Comment by wasmainiac
2 months ago
I never connected my smart tvs to the internet. I buy the cheapest TV (at the size I want) and connect an old laptop, lid closed, and a cheap mini keyboard. It does everything I want, never updates itself with unwanted features and never shows me ads. Been doing this for 10 years, why would anyone actually want a smart tv.
The problem is this doesn't really work anymore with Widevine protected content. You are not getting Widevine L1 protected content through Windows or other type of home desktop operating system. Even without L1 content, platforms like Youtube won't serve 5.1 surround unless it's through an app and not the browser.
I'm not saying you need a smart TV, but if you want to get the content you're actually paying for via Netflix, HBO etc in the highest quality they offer, you'll need to fork over money for a device with dedicated hardware
I’ve never had those issues. Most I’ve ever had to do enable DRM on my browser. Yeah I don’t use surround sound in my living room, but my Linux box in my office supports it, so I don’t see why not.
Even if that were unsupported I would it get an external Apple TV or chrome stick. There is still no reason to have a smart tv.