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Readers weigh in on which TV best protects your privacy

A Hacker News thread asks which big-screen TV protects privacy, and it shows how many people worry that smart TVs track what they watch.

By the Dashline deskSource: Hacker News (100+ points)
Readers weigh in on which TV best protects your privacy
Photo: The Alaska Landmine, CC BY 2.0

A question on Hacker News, a popular tech discussion site, has drawn more than 100 points: which TV is best for privacy? The asker has gone years without a TV and wants one that respects their privacy. Many readers share that worry, and the thread is a useful window into it.

What the asker wants

  • A screen between 60 and 80 inches
  • A 4K display, which means a sharp, high-detail picture
  • A refresh rate of at least 60Hz, which keeps motion smooth
  • A willingness to pay extra for privacy

The asker has heard good things about Apple TV as a better alternative to the software built into most TVs. The original post is cut off, so the full question is not available here.

Why privacy is the worry

The thread reflects a common concern: many smart TVs are built to collect data on what you watch. A smart TV is a set with apps and an internet connection built in. A cheap model may make up some of its price by tracking you.

What is not known yet

The material available does not include the replies, so no specific TV brands or models can be named as recommended. It also does not say how much data any given TV collects or how to turn it off. Apple TV is named only as an option that people often say is better than built-in TV software.

What to do

Before buying, check how a TV handles your viewing data. Look at the privacy settings and the software it runs, not only the screen size and picture quality.

The takeaway

Check how a TV handles your viewing data before you buy, because a cheap smart TV may pay for itself by tracking you.

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