Dumb Question, Any Decent 'dumb' (branded) TVs That Are UHD and 60inch Plus Anymore?

I am looking for a UHD TV that has zero 'smart' or OS functionality as I quite like the new Chromecast with Google TV. However, there is also a limited set of global TV brands programmed into the Chromecast that is able to turn the TV on/off via the Chromecast I/R

The TV, ideally won't even be plugged into an aerial, the Chromecast just needs to be able to turn it on/off on the particular HDMI port ready to go with my Google TV.

HDR is a bonus in addition to the 4k/UHD resolution.

Thanks

Comments

  • +1

    …that has zero 'smart' or OS functionality as I quite like the new Chromecast with Google TV.

    Can't you use the Chromecast with a smart TV too?

    • -1

      The chromecast isn't the point, its the Google TV that comes with the new chromecast.

      I'm trying to rid myself of a shitty Kogan "Smart TV" with chromecast etc… when you turn the TV on, the TV screen is in like a PIP by default because its got all the O/S menus/icons around it, so you still need that TVs remote to click ok or hover mouse and click on the PIP screen to make it full screen… the rest of its "smart functions" are just shit because its got 1Gb of RAM

      • My entry level Samsung turns on and off and switches to full screen on that device whenever any of my hdmi connected devices are turned on or off.

        4k, HDR and a basic OS and starts within a few seconds from the command. I control most of mine with a Google Nest and a Chromecast although the Samsung apps are good as well.

  • +2

    Not sure why you'd want to pay the same amount to get an inferior product.

    1. Many Tv's these days come with Chromecast built in, look at TCL, LG (i think?)
    2. You don't have to use the inbuilt smart functionality if you don't want to, finding one without it would make your life a lot harder, everything has some sort of smart functionality built in these days.
    3. As long as the TV has CEC you'll be fine.
    • +1

      Pretty sure the answer is no anyway.
      Even the no-name brands have a Smart TV interface now.

    • ok fair enough.. then a TV that will just be in the Google TV interface as soon as I turn it on etc? As per my comment above, trying to replace a regrettable Kogan Smart TV purchase, that when you first turn it on, regardless wether you are I FTA TV or in one of the HDMI, the image always starts in a PIP with the menus around it. I want one remote, with a TV that starts automatically in a (preferably) Google TV interface. Not a fan of all the brand-specific launchers and app ecosystems like Samsung etc.

      I don't use FTA, because even the Channel 10/9/7ABC/SBS Apps shit on their FTA counterpart.

      • +2

        My budget Sony one from 2017 goes straight to the last screen before turn off when I turn it on without any additional clicks or navigating any menus, is this what you want? It's a smart TV using an old version of Android TV but since it goes to the last video feed (in your case, the Google Chromecast input), then it satisfies you? Although you might still need the TV remote to turn it on and off (when I cast to the Chromecast, it will turn the TV on but not sure if you're not casting).

        • Awesome mate, that will work. Are you able to provide model number please? Thanks

          Should work with the Google tv Chromecast as it has full IR functionality with major brands so should be able to turn tv on/off whilst turning Google tv on/off

        • I get the same with my TCL.

    • +3

      Because smart TVs are full of bloat. Have you ever purchased a phone from a telco or a HP desktop? Some of us just want a vanilla experience without all the crap that Boggs the system down.

      • +2

        My $5000 Samsung tv has #^^#% ads come up in the menu bar. I’m appalled.

  • -3

    hI gUyS iT's ThE yEaR 2021 aNd I wAs JuSt WoNdErInG, cAn I bUy A gOoD bRaNd 4K uHd Tv tHAt Is DuMb?

    tHaNkS

    • +3

      sounds like you can't brain today… got the dumb lad?

  • +1

    Ugh… missed the point entirely.

    1) I don't use the chromecast so TVs with built-in chromecast aren't relevant. The Google TV that comes with the new chromecast is good.
    2) There isn't a Smart TV under $1500 with a decent Google TV experience (Possibly still on the old Android TV system), not worth paying an extra $500 for an inferior experience
    3) A "Smart TV" requires you to do extra clicks to get to the right screen

    What I was trying to achieve, was a superior Google TV experience, using a single (Google TV) remote for under $10000

  • In TV land, Smart is the new dumb.

  • +4

    Ideally I'd like the same thing OP.
    The cheap UHD TVs come with clunky UIs that are slow to navigate and inferior to a dedicated box.
    I just want a dumb tv that my Nvidia Shield can power.

    I suppose you may just have to settle with a "smart" tv and never use the functionality.

    • +4

      exactly this… even the $2k+ TVs i tested at JB Hifi had a clunkyness to them and their own app ecosystem which I loathe.

  • +2

    So what you want is a large monitor, not a traditional TV. Try looking into commercial large format display, or IPTV. i.e. something like this:
    https://www.i-tech.com.au/65-oled-pro-centric-smart-commerci…

    • Never considered this Avenue, thanks heaps!

      Edit
      Ok never mind… Waaaay too expensive

      • well it is what you want isnt it? Basically a computer monitor with input ports and a couple of buttons to choose input and maybe adjust colour, contrast and brightness and thats it. No bullshit software installed that would make the screen take like 5 minutes to boot up, bla bla bla

  • Just ignore the smart features. Maybe it ads slight load time even if you don't use them, but all TVs have this stuff built in now. When manufacturing at scale it would probably cost them more to make a TV with no smart features than with, considering how few people would want it. I don't use the smart features either but it's nice to have all the same, knowing that youtube is built in and such.

  • +2

    Short answer: everything is 'smart' now unfortunately.

    Answering your unsaid question: if you are unsure if a TV will go directly back to the prior input, you might simply need to test it instore with your Chromecast.

    My older Kogan, as with my Samsung, both go to the last input as expected. Your newer Kogan might be an outlier in that it DOESN'T do that, but unfortunately you had no way to know until it arrived since you couldn't test anyway. I'm hoping the problem you're wanting to avoid is not widespread among brands nowdays, but can't know for sure unless you test.

  • +1

    In my bedroom I have a 55inch Eko with a NVIDIA shield. I turn it off and on with the shield remote and never have to touch the tv remote. I can't use the ir that's built in but it can be controlled with CEC or something

  • +1

    Hisense 65S8 Series 8 65"

    I currently have the 50" model of this and have it setup with a chromecast with google tv.

    Was able to program it so I only need the chromecast remote and as soon as I boot up its in Google TV, no need for using the normal remote or dealing with the built-in smart functions.

  • I think the last of the dumb tv's went out about a month or two back. The Good guys were selling UHD Linsar brand tv's. Completely smart free. Some stores still might have but I think that brand has moved to smart tv's now. You might have to hit the second hand market.

  • +2

    HDMI-ARC

    That's all you need.

    Turn the chromecast on, TV turns on and goes to that hdmi channel. Turn chromecast off, the TV turns off.

    That one simple feature is all you need to avoid any and all pus and pain. And most TV's have it now. You won't even need to touch the TV remote.

    /thread

  • There's still one I know of — Ffalcon. Op, when you were at JB did you ask the staff?
    My 50" Ffalcon 50UF1 has allowed me to disable smart functions. The larger ones may allow it too, eg
    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/ffalcon-65uf1-65-4k-ultra…

    Just to add, bought ours October 2019 and been (almost) perfect. Main gripe: automatically dims when it thinks screen is black, primarily end credits. When text is up for 1/2 sec, it brightens again.

  • Unfortunately they all have built in software now. No way around it.

    However, they SHOULD go direct to the correct source if you have something connected to your HDMI channel and you have something that's engaging that channel (I.e. UI of Google TV/nVidia Shield).

  • Id say let OP do their own research

    So particular and still wants a decent "dumb" TV
    OMG….There is no such thing.

    And Yes. Kogan is King of Krap!

    All 3rd tier TVs have cut corners in each and every part to achieve their low price.
    They are a cheap and nasty throw together of the cheapest parts they can find.
    And probably not the best 'combination" so far from optimal performance
    The cheapest screen. the cheapest crappiest speakers, inferior TV receiver and good luck with the Operating System and remote.
    So what you gain in loose change you loose the in need to buy a sound bar and put up with sub-par screen quality. And if you lose your remote or the dog eats it or it fails, usually it costs $50-$60 to replace instead of $5-$8 on ebay.

    I suggest investing in a 2nd tier TV such as TCL, Hisense etc
    You still get decent (not best) quality but with a much lower layout

    Good luck

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