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.
You already got your answer so I won't repeat them. You cannot even replace the live TV app on your smart TV. I spent a somewhat huge time to fix what's wrong on my mother's TV but sadly best I could do was sideloading apps and blocking ad channels on pi-hole. Probably the best way is to buy Raspberry-Pi and install LibreElec. At least that's I'll suggest next time we need such device.
I love Raspberry Pis, I have about 6 of them running around the house right now, but for TV work I prefer a beefier computer like the newer N100/N150 fanless models.
I checked them and they seem pricier than R-Pi, though it might worth because x64. I found an Intel N97 model named GMKtec G5 and actually it seems great, much more power consumption than R-Pi though.
They do draw more power than a Pi-5 even, but they are still practical in fanless mode and interfaces are significantly smoother and quicker. Of course, if all you care about is the streaming video you can get a PiZero to do that for you.
Currently we don't need any until this current setup breaks or become obsolete thanks to TCL or Google (also old netbook does the job for Jellyfin), but when the time comes I'm actually more interested in this whole living room PC setup, of course will need to find a compatible remote controller.
I use VNC on my phone... it's not as "clickable" as a traditional remote, but then I hate that form of TV browsing anyway. That's one of the strengths of using a real PC: more direct and powerful search capabilities. We have a couple of others setup (Family room, one bedroom) which use touchpad keyboards as remotes.
I wouldn't mind touchscreen but apparently there are remotes with keyboard on it and not that expensive (don't know about the quality though). They supposedly work on any PC related setup. I guess I know now what we'll get next time.
My kids are occasionally rough on their bedroom "remote" keyboard with touchpad. I got a stack of 4 of them from AliExpress for under $15 including shipping (same thing from Amazon sells for $20 each, still not too bad but why pay extra?) Of course, now that I have the stack of spares, the first one has lasted over a year....
The one I saw was also ~$15, probably Chinese then. Good price I think.
Heh, it seems they were even rougher on the remote. :)
You may have misunderstood - I got all four of the devices for a total cost of $15 including taxes and shipping (I think they were $2.99 each, including USB-C port rechargable batteries.) Direct from China prices aren't always that good, but for some stuff they become mind-bogglingly cheap.
Yeah, I misunderstood. $15 for all 4 of them? That's great. I'm surprised they can make it that cheap.
I don't know if they're really making them that cheap or this is some overstock / loss leader situation, but a lot of simple electronics are priced like that.
It's possible. They're known to overproduce many things in the end.