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Comment by gruez

6 days ago

>I never felt more motivated to pi-hole the TV.

Or just disconnect from the internet entirely? You already have an apple tv. Why does your tv need internet access?

TVs tend to incessantly ask for internet access, especially android ones.

  • Then don’t buy an Android tv?

    • The problem with 'well just don't buy it' is that in many product categories, enshittification has become so entrenched that there are no longer options to avoid it. The availablity of product features is driven by market forces, if it's no longer profitable to sell a TV that doesn't require online connectivity for the purposes of ads, then such TVs will no longer be sold.

      Alternatives like using monitors designed for digital signage come with drawbacks. Expense, they don't have desirable features like VRR, HDR or high refresh rates, since they aren't needed for those use cases. Older TV models will break and supply will dry up.

      In the long term, this problem, not just TVs but the commercial exploitation of user data across virtually all electronic devices sold, isn't something that can be solved with a boycott, or by consumers buying more selectively. The practice needs to be killed with legislation.

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Some TVs have a dedicated mobile connection, there is a SIM card and baseband radio inside. Of course only they can use it, not you.

  • You mean they pay for data charges? Don't be stupid.

    • Data doesn't cost that much. They are buying in bulk for lower priority access. That is a very different cost from what you pay for your phone data.

  • Source? This sort of conspiracy started with "smart tvs will connect to open wifi networks", then evolved to "it uses amazon sidewalk", and apparently now morphed into "tvs have 5g modems". Given how poorly supported the prior claims were, that does not bode well for the 5G claim.

    • Isn't that one of the marketed advantages of 5G. Lot of smart IoT devices including TVs being able to connect independently.

      What we are lacking is implementation but the tech and probably the intent was always there. If HDMI ethernet connectivity(HEC) had gained traction, we would have seen a fire stick, apple tv or roku providing internet to your tv without asking for explicit consent.

    • Sounds obvious for TV manufacturers to do this if they plan to spy on you and sell ads you can't hide. Same with locking down firmware.

      1 reply →

    • Every time the topic is TV on HN someone repeats this conspiracy or that "it'll happen soon!"...

      This place like a flat-earther gathering sometimes.