How to Create a Linux-Based DIY Smart TV with Less Tracking and More Control

Create a DIY Linux-Based Smart TV with Less Tracking and More Control

Smart TV owners are getting increasingly fed up with constant ads and invasive tracking. The idea of a “smart” TV may sound appealing at first, but it’s often quickly overshadowed by the reality of continuous commercial interruptions and privacy concerns. If you’re tired of being spied on by your own TV, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a creative and empowering alternative that gives you back control over your viewing experience: building your own Linux-based smart TV.

Meet Carl Riis and His EarlGrey TV

A software engineer named Carl Riis recently shared his solution to the pitfalls of modern smart TVs. Using an old, water-damaged laptop, Carl created a DIY smart TV that offers more privacy and fewer ads. Dubbed the “EarlGrey TV,” this project proves you don’t need fancy equipment to regain control over your home entertainment.

Why Go DIY?

Modern smart TVs are notorious for tracking viewing habits and pushing ads. Riis perfectly captures the frustration many users feel: “I’m not here to bash other smart TV interfaces, but the short version of why I don’t like them is: tracking, ads, and lack of control.” With a DIY setup, you can navigate around these issues and create a more personalized and private TV experience.

Getting Started: What You Need

To create your own Linux-based smart TV, you don’t need the latest tech gadgets. In fact, Carl used an old Lenovo laptop with a broken keyboard, which he accidentally damaged by spilling tea on it. Here’s a basic list of what you might need:

• An old laptop
• A TV with HDMI input
• A USB-powered CEC adapter (optional for ease of use)
• An air mouse as a remote control

Setting Up the System

Once you’ve gathered your components, here’s how you can set up your new smart TV:

1. Install Linux: Carl chose Debian Linux for its simplicity and efficiency. The laptop connects to the TV using an HDMI cable, allowing the TV to serve as a giant external monitor.
2. Custom Desktop Environment: Carl used Sway, a lightweight desktop environment, to minimize resource consumption. Sway opens the Firefox browser in full-screen mode upon login.
3. Customize Firefox: Carl tweaked Firefox with a userChrome.css file, making it look more like a traditional TV interface. He removed the address bar and added a custom homepage with shortcuts to his favorite streaming services.

Here’s Carl demonstrating his EarlGrey TV setup:

Overcoming Hurdles

Transforming an old laptop into a smart TV isn’t without challenges. Carl had to manually power the laptop by shorting two pins on the motherboard, because the keyboard no longer worked. He admitted that the setup isn’t perfect, but it suits his needs.

“The backside may look a little insane, but it has been a great way to keep things neat while retaining access to the laptop,” Carl said. Although he acknowledges the setup is not the prettiest, it’s a functional and private alternative to commercial smart TVs.

Advanced Tweaks

For even more control, Carl added browser extensions to block ads and manage viewing schedules. He also explored alternative ways to integrate different devices, like using his iPhone to cast content. These additions make the EarlGrey TV a truly customizable experience.

Carl’s DIY project is not just about getting rid of intrusive ads; it’s also about having a TV setup that you can fully control and modify as you please. The ability to tweak settings and install various browser extensions allows for a much richer and more tailored viewing experience.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Viewing Experience

In an age where even your TV collects data about you, creating your own smart TV using Linux can be a refreshing and empowering alternative. By using an old laptop and some customization, you can regain control over your viewing experience.

Carl’s EarlGrey TV may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but it’s a testament to the benefits of thinking outside the box. For those who value privacy and control, a DIY Linux-based smart TV is a compelling option worth considering.

You can learn more details about Carl’s project on GitHub and through his instructional video above. For anyone willing to embrace a “little insane”-looking setup, the rewards are substantial: less tracking, fewer ads, and more control over your entertainment.

also read:5 Easy Steps to Repair a Cracked Screen on Your HMD Skyline Phone