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delta_p_delta_x
jannes
Those were the times :D
They had an entire exploit chain from Safari to root. I can't imagine how much that would be worth today on the black market.
matheusmoreira
New TVs being ad-filled cancer are the reason why I'm holding onto my old HDTV...
Is there a list of LG TVs this works on? If I buy an LG C1 today, will this allow me to root it?
EricE
If you don't connect it to the internet there are no ads.
It still boggles my mind that people connect these things to the Internet :p
matheusmoreira
It's not just ads though. It's about control and trust.
Even if I don't connect the TV to the internet, I'll still be subjected to their rules. Who knows what this proprietary software is programmed to do? Maybe they wrote it so the TV will connect itself to the first available network it finds, with or without my consent. Maybe it's programmed to punish me for not giving them data by withholding features that don't require internet connection. This software is gonna do whatever is best for the corporation, my interests be damned.
I want software that does what I want without concern about some corporation's bottom line. Software I can trust.
anonymousab
There were a few TV models a couple of years ago that would stop working after enough time without a network connection. When they reconnect, they're clearly going to download a new cache of ads and transmit their existing tracking data.
It's easy to assume that they'll eventually require an unabridged connection to their own servers for updates, and they will simply send all ad data through the same routes such that you can't block one without blocking the other.
This is too lucrative for manufacturers to pass up. The added complexity also ads more points of failure and drives faster industry-wide consumer upgrade cycles. This is not something that will be fixed in the market alone.
chris_st
Not a TV, but someone recently reported a GE oven that would not let you use a particular feature (convection cooking, IIRC) until you connected it to WiFi.
petee
Ive connected mine time to time because Amazon won't stream HD to my GPU/TV combo (rx590/LG), but will happily stream 4k via the TV's app. Not a great solution, but its nice to have the option when a friend comes over; otherwise it stays unplugged
delta_p_delta_x
> It still boggles my mind that people connect these things to the Internet
Not particularly surprising, given that cable is dying and most content is delivered over the Internet nowadays. Sure, you can use something like an Apple TV, a Roku, or Fire TV, but most people prefer the convenience of a single device rather than having to buy a second device. In fact, LG TVs come preinstalled with almost all the streaming apps: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube, Hulu, Plex, etc etc.
People always choose convenience.
nottorp
> It still boggles my mind that people connect these things to the Internet :p
Well for convenience I'd rather use the built in netflix/hbo/etc apps than use a separate box with a separate remote on them.
Unfortunately those don't work without the Internets(tm).
Am4TIfIsER0ppos
5G will take care of that or like a smart meter it will eke by on 4G
Scoundreller
Until they pick up ads OTA
romland
Current version (v2) of "slide-to-root" might not work on a TV from the store. But there are alternative exploits which involve a bit of manual work (not much). One currently in the wild is the "crashd exploit".
You can join the OpenLGTV Discord for more information:
(check pinned messages in rootmytv channel)
opan
Is Discord the only place they hang out? No IRC or Matrix?
someguy5344523
You can also just buy a Sceptre tv, which doesn't even have network connectivity.
matheusmoreira
I'm not sure how good that panel is. According to my research the LG C1 is among the very best screens available right now.
SergeAx
I have pretty modern (2021) LG WebOS TV for several months and didn't see any ads yet (after I deleted all pre-installed apps besides YouTube and Art Gallery). It is even connected to the Internet (to watch YouTube, obviously). Where do you see yours?
nonameiguess
I've kind of noticed this, too. I actually use a LG OLED as my primary desktop PC monitor in my master bedroom, mounted to the wall above a standing desk. I don't usually use it as an actual television for basic sleep hygiene reasons, but I've used it more than zero times in the two years I've had it now, and never noticed any ads in any interface (excluding the streaming apps themselves promotion their own content in their apps).
Same thing on the Sony Bravia I have in my living room, which is what I usually watch television on.
But I do run my own DNS server in an OPNSense router/firewall with some pretty strict blocking rules, and it recurses to a NextDNS server that also has its own blocklists enabled. So if these devices are actually using DNS via DHCP instead of hard-coding their own servers, and serving ads from known ad domains, that would do it.
nottorp
Checking your profile you're not in the US. I also asked some friends in RO an DE and they say no ads either.
Not sure if LG hasn't got around to sourcing ads for the EU or they're not doing it because of some legal reasons.
Edit: got some screenshots. Apparently you need to agree to the terms and conditions to get ads on a RO LG. Don't know who ever does that.
SergeAx
Serbia is not in EU, but you probably are right.
lots2learn
I bought an expensive LG Oled a few months back and was quite annoyed that every time my kids would turn it on, they were greeted with an ad depicting Peter Griffin in a thong lying on a beach. It was crass intending to be humorous; typical Seth McFarlane fare. The ads on the home screen are a very worrisome indication of where smart consumer products are headed. This root is cool, but I accomplished what I needed by blocking all the LG ad URLs in my router. You can find the list by some simple Googling.
bluejekyll
I got a new LG C2, hooked an AppleTV up to it, the AppleTV turns on the TV and it goes straight to the AppleTV Home Screen, when you turn off the AppleTV, the TV turns off (with a slightly annoying “LG: Life is good message”), and no, I’ve never connected it to the internet.
Using it basically as a dumb screen seems fine so far.
dev_tty01
Yes, this. Never connect a TV to the internet. Apple TV (or whatever you prefer) and the TV as HDMI monitor only. Firmware updates with USB stick. If it won't work like that, take it back.
RDaneel0livaw
Exactly this! I have the same lg oled and I love it. I don't think I've ever even seen the native ui (maybe when I first unboxed it?). I've never connected it to the internet, and don't ever plan on updating anything. What would a firmware update for a dumb monitor even do?
shaklee3
the problem is that not every one of these streaming devices supports all services, so you end up having a few of them. plus, the free LG channels that come with the TV are great. you get 24x7 channels of some good shows.
akerr
Same here. To disable the logo, press mute 3 times to bring up a secret menu.
OGWhales
If the menu doesn’t pop up, try switching to an input source without a signal and then pressing mute 3 times. That worked for me.
bluejekyll
Need to look at that. Any other options on the “secret” menu?
buzzert
Amazing. Thanks so much.
lancesells
I do the same on my Sony TV and it's great. Unfortunately there will probably be a day in the not-so-distant future where that AppleTV has ads. It's probably the same day I start a collection of Blu-Rays.
dawnerd
Apple tv already has ads, but they're at least relevant and not in your face trash that the other companies use. Really it's more like a showcase.
bdcravens
We bought a C2. We went with DirecTV Stream, which oddly there is (or was) no app for on the LG, but there is on the cheaper Samsung in my office. (both Android based) Got DirecTV's streaming box, which boots directly into their service (so no bouncing around in apps for our everyday watching) but also supports the usual third-party apps as well. It's also uses a simpler remote which is nice.
seemack
The LG OS is not Android-based. LG bought WebOS from HP many moons ago and adapted it for televisions.
jwmoz
I had no idea this was an issue, tv ads? I'm about to buy a new tv for new home. So go-to is buy any new tv but just use Apple TV box instead, and this box is worthwhile?
colpabar
Yep. Your options are to buy a dumb TV or just make sure whatever TV you do buy doesn't ever connect to the internet, and use an external device to get the content to the screen. There are ads everywhere now.
themadturk
Roku is just as effective as an Apple TV (and cheaper). Both devices connect to the Internet and feed HDMI to the TV.
nullfield
Hit the mute button three times and get a useful little menu; turn off the logo if you don't like it.
wvenable
I have a slightly older LG OLED and I don't get any ads -- I just haven't accepted any of their policy checkboxes and that seems to keep things at bay. There some very minor features (Alexa integration) that don't work but everything else works fine.
speeder
I have a C!, and didn't accept the policies either.
This worked for a while to prevent ads, but now the ads ignore the policies and show up anyway, and they became really obnoxious, including the notification system sometimes showing ads while you are using the TV.
arkh
I use an nVidia Shield and a TV as a dumb one. It was really good until Google decided all Android TV devices would have to use their bad UI with their homepage full of ads.
nirav72
You should look into swapping out the default google launcher. Which will remove the ads, remove all suggested content and declutter the main screen. Tons of videos out there showing how to do that on android tv.
takoid
I highly recommend FLauncher: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.efesser.fla...
faluzure
I used to love my nVidia shield.
First it was a Disney+ ad, then it was a Tim Hortons ad.
It's gotten so slow I'm planning to replace it in the near future, probably with something from Apple.
hammyhavoc
When Apple adds ads, think of your pal Hammy Havoc.
bedast
Used Nvidia Shield TV since the first gen until the ads started getting really bad and taking up most of the screenspace. That was a very quick way to convert me to an AppleTV user. I know you can replace the launcher on the Shield TV/AndroidTV, but the process is non-trivial and I didn't feel like dealing with it. In my experience, when you have to hack things to make it work, it presents problems later on.
ThePowerOfFuet
NextDNS is also a great help here.
balls187
Did you enable Google services on your oled?
I haven’t seen any ads on my tv, but Google is disabled along with personalization services.
Mine is an older set tho—LGC9 series.
julianlam
> Around June-July 2021 LG started rolling out updates which added some minor mitigations that broke our original exploit chain.
It's a damn shame companies feel incentivised to do this.
People hacking on their own TVs is quite literally a victimless crime (besides yourself, if you brick your one TV), because you knowingly void the warranty.
Mazdas have a great third-party firmware called Mazda AIO Tweaks[0] that fixes a whole host of bugs and allows you to customize the infotainment system. The best part is you can use it to enable Android Auto on older Mazdas (this was before AA was even released for Mazda!)
Mazda then proceeded to lock down the firmware so much you now need to take apart some consoles and attach a serial connection. Disgusting behaviour.
(vis-a-vis plugging in an SD card with the scripts you want to run.)
matheusmoreira
These exploits should certainly be fixed, they're security holes which can let malware into the TV. The same exploit that lets us root our TV would also allow anyone else to root it.
On the other hand, the ability to physically flash our own software into any hardware we buy should be a basic consumer right. There should be no need for exploits in the first place, it should be a built in feature.
salawat
You will never have both, however, the "consumer can flash hardware" one guarantees a remedy to any malfeasant software. The other incents learned helplessness.
EMIRELADERO
> These exploits should certainly be fixed, they're security holes which can let malware into the TV. The same exploit that lets us root our TV would also allow anyone else to root it.
What dangers are there for TVs in terms of malware? This isn't a phone or a computer which holds sensitive information. The very worst that could be done would be to steal your streaming service session cookies.
matheusmoreira
These goddamn TVs are coming with cameras and microphones now. It's fucked up. I don't even want the manufacturer having access to this. The idea that some malware could install itself in the TV due to internet connection and security holes and have invisible access to these sensors is seriously frightening.
If there are no sensors on the TV, malicious actors can always use it to mine Monero at my expense.
jiveturkey
some TVs came with cameras, for gesture based remote control.
yes, it was found that the cameras were abused.
or what if the malware took screenshots of what you were watching every so often? oh wait, that was also found to be a built-in "feature".
otherwise, they are a foothold onto the rest of your internal LAN, possibly with other more vital IoT devices ready to be compromised, or at least serve as a botnet army
georgyo
I mostly agree with you. I too like to actually own my hardware.
However, another angle to view it is that these are huge security vulnerabilities. Visiting a webpage on your TV to install a custom firmware could also be used for great evil as well.
So letting this huge holes exist is not that great, but there should be an easier on path for people who want their own custom firmware.
I think Google phones do a good job here. It's nearly impossible to accidentally flash your phone with an unsigned firmware, but you can also unlock the boot loader and do whatever you want.
cesarb
> It's nearly impossible to accidentally flash your phone with an unsigned firmware, but you can also unlock the boot loader and do whatever you want.
From what I have heard, that "whatever you want" excludes important things like banking apps.
parineum
That's really on the app. Google provides a flag to the app if they detect tampering, the app chooses to limit functionality.
nobodyandproud
The security angle is also the way to legislate this stuff away.
brokenmachine
Can you explain more explicitly what you mean by that?
Gormo
> People hacking on their own TVs is quite literally a victimless crime (besides yourself, if you brick your one TV), because you knowingly void the warranty.
Nitpick: it's not a victimless crime, on account of not being a crime at all.
colordrops
The term "victimless crime" itself is an oxymoron.
delecti
> It's a damn shame companies feel incentivised to do this.
There are other comments in this thread talking about disabling ads. The companies are financially incentivized to keep those ads running.
Though on the flip side, I consider ads even more reason to demand full control over my hardware.
dahfizz
Worth noting that in the Mazda case, unlocking Android auto in the 2014-2018 cars is a paid upgrade you can do at the dealer.
So, the incentives there are a lot clearer.
webinvest
It’s not even a crime. It’s like using a sheet of plywood from the hardware for a novel use other than protecting your windows before a storm.
Or using a tomato for something other than a pizza base.
dSebastien
I love my LG OLED TV even more now that it's rooted and I can watch YT without ads. The install process indeed reminds of iPhone/iPod Touch jailbreak. Fun stuff :)
kmlx
> I love my LG OLED TV even more now that it's rooted and I can watch YT without ads
you don't need to root it to watch Youtube without ads. you just need to pay for Youtube premium.
whatsthatabout
That’s true for ads from youtube (I have yt premium myself) but not for ads directly in the video. The yt app from the homebrew store has sponsorblock[1] integrated which can skip these too.
reegnz
WOW, SponsorBlock is something I didn't know I needed so bad! Thanks a lot for sharing. (I also pay for yt premium btw)
m348e912
If you are talking about in video sponsorship segments, how does sponsorblock know when they start or end? Are creators required to tag their sponsorship segments with timestamps somewhere?
SergeAx
Wow! Can I still cast YouTube videos from my phone to TV? I understand that it is not a screencasting, phone app just sends video id and control signals.
NL807
Or alternatively, you just want autonomy over the device you own, and want to predicate how the pixels are being lit up on the screen, and not according to some conglomerate's terms.
matheusmoreira
Imagine paying YouTube not to degrade your own experience only to end up being advertised to anyways by hardcoded video sponsors. Not to mention driving the value of your attention up.
Don't get extorted. The right answer to all YouTube advertising is uBlock Origin and Sponsor Block.
Kiro
Not sure why you are getting downvoted when that's the obvious solution. I use YouTube Premium and don't see any ads on my TV.
People say "just let me pay" but when the option is there no-one really does. They just want free things.
bheadmaster
YouTube provides their content for free. They just don't want to provide that content without strings attached, they want to force their users to watch advertising.
The only way to provide content for free, yet force users to watch advertising, is to lock down users' computers and remove their freedom to control their own computing. That's what most HN users are against, as it goes against the philosophy of free software [0].
If YouTube doesn't want to provide free content, they have all the liberty in the world to remove free content from their site and provide it only for YouTube Premium users. But they don't want to do that, they want to have their cake and eat it too.
matheusmoreira
They're the ones sending us videos free of charge. They're doing it assuming we're gonna look at all this noise. Unfortunately for them, their assumptions aren't gonna hold. We're just gonna delete the parts we don't want. Just like we can rip out the ad pages on a magazine and throw them away.
Where's the YouTube plan where Google doesn't track me, where I get zero ads, where YouTube itself blocks hardcoded sponsor segments in videos, where YouTube allows me to download videos DRM-free? Because we already have all that without paying them a cent. You want us to pay them to have less freedom and power than we already have? Nope.
jrib
I wish Google offered the option to do something like this:
1. pay 2 cents (or whatever the value is to Google for a single ad view) for each ad skipped
2. if your total cost exceeds the monthly cost, just pay the monthly cost
I pay for hulu without ads because we watch enough hulu for that to make sense. But I watch probably a handful of videos on youtube a month. I can't really justify paying for youtube premium in that case.
anvic
I don't say "just let me pay". I really just want free things.
jonathantf2
*watch YT without ads and paying
gureddio
I've got a 2017 LG TV and I hate it. It's always been buggy and some of the hardware was underspecced even for 2017. I was getting ready to replace it but this Jailbreak might buy it a few more years
stavros
Isn't the panel good? Can you not get a driver and replace the current one? It'll turn it into a dumb TV, which sounds preferable than the current thing.
gureddio
It's strange - the panel looks good for some content, but bad for others. When there is a solid colour on the screen, you can see banding really easily. I also was seeing a bit of subtle colour flickering when watching HDR content on Netflix.
Otherwise, it generally looks ok, but (and I understand that this may just be a preference) I have an older Samsung panel and I think it looks better.
shultays
Assuming that is an android TV, you could also use smarttubenext. No ads and it also comes with sponsor block and IMO has better UI.
I have youtube premium but I still prefer smarttubenext over default android tv youtube app
agilob
>Will this break Netflix/YouTube/AmazonVideo?
>No. This does not break or limit access to subscription services or other DRMed content.
I can't run Netflix app on rooted Android, but could on a rooted TV. I guess this isn't something Netflix was prepared for.
yjftsjthsd-h
You can also watch pretty much anything on a "rooted" computer (i.e. one where the user has admin access). I'm not entirely sure why phones are the one device where that's somehow considered a big deal.
arianvanp
But Netflix only allows 720p on computers because of this. So there's that...
sgtfrankieboy
Incorrect. I can watch 4K on my PC just fine using Edge or the Windows App, you also get 4K with Safari.
norman784
I thought that 720p was a linux limit, AFAIK on macOS and windows at least you get 1080p, but sucks that you can't watch in your fully capable hardware in a good quality. Amazon does the same.
yellow_lead
That's funny. Wonder if there are any DRM keys that can be extracted after root.
Mindwipe
If there were they would be revoked.
dogma1138
I guess their WebOS app doesn’t have root detection.
mcv
What happens if they add it?
prmoustache
They only add it on mobile devices were you can download the content to view it online as a decryption key has to be stored locally and the content producer don't want them to facilitate piracy /backup copies.
password4321
Yet!
reyqn
You can run Netflix on rooted Android, you just have to hide root from the app
Iolaum
the operative word here is "just"
As someone who has hid root from banking apps in the past, there is no just here. You need to keep up with release notes of software updates in several components (custom OS, magisk and any roothide mods you use). That's fun to do for a while, but not long term. And definitely something I wouldn't expect from the mythical average user.
yusi-san
I agree, but the average user doesn't generally root his android phone. If you have the technical abilities/motivation to root your phone, you may have the ability to use MagiskHide and manage an exclusion list in Magisk.
gommm
I agree, it's not for the average user. I'm happy to root my android (mostly because android backups really suck otherwise) but would definitely not recommend it to most people. I think it took me an average of 2 hours every 6 months to keep hiding root correctly.
matheusmoreira
> you just have to hide root from the app
No longer going to be possible due to hardware remote attestation.
wodenokoto
It's usually Samsung people talk about with regards to spying on Smart TV, and reports saying they send regular screenshots home for analysis.
I don't know if LG does the same, but in terms on ads in the display I ... never really found it to be anything.
I sold my 55" LG OLED highend model last year when moving, but except for a "recommended app"-showing on the main menu I don't recall any nag-ware. I also found the smart TV features to beat most, if not all, dedicated boxes in speed and usability and preferred it to Apple TV.
victortroz
What bothers me most on the Samsung TVs is that there are ads in the menu. It's one thing to see ads in a website or other content that is "free" and need to be monetized. But a TV in which I paid for doesn't make any sense.
Psychotherapist
The argument often made here is that the tv is being sold cheaper and then the value lost is made up with ads. My Samsung TV was pretty cheap compared to others but I just pointed it at my Pi-Hole and don't have that annoying ad anymore.
colordrops
That argument would make sense if they gave consumers an option.
satysin
LG webOS is still one of the better experiences on smart TVs for sure. It is generally smooth with good app support and experience and like you said limited built in ads.
While not perfect it is the system I like the most if I have to use a smart TV. I do still prefer an Apple TV 4K though.
IshKebab
Damn if webOS is one of the best I would hate to see the others. I find it to be laggy and poorly laid out.
dryfish
I had been keeping my LD up-to-date but with each new update there was an additional service with its own privacy agreement with a name I'd never heard of.
Now all smart functionality is via the Apple TV.
sofixa
Same, there are no ads on my LG TV that i can see, unless the occasional recommended app (which at least on one occasion, for Stadia, also told me I'll have a free few months if i sign up now).
yuuu
Yeah, that's an ad.
cornedor
I have a Samsung TV but don't use the smart features. I was annoyed by the ads to because it would also change the order when switching devices. Furthermore, I found online that not accepting the privacy terms would remove all apps and ads, this indeed works great.
jwmoz
Hmm that's interesting, there's a guy above saying the exact opposite. I'm about to buy a new tv and this is something I never considered.
type0
Given how bad Samsung is at protecting user data, this is basically a Trojan with similar consequences.
werid
bottom left corner of the app menu had an HBO / House of the Dragon ad when that show launched a few weeks ago.
bjarneh
> We would like to thank:
· LG, for patching symptoms of bugs rather than underlying causes...jgaa
I think it's called "Test Driven Development" ;)
whatsthatabout
I‘ve rooted my LG tv with this method a few months ago and have no issues. Everything works just fine including 4K Netflix/Prime/Disney. I like the homebrew apps and the fact that this jailbreak somewhat limits the data my tv sends to LG.
ck2
How long until your (very expensive) car has you as a trapped audience and starts showing ads until people feel forced to root it
Imagine ads when emergency brake is on so people stop using that.
TV you can bypass with a media device (good idea for portability/repalcement too)
But a car, can't
tjpnz
"It looks like you're having a car accident. Would you like to add mens underwear to your shopping list?"
Gigachad
You won't own the car, you'll just request it via an app (like a self driving taxi) and then you also won't have any ability to root it.
avidiax
Yes, and it will be self-driving, but the entire windshield and console will be replaced with a giant TV screen playing unmutable ads.
If you pay extra, you can have a "limited ad" experience, and see a virtual view out the windshield or even play content from partner subscription services.
RajT88
That doesn't seem so bad. By that point we'll have AR headsets to drown all that out.
Of course, those will have ads too.
whoooooo123
Yep, and if your social credit score is too low then your request will be denied and no car will show up. Don't like it? You can't protest, because no car is available to take you to the protest. Hooray for progress!
"You'll own nothing and you'll be happy."
denkmoon
Fortunately you will be able to purchase Apple EyePods with Active Noise Cancellation. Similar to Zaphod's Peril Sensitive sunglasses. Only costs a single kidney too.
leros
I feel like my HDMI inputs are third party citizens on my LG TV. I have to scroll past all the stupid apps to choose one of them. And if I press the wrong button, it somehow opens up the LG fake TV channels which defaults to the country music channel. It's an incredibly strange experience. I don't mind all that smart TV stuff but to prioritize it above things like my Chromecast or BluRay player is odd.
josefresco
My LG will switch to whatever HDMI inputs "activates". It defaults to my Chromecast w/Google TV, but if I turn on my Steam link, or Blu-ray player the input automatically switches.
colordrops
The problem is if you have a PC connected. PCs generally don't support HDMI CEC or eARC or any other mechanisms to signal the TV to turn on or change inputs. This is supposedly for security reasons.
Eezee
If you haven't yet, you could put your HDMI devices on the quick access buttons (long press on the number buttons). I pretty much never use the home screen, despite using multiple HDMI devices and a bunch of streaming services.
Kerrick
Not only does this work wonders when the TV is already on, you can even configure QuickStart+ so that the quick access button actually turns on the TV (while switching to that input).
leros
I don't have any buttons on my remote except home, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. If I accidentally press one, I have to go through the home screen and scroll through all the default apps to get back to my HDMI inputs.
eropple
On my C8 at least, you can reorder all items, including HDMI ports. Did that change? (I'm looking at a new TV for my office and that'd sure change my mind.)
esskay
I wish more projects existed like this for other manufacturers. It really bugs me that you buy a "smart" tv knowing full well they've already dropped support for it and wont release anything other than essential bug fixes.
Hisense TV's suffer from this massively (the ones running VIDAA).
scandinavian
Please note that it doesn't work on current versions. One of the maintainers said back in July that they were working on a new exploit chain to be release in a month, but no news after that.
laurencei
So if I've already upgraded my LG Tv to the latest version, I cant rollback and jailbreak?
romland
There are alternative ways of rooting latest version, but it involves a bit of manual work instead of just sliding.
One such is 'the crashd exploit', you can find instructions for that in the OpenLGTV Discord.
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> "Slide to root" using a Magic Remote or press button "5" on your remote.
This brings back memories of JailbreakMe[0] with 'slide to jailbreak' in iOS 4. I am definitely starring and rooting my nice LG OLED that is currently an ad-filled cancer-fest.
[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JailbreakMe