I have a 4K 120Hz TV that I have blocked from internet access on my router (because it is spyware with no way to turn off the built in microphone) and I have a desktop that supports 4K but I don’t want to run my desktop into the ground streaming on it all the time.

I’d like one that isn’t American I guess if that really matters (seems like it kind of does) but I noticed options are limited unless you want to spend $600 on a mini PC which I don’t.

I’d like to spend like $200 max if possible for this if possible.

  • Majestic@lemmy.ml
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    1 day ago

    You have 3 options:

    1. Android TV/Google: bad for privacy, some devices can be customized for slightly more with tweaks, ADB, etc

    2. Apple TV: pretty private compared to Google, no ads out of the box on Home Screen, nice hardware that lasts awhile.

    3. Wilderness of roll your own on a mini-PC, raspberry pi, etc: no ads, private. But pain in the ass, no 4k, no full HD (720p max), no HDR, no atmos sound because not locked down with DRM for streaming services so not approved. Choose this only if most of your content is self provided Blu-ray’s or yo ho type stuff and/or YouTube. Otherwise miserable experience.

    As far as 1) goes there are some better options like Dune-HD (make sure to get a Netflix certified model so you get 4k support from streaming services), and some customization via changing launchers and such for more privacy.

    However only options 2 and 3 are really more private IMO and “fixes” for Android TV devices mostly are in the form of blocking ads and allowing side loading of say a custom version of YouTube with ad blocking so don’t and can’t address the under the hood spying Google is more aggressive about.

    As to getting away from American. Good luck, both major platforms are American companies. Only other option is Chinese fork of Android and it’s no good for western streaming or use outside China. Otherwise roll your own but also provide your own content and that gets you away from them. A mini-pc is great for that with an air mouse but it’s not the same finely polished experience though can be decent with a little work.

    • pemptago@lemmy.ml
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      13 hours ago

      # 3 can support hdr and 4k, see other comments in this thread.

      also shout out to local libraries that let you borrow dvds and blu-rays.

      unrelated shout out to makemkv for making backup copies of dvds and blu-rays in your collection.