dumb TVs
Non-streaming television sets
A dumb TV is a television without internet connectivity or smart features—no streaming apps, no voice assistants, no data collection.
The term emerged as "smart TVs" became standard, creating need for a retronym: I prefer a dumb TV with a separate streaming device.
Some buyers seek them specifically to avoid privacy concerns or unwanted complexity.
technology
Comparable equivalent
hardware
Display or barrier
privacy
Not internet-connected
- unconnectedNot joined or linked
- secureProtected from harm
- simpleFree of complexity
- privateRestricted to certain parties
viewing
Transmitted media signal
- over-the-airTransmitted via radio waves
- terrestrialRelating to land
- snowFrozen crystalline precipitation
- staticWithout motion or change
analog
Comparable equivalent
screen
Display or barrier
offline
Not internet-connected
- unconnectedNot joined or linked
- secureProtected from harm
- simpleFree of complexity
broadcast
Transmitted media signal
- over-the-airTransmitted via radio waves
- terrestrialRelating to land
- snowFrozen crystalline precipitation
static · ghosting · fine-tuning · reception · interference
vintage
Quality from past eras
1970s · black-and-white · memories · classic · Zenith · RCA · Magnavox · Philco