this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2025
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[–] catloaf@lemm.ee 83 points 5 days ago (4 children)

I recently bought an LG TV. I didn't connect it to the Internet, I just use it with my Chromecast or Switch. Works great, no ads, no AI BS.

[–] Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de 63 points 5 days ago (6 children)

Coming soon (if not already): TVs with utility cellular connections or corpo network (like Amazon sidewalk) access that your neighbor may have not opted out of.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 55 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (3 children)

I find it highly likely that TVs will soon cease to function without an internet connection, complete with some BS explanation about protecting your privacy or security.

[–] Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de 33 points 5 days ago (3 children)

I can't set my dryer to medium heat unless I do so with an app over the internet even though the controls exist to do it on the unit. I bought a window AC unit and the only remote control is an app - thankfully I was able to put that on a subnet with no internet gateway and it still works.

[–] KnightontheSun@lemmy.world 43 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Name them. Bosch does this with some functions too. I bought the model below and didn’t care about delayed start or whatever. I am not loading your app!

I swear we need to start some appliance hacking clubs or something to sidestep this crap.

[–] Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de 12 points 4 days ago

It's an LG dryer.

I'd have to go look up the window unit. Its almost certainly a white labeled OEM who's advertised brand no longer exists, though.

[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 13 points 4 days ago

such things should be brought back to the store as defective

[–] superkret@feddit.org 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Why did you buy those devices?

[–] Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 4 days ago

Neither mentioned a network connection was required. The AC unit didn't mention it at all, and consumer reports mentioned the dryer had "smart features" and an app but never said basic controls were locked behind a network connection

[–] xavier666@lemm.ee 5 points 4 days ago

complete with some BS explanation

"For child safety!!!111"

[–] pc486@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 days ago

Broadcast TV is already going that way. ATSC 3 requires an internet connection to get decoding keys. For your protection, of course.

Coming soon: a screwdriver and a soldering iron

[–] tal@lemmy.today 11 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I mean, a camera is an easy thing to block, as long as you're aware of it, understand the implications, and have the desire to block it. Just obstruct the lens. Roll of black electrical tape, put a strip over it, done. Now, most people out there may not actually do so...

Only becomes an issue if other services that you actually want are tied to the camera, or if the TV refuses to operate without a usable picture of the viewer or something.

[–] Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de 12 points 5 days ago

Pictures are far from the only thing to worry about.

[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 7 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

a quick reminder that the 5G standard defined a peer to ~~pear~~ peer operating mode for smart devices

[–] tauren@lemm.ee 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)
[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 days ago

that was a good one :) fixed the typo

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 7 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Luckily my neighbors are way out of WiFi range and there is barely enough cell service here to send a text from inside the house.

[–] Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 5 days ago (2 children)

How close are you to a starlink constellations orbital path, now that they can be connected to via cellular modems?

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 5 points 5 days ago

That doesn't support data yet. Data will probably cost a fortune when they enable it. I doubt anyone will be willing to pay that much to serve ads. If they do, then the antenna will be replaced with a dummy load.

[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 days ago

this sounds terrible

[–] Buelldozer@lemmy.today 2 points 4 days ago

Some TVs already have the ability to connect to sidewalk. More worrying is that every newer "Smart" TV has the ability to cast to it so if anyone ever does that using an internet connected device like a SmartPhone then bam...your TV just got an internet connection and can now send out stored data and potentially grab a firmware update.

Surprise!

[–] shyguyblue@lemmy.world 9 points 5 days ago (1 children)

This is the way to do it

I blocked my lg from the Wi-Fi after i got a "Kobe Bryant memorial" ad, while playing on my switch... TF?!

[–] 5in1k@lemm.ee 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Do you think he thought avoiding all that traffic was worth it as he plummeted?

[–] QuantumSparkles@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Okay so fuck rich people destroying the planet with private air travel—however, he was still statistically more likely to die from driving that day. And so was his daughter and the other innocent kids on that flight

[–] 5in1k@lemm.ee 1 points 4 days ago

He was in a helicopter not a 747.

[–] Slovene@feddit.nl 2 points 4 days ago

Hopefully no IBS either.

[–] aubertlone@lemmy.world 0 points 3 days ago

I've heard this line many times from so many people.

So basically just Nintendo and google profit off your personal information? And doesn't Chromecast serve ads? In the background, but still?

I fully support your decision to not connect your LG TV to the internet. I do the same thing but it's often just for convenience. I get better performance from my devices rather than from the TV itself for whatever application.

Just was thinking about that recently is all.