Options for non-smart TV in UK 2024?
Options for non-smart TV in UK 2024?
I am considering replacing my old 50" 1080p TV which I use with (external) Chromecast and Roku. I would like a 4K display 60" or greater but I really, really don't want any smart features. I am aware that I could purchase a commercial display to achieve this and that's my fallback option. Can anyone here make any useful recommendations? I am in the UK so e.g. 'Sceptre' is not available here.
In advance, with respect, I am technically capable (check my post history) but could I ask to please avoid threads along the lines of:
- 'non-smart TVs aren't a thing' - fallback is a commercial display
- 'Nobody wants/buys non-smart TVs' - I do
- 'Any TV not connected to internet is dumb'/ 'Just don't connect it' - This is no longer true since many TVs require a setup before use involving internet access and/or will seek access via open wifi/bluetooth/HDMI.
Thanks!
Edit:
Some commenters seem to be struggling with the 'why do you care if it connects?'. Some examples why:
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I dont understand why you want to keep a TV offline for privacy/ad reasons, but also say you’re using a Chromecast or Roku media devices anyway? Thats like wanting to keep your windows locked but leaving your front door wide open.
Anyway, LG and Sony OLED TVs offer the best image quality and will work just fine without an internet connection.
I have my LG TV offline and use an AppleTV for everything. I never see the LG OS or Home Screen or any ads or logos once it’s configured to boot straight into external HDMI device.
Because it's not principally about privacy. I don't want adverts or forced changes to the product I purchased made after sale.
No commercial consumer-grade entertainment device that I know of does not do this.
For me the reason I want a non-smart TV is the software is complete shit and even a Raspberry Pi runs smoother, and I can replace or upgrade the Pi when it becomes too old to be useful instead of the whole TV.
Those will all become dumb TVs over time, and then you're stuck using the crappy software to get to your HDMI input through all the lag even though the software is literally useless.
At least old TVs had ugly as hell but snappy and responsive menus. No waiting 5+ seconds between button presses because the home screen is lagging loading all those ads.
I caved in and got one anyway and I regret it. Manufactured e-waste. The amount of times I have to reboot the damn thing because even my HDMI input starts glitching out is plainly ridiculous.