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TV that doesn't require 'on-line activation' to set up. (midwest.social)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/technology

78 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm going to buy my first new TV in years. Even if it's a 'smart' tv we plan to just use our Roku. I've heard that some TVs require you to connect it to the internet before you can even use a Roku device. For privacy reasons I don't want my TV to EVER have access to my wifi. Is anyone aware of how to know what models/brands of TVs allow me to use it without ever connecting the TV itself to wifi?

If necessary I guess I could connect it to my guest network to 'activate' the TV, set up the Roku to connect to my private network, then change the password to the guest network.

Would rather just have a TV that doesn't even 'phone home' once.

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[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Most recommendations I get for TV's like this are to buy a display meant for digital signage or conference rooms. They're usually a little more expensive but also made to last. They're also mostly just dumb monitors.

I haven't gone that route yet, but it's on my roadmap. My current "TV"s are just a projector connected to my HTPC and a 32" PC monitor in a similar configuration upstairs.

[–] quixotic120 13 points 1 month ago

I’ve heard this and while they are sturdier they generally also have worse panels from an image quality standpoint. If you’re buying a $400 60” lcd tv it probably won’t be all that different but if you’re looking for an oled level tv these panels will be noticeably worse in comparison

Another alternative is projectors. Can be impractical in many scenarios but often come with a pretty barebones OS, especially if you get a proper one and not one of the goofy portable ones they sell for $100

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 month ago (1 children)

My solution for this is if you absolutely cannot bypass the connect Network to set up function, set up a hotspot on your phone. Let it download it's you know what 150 MB update and then turn off your Wi-Fi hotspot

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

You could take it a step further and set a temporary network name & password for the hotspot, and then change it back afterwards

that way you can use your hotspot near your TV in the future without worry