Sharp Smart Tv: Built-In Camera Feature Explained

Smart TVs have become increasingly popular due to their advanced features and connectivity options. With concerns about privacy and security, a common question arises: do Sharp smart TVs have cameras? The answer is that it depends on the model. While most newer Sharp TV models omit cameras due to privacy concerns, some older or specific models may include them. These cameras are typically located at the top or bottom center of the TV frame and offer benefits such as facial recognition, video chat, and gesture recognition. However, they also raise security and privacy concerns, with the potential for data collection and hacking attempts. To address these concerns, users can disable the camera, cover the lens, or disconnect the TV from the internet entirely.

Where is the camera on a Sharp smart TV located?

Depending on the Sharp TV model, your Sharp TV may or may not have a camera. Most newer Sharp TV models, due to privacy reasons, do not come with cameras. However, if your Sharp TV model has a camera, it is usually located on the top centre of your TV frame or the bottom part, depending on the model.

The camera on a Sharp TV is often placed at the edges above the screen of your TV. These cameras are often placed close to the microphones, as they are paired together in video calls. The camera is usually denoted by a small circle for the lens. If your TV has thin bezels, the camera will be hidden within this location and will pop out when needed.

If you are unsure whether your Sharp TV model has a camera, you can check the owner's manual to find out.

How to disable the camera on a Sharp smart TV?

Depending on the model of your Sharp TV, it may or may not have a camera. Most newer Sharp TV models, due to privacy concerns, do not come with cameras. However, if your Sharp TV does have a camera, it is typically located at the top centre or bottom of the TV frame.

If you want to disable the camera on your Sharp TV, there are a few methods you can try:

• Use black tape to cover the camera lens: This is a simple and effective way to block the camera's view, ensuring that it cannot record anything.
• Disable the ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) feature: The ACR feature uses the camera and microphone to collect information about your viewing habits and share it with advertisers. To turn it off, go to the Main Menu on your Sharp TV, click on Support, select Terms and Policies, and then turn off Viewing Information Services.
• Disable the Voice Recording Feature: Go to the Home Menu, navigate to Settings, then go to Expert Settings and turn off the Voice Interaction feature. Disabling this feature will prevent voice and audio data from being collected.
• Disconnect your TV from the internet: If your TV is not connected to the internet, it cannot share data with third parties. However, keep in mind that you will lose the ability to access online streaming services.
• Turn off your Smart TV: If you want to be sure that your TV is not spying on you, you can turn it off completely. This will disable all potential spyware, but you will lose access to Smart TV features.
• Use a VPN: A VPN can help protect your privacy by encrypting your network and blocking trackers. It can also hide your IP address and make it appear as if you are browsing from a different location.

How to disable the ACR feature on a Sharp smart TV?

Depending on the model of your Sharp TV, your device may or may not have a camera. Most newer Sharp TV models, for privacy reasons, do not come with cameras. However, if your Sharp TV does have a camera, it is most likely located at the top or bottom center of the TV frame.

The camera on your Sharp TV is used for facial recognition, video chat, gestures, and other features. It also collects information about your viewing habits through a surveillance system known as the Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) system. ACR uses both the camera and the microphone to collect information about the content you watch. This data is then shared with advertisers, which can expose you to security breaches and cybercriminals.

To disable the ACR feature on your Sharp TV, follow these steps:

• Go to the Main Menu on your TV.
• Click on Support.
• Select Terms and Policies.
• Locate and turn off Viewing Information Services.

Disabling the ACR feature will prevent your Sharp TV from sharing your viewing patterns and preferences with advertisers. However, note that disabling ACR may limit some smart features on your TV. It is also a good idea to periodically check these settings, especially after software updates, as your settings may revert to their default state.

In addition to disabling ACR, you can further protect your privacy by disabling the camera and voice recording features on your Sharp TV. To disable the voice recording feature, go to the Home Menu, navigate to Settings, then go to Expert Settings, and turn off the Voice Interaction feature. As for the camera, you can simply cover it with black tape or turn it facedown if it is retractable.

How to disable the voice recognition feature on a Sharp smart TV?

Depending on the model of your Sharp TV, it may or may not have a built-in camera. Most newer Sharp TV models, for privacy reasons, do not come with cameras. However, almost all models are fitted with built-in microphones on the TV and the remote.

If you want to disable the voice recognition feature on your Sharp TV, you can follow these steps:

• Go to the Home Menu on your TV.
• Navigate to Settings.
• Go to Expert Settings.
• Turn off the Voice Interaction feature.

Disabling the voice recognition feature will prevent your Sharp TV from collecting information about your viewing patterns and preferences, which it uses for marketing activities.

Additionally, if your Sharp TV has a camera, you can physically disable it by covering the camera with black tape or turning the camera downwards if it is retractable.

Can a Sharp smart TV be hacked?

Depending on the Sharp TV model, your TV may or may not have a camera. Most newer Sharp TV models, due to privacy reasons, do not come with cameras. However, if your Sharp TV has a camera, it is likely spying on you—but not in a creepy way. The ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) feature on your TV collects information about your preferences and viewing habits for marketing activities. It shares data such as your IP address, social standard, age, and location with advertisers, which can make you a target for personalized adverts on your smart devices.

In light of this, your TV is also exposed to being hacked by cybercriminals who can get into your WiFi and use it to hack your Sharp TV, smart home, and even mobile phones. Hackers can access your smart TV's camera and microphone through malware, which they can slip into your TV if it is connected to WiFi. They can use footage from the bedroom or living room to blackmail users and their families. The CIA once created malware that allowed them to break in and listen to users through their Samsung smart TVs.

To protect your Sharp TV from being hacked, you can disable the ACR feature, the microphones, and the cameras. To disable the ACR feature, go to the Main Menu on your Sharp TV, click on Support, select Terms and Policies, and turn off Viewing Information Services. To disable the voice recording feature, go to the Home Menu, navigate to Settings, and turn off the Voice Interaction feature under Expert Settings. To disable the camera, put black tape over the lens or turn it facedown if your Sharp TV has a retractable camera.

Additionally, follow these general guidelines to improve your smart TV's security:

• Use strong, complex, and randomized passwords with a mix of numbers and letters.
• Always update your TV's software when a new version is available.
• Use a secure router with strong passwords and enable a VPN to encrypt data.
• Only download apps from official stores, and ensure they are reliable.
• Turn off your TV camera when not in use.

Frequently asked questions