It is nuts for me to get a hotel tv?

[Sibley]

I am giving my current tv to my parents. Trust me, way easier than any other alternative. But that means I won't have a tv, and I do want one. So I'm looking for a new tv for me.

I don't want a smart tv. Just, no. I do want a small, 4k resolution tv. This is not an easy combination to find. I found one that seems reasonable - it's designed for and marketed to hotels. The single review I found online also happens to be from someone who probably also didn't want a smart tv. That said the only annoying this is you have to exit from the menu every time you turn on the tv. I could cope with that I think.

https://www.cdw.com/product/samsung-nt670u-series-43-4k-ultra-hd-hospitality-led-tv/6253534#PO

I would prefer a slightly smaller tv than this one, but everyone seems to have collectively decided that you must allow the tv to dominate your space. I want 4k because Lord of the Rings is going to be releasing a 4k edition with new/more special features.

Am I nuts? Are there better options here? AV is not my thing at all, so please dumb down the technical speak.

[maizefolk]

While I agree TVs have just gotten ridiculous in size, part of that is because at smaller sizes the human eye really cannot pick up the difference between 1080p and 4k. How close do you anticipate sitting to the TV while viewing? For a 43 inch TV apparently the difference between 1080p and 4k will only noticeable at a distances of less than ~6 feet/1.8 meters. If your normal comfortable viewing distance is further than that I don't think you'd lose much by seeing the upcoming release of LotR at 1080p.

But if you'd like a smaller screen which can show 4k video but isn't a smart TV, what about just buying a computer monitor instead? Somewhat lower cost, available in smaller screen sizes even at 4k resolution, no "smarttv" features or tracking and unless you are using cable or an antenna it should be able to do everything a TV can do.

https://www.newegg.com/asus-vp32uq-31-5-uhd/p/N82E16824281132?Item=N82E16824281132&quicklink=true

[AnnaGram]

Just bought a nice 4k dumb TV but it's 55 inches. About 375.00. If you are using something like Roku to do all your TV watching then you can just use a 4k computer monitor. It is also possible to use a digital TV tuner with a computer to watch OTA  TV on a computer.  Roku + 4k monitor + standalone (no computer needed) digital TV tuner = usual TV setup for most people  but idk if there even is a standalone digital TV  tuner or if there is what the price is. 55 inches is big (compared to the 40 it's replacing) but not in a bad way ...at 8 feet 55 inch 4k is a quite nice.

hth.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[secondcor521]

One thing that surprised me when I went TV shopping a few years ago was that for me, bigger was not better.  A big TV at a short viewing distance does extend across a large portion of one's visual field and can thus seem more impactful and immersive.  But I discovered I do not like the immersive feeling.

So what I did was to figure the right size for me as follows:  I went to Best Buy with my tape measure and found a, for sake of argument, 65" TV.  I then moved closer and further away until the TV was the right size for me.  I then measured the distance from me to the TV.  Let's say it was 12 feet away where it looked the right size.

I then looked at my living room and measured from where I wanted to sit on my sofa to where I wanted the TV to be on the other wall.  Let's say that was 10 feet of distance.

I then knew that the right size TV for me was 10 feet / 12 feet = X" / 65".  Solving for X gave me 54" - a 54" TV at 10 feet would take up the same amount of visual space as a 65" TV at 12 feet.

I then had to decide between 1080p and 4K (*).  What I noticed was that Best Buy strategically arranged stuff so when you were looking at 4K TV's, you were up close - like within 6 feet or so.  I think they do that so you notice the improved clarity of 4K over 1080p, because it is noticeable up close.

I found a web tool somewhere and put in my visual acuity (20/20 to 20/25), the distance to my TV (that 10 foot measurement from before), and it basically said that I couldn't tell the difference between 1080p and 4K.

Since I mostly wanted to watch over-the-air network TV and Amazon Prime over my Internet connection, I knew most of what I was watching would be 1080p anyway.  I thought that all the computer power and effort to scale and interpolate and whatever else goes on with a 4K TV would go to waste anyway visually.

So then I looked at brands.  I liked Samsung and one other brand; the Samsung happened to have a cheaper model which was, I think, 55" or 59" or something like that.

I then checked out rtings.com (no "a" in the site name), which is a neutral TV reviewer.  The Samsung I wanted had good marks, so that's what I bought.

The other thing I remember learning is that one "TV" brand was usually $50 to $100 cheaper than the others for the same specifications.  Eventually I figured out that it was not a "TV" but a "monitor", which meant that you could not connect an antenna up to it and have it show TV channels like everyone is used to on a regular TV.  A monitor could be used for DVDs, VHS tapes, and as a computer monitor, but it was missing something called a "TV tuner", which I gather is the part of the thing that takes in signals and can then change to channel 2, 3, 4, etc.

(*) 4K has higher resolution but at the time was twice as expensive.

[Papa bear]

A reasonable sized cheap smart TV can be had for under $150.  Is it worth ~~ $400 more just to not have a smart TV?  I tried looking for non smart TVs, and most have moved away from it.

My issue with smart TVs are that the limiting factor on the useful life of the TV is the hardware running “smart” features.  The screen won’t become obsolete, but the hardware might.  Well, I run everything through roku’s anyway.  I can always just buy an external roku device when that happens. 

Buy the cheap $150 TV.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dcheesi]

A reasonable sized cheap smart TV can be had for under $150.  Is it worth ~~ $400 more just to not have a smart TV?  I tried looking for non smart TVs, and most have moved away from it.

My issue with smart TVs are that the limiting factor on the useful life of the TV is the hardware running “smart” features.  The screen won’t become obsolete, but the hardware might.  Well, I run everything through roku’s anyway.  I can always just buy an external roku device when that happens. 

Buy the cheap $150 TV.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This. Especially if the hotel TV forces you to exit a menu on startup --as that's essentially all you have to do to avoid the "smart" features on most consumer TVs these days. IIRC, the Roku TVs even have an option to default to an input instead of going to the Roku menu on startup.

In any case, just be sure that the TV you buy has an appropriate tuner if you're doing OTA. At one point, some brands were starting to sell "TVs" that were really just tuner-less displays; not sure if that trend has continued or not, but it's something to look out for.

[Metalcat]

Yeah, I also don't understand the willingness to spend more money to avoid the smart tv but to take on the hotel tv annoyance.

Our current tv is a smart tv and it's very easy to just not use the smart tv features.

Otherwise, I agree that a computer monitor might be the best way to go.

[turketron]

We have a (1080p) smart TV but have never used any of the "smart" functions, it's just hooked up to a chromecast that we use for everything. You can just leave it disconnected from your wifi and it's effectively a dumb TV at that point.

[chemistk]

We have a (1080p) smart TV but have never used any of the "smart" functions, it's just hooked up to a chromecast that we use for everything. You can just leave it disconnected from your wifi and it's effectively a dumb TV at that point.

We mostly have the same, except we also have a Roku attached!

[Car Jack]

If you go into any store and want to compare A to B, you need to get remotes to both and get into settings.  Set the 2 to be exactly the same.  Doesn't matter what the exact settings are....so long as they're the same.  I learned this long ago when I was about to buy my first HDTV following a stock option windfall.  I went to the local high performance video retailer and looked at last year's leftover model side by side with this year's new model.  The new one's picture was far better.  I then got into settings for both and it was pretty clear that someone messed up the last year's model settings.  I set both to be identical and look here.  The pictures looked identical.  I bought last year's model for half the price.  This was early 2000's when a CRT HDTV cost $5k new.

I also buy smaller TVs still.  We have an entertainment center that we bought for that CRT TV and it's too small for a ginormous TV.  I bring a tape measure to any store I'm buying from.  Fortunately, every time we replace it, the borders have become smaller and smaller, so the picture has become bigger and bigger.  We've had several TVs crap out and either taken or taken back a TV we've put in our kids' room.  Funny thing is the big name (LG, Samsung) have crapped out while the best buy store brand (Insignia) has been the longest lasting one.  My son worked at Best Buy for a while and found that Insignia uses rejected LG screens and the same electronics everyone else is using.  But the cost to the store is less than half what the brand names cost.  So you can ask a manager for a lower price and they'll match it including New Egg's cheapest, even from another brand.  I went in a few times with my son when we needed stupid things like HDMI cables.  Brand name $35, Insignia $39, employee discounted price $2.95.  Not even kidding.

[Sibley]

The reason I don't want a smart tv is the advertising and related issues. I can't find it at the moment, but there's an entire thread someone on this forum talking about the downsides and concerns. I would like to avoid that mess.

I have a hard upper limit of 43" tv size. I can fit that on the table without having to move the phone and the lamp elsewhere. I don't even have to have 4k, as long as I can watch a 4k dvd. For that matter, not even sure if the PS3 can handle that resolution.

I'm perfectly ok using a monitor. Please help with the logistics - can I plug in a sound bar (don't have yet), roku (hdmi), and PS3 (hdmi)?

Basically, I  need a new tv. I want to be able to watch the upcoming release of Lord of the Rings on 4k, specifically the special features. AV is not my thing, I'm overwhelmed.

[Samuel]

The reason I don't want a smart tv is the advertising and related issues. I can't find it at the moment, but there's an entire thread someone on this forum talking about the downsides and concerns. I would like to avoid that mess.

I have a hard upper limit of 43" tv size. I can fit that on the table without having to move the phone and the lamp elsewhere. I don't even have to have 4k, as long as I can watch a 4k dvd. For that matter, not even sure if the PS3 can handle that resolution.

I'm perfectly ok using a monitor. Please help with the logistics - can I plug in a sound bar (don't have yet), roku (hdmi), and PS3 (hdmi)?

Basically, I  need a new tv. I want to be able to watch the upcoming release of Lord of the Rings on 4k, specifically the special features. AV is not my thing, I'm overwhelmed.

Yeah, a PS3 can't play 4k Bluerays. I don't think a PS4 can either.

You're going to have to upgrade your player (and streaming sources) too if you really want 4k.

[sailinlight]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

[Sibley]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

[Daley]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

LG WebOS is probably the least obnoxious currently. Goes straight to the last tuned OTA channel when turned on, and does so quickly. Smart enough to have an integrated TV guide that can pull from the live tuned in channels without needing an internet connection, and some higher end models can even do DVR function with a USB drive. No ads, except commercial breaks on streaming channels that can be integrated into the standard channel lineup with guide and program information, which requires internet. Doesn't care if it's connected to the internet or has its WiFi casting option off, and if it is connected, doesn't make you create an account to use or download anything.

[Sibley]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

LG WebOS is probably the least obnoxious currently. Goes straight to the last tuned OTA channel when turned on, and does so quickly. Smart enough to have an integrated TV guide that can pull from the live tuned in channels without needing an internet connection, and some higher end models can even do DVR function with a USB drive. No ads, except commercial breaks on streaming channels that can be integrated into the standard channel lineup with guide and program information, which requires internet. Doesn't care if it's connected to the internet or has its WiFi casting option off, and if it is connected, doesn't make you create an account to use or download anything.

I don't have cable. Disney + doesn't have ads, at least it didn't last night when I was watching Bad Batch. That's basically what I'm watching lately. So, LG's smart tv would be adding commercials to my currently commercial free tv experience?

[Daley]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

LG WebOS is probably the least obnoxious currently. Goes straight to the last tuned OTA channel when turned on, and does so quickly. Smart enough to have an integrated TV guide that can pull from the live tuned in channels without needing an internet connection, and some higher end models can even do DVR function with a USB drive. No ads, except commercial breaks on streaming channels that can be integrated into the standard channel lineup with guide and program information, which requires internet. Doesn't care if it's connected to the internet or has its WiFi casting option off, and if it is connected, doesn't make you create an account to use or download anything.

I don't have cable. Disney + doesn't have ads, at least it didn't last night when I was watching Bad Batch. That's basically what I'm watching lately. So, LG's smart tv would be adding commercials to my currently commercial free tv experience?

Not at all. What I'm talking about is LG's integrated streaming internet channels from Xumo and PlutoTV for stuff like "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Star Trek" and "Rifftrax" channels (basically pseudo cable, they even have CNN), if you want to even connect it to the internet and also turn on the LG channels in the first place... and then, it's only commercials streamed with the programming from those channels specifically while watching, much like OTA commercial programming and cable channels that show ads, though it's usually the same five ads over and over. There's zero overlay or interjection of commercial content overlaid from other sources, like OTA broadcasts or HDMI input from other devices, or paid streaming services like Disney+ even if you connected it to the internet and used the native WebOS Disney+ app on the TV. The closest you get to forced advertisements with the things is if you use the remote that came with the TV and having a Netflix or Amazon Prime button on the remote (like Roku does), or pressing the home button and suddenly finding the HBOMax app installed at the end of the home screen banner across the bottom of the TV after a firmware update.

It's quite easy to interact with the LG smart TVs without ever using the home button, the home screen never shows up when you turn it on (I can't remember if that was a setting or not, though), and it doesn't balk about not having an internet connection. If you last had it on an HDMI device, it'll turn straight on to that, otherwise, it'll tune to the last OTA channel you pulled up without any menu nonsense. It's a perfectly cromulent option.

[Sibley]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

LG WebOS is probably the least obnoxious currently. Goes straight to the last tuned OTA channel when turned on, and does so quickly. Smart enough to have an integrated TV guide that can pull from the live tuned in channels without needing an internet connection, and some higher end models can even do DVR function with a USB drive. No ads, except commercial breaks on streaming channels that can be integrated into the standard channel lineup with guide and program information, which requires internet. Doesn't care if it's connected to the internet or has its WiFi casting option off, and if it is connected, doesn't make you create an account to use or download anything.

I don't have cable. Disney + doesn't have ads, at least it didn't last night when I was watching Bad Batch. That's basically what I'm watching lately. So, LG's smart tv would be adding commercials to my currently commercial free tv experience?

Not at all. What I'm talking about is LG's integrated streaming internet channels from Xumo and PlutoTV for stuff like "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Star Trek" and "Rifftrax" channels (basically pseudo cable, they even have CNN), if you want to even connect it to the internet and also turn on the LG channels in the first place... and then, it's only commercials streamed with the programming from those channels specifically while watching, much like OTA commercial programming and cable channels that show ads, though it's usually the same five ads over and over. There's zero overlay or interjection of commercial content overlaid from other sources, like OTA broadcasts or HDMI input from other devices, or paid streaming services like Disney+ even if you connected it to the internet and used the native WebOS Disney+ app on the TV. The closest you get to forced advertisements with the things is if you use the remote that came with the TV and having a Netflix or Amazon Prime button on the remote (like Roku does), or pressing the home button and suddenly finding the HBOMax app installed at the end of the home screen banner across the bottom of the TV after a firmware update.

It's quite easy to interact with the LG smart TVs without ever using the home button, the home screen never shows up when you turn it on (I can't remember if that was a setting or not, though), and it doesn't balk about not having an internet connection. If you last had it on an HDMI device, it'll turn straight on to that, otherwise, it'll tune to the last OTA channel you pulled up without any menu nonsense. It's a perfectly cromulent option.

Ok, this sounds like it will work. Will see if I can find it, thanks. (It wouldn't be connected to the internet though. I'll use my Roku box)

[Daley]

Ok, this sounds like it will work. Will see if I can find it, thanks. (It wouldn't be connected to the internet though. I'll use my Roku box)

There's discussions and arguments about various levels of privacy, security and obsolescence with all this sort of stuff... but I do have to admit, it's kind of quirky that you're concerned about a smart TV when you use a Roku device. You should read the terms of service some time.

But yeah, LG's "smart" options are all purely opt-in out of the box and require agreeing to terms and conditions for those things to even work, and if you don't agree to it, it basically just behaves like a TV.

[RWD]

I have a Sony Smart TV purchased in 2017. I just don't connect it to the internet. It then basically works just like a dumb TV.

[Sibley]

Ok, this sounds like it will work. Will see if I can find it, thanks. (It wouldn't be connected to the internet though. I'll use my Roku box)

There's discussions and arguments about various levels of privacy, security and obsolescence with all this sort of stuff... but I do have to admit, it's kind of quirky that you're concerned about a smart TV when you use a Roku device. You should read the terms of service some time.

But yeah, LG's "smart" options are all purely opt-in out of the box and require agreeing to terms and conditions for those things to even work, and if you don't agree to it, it basically just behaves like a TV.

I don't have the microphone version of Roku, so realistically they have the credit card from when I bought it (which I'm pretty sure it was canceled since then), and they have my viewing history. I don't love that they have it, but I'm ok with the trade offs.

A lot of my objections to Smart technology are listening into conversations and pushing ads at me. I don't have big picture control. I can avoid the microphones and duck ads.

[Sibley]

I have a Sony Smart TV purchased in 2017. I just don't connect it to the internet. It then basically works just like a dumb TV.

That's essentially what I have currently. I'm fine with it, but I would much rather that I have to deal with buying a tv than have my parents need to buy one.

[RWD]

I have a Sony Smart TV purchased in 2017. I just don't connect it to the internet. It then basically works just like a dumb TV.

That's essentially what I have currently. I'm fine with it, but I would much rather that I have to deal with buying a tv than have my parents need to buy one.

So buy another similar TV and just don't connect it to the internet?

[Daley]

A lot of my objections to Smart technology are listening into conversations and pushing ads at me. I don't have big picture control. I can avoid the microphones and duck ads.

Then, as long as you get any "smart" TV that uses a standard IR remote control instead of Bluetooth with microphone and voice commands, and doesn't toss banner ads at you and is happy to let you turn off or never turn on smart functionality, you should be fine with pretty much anything. Like I said, LG's WebOS is really unobtrusive once you dive through all the settings after first setup (I just re-setup my TV just for giggles) and delete the home apps and turn off home launch at power up. It's the compromise we went with after some research. The most egregious ad platform smart TVs are Roku integrated, Samsung/Tizen, and Android/Google integrated from what I've understood. Your old Sony used Google, but it was an early model, and stuff's changed rapidly over the past few years.

[simonsez]

A lot of my objections to Smart technology are listening into conversations and pushing ads at me. I don't have big picture control. I can avoid the microphones and duck ads.

Then, as long as you get any "smart" TV that uses a standard IR remote control instead of Bluetooth with microphone and voice commands, and doesn't toss banner ads at you and is happy to let you turn off or never turn on smart functionality, you should be fine with pretty much anything. Like I said, LG's WebOS is really unobtrusive once you dive through all the settings after first setup (I just re-setup my TV just for giggles) and delete the home apps and turn off home launch at power up. It's the compromise we went with after some research. The most egregious ad platform smart TVs are Roku integrated, Samsung/Tizen, and Android/Google integrated from what I've understood. Your old Sony used Google, but it was an early model, and stuff's changed rapidly over the past few years.

I'm pretty naive when it comes to technology.  I bought a 28" (or maybe it's a 30" or 32", whatever) Roku integrated Hisense brand tv from Costco for $120 bucks I think.  It sits on top of my downstairs fridge and I use it as a workout tv as it's at a perfect eye level with my exercise bike that faces the side of the fridge.  I get on the exercise bike, turn the tv on with the Roku remote and open either Spotify, Hulu, Netflix, or HBO.  I've never watched an ad and don't do anything with voice commands (might not even be feasible, not really sure - I think the remote is IR if I had to guess).  It's perfect!  Is my experience abnormal then I wonder?

[Metalcat]

A lot of my objections to Smart technology are listening into conversations and pushing ads at me. I don't have big picture control. I can avoid the microphones and duck ads.

Then, as long as you get any "smart" TV that uses a standard IR remote control instead of Bluetooth with microphone and voice commands, and doesn't toss banner ads at you and is happy to let you turn off or never turn on smart functionality, you should be fine with pretty much anything. Like I said, LG's WebOS is really unobtrusive once you dive through all the settings after first setup (I just re-setup my TV just for giggles) and delete the home apps and turn off home launch at power up. It's the compromise we went with after some research. The most egregious ad platform smart TVs are Roku integrated, Samsung/Tizen, and Android/Google integrated from what I've understood. Your old Sony used Google, but it was an early model, and stuff's changed rapidly over the past few years.

I'm pretty naive when it comes to technology.  I bought a 28" (or maybe it's a 30" or 32", whatever) Roku integrated Hisense brand tv from Costco for $120 bucks I think.  It sits on top of my downstairs fridge and I use it as a workout tv as it's at a perfect eye level with my exercise bike that faces the side of the fridge.  I get on the exercise bike, turn the tv on with the Roku remote and open either Spotify, Hulu, Netflix, or HBO.  I've never watched an ad and don't do anything with voice commands (might not even be feasible, not really sure - I think the remote is IR if I had to guess).  It's perfect!  Is my experience abnormal then I wonder?

I also have a basic smart tv, I can't remember what brand.

It has the Amazon Fire system, which acts exactly like the Fire stick, which is what I had before on my dumb tv.

It doesn't play any ads except the ones I expect and can skip when I use the Amazon Prime app, but no ads on the homescreen.

Also, it functions just fine without connecting it to the internet. My internet was down for a few days and I was able to cast to it from my phone, or hook up a media device.

I just got it last year, so it's not a super old smart tv either.

[katsiki]

I was going to recommend the roku tv but don't use the roku functionality.  However, I see you have a roku device.  LG webos as daley mentioned is probably good.  Just don't setup or connect any of the functionality that concerns you.

[trollwithamustache]

Not at all the cheapest option, but we do not own a TV, just a computer monitor. We use an old Mac mini that is still adequate for streaming one show at at time. Sometimes it is a little awkward slinging a wireless keyboard and mouse around the living room. But no smart TV BS. 

[secondcor521]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

My Samsung smart TV from several years ago works just fine as a "dumb TV" without an internet connection.  I used it that way for several years.  I've recently added an Amazon Prime account to it so I could watch Amazon video content, but that is only something extra I do if I want to.  If I just turn the TV on, it just turns on to channel 7 or whatever and acts like a "dumb TV" unless and until I press the "Smart Hub" button on the remote.

I think whomever is telling you that stuff is exaggerating.  Designing a smart TV to require the internet would be a dumb design decision because it would unnecessarily alienate potential customers like you.

[nessness]

We have a Hisense TV that we use with an Apple TV. The internet is disabled on it and it works totally fine.

[Daley]

Is my experience abnormal then I wonder?

I was talking from an overly datamining and advertisements on the right side of the mandatory home menu screen when you turn it on when connected to the internet standpoint. Even if you don't hook a Roku TV up to the internet, it still shoves you into the home menu when you turn it on.

Yes, there are ways to neuter a Roku and its advertising to an extent. No, this is not the thread to talk about that stuff as it kind of falls out of the scope in a feature creep sort of way.

[Uturn]

I have found that I get less advertising with a piehole running.  In the Roku app for instance, the show will stop and say Place AD here for a few seconds, then the show starts again.  About every fifth time or so, a commercial plays.  It also cleans up news sites.  Instead of ads, I get a box that says webpage not available.

[Sibley]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

My Samsung smart TV from several years ago works just fine as a "dumb TV" without an internet connection.  I used it that way for several years.  I've recently added an Amazon Prime account to it so I could watch Amazon video content, but that is only something extra I do if I want to.  If I just turn the TV on, it just turns on to channel 7 or whatever and acts like a "dumb TV" unless and until I press the "Smart Hub" button on the remote.

I think whomever is telling you that stuff is exaggerating.  Designing a smart TV to require the internet would be a dumb design decision because it would unnecessarily alienate potential customers like you.

Based on what I've been told, you might be in for a rude surprise next time you're tv shopping. Several years ago is not current.

I'm looking at the LG webOS tvs. This is complicated. Having to google many terms.

[AnnaGram]

The reason I don't want a smart tv is the advertising and related issues. I can't find it at the moment, but there's an entire thread someone on this forum talking about the downsides and concerns. I would like to avoid that mess.

I have a hard upper limit of 43" tv size. I can fit that on the table without having to move the phone and the lamp elsewhere. I don't even have to have 4k, as long as I can watch a 4k dvd. For that matter, not even sure if the PS3 can handle that resolution.

I'm perfectly ok using a monitor. Please help with the logistics - can I plug in a sound bar (don't have yet), roku (hdmi), and PS3 (hdmi)?

Basically, I  need a new tv. I want to be able to watch the upcoming release of Lord of the Rings on 4k, specifically the special features. AV is not my thing, I'm overwhelmed.

Not sure if anyone has told you this further down the thread yet but you must have a 4k monitor to see the 4k detail in the 4k DVD or bluray or what have you.

 HD = 1080.
 4k = 3840x2160 or 4 times the resolution. It's a big difference for me at all distances.

Here's your new tv!!!

Sceptre 43" Class 4K UHD LED TV HDR U435CV-U

Note: Sound on new TVs is sub sub par because they are too thin to hold decent speakers so a sound bar is mandatory.  You are always experiencing a soundbar in costco Sam's club etc.

[secondcor521]

Can't you just buy a smart TV and not connect it to the internet nor use any of the apps on it? It's pretty dumb without wifi.

I've been told that at least some of them will not work without an internet connection. And Samsung is pushing ads apparently. If you can recommend one that will be fine without internet, cool.

My Samsung smart TV from several years ago works just fine as a "dumb TV" without an internet connection.  I used it that way for several years.  I've recently added an Amazon Prime account to it so I could watch Amazon video content, but that is only something extra I do if I want to.  If I just turn the TV on, it just turns on to channel 7 or whatever and acts like a "dumb TV" unless and until I press the "Smart Hub" button on the remote.

I think whomever is telling you that stuff is exaggerating.  Designing a smart TV to require the internet would be a dumb design decision because it would unnecessarily alienate potential customers like you.

Based on what I've been told, you might be in for a rude surprise next time you're tv shopping. Several years ago is not current.

I'm looking at the LG webOS tvs. This is complicated. Having to google many terms.

I might be.  I'll find out in a decade or so. :)

[Sibley]

I have ordered a tv and soundbar, pick up tomorrow at Best Buy. Total about $610, which is well within the budget I had set for this. Got an LG as Daley suggested, 43". It's the biggest I can go without messing up my living room. It was also the smallest I could buy.

In case you're curious, my method of picking a soundbar was as follows: google "how to choose a soundbar", scroll down to cnet's "How to buy a soundbar in 2021", start reading, find the "Best soundbar under $200" section, buy that one. Yes, extremely scientific. Please note that I don't currently have a soundbar, so you know how much I care. YMMV. Most people probably care more than me.

Re actually playing a 4k disk, I am borrowing one from a coworker to test if the PS3 will play it, and if so what it looks like. That will determine if I need to buy a dvd player. If I do, not bothering yet at least.

Next challenge: putting everything together. Wish me luck.

[AnnaGram]

The reason I don't want a smart tv is the advertising and related issues. I can't find it at the moment, but there's an entire thread someone on this forum talking about the downsides and concerns. I would like to avoid that mess.

I have a hard upper limit of 43" tv size. I can fit that on the table without having to move the phone and the lamp elsewhere. I don't even have to have 4k, as long as I can watch a 4k dvd. For that matter, not even sure if the PS3 can handle that resolution.

I'm perfectly ok using a monitor. Please help with the logistics - can I plug in a sound bar (don't have yet), roku (hdmi), and PS3 (hdmi)?

Basically, I  need a new tv. I want to be able to watch the upcoming release of Lord of the Rings on 4k, specifically the special features. AV is not my thing, I'm overwhelmed.

Maybe you are referring to the 31 disc release of lotr trilogy in oct?

Needed:
bluray player 150.00
4k dumb TV 250.00
Hdmi cords that carry all the signals (hdmi 2.0)

To add shows channels etc:
Roku that does 4k.

To avoid voice-on-remote in Roku 4k you have 2 choices.

 One is buy new 4k roku and replace remote with aftermarket Ebay 3rd party remote compatible with that Roku. It will not have on/off or voice ( which people complain about but is a feature to me)

or two navigate to roku wiki page. There find the one (and only) version Roku ever made that does 4k but whose remote is NOT voice and which also has ethernet which is safer than wifi. There is only one such version and you can get it used on Ebay for about 50 bucks. OK I went  there for you...lol...

Roku Premiere+ (4630) 50 bucks or so.

These are the same except they are wifi only:

Roku Premiere (4620)
Roku Premiere (3920)
Roku Express 4K (3940X)

Cheers!

[Dave1442397]

For someone who rarely watches actual TV, I do like a nice setup. I have a 75" 4k UHD TV, and spent the money for a new receiver and blu-ray player that could take advantage of the TV's capabilities. I never go near a movie theater, so it's well worth it to me to have a nice home theater.

I recently watched the new 4k version of 2001, A Space Odyssey, and it was just stunning.

[Khaetra]

For someone who rarely watches actual TV, I do like a nice setup. I have a 75" 4k UHD TV, and spent the money for a new receiver and blu-ray player that could take advantage of the TV's capabilities. I never go near a movie theater, so it's well worth it to me to have a nice home theater.

I recently watched the new 4k version of 2001, A Space Odyssey, and it was just stunning.

Same here.  I have a nice 55" 4K, soundbar with subwoofer and Apple TV.  It's great for watching movies, sports and playing Xbox/PS on (all in 4K). 

To the OP, PS3 will NOT run Blu-ray Discs (I have one).  PS4 will (have one of those too).

[RWD]

To the OP, PS3 will NOT run Blu-ray Discs (I have one).  PS4 will (have one of those too).

This is incorrect. Both the PS3 and PS4 can play Blu-ray movies. Neither can play 4K movie discs.

[JLee]

The reason I don't want a smart tv is the advertising and related issues. I can't find it at the moment, but there's an entire thread someone on this forum talking about the downsides and concerns. I would like to avoid that mess.

I have a hard upper limit of 43" tv size. I can fit that on the table without having to move the phone and the lamp elsewhere. I don't even have to have 4k, as long as I can watch a 4k dvd. For that matter, not even sure if the PS3 can handle that resolution.

I'm perfectly ok using a monitor. Please help with the logistics - can I plug in a sound bar (don't have yet), roku (hdmi), and PS3 (hdmi)?

Basically, I  need a new tv. I want to be able to watch the upcoming release of Lord of the Rings on 4k, specifically the special features. AV is not my thing, I'm overwhelmed.

Then don't connect it to the internet - problem solved :)   None of the smart TVs I have had required internet access to function.

[Sugaree]

To hear my coworkers talk, TVs are so cheap now that they're practically giving them away.  Oh wait, this isn't the Overheard at Work thread, is it? 

Actually in my experience anything up to about 55" is reasonable and Black Friday is coming.  I got my kid one last year on BF (or maybe Prime Day...they were close together last year I think) that was 32" for $120.  Built in Fire TV.  Another option is the pawn shop.  There are tons in my local shop.  And I suspect more will be showing up sooner rather than later.

[yachi]

To the OP, PS3 will NOT run Blu-ray Discs (I have one).  PS4 will (have one of those too).

This is incorrect. Both the PS3 and PS4 can play Blu-ray movies. Neither can play 4K movie discs.

PS4 Pro can play 4K discs, but the regular PS4 cannot.  I believe the old PS2 can play Blu-rays as it's part of why Sony's Blue-Ray format won out over the competing HD-DVD

It seems OP has settled on a model, but I wanted to add you don't need a 4K TV to watch 4K discs.  "What will happen is that the player will downconvert the 3840 x 2160-resolution video on the disc to a 1080p format your TV can display. It will also bypass any high dynamic range (HDR) metadata since regular HDTVs aren’t capable of processing that information."

[Sibley]

To the OP, PS3 will NOT run Blu-ray Discs (I have one).  PS4 will (have one of those too).

This is incorrect. Both the PS3 and PS4 can play Blu-ray movies. Neither can play 4K movie discs.

PS4 Pro can play 4K discs, but the regular PS4 cannot.  I believe the old PS2 can play Blu-rays as it's part of why Sony's Blue-Ray format won out over the competing HD-DVD

It seems OP has settled on a model, but I wanted to add you don't need a 4K TV to watch 4K discs.  "What will happen is that the player will downconvert the 3840 x 2160-resolution video on the disc to a 1080p format your TV can display. It will also bypass any high dynamic range (HDR) metadata since regular HDTVs aren’t capable of processing that information."

Yeah, I have a PS3 and it plays bluray. I'm borrowing a 4k disk from a coworker to see what the PS3 does with it, but as long as it plays decently, I'm ok with some reduction in visual quality. I just want to be able to watch the special features.

New tv and soundbar was delivered today. I set for pickup, but whatever. My sister is at my house, she brought them in.

[RWD]

To the OP, PS3 will NOT run Blu-ray Discs (I have one).  PS4 will (have one of those too).

This is incorrect. Both the PS3 and PS4 can play Blu-ray movies. Neither can play 4K movie discs.

PS4 Pro can play 4K discs, but the regular PS4 cannot.  I believe the old PS2 can play Blu-rays as it's part of why Sony's Blue-Ray format won out over the competing HD-DVD

My understanding is that the PS4 Pro can play games and stream in 4K but cannot play UHD discs. This is probably a limitation of the optical drive as opposed to the performance specs of the device.

The PS2 used DVDs, not Blu-rays (it was launched in 2000, six years before Blu-ray). The PS3 is the one that started using Blu-ray discs.

Yeah, I have a PS3 and it plays bluray. I'm borrowing a 4k disk from a coworker to see what the PS3 does with it, but as long as it plays decently, I'm ok with some reduction in visual quality. I just want to be able to watch the special features.

4K discs apparently need a different laser to work. So unless it has both a 4K disc and a regular Blu-ray disc (or if the special features are standalone on their own non-4K disc) you're out of luck with a PS3.
https://forums.tomsguide.com/threads/can-you-play-a-4k-blu-ray-on-a-normal-blu-ray-player.434788/

[Sibley]

Well, to update and close out this topic. New tv and soundbar arrived and are setup. I now have to convince the cat that she can walk on the subwoofer. I ended up having to connect the soundbar via optical cable rather than the higher quality HDMI. Purely because the TV has 2 HDMI ports and I have a roku, a PS3, and a soundbar. Soundbar has a different connection option, so problem solved.

Watched some Star Wars last night. Overall working well. TV asked twice during initial setup for an internet connection, I said no twice, and so far it hasn't bugged me again. I will probably be fiddling with the soundbar settings for a while until I get it set the way I like it, but I'll figure it out.

Sister took the old tv to parents' house this morning, so they will need to get setup. She'll probably handle that though.