Posted on 03/31/2026 1:32:45 PM PDT by dennisw
Louis Rossmann opens by greeting viewers and introducing a discussion about televisions that now require a Walmart account for full functionality, highlighting how this has become a real trend. He references a Consumer Rights Wiki article explaining that certain newer Vizio TVs—and other brands using the Vizio operating system—require users to create or log into a Walmart account just to complete setup and access smart features. Walmart frames this as a way to streamline setup and connect streaming activity with retail behavior, but he argues the real motivation is clear: companies now make more money from advertising and user data than from selling hardware. He points to Vizio’s financials, noting that the company earned significantly more from advertising and data collection than from TV sales themselves, and says this model is only expanding. He adds that even high-end TVs, like his expensive LG OLED, default to allowing personal data collection, which he finds unacceptable.
He criticizes corporate messaging that claims targeted ads help consumers discover products, questioning how survey questions are framed to make intrusive tracking sound beneficial. He expresses frustration at being forced to create accounts and accept ads for products he already purchased, comparing it to being misled outright. He then explains a practical issue: even basic use cases like watching content often require proprietary apps. Using his own setup—a Linux PC connected to a 4K TV—he describes paying for Netflix’s 4K plan but receiving poor-quality streams due to restrictions tied to approved devices and software. As a result, users are pushed toward built-in TV apps, which in turn enforce account requirements like Walmart’s, creating more opportunities for data collection and advertising.
He warns this trend could escalate further, speculating about future requirements like age verification tied to devices, potentially even requiring ID submission just to use a television. He rejects the idea that this is a “slippery slope fallacy,” arguing that current developments already demonstrate the trajectory. He emphasizes how complicated it has become to access services like Netflix in full quality, often requiring knowledge of undisclosed technical requirements, which drives users toward locked-down ecosystems.
Referencing reporting from Ars Technica, he notes that Vizio TVs are increasingly being used as advertising platforms, including integrations that link ads directly to retail product pages. He thanks journalist Sharon Harding for covering these ownership and consumer rights issues and promotes the Consumer Rights Wiki browser extension, which helps users identify companies’ data practices when shopping. He encourages viewers to contribute to the wiki, noting that many articles need improvement, and asks for help with improving the site’s visibility on Google, as newer pages struggle to rank despite containing valuable information. He closes by inviting technically knowledgeable viewers to assist and thanks the audience, ending with his usual sign-off.
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In my case, an Apple TV 4K STB. It is my belief (perhaps mistaken) that Apple spies on you less than Google, Amazon and the rest.
“Then don’t buy a Visio TV.”
The problem is not Vizeo only. All “smart” tvs now are tracking viewers and targeting advertising. They make money from the advertising side of the business, not selling the tv. They are selling YOU.
So don’t buy a smart TV.
Now just try and find a tv that is NOT a “smart” TV.
The people who make the ads.
The TV is the razor, the advertising are the blades.
It’s not just Vizio. Any GoogleTV requires a login to activate many of the TV features. Roku TVs are filling with commercials everywhere. And so on and on...
My “new” Walmart TV can get over 30 Atlanta area stations on antenna alone, including Trump freind Ellison’s CBS Paramounts many stations. But it cannot get Fox, ABC, NBC stations on antenna alone.
connecting to any internet it can get hundreds of stations, FOX, ABC, NBC, PBS and Many other internet connections. I have not counted how many.
I have never owned a Visio & now guess I never will as long as they have this “feature” Too bad, but I seem to see many things going this direction in that have to have an “account” for everything you need to use.
That’s one thing I absolutely hate about TV....the many ads. Most you have already seen a million times & nowadays there are very few funny ones. I know some who disagree with this attitude; not sure why.
You will own nothing and like it.
Tvs are cheap because the comp sell your data
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That’s why network turned off. No data going back to sell.
How about the You Tube app. It looks good on a large TV.
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Dunno, haven’t tried it. I’m not much of a TV watcher.
I’m subscribed to Youtube Music through the computer. Works fine. I also put a SoundBlaster card in the computer. Sounds really good playing through the stereo.
TV serves great as a computer monitor.
We have Firesticks in the TVs. Wife pulls up Youtube music on that while she’s cooking. (I do kitchen cleanup when she’s done [grin])
Louis Is a bit of a contradiction. He’s all for right to repair, but supports John Deere regarding their “intellectual property” stance that prevents farmers from replacing parts in the field without a JD tech installing said part.
He also exposes just how dead and dying NYC actually is right now. His posts are interesting.
Mom uses it for watching Wheel and Jeopardy, and I use it as a computer monitor.
Or a tv running Visio software
But honestly they all sell your data
My printer does too and my garage door opener. I didn’t even ask for it. The company said they all have this now. A camera that stares at my inside garage all day.
They don’t. Just connect a frickin’ Android phone or other box to it and use it to your heart’s content.
Samsung does not. Samsung is my preferred brand of TV, and we have them in houses on multiple continents. Simply sign into your YouTube account or use an external device such as an AppleTV, and you’re good to go.
“TV serves great as a computer monitor.”
Via HDMI or DisplayPort from a laptop? btw your TV stores you viewing habits in ACR chip. That if one day it is connected to the internet, this chip will transmit its data. Call home.
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How to Get Your Smart TV to Stop Spying on You
Published October 6, 2025
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/can-smart-tvs-spy-on-you/
I have watched Louis on and off about Apple repair. He looks relaxed now that he is in Austin Texas and out of NYC. He threatened to leave for a few years ... and he did. Deere are blood suckers, buy an Indian or Korean tractor instead. Limbaugh advertised them.
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