If you don't ever give your network credentials to the Smart TV you've closed off 99% of the attack surface.
replyFrom previous discussions there are apparently TVs which will connect to any open network nearby, if it can find one.
replyI got myself a normal, non-smart Philips 49" TV some ten years ago, it's good, but I don't expect to be able to find something similar anymore.
Your smart TV would make you risk going to prison for theft? Just because its open does not mean permission to use.
replyWho runs open WiFi networks in 2026?
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replyHopefully nobody, but still—it takes just one
replyJapan is full of them
replyinteresting. any idea why?
replythey say that Japan is simultaneously living 20 years in the past and 20 years in the future. lots of legacy devices are still being used for all manner of quirky convenience contraptions. they also live in an extremely high trust society where networks don't necessarily need to be secured
replyIf you want a very specific example, the original nintendo DS can only connect to WEP connections, which meant that when I was there I was able to play parts of DS games that wouldn't have been accessible in the west
Don't connect your TV to the network. Use an external device for smart features like firestick, Apple tv, Google streamer etc (there are open source options too if you look around and don't mind missing some polish).
replyI have yet to receive a software update on any of my smart TVs that brought in any positive feature.
I share your disappointment. I just want a screen with a tuner. If I want any “apps”, I’ll pair it with another device which will probably be an Apple TV.
replyI’m starting to wonder if a monitor and a soundbar with an external tuner is possible.
I don't even care about the tuner part. If I ever get the desire to watch linear TV again, I'll just get an IPTV subscription.
replyA decent-ish TV-sized panel with at least a single HDMI input really is all I need.
You can easily turn dumb mode on any smart TV.
replySome have long splash screens and nag screens to punish those not on Wifi. TCL I believe was doing this, and I've read scattered reports of that behavior. Do research beforehand just in case.
replyI helped a friend's mom set up a new TV she bought and was unable to get the TV to "come online" without 1) giving it network access and 2) setting up an account. Only then would the TV give access to the inputs.
replyIn my country install service is included in the price (mounting a wall holder inclusive) and required for warranty service. They go yes,yes,yes to every question on the install steps it becomes a blur. Must be part of their training. You can always get a hospitality tv though. They are pretty dumb unless you go into secret menus and such to enable network features.
replyWait - how? I thought the whole reason the darn things are lower cost than equivalent PC monitors is the smart mode tracks viewing habits and seeks that to data brokers?
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