TVs and our future

[Clarity]

AWhile back I started a thread in this subarea of the forum. It is titled "TVs can be monitor replacements".

There we discussed technical merits and issues relating to TV use as a monitor replacement. For over a decade, I have used the TV for both a monitor for Puppy Linux forum distros as well as it ability as a smart entertainment unit.

But, recently, TESLA, the man, has entered this arena. I posted on that 'technical' thread the announcement of Tesla's TV being introduced in the market awaiting some of our experienced members to respond.

So in the interest of keeping that thread focused on TV use as a monitor, I have opened this threads as it intends to focus on something that, I believe, ALL of us should take pause as this product enters the marketplace.

It is marketed as an "Entertainment Center" and for good reason. Everyone, including my 3 year old grandchild, knows how to use a TV with its remote.

Until now, there has not been much of a concern of security on a TV. AppleTV, GoogleTV, and FireTV have ALL assumed a position where the TV products are 'reasonably' (depending upon whom you listen) secure. This includes, too, the hardware the manufacturers use for their products. It is not viewed as much of an attack surface for most home-owners. There are other home devices which offer much better gains so TVs are basically ignored. These manufacturers do not work for government defense/policing departments.

BUT, I've just read a confidential report that raises ALARMS on this "new" TV that Tesla is producing for our (meaning consumers) use. I will "bulletize" what is shared.

• Oh it is going to be priced to insure that it captures a super-set of consumers who will jump on it because of the price.

• It is rumored to have features that are designed to be attractive to people including addressing refresh rates such that tin-hats, like yourselves wont think twice in the future to use a his TVs instead of your current or a new 'monitor' designed strickly for PCs

• Tesla, the man, is taking a controlling position in the US government.

• Tesla, the corporation, already has US Defense Dept contracts

These bullets, now, should be enough for YOU to see the problem as it is in plain sight for you technical tin-hats.

If you don't, consider; if I had the ability to place in everyone's home, a unit that manages everyone's home. NOW, can you futher see the problem?

If you still don't, consider; if I had the enforcement position to determine what I find appropriate or not in your home. NOW can you see?

What are your thought on what the world's future in heading into with this new utilization of position?

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: The questions in this post is NOT about the technical use of aTV in conjunction with your PC.

This affects ALL!

[CatMan]

So, I'm guessing that you are saying that these TVs will have 'back doors' for the US Government to control....

[bigpup]

Smart TV's are already doing this spying on us.

how does a smart tv spy on you?

Smart TVs can potentially collect and share personal data through their internet-connected features, and some may use various methods that could be considered invasive. Here are several ways a Smart TV might "spy" on you:

Voice Assistants and Listening: Many modern smart TVs come with built-in voice assistants (like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or proprietary systems) that can listen for commands. These devices may record audio to process voice commands, and if not properly configured, the microphones might pick up more than just the intended commands. Companies can use this data to improve voice recognition, but this also raises privacy concerns if the data is shared or stored without clear user consent.

Data Collection: Smart TVs often collect data about what you watch, how often you watch it, and for how long. This data can be used to target advertisements more effectively, improve content recommendations, or be shared with third parties. For example, some TVs use tracking to offer personalized ads or gather information about your viewing habits.
Motion and Camera Surveillance: Some Smart TVs come with cameras and sensors that can detect motion for features like gesture control. In some cases, these cameras can potentially be used to spy on you. However, not all Smart TVs with cameras actively use them unless enabled for specific functions. Even if cameras aren’t present, motion sensors may still track your movements.

Third-party Apps and Services: When you install third-party apps on your Smart TV, they may have access to more personal data than you realize. Some apps may request unnecessary permissions or share your data with advertisers. If privacy settings aren’t configured properly, these apps could collect personal information about your usage patterns.
Location Tracking: Certain smart TVs can use your IP address or Wi-Fi network to determine your location. This can allow advertisers to serve geo-targeted content or ads. Even without explicitly enabling location services, your TV might still gather data on your location based on your internet connection.
Selling or Sharing Data: In some cases, Smart TV manufacturers or associated companies may sell or share user data with third-party organizations, including advertisers. This information might include your watching habits, preferences, or even demographic data.

How to Minimize the Risks:

Adjust privacy settings: Disable features like voice recognition, location tracking, and data sharing in the TV’s settings menu.

Use a VPN: A VPN can mask your location and prevent some types of tracking based on your IP address.

Disable unnecessary apps and permissions: Regularly review and remove apps you don’t need and limit their permissions.

Turn off the microphone and camera: If your TV has a built-in microphone or camera, consider disabling them or physically covering the camera.
By being proactive about your privacy settings, you can reduce the amount of personal data a Smart TV might collect or share.

In the US.
All it takes to get access to any collected information is a warrant issued by a judge. (well the legal way to do it)

[bigpup]

Skynet is starting to develop!

[vektor_alian]

I won't be back!

[Clarity]

@bigpup, the TV OSes are not the spies. The gov'ts on the world have been active on this for years holding manufacturers to a no-spying standard. The manufacturers are penalized if they violate and force to correct it.The apps, that we use are designed with reporting abilities for the future improvement(s) each intends for its user audience. I do not object to this and never have.

But, with the "new" that is coming to gov't power, this is now going to change the mission and who will capture, report, and use the unit in a very new expanded role in the home(s). His gov't menu, his products (TVs, in this case), his decision, his design, his agent, his agency changes gov't behaviors and ultimately gov't operations.

The network(s) used to transport our information is not his concern although he has product and aspirations for its adoption. But the TV, in his new role, is KEY! And the TV marketing announcements before taking power, sets the stage in the Public's consciousness.

Other members may be cautious to approach this topic, as the thought of it may be bewildering. Yet, it is now in our focus with this thread.

[Clarity]

This thread is not about whether I agree/disagree. BUT, insights on this future can help us deal with the new reality.

[Grey]

It is marketed as an "Entertainment Center" and for good reason. Everyone, including my 3 year old grandchild, knows how to use a TV with its remote.
What are your thought on what the world's future in heading into with this new utilization of position?
This affects ALL!

There are really real problems. But there are also a variety of problems that are only in people's heads.

Regardless of the country Buy an ordinary stupid TV and don't go to vote in the elections. This will allow you to sleep more or less peacefully and assume that you are not participating in the events that are taking place. Or you can do the opposite and look at the results on a brand-new smart TV

The same applies to grandchildren. As long as you are a link in the chain, children will copy your behavior. It's all very nice at first, but you can't blame the TV in the future. Yes, kids will pick up some ideas on the side anyway and all that. But you can reassure yourself that YOU DIDN'T turn on the Entertainment Center for them.

Yes, you can say that we are all tech enthusiasts here, how can we not buy a cool TV? But here you have to choose. Either peace of mind, or show off

[bigpup]

@bigpup, the TV OSes are not the spies. The gov'ts on the world have been active on this for years holding manufacturers to a no-spying standard. The manufacturers are penalized if they violate and force to correct it.The apps, that we use are designed with reporting abilities for the future improvement(s) each intends for its user audience. I do not object to this and never have.

But, with the "new" that is coming to gov't power, this is now going to change the mission and who will capture, report, and use the unit in a very new expanded role in the home(s). His gov't menu, his products (TVs, in this case), his decision, his design, his agent, his agency changes gov't behaviors and ultimately gov't operations.

The network(s) used to transport our information is not his concern although he has product and aspirations for its adoption. But the TV, in his new role, is KEY! And the TV marketing announcements before taking power, sets the stage in the Public's consciousness.

Other members may be cautious to approach this topic, as the thought of it may be bewildering. Yet, it is now in our focus with this thread.

Not sure why you think the TV hardware, that can hook to the internet, can not spy and report what you do.
As soon as you setup a WIFI or Wired connection with the TV hardware, it is collecting information.
They all come already loaded with a few streaming services that all have there own terms of use.
Those terms talk about collecting information on everything you do using them.

Manufactures get around any laws you may be talking about, by requiring you to sign up for a manufactures service account, to use the internet hardware.
My Samsung TV, required making a Samsung Service account, to use the Internet hardware features.
The service account allows you to do stuff with the hardware.
So you just gave them permission to do the spying to get the account activated.
Say no to agreeing with the terms of service and the account will not get setup.

OK, no account setup, then the hardware cannot work correctly.
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If you are talking about the US government.

You are talking about the old government that just got replaced.
Everything you say is what they had been doing.

This is not the government, doing this spying on what I do, when using YouTube.
Read this:
https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl= ... 0286285-NA

I do not care how they try to sugar coat it.
It is spying on what I do or do not do!
.
.

[TerryH]

.
.
If you are talking about the US government.

You are talking about the old government that just got replaced.
Everything you say is what they had been doing.

This is not the government, doing this spying on what I do, when using YouTube.
Read this:
https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl= ... 0286285-NA

I do not care how they try to sugar coat it.
It is spying on what I do or do not do!
.
.

This spying was occurring long before the government that was just replaced started and it would be foolish to believe it will stop, or has been stopped after January 20th.

[Clarity]

Hello @bigpup

... This is not the government, doing this spying on what I do, when using YouTube.
Read this:
https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl= ... 0286285-NA
...

Yes, I have known of this for years, as well as the option to register when one receives a new TV, today. These products are silos ... not gov't.

BUT, the Tesla TV is different from any other corporate manufacturer's TV; hardware and OS. Both of these elements are not off-the-shelf.

If you step back for a better visibility and consider "WHY? ...", at this juncture in his life and his new position in humanity, led to this product. If his product cost is at a loss to him, why this product considering that NO other product from him was 'ever' created and sold at a loss for each unit? Hope you get how this is going to go and can, maybe, help others.

[bigpup]

This is suppose to be why the price for a Tesla TV will bee a low price.

The big question on everyone’s mind: how is Tesla able to offer such an innovative Smart TV for such a low price?
The answer lies in Tesla’s cutting-edge production strategies and focus on efficiency.
By leveraging recycled materials like aluminum alloys for the TV frame, Tesla reduces production costs by up to 15% without sacrificing quality.
Additionally, Tesla’s expertise in high-resolution displays for their cars translates seamlessly into TV manufacturing, allowing them to optimize supply chains and reduce overall production costs.

Furthermore, Tesla’s gigafactories streamline the manufacturing process, driving down labor and operational expenses. This translates into a lower price point than competitors.

I wonder what size TV this low price point is going to be?

[Grey]

People, relax Neither now nor in the future will a smart TV replace a regular TV with an external set-top box connected. Just because six months after the purchase, the smart TV stuffing will become obsolete in terms of hardware. And your grandchildren will start smiling at how out of date you are. And the external box can be changed much faster and easier.

[dancytron]

If the people from Roku TV have a file on me, all it says is that I never watch any of their content ever. I just turn it on and choose hdmi input 1, hdmi input 2, or, during tornado warnings, OTA TV.

[williwaw]

r "WHY? ..." why this product considering that NO other product from him was 'ever' created and sold at a loss for each unit?

because there is more profit in selling the information it collects

[Clarity]

And because of his position, he can skirt the Federal requirements the others must operate under. Thus his purpose is different...But WAIT! There's more ...

[williwaw]

But WAIT! There's more ...

(while clarity twiddles the coat hanger antennae on his tinfoil hat)

[bigpup]

And because of his position, he can skirt the Federal requirements the others must operate under. Thus his purpose is different...But WAIT! There's more ...

Prove this statement!

His companies still have to follow all the US regulations for anything sold in the US.

All state regulations for operating manufacturing in the US.

[bigpup]

Last information I read about the Tesla TV.

It will cost around $130 to produce.
their markup price in stores $180 to $200 depending on the size of TV.

Other TV's of similar size and features cost around $150 to produce.
Their markup price in stores is around $250.

[Clarity]

I hear you @bigpup up, but I'm not sure you want to see. The new administration has NO flavor for regulation. Further, I'm not sure how you got your manufacturing numbers as if that were true, the cost from manufacturers would be same/similar to his. Over the years new products have come along largely due to reduce cost in electronics, screens, and labor in 3rd world nations.

BUT no sure ability exist in US. This is not like cars and the complete overhaul that occurred with EVs made by his company. Or his home electronic products. This is TVs, thus a new technology approach. Think of it; if you've ever opened a smart TV. There's ONLY 3 things there. And the OS makes 4.

So if your hope is that he is doing this for some altruistic concern, I dont see a history of that in his past.

Now, with the keys to the stable, and in a prime position, his aspirations do not suggest a consumer benefit. And if he has future nationwide controls, and if it were you or me at that level of control of government behavior, well again, ...

Being that I am NOT speaking of this from a political standpoint. I have no interest in the politics of the people. I am looking at how it appears that his product which will become a requirement will be used in the home as this product rolls out. I am looking at a technological shift in objective that these new models will bring into homes.

I only offer this thread for thought of something that, to me, suggest a change. Many/most of us have privacy concerns and want controls from the collections by corporations. This product is no longer a corporate collection concern; now a gov't leader with ability to control any regulations to its deployment and control.

[mikewalsh]

.
.
If you are talking about the US government.

You are talking about the old government that just got replaced.
Everything you say is what they had been doing.

This is not the government, doing this spying on what I do, when using YouTube.
Read this:
https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl= ... 0286285-NA

I do not care how they try to sugar coat it.
It is spying on what I do or do not do!
.
.

This spying was occurring long before the government that was just replaced started and it would be foolish to believe it will stop, or has been stopped after January 20th.

I get it. Bigpup's a Republican....

Mike.

[mikewalsh]

Now, with the keys to the stable, and in a prime position, his aspirations do not suggest a consumer benefit. And if he has future nationwide controls, and if it were you or me at that level of control of government behavior, well again, ...

Being that I am NOT speaking of this from a political standpoint. I have no interest in the politics of the people. I am looking at how it appears that his product which will become a requirement will be used in the home as this product rolls out. I am looking at a technological shift in objective that these new models will bring into homes.

I only offer this thread for thought of something that, to me, suggest a change. Many/most of us have privacy concerns and want controls from the collections by corporations. This product is no longer a corporate collection concern; now a gov't leader with ability to control any regulations to its deployment and control.

I kinda see where Clarity's coming from, actually. This is rather reminiscent of what George Orwell wrote about in his classic novel "1984".......where every room, in every building of every city in his postulated "Big Brother" world had a screen on the wall. Which not only allowed the individual to watch anything being streamed to it.....but also allowed the "powers-that-be" to watch THEM. Because, you see, this was a 2-way device; the state could use it to watch anybody, anywhere, whenever they wanted, and for as long as they liked.....for any possible "security" reason they could dream up.

It's not such a stretch of the imagination to see something similar being implemented globally over the next 2-3 decades.....and even to see the installation of state-approved "media outlets" becoming a mandatory requirement for new-build homes before too long, followed by the requirement to retro-fit older properties after that. It'll happen eventually...

Mike.

[bigpup]

I think the Biden administration tried to do exactly what you are saying.

The truth about stuff they did is starting to come out.

His justice department sure went after people that did not completely agree with his form of the government.

His government went after people with no regard to the rule of law and protections under the Constitutional Amendments.

Broke all kinds of laws or did not enforce them.

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Funny how a camera will not work if a piece of black tape is placed over the lens.

That also works over a microphone input slot.

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Seems to be a really warped idea of what power Musk is going to have in control of the US government.

He is going to have no power, but to make recommendations of what to change, to reduce wast, and what is UN-needed.

Nothing that has not been done before, but never acted on very much, by US Congress, or the president at the time.

Congress has U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM.

Basically is suppose to do what Musk is going to do.

Only real reduction they have done in the past was closing UN-needed military bases.
But the two they closed near where I live.
One was in a high demand high priced land development area.
The other would brake the government in the cost of environmental cleanup, plus it really could not support the mission.

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Tesla is already making TV's, but for their cars.
All they need to do is make them bigger and more what a TV is and not an automobile computer monitor.

your cost arguments look similar to what they said about Wal Mart when they first started.
No way can they have that low a price for what they offer.
.
.

[Clarity]

This is NOT about Biden or ANY other mythical 'dream' person in out past. That conspiracy you mention has NOTHING to do with how this product, its founder, and how past corporate regulations will NOT apply to this device.

When you're in govt, you dont regulate yourself ... you can regulate corporations, companies and people but not yourself as you are the regulatory power. So a gov't TV does not need to meet the same regulatory scrutiny as a corporate TV has had to do for privacy and control of the past. Thus we are looking at a new manner of operation.

@mikewalsh provides an great assessment and a excellent comparative for those of us who were required to read and discuss that in education.

[williwaw]

This is NOT about Biden or ANY other mythical 'dream' person in out past. That conspiracy you mention has NOTHING to do with how this product, its founder, and how past corporate regulations will NOT apply to this device.

When you're in govt, you dont regulate yourself ... you can regulate corporations, companies and people but not yourself as you are the regulatory power. So a gov't TV does not need to meet the same regulatory scrutiny as a corporate TV has had to do for privacy and control of the past. Thus we are looking at a new manner of operation.

@mikewalsh provides an great assessment and a excellent comparative for those of us who were required to read and discuss that in education.

how is having Elon collect "thought police" surveillance with his smart TV any different from the surveillance already collected by other smart TVs?

[bigpup]

@Clarity

You are the one that is trying to say, Musk is going to be some kind of US government special person, that will not have to follow the US regulations for the TV''s his company is going to produce.

So far, I have not seen anything different in what it can do, hooking to or accessing other devices, I may have, that my Samsung TV can not do.

The Samsung TV, has a service program, you have to activate, that can do all kinds of external device connecting by WIFI and Bluetooth.

The other device does have to have connection ability.
Cell phone, laptop, tablet, etc.....

Any Samsung device is automatically detected and accessed.
Samsung cell phone.
Well that is only other Samsung device I have.

That is why, I do not have the Samsung TV smart tv device hardware activated, and being used.
I have streaming with a external device, that only does streaming, and nothing else.

My LG washer has WIFI, and I have to connect to it by cell phone app, to make internal setup changes.
Actually to first get it working correctly.
If I wanted to, I could control it with my cell phone.

Still trying to figure out how to get the cell phone app to load and unload it.

[rockedge]

You are the one that is trying to say, Musk is going to be some kind of US government special person, that will not have to follow the US regulations for the TV''s his company is going to produce.

This is true as the Sun is bright. Musk will be all that and more. That is what billionaires do. A lot of people have to be burned, taken advantage or simply crushed for one to become a billionaire. Do you think these are nice people looking out for your interests?

Every advantage is what they'll take and what is better than being at the top of the political arena far away from the rules and regulations that they'll definitely make you, the common guy, follow. While themselves...not even a little bit.....defined by the laws and regulations they themselves make.

You've read the book Animal Farm for school at least..........

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others