Ask HN: Which TV do you recommend for privacy?
A user's quest for a privacy-respecting 4K TV sparks a vibrant Hacker News debate on how to reclaim control from pervasive smart TV surveillance. The community delivers a masterclass in de-smarting devices, from simple network disconnections to full-blown hardware hacks and open-source alternatives. This discussion highlights the ongoing struggle to enjoy modern tech without becoming the product, offering both practical advice and philosophical musings on corporate data greed.
The Lowdown
The original poster is looking for recommendations for a 60-80 inch, 4K, 60Hz television that genuinely respects user privacy. Their primary goal is to use the TV as a 'dumb' display exclusively for an Apple TV, avoiding any native smart features or data collection.
Key aspects of their inquiry include:
- Desired Specifications: A large 4K display (60-80 inches) with at least a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Privacy Premium: Willingness to pay extra for a product that prioritizes privacy.
- Apple TV Integration: Believes Apple TV offers a more private viewing experience than built-in smart TV apps and seeks compatibility for this setup.
- Pure Display Functionality: Explicitly states the TV should 'do nothing other than being the display for Apple TV'.
This inquiry taps into a core Hacker News concern about consumer technology encroaching on personal privacy, leading to a rich discussion on various strategies to mitigate surveillance from modern smart TVs.
The Gossip
Deactivating Digital Delinquents
The most common and straightforward advice is to treat any modern TV as a 'dumb' display. Users recommend never connecting the TV to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and instead relying entirely on trusted external devices like an Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, or a mini PC running Linux (e.g., Kodi, Jellyfin). This strategy leverages HDMI inputs to bypass the TV's native 'smart' features, effectively turning it into a monitor. While simple, some express ongoing concerns about persistent internal radios or accidental connections by guests.
Rooting, Ripping & Reclaiming
For the more technically inclined, discussions revolve around deeper interventions than mere disconnection. This includes physically disconnecting Wi-Fi modules (often just unplugging an internal cable), using ADB to debloat Android/Google TVs, or rooting LG WebOS TVs to install custom software like Glasshouse for full telemetry control and ad-free experiences. While powerful, these methods carry inherent risks such as voiding warranties or potentially bricking the device, and some rooting exploits are actively being patched by manufacturers.
Projectors and Professional Panels
A significant portion of the discussion suggests avoiding consumer smart TVs entirely to sidestep privacy concerns. Recommended alternatives include purchasing large computer monitors, commercial 'digital signage' displays (which typically lack smart features but might come at a premium or have different picture quality priorities), or projectors. Projectors, in particular, are praised for their immersive experience and for generally being 'dumb' HDMI input devices, though they do come with trade-offs like reduced visibility in bright daylight.
Whispers of Wireless Worry
Despite extensive efforts to disconnect or modify TVs, a strong undercurrent of deep suspicion pervades the comments. Users express concerns that TVs might bypass user-disabled settings, surreptitiously connecting to unsecured neighbor Wi-Fi networks, public hotspots (like Xfinity), or even employing hidden cellular modems or mesh networks (such as Amazon Sidewalk) to exfiltrate data. While some commenters dismiss these as unsubstantiated fears, others argue that given manufacturers' track record, such surreptitious behavior is plausible, advocating for extreme measures like Faraday cages or permanent hardware removal.