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Putting Android TV into "basic TV" mode pretty much does that. Disable the internet connection for sure, but that's a cheaper option than going for those business display models that will charge you through the nose.

Android TV itself is open source, and I've seen a few people running LineageOS on their TVs. Anyone can make a TV OS based on it and it comes with an SDK already, but nobody is incentivised to do it.

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You don’t even need to take Android TV offline. Just replace the ad-ridden launcher with ATV launcher, and remove the default one with adb. Also replace the youtube app with SmartTube. Very happy with this setup.

I didn't even bother using ADB with Projectify launcher from the Play Store (it just has a couple settings I needed to enable to take over the home button) and I haven't seen the default launcher once. I am using an Onn Pro 4k on my main TV (for Ethernet) and CCwGTV on the others.

Incredibly snappy setup with detailed customization options, I switched all my TVs over to use it. I also recommend Button Remapper to customize the remote app buttons to your liking.

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