PeppermintPatty
🐢. 🐳. 🐢
- Location
- Canada
You’ll have to stick with a dumb tv
That’s funny !
I agree. Maybe he can find one at a garage or estate sale
I need a new tv,
- Thread starter hawkdon
- Start date
That’s funny !
But you have internet, why don't you have wifi? When I get Internet (back in Nebraska and same process in Maryland) the Internet Provider (in Nebraska it was same as my landline phone company, here in Maryland it is xfinity) came out and set up a router box so there is wifi all over the house. Actually xfinity has a hotspot nearby so before they came with the router I already could connect to the hotspot wifi.
You should talk to whoever is providing your internet. If it is the same company that you get cable from, you could probably still be able to cancel the cable part of your package and have them provide an internet wifi router (or, I guess you could buy a router and connect it yourself via calling their tech support or something).
I suppose you could connect a Roku TV to whatever line is providing your internet without using wifi at all, but I'm not sure what type of wire cable you buy to plug in. - editing to add...I asked chatgpt and apparently you would still have to have a router to stream content.
I have a Roku TV and mostly I just watch Amazon Video because it is included with Amazon Prime, I don't pay anything extra except every once in a while I just have to have a specific new movie so I'll pay for that. But if you wanted you could pay for extra channels with it.
Also, if you buy a little antenna you can plug it into a Roku TV and watch local channels.
You can plug cable into a Roku TV too, I have a cable box and it has a cord that plugs into one of the ports on the back of the Roku TV. I don't usually watch it tho, my cable (and internet) is included with my condo monthly HOA fee.
I don't know what is the difference between a Roku TV and other smart TVs, I thought they were the same thing (or maybe I just don't bother to take advantage of the Roku features).
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SeniorBen
Senior Member
Non-smart TVs are still available, such as this one from Samsung:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-BE50T-H-Software-Speakers-LH50BETHLGFXGO/dp/B0864QDQPJ/ref=sr_1_14
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-BE50T-H-Software-Speakers-LH50BETHLGFXGO/dp/B0864QDQPJ/ref=sr_1_14
Smart TVs have neat features, but they also come with security drawbacks. For example, these devices are often targets for hackers. And if a hacker is able to breach your smart TV, they can access connected accounts, as well as other devices on your network.
Even if you don't have accounts or other devices connected to your smart TV, you're not necessarily in the clear. Smart TVs with cameras or microphones can be exploited, as well. The thought of a hacker using those to watch and listen to you should be extremely alarming.
Remember, too, that any connected device is likely collecting data on you, unless you take the time to turn that feature off. And even then, you can't 100% trust that data collection has actually stopped.
The most obvious difference between smart and dumb TVs is that a non-smart sets lack a way to connect to the internet. But just because you're skipping that feature doesn't mean you have to compromise in other areas. For example, you don't have to settle for low resolution.
Yet while you may not have to settle for ancient technology, you shouldn't expect a lot of extras either. For instance, a Sceptre 55" 4K non-smart TV commonly has features like four HDMI ports — and that's about it.
Part of the downside of buying a non-smart TV is that it's a basic device. So if you're looking for more bells and whistles, a dumb set likely won't satisfy you.
And of course, if want to turn Smart TV into a Dumb TV just turn off the WI/FI connection.
Even if you don't have accounts or other devices connected to your smart TV, you're not necessarily in the clear. Smart TVs with cameras or microphones can be exploited, as well. The thought of a hacker using those to watch and listen to you should be extremely alarming.
Remember, too, that any connected device is likely collecting data on you, unless you take the time to turn that feature off. And even then, you can't 100% trust that data collection has actually stopped.
The most obvious difference between smart and dumb TVs is that a non-smart sets lack a way to connect to the internet. But just because you're skipping that feature doesn't mean you have to compromise in other areas. For example, you don't have to settle for low resolution.
Yet while you may not have to settle for ancient technology, you shouldn't expect a lot of extras either. For instance, a Sceptre 55" 4K non-smart TV commonly has features like four HDMI ports — and that's about it.
Part of the downside of buying a non-smart TV is that it's a basic device. So if you're looking for more bells and whistles, a dumb set likely won't satisfy you.
And of course, if want to turn Smart TV into a Dumb TV just turn off the WI/FI connection.
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Remy
Well-known Member
- Location
- California, USA
I'm reading through this thread because I'm about as techy challenged as it gets.
I too was wondering about a Geek Squad type assist. I don't know if the cable company does this also. My "bundle" cable bill is ridiculous. So sick of paying it every month. And I have a low tier package only.