I will add my own "smarts" that I can control, thank you very much. The TV is not connected to the internet and has no way to ascertain the source of the info being displayed on it.
It's sad and kinda disgusting that you have to go to such lengths just to watch TV and video in private.
It should be better, but I see it as dystopian
search for miot or mmtc
This is the sort of thing I researched before my recent purchase. The trick was to run the TV in "store" mode --- no internet connection required.
Also, are you considering KDE Plasma BigScreen?
Run it in "store" mode and it is as dumb as a rock. I have it connected to a mini-PC where it serves as a large 4K HDMI display and nothing more.
I use a Hauppauge USB tuner connected to the PC for viewing and recording over-the-air broadcasts and hard wired ethernet for streaming --- all fully under *my* control.
The only reason for a "smart" TV is because it's nearly impossible to find any alternative at a similar price point.
With this minor adjustment, this cheap QLED TV quietly powers up in "store" mode without any connection and acts just like a "dumb" video display. No "activation" required and any "smarts" are out of sight and out of mind.