HACKER Q&A
📣 theomega

Dumb 4K TV


I’m searching for a non smart, non connected 4K TV which you can acquire in Europe/Germany. Reasons for this have been posted I think enough on HN (privacy, security, updatability).

I know two solutions, both not ideal - ironcast.tv seems to promise that initially, but on the one side it is unclear how much vaporware the thing is, on the other side, it will still be based on top of Android and needs to be on the WiFi. - Buying Commercial Digital Signage Panels. I found it impossible to find reviews on the internet. It is unclear for me which panels are actually good for watching movies.

  👤 ThrowawayR2 Accepted Answer ✓
Option 1: If you size needs are modest, buy a monitor. For example, Dell's Ultrasharp monitors are mostly 4K and go up to 43" in size and are often examined by reviewers for color accuracy and performance since they are used in digital media production. They are, of course, not inexpensive but not unaffordable, and can be dual-purposed for work or hobby computer usage.

Option 2: Buy a projector. The home theater models are scrutinized closely by reviewers for video quality and, last time I checked, come without smart TV features. Prices range from merely expensive to blisteringly, eye-wateringly expensive but can be ameliorated slightly by purchasing used units.

👤 achairapart
Some manufacturers, like LG, have commercial models that are just dumb tv with no os or other software. Monitors are a good option, too.
👤 nick_kline
Just buy a smart tv and don't connect it to your local wifi or ethernet. Why wouldn't this work?