I have been rather unhappy with my smart TV's functionality as I feel it isn't smart for me but smart for the manufacturers. I just can't use it how I want to. I would love to overwrite the existing OS from Android to Linux. I've recently converted from Windows and loving Mint.
I haven't read too much regarding Linux smart tvs as my searches mostly come up with raspberry Pi and overwriting an Android box. I don't want to connect anything and just want my tv to boot up in Linux when it's turned on, and get some of my apps going. Is there a way to do this?
For reference I have a Sony Bravia with Android installed on it.
Well you already have Linux on your TV. Unfortunately it's android which is capitalist crap. They'll no doubt make it extremely difficult to remove their malware. Even if you could overwrite, you would still be using the shitty computer inside your TV.
Like other people have said, I think the best solution is using an external machine. I use an older laptop running Kodi for my TV. It's pretty awesome. Just make sure your machine has the specs for your needs. It shouldn't be hard to find something more powerful than the TV.