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.
I wish! I have a Samsung and I used to have an LG. One thing I anticipated which turned out to be on the nose is that these TVs stay operational just up until the maker decides they want your money again. I never bought into it to begin with. I only got a Smart TV to begin with because it has everything else I want. But I go straight to hooking up a computer. The apps on the TVs are all ooh and aah until a couple of years go by and then suddenly the apps are not compatible with the sites or backends what have you, and guess what? No more updates. You need a new TV despite the fact that yours is 100% perfectly fine, other than the inherent sabotage built in.
So that’s why I never even had any expectations. But I would love to find the best Linux distro for a media machine that my wife could learn to use. Right now I have to do all of it because it’s just browse to the files or load a playlist. I’d like something like Kodi or Plex but they have issues with one thing or another. I just want an SMB based connection in an interface that shows friendly thumbnails kinda like Nova player on Android. That app is highly underrated. Free, as far as I know open source and aside from a few control designs not being too great, the app is terrific. Kicks VLC’s butt. Why are they still designing the software like it’s 20 years ago and it’s on Windows XP?
Anyway I digress. Smart TV running Android or Linux would rock but I don’t expect it to be too feasible. But what do I know, because I’m not a professional dev.
Answer: get a "dumb TV" (or more cheaply: a SmartTV you don't grant internet access) and tape a fanless N100 PC to the back. They're far more capable and responsive than the cheapo processors that come in a SmartTV and just as silent. They're going for well under $200 these days, and run Linux very well.
The "dumb TV" options are few (there are some but doubt their panels are as good), so the only "real" options are to go with the second option you gave. Depending on the size needed, PC OLED/AMOLED monitors are probably the best option pared with a HTPC or whatever other box. Sucks that a lot of the larger ones are also becoming "smart."
For screen sizes over about 42", yes - there are few "dumb" options. Basically, you end up in the computer monitor market and you end up paying 2x-3x for the same screen performance. I spent a weekend in a rental home with a "Smart" TV just now, it confirmed for me I'm glad I spent the 3x to have a "dumb" monitor with a PC attached. For one thing, the remote controls now do voice recognition, and they were suggesting YouTube videos related to the conversation in the room - without having activated the microphone button.