TVs (the tubes in their old rabbit ears are dying & the cost to fix is more than a new set). But all the TVs we can find are smart TVs. They were hoping to find "dumb" ones like I have (from 2006) but newer.

Since that's appearing impossible (short of buying used on eBay & they were really hoping for new that will last for years) is there a smart TV that does the least damage privacy wise &/or can have the smart features turned off? My folks are very concerned about privacy & the thought of having a TV with a microphone, & maybe a camera, that phones home about their viewing habits is a bit too Orwellian for their tastes. & with Christmas sales approaching I'd love to have some options for them.

Thanks in advance!
Did you find any such TV. What did you settle on finally.