trying to ditch satellite/cable

[SysError]

It's only if you have voice control activated and not all Samsung SMART tv's can be voice activated, pass the tinfoil hat.

Fair point.

So it looks as if they are talking about Smart TVs sold after Dec 2013 with cameras and microphones.  It is, however, more than just voice captures - gestures, program selections, searches, likes/dislikes etc are captured and passed along.  I think that they said that the facial recognition data they capture is kept on your device. 

Samsung's full statement is here:

https://www.samsung.com/uk/info/privacy-SmartTV.html

(I wonder why they released their statement now?  Just an internal bureaucracy working at its own pace, or some external event that made them move?) 

Cnet or PcMag (don't remember which) said that all this is very similar to certain Motorola devices, Microsoft 360 and certain high end GPS devices.

I just wonder how long it will be before some lawyer subpoenas all the collected data in divorce case.   

[SysError]

So it looks as if Samsung is really on a roll now!!  

Together with Yahoo, they are putting ads into other peoples Apps on their Smart TVs.  

"Owners have complained of a silent ad for Pepsi interrupting playback several times an hour.
A spokeswoman for Samsung said it was only aware of the glitch affecting customers in Australia at this time."

(The glitch appears to be that they got caught).

So if you are watching a home video through PLEX, you could get hit with a ad!  

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31424596

I suppose that others will follow in the not too distant future.  If there is money in it someone will make the claim that it is a god given right.