this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2026
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When I heard about it before, they were repurposing old 720p panels.
With how cheap 4K sets are these days, these free TVs are for people who can't even afford that. I'd say they're useful as a secondary use for the heat they generate, in that case.
That said, I'd be fine with always on ads if ads and sponsorships never interrupt my content. Like if I'm watching a YouTube video and it's 4:3, I'm perfectly fine with YouTube filling the sides with ads, as long as they don't make noise, and as long as I can watch the content uninterrupted. If the video is 16:9 and fills my TV (or monitor), I'm fine propping my iPhone up. They can even use Face ID to pause the content if I look away, as long as I don't have to look right at the ad (I'll be watching the content).
Advertising pays for stuff, and if it doesn't get in the way of stuff, I don't hate it. They should try working with people rather than straight up exploiting everyone. That just leads to people turning off the ads using a third-party method (e.g. Firefox with uBlock Origin and SponsorBlock). Or I'll just download the video with jdownloader2.
Similarly, but not quite same (because it is in the actual content rather than off to the side): I'm not bothered by ads on sports uniforms or on the field. When something exciting is actually going on, I don't notice them at all. I notice when there is a stoppage of play, but I don't consider this to be intrusive.
Look at the photo in the OP. The ads are on a completely separate (attached) display.
What's keeping me from just putting drapes over it?
Haha, probably nothing
There's a proximity sensor to detect if the screen is covered.
Unless the sensor is built into the display that's be pretty easy just to cut a hole for it.
Got it! Used ghost costume it is!
Oh, my bad. I heard about this before, I knew it was 720, but I completely missed the part where it has an attached display not to mention can't see the picture. /s
Come on now.
I meant in general, like on other devices.