Ask HN: Is there a non smart 4K TV?
21 comments
Just don't connect it to wifi and use it with the external inputs. Same outcome as a dumb TV
Exactly what I did. I bought a sub $200 40" TV that probably have the worst embedded OS I've ever seen. But leave it disconnected from the network and put a Chromecast or whatever, then you have a decent TV for cheap.
I have a Samsung Smart TV that I've never connected to the internet. It still spends about 3 minutes "optimizing for your device" whenever I plug something into an external input, and changes all the settings for that input.
My Fire Stick froze the other day, had to unplug it and plug it back in. "Optimizing for your device..." 3 minutes later it turned HDR off for some reason. It also improperly labeled it as a Roku this time, which doesn't affect anything but is kind of annoying.
I only use hdmi 3 for my gaming PC, but not all the time. Whenever I plug into that, another 3 minutes of waiting and it always disables game-mode for some reason. Which is immediately obvious when my mouse has like 200ms of latency. It also labels it "AT&T U-Verse Device" for some reason. I don't get why it can't just call them HDMI 1,2,3,4. Instead my input selector says "Blu Ray Player, Roku, AT&T U-Verse Device, Game Console"
It's unable to track me or show ads but the "smart" features still make it act really dumb. Even without internet access.
My Fire Stick froze the other day, had to unplug it and plug it back in. "Optimizing for your device..." 3 minutes later it turned HDR off for some reason. It also improperly labeled it as a Roku this time, which doesn't affect anything but is kind of annoying.
I only use hdmi 3 for my gaming PC, but not all the time. Whenever I plug into that, another 3 minutes of waiting and it always disables game-mode for some reason. Which is immediately obvious when my mouse has like 200ms of latency. It also labels it "AT&T U-Verse Device" for some reason. I don't get why it can't just call them HDMI 1,2,3,4. Instead my input selector says "Blu Ray Player, Roku, AT&T U-Verse Device, Game Console"
It's unable to track me or show ads but the "smart" features still make it act really dumb. Even without internet access.
Oh wow, I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing.
I had Hisense, Vizio, LG, and Roku smart TVs that were fine if left unplugged. I guess the Samsungs are more finicky.
I had Hisense, Vizio, LG, and Roku smart TVs that were fine if left unplugged. I guess the Samsungs are more finicky.
Had a good experience with Sony Bravia professional displays. It’s stock Android with no preinstalled bullshit, and surprisingly for a professional display it was very reasonably priced.
I just want to plug my chromecast or my Apple TV. No need for apps or updates. And please no WiFi.
Couldn't you just buy a normal monitor? And then plug whatever you like into the HDMI/DP port?
People have, but you’re paying a premium for monitor features you cannot use and losing TV features.
For example HDMI ARC and CEC, speakers, a remote, antenna tuner, et al.
I think it may be more rational for smaller sizes.
For example HDMI ARC and CEC, speakers, a remote, antenna tuner, et al.
I think it may be more rational for smaller sizes.
how much does a 72" OLED monitor go for these days?
Sure, here's a couple: https://www.makeuseof.com/best-dumb-tvs/
Unfortunately, I couldn't buy one in my country without having to leave some kidney to pay for it, so, I've just bought a regular one, and guess what, it starts to ask for wifi and to configure it using their proprietary app. Fortunaly there's an option to say no :)
Unfortunately, I couldn't buy one in my country without having to leave some kidney to pay for it, so, I've just bought a regular one, and guess what, it starts to ask for wifi and to configure it using their proprietary app. Fortunaly there's an option to say no :)
Sceptre still makes some non-smart 4K TVs. If you look at their "4K UHD" line, anything that doesn't explicitly call out a smart TV platform is non-smart.
I have a U435CV-UMRD -- the picture quality is very good, but the built-in speakers are suboptimal, so I use it with an external sound bar. I'm not sure about the audio quality of the other models.
I have a U435CV-UMRD -- the picture quality is very good, but the built-in speakers are suboptimal, so I use it with an external sound bar. I'm not sure about the audio quality of the other models.
I’d say your best chance is to buy an android smart tv, give it no access to any internet or whatsoever and plug an Apple TV. I’m saying android os cause maybe you have the chance to tinker with the os settings a bit more and customize it to the point it’s not that smart anymore. Btw I’d be more willing to pay even big bucks for a stock non smart 4K tv
Not sure about TVs but dumb projectors exist and most are capable of creating a 100”+ image on a plain white wall with very satisfying results.
A bonus is that there’s no tv in the room taking space.
I’ve been using a projector paired with an appletv for the last 5 years and am happy with it. Limited viewing hours after dark are a plus in my case.
A bonus is that there’s no tv in the room taking space.
I’ve been using a projector paired with an appletv for the last 5 years and am happy with it. Limited viewing hours after dark are a plus in my case.
I specifically bought LG LED UQ75 43" 4K Smart TV to be used as a monitor.
When I powered up it for the first time there was like a 1 second lag between moving the mouse and the cursor moving and I started to scream internally. But I found the "Game mode" and it fixed the lag and killed off all those fancy enhancements features.
HDR works, angles are a bit too narrow for the close sit, though would be fine for 1m+.
I never connected it to the net, the software don't bother me with that at all.
I've even updated the FW on it, the old style - by writing it on the USB thumb-drive and physically sticking it in.
https://www.lg.com/uk/tvs-soundbars/4k-uhd-tvs/43uq75006lf/
When I powered up it for the first time there was like a 1 second lag between moving the mouse and the cursor moving and I started to scream internally. But I found the "Game mode" and it fixed the lag and killed off all those fancy enhancements features.
HDR works, angles are a bit too narrow for the close sit, though would be fine for 1m+.
I never connected it to the net, the software don't bother me with that at all.
I've even updated the FW on it, the old style - by writing it on the USB thumb-drive and physically sticking it in.
https://www.lg.com/uk/tvs-soundbars/4k-uhd-tvs/43uq75006lf/
If that's what you wanted LG makes the 43UN700 monitor which also offers 60W USB-C power. I have an earlier generation of it.
Well I already has a displaying device.
> 43UN700
Yes, I saw it, but by the time I decided I would buy something to replace the old 38" TV (heh) they went out of stock everywhere near me. Though PiP would've been nice to have.
> 43UN700
Yes, I saw it, but by the time I decided I would buy something to replace the old 38" TV (heh) they went out of stock everywhere near me. Though PiP would've been nice to have.
I don't know but I hate my Samsung more and more for how intrusive and needy of my 'consent' it is, and the UI has always been slow and unresponsive like it runs at 5 fps or something. The panel itself is great but I think I was happier with the state of TV tech two decades ago.
I hate my Samsung too. I can sit on the remote and it closes what I'm watching and takes me to the home screen. For some reason I then have to scroll past 12 built in apps I've never used to get back to HDMI #1.
maybe you could use a pc monitor?
I had to digg deep to find it. You can search for the remote-control codes which grants access to the hidden menu (brand/product related).
One negative thing, when I start the screen I have to exit a message stating how dumb the TV is.
Have fun with your dumb TV :) I love my dumb TV screen, just like any other PC screen.
Update: This way you can go back to smart TV anytime, in case you wanna sell it. No need to flash the firmware.