This is what I think every time I read to not hook your TV to the internet. Everyone's next statement is to use a roku type device. I'm like, it's the same thing?

I have my TV connected to the internet, but I only have 2 of the 8 or so terms and conditions selected. The bare minimum to just make the TV function. I get prompts every day to select the advertising, voice activation, etc. terms, but it still works when I hit cancel.

[–] LuxSpark@lemmy.cafe 6 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

You can build your own media pc, but the user experience is not at the level of a streaming device. Meaning that you might be able to work it, but grandma won't.

[–] madame_gaymes@programming.dev 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

If you are setting it up for Grandma, then something like Jellyfin or Kodi will make it more familiar for Grandma. She doesn't need to touch or know about the backend.

[–] XTL@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

If your TV is known/open HW and you've installed the OS and software and configured it to do exactly what you want, then yes.

Or, alternatively, if you're using a random shady media box from an appliance manufacturer or advertising company, yes.

Otherwise, no. The idea here is that the media box you use will not be one designed to make you the product as they say. It will be your tool that does what you want it to instead of leaking your data and showing you ads. But YMMV. Maybe your smart TV is good enough. Most people don't seem to be happy or comfortable with theirs.

[–] Gerudo@lemm.ee 1 points 1 month ago

I get using your own home brew box. I specifically was calling out people who say to use an external Google, amazon, roku style box vs connecting your TV to the net.