Yep, that was my experience try are all ‘smart’ now, and o gate it. Let’s see, I got a tcl from Costco, and it let me skip anything that needed a connection
Avoid Roku in my experience, TVs with that shit built in definitely force setup and Internet access before they can even be used as a dumb TV. I used to favor Vizio, since you can decline the agreements and just use it as a TV. But their quality has unfortunately gone downhill. Last one I purchased (last I'll ever purchase) didn't even last a year and the backlight started malfunctioning and flickering.
I'm probably going TCL next time I need a TV. They seem to be doing quite well, and from what I hear you can opt for using them just as a TV as well.
I wonder if I get an android TV with my fav apps and limit or block everything else. I do agree with roku, my enitre house has it and it seems like the only thing you can do is turn off personalized ads and nothing else. Really Limits your control.