Instead of ‘splurging’ on a dumb tv bc they’re more expensive now thanks to the data sompanies sell off of smart tvs I was considering getting a smart tv and dumbing it down. Is the way to do this never connecting it to the internet? And is that the only way?
Disconnect internet / delete WiFi network from smart TV + stream via Apple TV. As simple and easy as it gets.
Basically this, except if you aren’t in the Apple ecosystem you can use alternative boxes/sticks to stream. I plugged my TV in initially and it was broadcasting an open wifi signal. I was like NOPE, removed the cable and shut it all down.
You definitely don’t need an Apple TV, but this person has the gist right. Remove all data connections to the TV and use an external device to function as the smart part.
Don’t forget DVDs.
Have you heard of mesh networks?
How are mesh networks relevant?