>>
>> Point about smart bit taken though as TnE has pointed out the availability of apps,
>> UI clunkiness and the scope for their removal is quite extensive. Chromecast just works. RCA
>> plugs to the Hi Fi work and I've got the TV and speakers properly juxtaposed.
>> It may be legacy but even if I need a D/A converter it's low cost.
>>
It's not that easy (though not impossible) to buy a non-Smart TV nowadays, so it's worthwhile getting one with a decent service, and avoiding the multiple remotes syndrome. If you buy something "current" you should keep most of the available services for some time - when a critical one disappears in some years' time, revert to whatever add-on box/stick you want (or buy a new TV ;-) )
LG (with the exception of the 2020 models as above) and Samsung seem to have about the best reputation for their Smart services and interface. (Certainly my current Samsung and LG are both excellent).
As for a DAC, I linked to a fairly reputable and quality one; eBay will give you the option of a usable, USB powered box at well below a tenner, which would probably suffice. Given the TV and HiFi/speakers layout chez nous, that is a better option than a soundbar for me (albeit, as I've said, the HiFi has an optical digital input fed directly by the TV).
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