Can I replace a smart TV’s software with Linux?
Asked by
MellowCedar47
I'm moving toward using Linux and am looking for a TV after recently moving. Truly "dumb" televisions seem difficult to find, and I'd rather avoid having a manufacturer collect data about what I watch or stream. Is it practical to install a Linux distribution directly on a modern smart TV? Ideally, I'd like to browse the web, create shortcuts to my usual sites, and play older video games. I'm still fairly new to Linux, so I'm hoping for a simple solution.
Answers
A large monitor or commercial display paired with a small Linux computer is probably the cleanest setup. Connect the computer over HDMI, install a desktop or a living-room interface such as a big-screen KDE setup, and use it for browsing, shortcuts, streaming, and emulation. The display itself never needs network access.
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Installing a completely different operating system directly on a modern TV usually isn’t practical. The hardware and firmware are often locked down, and even if you managed to replace the software, getting the display, remote, audio, and other components working could be very difficult. The easiest privacy-friendly option is to leave the TV disconnected from the internet and use another device for everything smart.
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You can also keep the TV offline and attach a dedicated media box or mini PC. That gives you a separate, replaceable system while preventing the TV’s built-in software from phoning home. Some people use one Linux-based box for browsing and games and a separate streaming device only when needed.
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A small computer connected to the TV works well. You can control it with a wireless keyboard and mouse, or use a compact media-center remote such as an air mouse with a built-in keyboard. Linux media-center distributions are another option if you mainly want videos and older games rather than a full desktop.
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