this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2023
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We're looking to get our first TV in years, the current one is about 10-12 years old. We don't watch normal 'tv', everything is streamed through another device.
What kind of adverts can I expect in a modern current-gen TV?
Mine just pushed streaming services and shows I'm not interested in, and makes it waaaaay easier to accidentally get advertised at than to find the input select menu to get out of that.
The UI also lags hard while trying to stream video because the embedded computer is terrible
The less you pay for the TV, the more adverts and worse experience you'll get.
Ignore the smart features completely. Focus on the display quality and get the best you can afford.
Then get a streaming device. I recommend Chromecast with Google TV, only adverts I get are for shows (same recommendations the apps give me). Fire TV is also good, but more general adverts for Apps that aren't installed. I've heard good things about Apple TV, but I don't have any experience with it.
Get the latest streaming device and power using a socket, not the TV usb, and you can't really go wrong.
Oh OK, so when we're talking about adverts, are we talking about only when using the native smart apps like Netflix or Prime?
Sorry I know this seems like such a dumb question now I'm writing it out, I just feel so out of the loop now.
I generally run everything through my PC onto the TV, it's basically a glorified media centre, so I've never had any need for a smart TV. Problem is its got all sorts of screen burn now though, so I badly need to upgrade. I was planning to spend about 1.5k on a good new one with decent visual quality, low response time for gaming, etc.
Not at all, no dumb questions.
Many Smart TVs do have modified software to show even more adverts than normal. Some of the built-in TV smart apps also have a lot of adverts. That's why many people are recommending getting a proper streaming box/adapter instead of using the built in smart TV features.
Even on the official streaming devices there are "adverts", but they are usually only for installed apps and they are more focused on their content and recommendations.
Though this does vary it seems.
It sounds like you have the right kind of plan. Main thing to know is that the Smart features on TVs are very much a "nice extra" and shouldn't factor in to your buying decision as a £50 stream stick/box is usually way better.
Excellent, thanks for clearing that up, it makes a lot more sense to me now :]