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:
I know you said to avoid the “just don’t connect it” advice, but I frankly think that’s your best bet without shelling out absurd amounts of money. I hate the concept of smart TVs, so like you I tried to find a reasonably priced dumb TV. Had zero luck. Instead, I bought a 55” Hisense TV (U8K) about 6 months ago, and have never once connected it to the internet. I think it’s technically a Google TV, but I wouldn’t know, since I just connect my devices to it, no internet necessary. It’s a gorgeous display with amazing picture quality. All the features are enabled, nothing was stuck behind an internet-wall. I don’t regret it.
My reason for stipulating that is that lot of people saying it do so either from ignorance (they simply don’t believe/understand that you might not be able to opt out) or on the basis of outdated information, e.g. “I bought my TV ten years ago and never had to do this”. Your experience being in the recent past I guess I could try this as a sale stipulation point, thanks.
We just got 3 LG tv’s at work for an art exhibition. There’s no network available here (it’s a Napoleonic Fortress lol), and while they ask for it, dismissing all accounts/updates/online services is straightforward. You can delete all pre-installed apps (disney, netflix whatever) but LGtv and amazon. I can dig the model number tomorrow if you want.
OTOH I haven’t owned a tv since 2001.
Thanks, further information could be interesting. Do you know if it requests connectivity on every startup?
It does not, I know it because I have started them multiple times.
We use them as dumb players with an USB drive inserted, playing video on a loop all day long.
I’ll fetch you the ref tomorrow.
Thank you
Aw crap, completely forgot, worked another part of the building all day didn’t ever got near the exhibition rooms.
Better luck tomorrow I hope, sorry.
not to worry!