dumb TV
Non-streaming display screen
A dumb TV is a television without internet connectivity or smart features—no streaming apps, no voice assistants, just a screen that displays what you feed it through cable, antenna, or external devices.
The term arose as a retronym after smart TVs became standard: I just want a dumb TV that doesn't spy on me.
Some buyers prefer them for simplicity, privacy, or to avoid built-in software that slows down over time.
Vacuum tube display
- tubeHollow cylindrical passage
- analogComparable equivalent
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
tuner · VHF · UHF · NTSC · PAL · broadcast · signal · static
Passage for transmission
- remoteDistant or controller
- volumeAmount of space filled
- muteWithout voice or sound
- screenDisplay or barrier
picture · color television · black-and-white · console · show · program · episode · sitcom
Not internet-connected
- unconnectedNot joined or linked
- streaming boxDevice for internet television
- set-top boxTelevision signal conversion device
- basicFundamental in nature
no wifi · privacy · reliable · standalone · peripheral
CRT
Vacuum tube display
receiver · tuner · VHF · UHF · NTSC · PAL · broadcast · signal · static · frequency
channel
Passage for transmission
screen · picture · color television · black-and-white · console · show · program · episode · sitcom · variety show
offline
Not internet-connected
- unconnectedNot joined or linked
- streaming boxDevice for internet television
- set-top boxTelevision signal conversion device
basic · no wifi · privacy · reliable · standalone · peripheral
dumb TVsmart TV
Internet-enabled viewing screen
Roku TV · Fire TV · Android TV · Google TV · internet TV