Smart TV owners have been dealing with an increasing number of ads and tracking, leading to ad fatigue for many. A recent DIY project by a blogger named Carl Riis offers an alternative solution to this issue. Riis created a Linux-based “smart TV” using an old Lenovo laptop with a broken keyboard attached to a TV by a string.
While Riis’ setup may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it serves the purpose of providing more control over the viewing experience. The laptop runs Debian Linux and uses Sway as a desktop environment, with Firefox opening full-screen upon login. Riis customized Firefox to have a more traditional TV appearance, including no visible address bar and an on-screen volume adjustment pop-up.
Despite its flaws, Riis believes that the DIY smart TV setup meets his needs and offers a way to avoid the ads and tracking associated with traditional smart TVs. The project also includes a 55-inch Samsung smart TV purchased at a discount, along with a USB-powered CEC adapter for simultaneous control of the TV and laptop.
Riis’ unconventional approach to creating a smart TV highlights the growing frustration with intrusive ads and lack of control in smart TV operating systems. By sharing his project on GitHub and YouTube, Riis hopes to inspire others to explore alternative ways to watch TV online without relying on traditional smart TV interfaces.
In addition to providing a unique DIY solution to ad fatigue, Riis’ project demonstrates the possibilities of customization and control in the smart TV space. As more consumers seek privacy and autonomy in their viewing experiences, projects like the EarlGreyTV offer a compelling alternative to mainstream smart TV options.
