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Ask Slashdot: Affordable Large HD/UHD/4K "Stupid" Screens?

Posted by timothy on from the sorry-dave-can't-let-you-do-that dept.

New submitter LOGINS SUC (713291) writes Truly in the first-world problems category, I've been looking for large format (>55") HD/UHD screens for home entertainment. In light of the recent Samsung big-brother monitoring and advertisement injection concerns, does any reputable manufacturer still make "stupid" TVs? I don't want to pay for all the WiFi, apps, cameras, or microphones. I don't need it to have speakers. And at this point, I don't even care if it has the TV receiver functionality. All this stuff leads to vendor lock-in or is well on the path to obsolescence by the time I purchase the device. I prefer all of this non-visual functionality be handled by devices better suited to the purpose and I don't want to pay for screens including these widgets I have no intention of ever using, at all.

I've searched all the normal retail outlets. If I find anything, they are wildly expensive. "Computer monitors" fit the bill but are almost all 55") LCDs in the sub-$3,000 range anymore? Are projectors the last bastion of visual purity for home entertainment?

5 of 330 comments (clear)

  1. Projector by gameboyhippo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Just use a projector. It's inexpensive and typically has no features other than projecting.

    1. Re:Projector by rastan · · Score: 3, Insightful

      A projector has a very low contrast, because what you see when you turn it off (the usually white wall) is it's blackest black. This is a huge difference to modern TVs.

      --
      Understanding is a three-edged sword. --Kosh
  2. Volume matters. by Z00L00K · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You may actually have to pay more for a large screen without all the WiFi and stuff because the production volume for them is a lot smaller.

    Live with the fact that you get "extras" for almost no cost.

    --
    If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker would destroy civilization.
  3. If you don't authorize it, it can't divulge info. by Jason+Pollock · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You don't need to buy a dumb TV. All you need to avoid is plugging it into a network.

    If you don't plug your home theatre equipment into your network, it can't call home. Done.

  4. Re:Vizio P Series by DickBreath · · Score: 3, Insightful
    The link you pointed to says . . .

    A revolutionary V6 Processor features a quad-core GPU and dual-core CPU for maximum speed and performance. Enjoy faster usability, quicker TV start-up time and menu navigation, increased image rendering speed and a better Smart TV experience.

    Oh, God, please save us from having a Smart TV 'experience'. Otherwise known as a Telescreen.

    --

    I'll see your senator, and I'll raise you two judges.