Podcast #1251: The Most Effective ways to Circumvent Smart TV Spying

On this week's show a listener asks for some help with keeping his audio in sync with his video. We also discuss how to turn off the ACR on your Smart TV. But first we read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Here's What's Coming in the 2026 Apple TV
• Roku's Howdy Streaming Service Reaches an Estimated 1 Million Users
• Deal Alert! 65" TV for $238

Audio Sync in a Home Theater

Byron's request for answers to some specific questions on audio sync: I'd appreciate it if you guys could provide some "guiding principles" on syncing audio in a home theater setup. I have four questions:

1. Should the AVR be the ONLY place to mess with syncing settings (when everything runs through it, including ARC)?

Yes, in most cases—this is the recommended approach. Start with AVR settings at zero or Auto, enable Auto Lip Sync if available, and adjust the manual audio delay there. Avoid adjusting on the TV or sources unless you have a specific reason like a stubborn source that bypasses the AVR. Changing multiple devices creates conflicts and makes troubleshooting harder.

2. If AVR is the main adjustment point, do sources automatically stay in sync after setting it once?

Often yes, especially with Auto Lip Sync enabled and consistent sources. The AVR's delay setting (or per-input memory) applies across similar content. However:

• Different video formats, resolutions, SDR vs. HDR/Dolby Vision, 60Hz vs. 24p or processing modes can introduce varying delays.
• Some AVRs store audio delay per input, so one good setting per source/input often suffices.

3. For Fire TV Sticks, Apple TV, etc.: Do sync settings apply across all apps, or per-app?

• Fire TV Stick: The AV Sync Tuning (under Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio) is generally a device-wide offset. It should hold across apps for the HDMI output. Individual apps might have minor internal variations, but a global tweak usually covers most cases. Reboot the stick if sync drifts.
• Apple TV: No built-in manual per-app delay slider in standard settings. There's a Wireless Audio Sync calibration that uses the iPhone for measurement, which is more global. Different apps (e.g., Netflix vs. others) can sometimes show varying sync due to their decoding/processing—users often report needing AVR tweaks when switching apps. Match Frame Rate and consistent audio formats help stability.

In both cases, rely on the AVR for the heavy lifting.

4. Do higher-end AVRs allow different sync settings per input?

Yes! Many mid-to-high-end models store audio delay/lip sync per input source. Examples include Denon models with "Master Audio Delay" or similar, where you can set and recall different ms offsets (often 0–500ms) for each HDMI input. This is a big convenience for multiple devices. Check your AVR manual for "Audio Delay," "Lip Sync," or "per input" settings.

Additional Best Practices

• Minimize variables: Disable unnecessary video processing (motion smoothing, noise reduction) on the TV and AVR to reduce video latency. Use "Game" or "Pure Direct" modes where possible for lower lag.
• HDMI/ARC specifics: Ensure high-quality HDMI cables. eARC is better than ARC for bandwidth and sync negotiation. Power cycle everything (unplug) after big changes.
• Order of troubleshooting: AVR Auto Lip Sync → Manual AVR delay → Source device tweaks → TV audio delay (last).
• Test tools: Use built-in sync tests on your devices or YouTube "lip sync test" videos.

The Most Effective ways to Circumvent Smart TV Spying

Last week we talked about how your TV was spying on what you are watching. This week we discuss how to prevent that from happening. The following are the most effective ways to circumvent smart TV spying and related data collection, ranked from easiest/quickest to most thorough. These also help limit proxy network enrollment in shady apps.

1. Disable ACR Directly in TV Settings (Quickest First Step)

Most brands let you turn off Automatic Content Recognition (and related ad/personalization features) without losing core picture quality. Do this on every TV:

• Samsung: Home button → Sidebar menu → Privacy Choices → Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy → Uncheck Viewing Information Services (and Interest-Based Ads if present).
• LG: Settings → General → System → Additional Settings (or Advanced) → Turn Live Plus OFF → Also enable Limit Ad Tracking.
• Sony: Settings → Initial Setup → Disable Samba Interactive TV.
• Vizio: System → Reset & Admin → Turn Viewing Data OFF.
• Roku TV / Roku-based: Settings → Privacy → Smart TV Experience → Uncheck Use Info from TV Inputs.
• Hisense / TCL: Settings → System or Privacy → Disable Smart TV Experience or Use Info from TV Inputs.
• Amazon Fire TV: Preferences → Privacy Settings → Turn off data tracking options.

After changing, restart the TV. Check the setting again after any software update, as it can reset. Also disable voice assistants, microphones, and cameras (cover them physically if needed).

2. Block Internet Access to the TV (Highly Effective)

The simplest long-term fix: Prevent the TV from phoning home at all.

• Don't connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet in the first place.
• Or, on your router: Create a guest Wi-Fi just for the TV, then use firewall rules, parental controls, or MAC address blocking to stop all outbound internet traffic (while allowing local network access if you stream from a NAS/Plex/Jellyfin).
• Advanced: Use a tool like Pi-hole or AdGuard Home on your network to block known tracking domains.

Pro tip: Many people report the TV works fine (or even faster) for HDMI inputs and local streaming when fully offline. External streaming devices handle all internet needs.

3. Use the TV as a "Dumb" Display Only

Treat your smart TV like a big monitor:

• Connect all content via HDMI from a more private device (never use the TV's built-in apps).
• Recommended external boxes (in order of privacy-friendliness):
• Apple TV — Clean interface, minimal tracking, no aggressive ads.
• NVIDIA Shield or other local-media-focused devices.
• Raspberry Pi or HTPC running Kodi/Plex for full local control.

This bypasses the TV's OS almost entirely.

4. Go Fully "Dumb" (Most Private Long-Term Solution)

• Buy a true dumb TV or large computer monitor (no smart features, no Wi-Fi, no ACR). Options exist in smaller sizes or from brands like Westinghouse for basic panels.
• Pair it with an external streamer or your own computer/laptop via HDMI.
• Many privacy-focused users prefer this setup over any "smart" panel.

Important reality check: Disabling ACR and blocking internet stops most viewing-data collection, but no method is 100% foolproof against every firmware trick or future update. The nuclear option—keeping the TV completely offline and HDMI-only—remains the gold standard for privacy.