Some TV OS'es (and hardware) compared

I had a chance to use several TV's and bellow I'm trying to describe them from an enduser perspective without any influence from any manufacturer.

Note that I have used only a few releases (often from the cheap range) and software versions could differ a lot between different versions.

Philips. As far as I know this should be in fact Funai with a sticker "Philips". Both companies are coming from Japan.
Software is raw. Don't expect fancy features  just basic ones. Closed source, market and software. Fairy powerful in terms of customization... but you need to know undocumented things and this is not possible if you are not working for them.
Very cheap TV's with 4k (UHD) displays. But cheap has often hidden cost. Those cheap TV's should not be used as monitors - you would get 4k at 60 Hz refresh rate but brightness might not be even on all the surface, black color is in fact gray, maximum brightness is poor and light sources are wearing quickly.
Except that TV like every else.
Operating system is proprietary without sources, alternatives, etc. and this is bad. Newer versions are android based (this is both good and bad as androidTV can be slow but has good support).
I would love to disable cable-TV permanently (DVB-T, etc.) but this is not possible. Televison view is the default you start from (you could press "netflix" button to enter netflix instead) so this is a waste of time for me (as I am not watching tv).
Remote control is just nice.
Cheap but not bad.
HW: 2/5
SW: 2/5
Price: 5/5
Remote: 4/5

LG. With WebOS. I love it. Would be even better if you would be able to gain root access easily (but then people would break it). Solid software and good hardware.
Remote is really nice. Good apps market. Supports magic remote.
You could hide most of the cable TV things is not used.

Solid hardware and hardware. Nice remote and support for magic remote.
HW: 4/5
SW: 4/5
Price: 4/5
Remote: 5/5

Panasonic.
Nice OS focused on cable TV. The model I  have seen is a bit slow and not user friendly. I would expect that TV quickly reacts to a keypress. And that after an option is chosen it would allow getting quickly back to the previous step... but instead it brings you to the beginning of lists.
Slow, lacks some user-friendly features. Has some apps and is not bad.
Acceptable software and hardware.
HW: 3/5
SW: 3/5
Price: 3/5
Remote: 3/5

Manta. I have seen a some nice (in terms of hardware) without smart features. And cheap.
I have seen cheap with poor backlight, terrible colors and viewing angles, bad features. Newer models are androidTV based (good due to good market and support, bad as it is slow).
If buying look at the colors, backlight (often not even across the screen), white and black (which are gray and gray).
You get what you pay for.
HW: 1/5
SW: 1/5 (older models), ?/5 (newer androidTV based models)
Price: 5/5
Remote: 3/5

Samsung. I know there are "samsung boys" who just love samsung. But I am not such a person.
Hardware is OK in general. Software not bad. Remote is a disaster (I really really have the e-manual).
They have Orsay OS / Tizen OS. Apps supported are not that bad. But samsung controls your device. And not much things are customizable.
You would very often run things you didn't want (ex. ads, e-manual, other crap) and you cannot avoid that.
Acceptable software, acceptable hardware, very poor remote.
HW: 3/5 (most models have some problems specific to that model; expect life time of 2-5 years, then it would probably break)
SW: 2/5
Price: 1/5
Remote: 1/5

I hope to get other (cheap) TV's to review at some point.

i915 Resetting rcs0 for hang on rcs0

Recently I had an issue with linux freezing.
Actually I was trying to run an application based on zoom communicator. When joining a conference I had 48 seconds of freeze interrupted with short periods of responsiveness.
`cat /var/log/kern.log` showed lines with `Resetting rcs0 for hang on rcs0`
Same in dmesg.
Root cause is in the kernel and something is buggy there. Best option would be to fix the issue. Another option is to use older kernel module. I have choosen 3rd - to use older kernel.

`apt install linux-image-5.3.0-40-generic`
 ...
linux-image-5.3.0-40-generic set to manually installed.
 ...
This way grub autoremove shouldn't auto-remove this kernel and I should be able to run linux using this older kernel... a better option would be to use older driver or fix the issue...
Next step:
`sudo editor /etc/defaults/grub`
GRUB_TIMEOUT set to something above default 2 so that you can enter the menu... at the cost of longer startup.
I have 'splash' option so I removed that as well.

Then `sudo grub-set-default 'Ubuntu, with Linux 5.3.0-40-generic'`
followed by update-grub

Then reboot.

CoVID-19 "Chineese" coronavirus - a conspiracy theory

Data bellow are not supported by any scientific data and there is no way to prove it (even if it would be true). Let's now think about a scenario...

Some country created a "perfect bio-weaponry virus":

• Extremely infectious
• No symptoms at all for long period
• A vaccine exist
• RNA-type virus, thus high chance of mutation
• A vaccine works well for the whole family, even for most mutations
• Could be deadly or not - effect has further consequences
• Infected people having some kind of medical problems causing them ineffective in battle (and/or science)
• Infected people become sterile

Such a weapon could be used in case of war. Or for economic purpose.

Several use scenarios are possible:

• Very deadly virus (>90% infected are killed)
• Could be used to wipe enemy
• After use of nuclear weapon in Hiroshima and Nagasaki country responsible for that (United States of America) was blamed a lot for cruelty and killing many people
• Whoever use it would be blamed by the history
• People becoming sterile are not important in this scenario
• Deadly, but not much (few percent infected infected are killed)
• Dangerous enough to force countries to use precautions
• Impacts world logistics - people won't travel much
• Increase separation of different regions
• Empower minorities (especially where living in ethnic groups with limited relations to other nations)
• Vaccine should be immediately released among the nation... unless the ethnic minority is already resistant
• Vaccine could be sold to get a lot of money
• Targeted enemy would vanish soon after (some dead immediately, rest would vanish after a generation since they are sterile)
• Whoever used it, would get area for expansion
• To ensure villain's supremacy, enemy should be still bound somehow (ex. need of continuous vaccination)
• Would shift world economy much
• Whoever use it would be blamed by the history (but likely less than in case of a deadly virus)
• Not deadly at all
• Could become deadly due to mutations
• Not deadly thus not impacting any countries (at least at first until it is a problem)
• Not really usable

The middle scenario seems most usable. But no one would like to be blamed for using such a weapon. And development of bio-weaponry is (in theory) illegal (yet many countries work on it).

Possible targets.

• Own country. Makes no sense unless you wish to mitigate traces at all cost.
• Beneficial for the country only if we exterminate rest of the world.
• Nonsense in case of China since they have strong economy which is well driven.
• Economically strong country where it would create a hole in the world economy. China, India, US are some options.
• Need to be well prepared to fill the hole (thus other listed candidates could benefit from that).
• Beneficial for the country to fill the gap.
• Country that is very bound with us by trade. Some examples are US-China, Russia-Europe+China.
• Must be prepared to "support" the country quickly (and to overtake it).
• Beneficial to whoever is in good relations with such country and who has economy solid enough to take the overruled nation's place.
• Country that is a rivalry supplier of some goods. Ex. Russia, Norway, US.
• Beneficial for the rivalry. 
• A country with many citizens, solid economy and dense population (to maximize spread rate). Ex. China, India.
• Small country that is immune to the bio-weaponry.

There are more scenarios. But it seems a very bad idea if China would do it (intentionally).

USA seems a valid candidate as it is bound with China by trade and could overtake China's place. It would also remove a strong rivalry on the economy race. If they have a vaccine this would also give a strong economy boost related to vaccine sell.

Smaller countries that are very ethnic. Israel, Poland, African countries, Norway, etc.

Any other scenarios?

For me the virus looks just "too perfect".

We will see what the future would show.

Ubuntu - slow sudo

When I run `sudo su` on my ubuntu, there is a large delay (wait time of some sort).
`sudo su && strace -Tr -o sudo.strace sudo su` told me (almost) everything I needed:
- `sudo su` to become effective UID 0 (root)
- strace - a tool which allows you digging into the running application
- options Tr... trace options
- -o to save output into sudo.strace file
- last `sudo su` is the command to trace

The output I got had this:
0.000023 sendmmsg(4, [{...
0.000069 poll(...) <2 .059095="">
2.059222 ioctl(4, FIONREAD, [106]) = 0 0 .000076=""
0.000187 recvfrom(4, ... inet_addr("1.2.3.4")}, [28->16]) = 106 0.000075=""


The `sudo` was trying to query some network address.
Check in /etc showed that I had a strange nameserver added to /etc/ppp/resolv.conf. I have removed that.
To further improve the performance I'll need to check other requests as well. And possibly understand why the heck sudo is trying to query network at first place. And then remove that part.

2 .059095="" 0.000076="" 0.000075="">/EDIT:
2 .059095="" 0.000076="" 0.000075="">It si not solved. The /etc/ppp/resolv.conf is created by my VPN. And I still do not know how to disable sudo sending some nasty messages over the network.

Netflix issues / google is a monopolist

Netflix says 'This app is not compatible with your device.'
And I could not find netflix app on the play market.
At first I thought this is some problem with the play market configuration on my phone. Later I got this confirmed.
Then I tried to download & install manually the application itself. And this didn't work.
After some heavy digging... I realized that this is due to DRM and google monopoly.

In short:

• Netflix won't install if your phone is not marked as safe
• it won't be displayed by play market
• it won't work if installed on such a device

To have a deice marked as safe your phone cannot be:

• rooted
• oem bootloader unlocked
• (likely) unofficial

For sure this is how it works with google pay and recent netflix. Soon you won't be able to use netflix on older devices.

The devices are now protected by this DRM.

You could either use this ecosystem or not use those services at all.

Your device might be yours - but you must have a closed source ecosystem to use the services.

This is similar with Apple.

Google is going to take control over (too) many aspects of society. Together with other companies.

Governments are already structures existing in parallel to those larges corporations.

To get it back working:

• Remove your google account from the device
• Ensure there are no other google accounts
• After that use factory reset
• If using an unofficial rom - install stock
• Factory reset again
• Go to settings, info about software/device, click several times on build number to enable developer mode
• Make sure your OEM bootloader is off (possibly other options might be required to default as well)
• Factory reset once again
• After restart, log into your account
• You should be able to download netflix again

If your device was in addition using google family and child account... open google family for children, use menu (hamburger icon) and remove account before all the steps above.

If you tried to enter developer mode on a device locked by google family... it must be unlocked first using google family for parents on the parent's device. Took me some time to find it.

If you had an account before any of the factory resets and forgot (could not) to check what was the logged google account... you end with FRP (factory reset protection). If your bootloader was locked... you are in deep s**t. Like I was.

Overall the future looks very dark.

I recommend watching "The Mother" movie. Google removed their "don't be evil" motto. If not google then there are many other parties attempting to create similar super-AI.

I recommend watching "Elysium". Quite a likely future (although world in space? Unlikely.)

But we are still few steps before that.

At first expect rich people to become even richer.

Then governments fight with corporations. Or join with them.

Then labor camps under different name. (you should also read "1984" by Orwell)

Watch matrix. Imagine some group of people (or AI) that knows everything about you. And controls you better than you.

Bug bounties. Well paid. Sells our freedom. We will give our freedom away ourselves.

I am pretty sure that this will work against humanity.

Sony Xperia xz1 keeps restarting

My Sony Xperia XZ1 keeps restarting. And I know the reason: internal storage is full. This leads to restart of a working system. And restart-loop.
I'm pretty disappointed with software that came from Sony.
I'll try to use sony xperia companion to reset the device. Sad it works that way.
I was using it for banking, mail, authentication, payments. For that reason the device was not modified in any way (not rooted or so).

Mi Band, AmazFit Bip, etc.

I've been asked many times which is better: AmazFit Bip, Mi Band , samsung gear, ...
There is no simple answer as each product has its target. And so:

Amazfit Bip. My favorit.
Charge once per 1+ month (thus it is easy to lost the charger).
Has always-on screen (just look at it and check time/date).
Has bluetooth and vibrations.
Has GPS.
Waterproof.
Large screen.
Gorillaglass screen (but you still should use screen protection / frame).
Has alternative firmware (based on original).
Has alternative software.
Has physical button.

Closed protocol.
Chinese manufacturer.
Cannot track swimming.

Mi band 4.
Color OLED screen.
Charge once per 1+ month (thus it is easy to lost the charger).
Has bluetooth and vibrations.
Waterproof.
Gorillaglass screen (but you still should use screen protection / frame).
Round screen - looks fancy.

Must touch screen (or rise hand) to see time.
Touch-button will activate under shower.
Closed protocol.
Chinese manufacturer.
Cannot track swimming.
NFC only for chineese market.

Mi band 3.
Similar to Mi band 3 but worse screen and a bit smaller.
Has flat display.
NFC only for chineese market.

Mi band 2.
Similar to Mi band 3 but worse screen and a bit smaller.

Mi band 1.
No display (only 3 LEDs: color or white depending on version).
Pulse detection only in HR versions.

Amazfit surge and other.
Nice models. Some might have saphire glass (much stronger).
I would probably buy a polar/garmin instead for the price.

Apple watch.
Has many versions.
Need to charge every day.
A phone on your wrist.
NFC and apple pay support.
Physical button (more complex).

(Other) android wear watches.
Might support NFC (or not).
Need to charge frequently.
Getting a replacement charger might be an issue.
Might have a microphone - if you like to talk with your hand.
Some might have nice physical buttons.

Pebble.
Good, solid, old. Outdated.

Garmin / Polar.
Good for sport tracking
Depending on version - might last long on battery.

Cheap "smart band".
This is usually a crap. Usually needs to be charged frequently. No support. No updates. Bad quality screen. Glass will break eventually. Bad quality of measurements.
Meant to count steps and watch your sleep. Neither works well and you cannot track both (as you need to charge it).
Usually cost is similar to Mi band - so I wouldn't even bother looking at alternatives and would choose at elast Mi band.

Cheap "smart watch".
Needs to be charged frequently.
Glass will break eventually. Can be dangerous.
Often allows other to track you.
No support. No updates.
Avoid.


At the end some examples I have seen (and/or own).
Samsung gear. Costs a lot. You will use it for 2 weeks - then it will stay on the shelf.
Huawei whatever band. Might work for some time... until you see alternatives.
Anything with NFC... you might use it for NFC only.
Cheap OLED bands... that last up to 5 days on battery (and battery capacity drops to less than 20% after few months).
Go clever and its alternatives... is really nice but has too poor hardware (with 3k RAM you cannot do anything).