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Keep in mind some smart TVs will attempt to connect to open networks automatically so if your neighbor’s WiFi is open, you might end up connected anyway. I had a Vizio TV that connected to my neighbor’s fridge open WiFi (but not connected to the internet) and my TV operations became very laggy. I would buy a TV without smart features and without Wireless connectivity from a reputable brand (more a digital display than a TV) if privacy is your concern…
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Indeed, and just use Apple TV or so. Or Chromecast. Or whatever you do trust. I have never plugged in my TV network connection.
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These would be my preference unless I setup the Kodi box myself. Theres repeated, almost monthly, uncovering of supply chain compromise of cheap Kodi/android TV boxes.
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This is what I'm doing, but we also have to admit that kodi kinda sucks.

It's really unstable, I can't find a browser, can be janky, unstable and don't forget unstable.

I can't even identify if it is some plugin that is causing the instability or not. Which should not be an excuse, because poor architecture is still the project's problem.

Is anyone working on alternatives? I would accept vibecoded stuff at this point.

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> I would accept vibecoded stuff at this point.

You might as well start you own project. Buy a $200 subscription from one of the major AI providers. And guide it towards your goal.

It is likely that within a week you will have something that suits your needs, is fast and reliable.

An example of a prompt that you might use to start:

> Please build a home TV frontend similar to Kodi or Apple TV. But nicer, faster, more modern and with cooler features. Use modern software engineering practices. Keep the code well-organized, performant and readable.

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Depending on your usage that may not be an option, as appliances eg a gaming console (xbox/PlayStation) can require you to update their firmware through their DRM. So unless you keep updating the TV it only shows a black screen
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This is the way.

Treat the thing as a giant peripheral. Dumb monitor.

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