Do these spyware type TVs require an internet connection to start working? For example, can we just buy the spyware TV and connect a Linux computer to it, or will it refuse to function without exfiltrating data?
BTW Google TVs have a dumb mode if that's what you want. The other brands will probably annoy you with menus even if you don't want to use the smarts.
They have HDMI input. So you can pipe in what you want.