this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2023
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Don't bother using the TV, get a separate box. Even Google TV shoves recommendations down your throat.
Hate to say it, but the Apple TV is probably the most debloated system out there. It is more or less the easiest way to get just a grid of apps.
I have to agree. Every time I’m at someone’s house I’m reminded of how bad the ads are on every other service/platform and it makes me glad to have that Apple TV. We’ve had it for a long time and it still chugs along just as well as it did on day one!
Pricey but worth it!
The Apple TV’s only real competition is the nVidia Shield which is actually more expensive.
Unfortunately the majority of these devices are subsidized by ads and data gathering and most people care more about price than experience.
Shield has ads now, too. Even though I blocked the domains, it just keeps showing the same ads from when I first installed it. I am so sick of them. 
Considering how much it costs, that sucks. You might be able to replace the launcher, I did that with the built in Google TV interface on my Sony TV for a while. The only problem is that it wasn't reliable and somehow ran slower, even though it had no ads.
The Apple TV has ads in the TV app, but I never use it since so many services don't integrate with it. I also just don't find the concept that useful. I don't need all my services available in one app. I'm fine with just having a grid of apps I jump between.
Are there any decent TV Boxes out there? Nvidia shield is what I use now, but I had to switch to a 3rd party launcher to avoid recommendations. I have a feeling I may end up with a PC hooked up to my TV at some point in the future.
Well, you have one of my recommendations of a Shield with a 3rd party launcher lol. My other would be an Apple TV.
You can get an On box at Walmart for like $25 and it doesn't have ads. It has recommendations for services you have (ie watch this next on Netflix) but you can turn them off.
Maybe it is because I have a pihole but I never notice the recommendations. I remapped the Netflix button to plex and barley spend any time on the launcher