This document contains my current TV purchase recommendations.
Requirements
- No Smart-TV Integration!
- I recommend purchasing an Apple TV, Fire Stick, or similar box instead.
- Smart TVs can potentially (and it seems like some do) sell viewer data.
- Smart TVs aren’t very modular (but set-top-boxes can easily be replaced or removed).
- CNBC: Smart TV Privacy
- FBI: Smart TV Security Warning
- HDMI In (2 ports minimum, 4 preferred)
- To Be Used by:
- Set-Top Box
- Gaming Console
- Streaming Box
- Laptop Video In
- To Be Used by:
- Optical Out (required for most soundbars)
Recommendations
These are optional but good for flexibility & compatibility with older devices:
- Headphone Out
- Analog Audio Out (required for legacy sound systems)
- Composite Video In (optional, required for legacy devices)
- Component Video In (optional, required for legacy devices)
- Analog Audio In (typically paired with composite/component video)
- S-Video (optional, if you have a use for it)