Instead of ‘splurging’ on a dumb tv bc they’re more expensive now thanks to the data sompanies sell off of smart tvs I was considering getting a smart tv and dumbing it down. Is the way to do this never connecting it to the internet? And is that the only way?
Disconnect internet / delete WiFi network from smart TV + stream via Apple TV. As simple and easy as it gets.
Have you heard of mesh networks?
How are mesh networks relevant?
I’ve heard, but cannot confirm currently, that some smart TVs are connecting to other smart TVs in nearby houses and apartments creating an ad hoc mesh network and sending user data.
I honestly don’t know if it’s bullshit or not, but the guy you’re replying to has probably heard the same thing. I wouldn’t put it past TV makers.
It would explain how my fucking roku/TCL magic’d itself the stupid EULA update. It’s not on my wifi… However, I know the neighbor has one that is.
If it is real, for people who do have their television connected to their network, it probably creates interesting new attack vectors against their network.
Basically this, except if you aren’t in the Apple ecosystem you can use alternative boxes/sticks to stream. I plugged my TV in initially and it was broadcasting an open wifi signal. I was like NOPE, removed the cable and shut it all down.
Blocking the TVs network, and using Apple just puts all your surveillance into a single system.
Lots of TVs will connect to open networks automatically if they are available. If you have any open networks around you, disconnecting them from your own wifi may not be enough.
Connect to a guest wifi which doesn’t have internet connectivity.
You definitely don’t need an Apple TV, but this person has the gist right. Remove all data connections to the TV and use an external device to function as the smart part.
Don’t forget DVDs.