It’s no secret that companies like Vizio have long subsidized the cost of their TVs by selling data about what you watch.

As Vizio increasingly subsidized the cost of the TV with other revenue sources its made it harder and harder for other brands to compete, forcing them to follow suit. Now the practice of monetizing user data is becoming the norm with many top manufacturers joining the trend by injecting ads and, in some cases, overlaying them on top of your content.

While this strategy might reduce the upfront cost of a TV, many manufacturers know that customers dislike these features and often obscure them in settings. Even those convenient buttons for streaming apps on your remote, or the apps pre-installed on your TV, result from licensing deals that are more about revenue than user convenience.

The evolution of the smart TV is not just about advancing technology but also about finding ways to monetize a product with traditionally low margins long after the initial sale.

Here’s my rule: avoid buying a smart TV if possible, which is increasingly difficult. If you do end up with one, resist connecting it to the Internet. Opt instead for an external device like a Google TV or Apple TV, which generally offer a cleaner experiences. Oh, and avoid Roku (https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/30/24145177/roku-home-screen-video-ads)!

Your TV set has become a digital billboard. And it’s only getting worse.

TV software is getting loaded with ads, changing what it means to own a TV set.