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Comment by wodenokoto | Hacker News Reader

It's usually Samsung people talk about with regards to spying on Smart TV, and reports saying they send regular screenshots home for analysis.

I don't know if LG does the same, but in terms on ads in the display I ... never really found it to be anything.

I sold my 55" LG OLED highend model last year when moving, but except for a "recommended app"-showing on the main menu I don't recall any nag-ware. I also found the smart TV features to beat most, if not all, dedicated boxes in speed and usability and preferred it to Apple TV.

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What bothers me most on the Samsung TVs is that there are ads in the menu. It's one thing to see ads in a website or other content that is "free" and need to be monetized. But a TV in which I paid for doesn't make any sense.

The argument often made here is that the tv is being sold cheaper and then the value lost is made up with ads. My Samsung TV was pretty cheap compared to others but I just pointed it at my Pi-Hole and don't have that annoying ad anymore.

That argument would make sense if they gave consumers an option.

Makes sense for Samsung. :(

Microsoft Windows also does this.

LG webOS is still one of the better experiences on smart TVs for sure. It is generally smooth with good app support and experience and like you said limited built in ads.

While not perfect it is the system I like the most if I have to use a smart TV. I do still prefer an Apple TV 4K though.

Damn if webOS is one of the best I would hate to see the others. I find it to be laggy and poorly laid out.

I had been keeping my LD up-to-date but with each new update there was an additional service with its own privacy agreement with a name I'd never heard of.

Now all smart functionality is via the Apple TV.

Same, there are no ads on my LG TV that i can see, unless the occasional recommended app (which at least on one occasion, for Stadia, also told me I'll have a free few months if i sign up now).

Yeah, that's an ad.

I have a Samsung TV but don't use the smart features. I was annoyed by the ads to because it would also change the order when switching devices. Furthermore, I found online that not accepting the privacy terms would remove all apps and ads, this indeed works great.

Hmm that's interesting, there's a guy above saying the exact opposite. I'm about to buy a new tv and this is something I never considered.

Given how bad Samsung is at protecting user data, this is basically a Trojan with similar consequences.

bottom left corner of the app menu had an HBO / House of the Dragon ad when that show launched a few weeks ago.

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