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by flashgordon 809 days ago
You know Ive been looking for a dumb tv for so long - i just want the size, a bunch of HDMI/USB ports and wifi connectivity that i can stream to... Thats all. How is it that these "dumb" monitors are so much more expensive than smart tvs that dont last more than a year or 2?
2 comments
jqpabc123 809 days ago
BestBuy house brand (Insignia I think) are dumb and cheap but no wifi.

I use a mini PC with an air mouse to add my own "smarts" that I can control.

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flashgordon 809 days ago
Hmm I suppose wifi can be augmented with some kind of connected nas. Still mess no?
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jqpabc123 807 days ago
I just use a small little PC (no NAS) to stream content from the internet. For local, over the air broadcasts, I use a Hauppague external USB dual tuner that has been rock solid for years.

The PC controls everything using a gyro/air mouse. The only thing the big dumb TV provides is a HDMI display. No mess, no ads, no injected content, no spying. I have full control of what I choose to see --- sports, movies, etc.. You would be hard pressed to name something I can't get.

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Control-Gyroscope-Learning-P...

https://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-WinTV-DualHD-Tuner-Windows-...

https://www.dvbviewer.com/en/index.php

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sifar 809 days ago
sceptre tvs are pretty affordable. Have been using it for a while - no issues. No wifi though, just hdmi and usb.
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valleyer 808 days ago
I'm currently in the market for a 55-inch Sceptre "dumb TV", for a family member, having seen them frequently recommended on HN.

But I can't find one anywhere! I even tried e-mailing the sales contact on their Web site, but I haven't heard back. Any pointers?

(I can't find a 55-inch Insignia, either -- that's the other "dumb" brand that gets some recommendations, including in this thread.)

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