Most brands make it seem impossible to setup without connecting. I got a free TCL/Roku and it was such a massive headache to avoid connecting that I connected it. I just skip the ARC HDMI and pretend it’s just as good since I don’t use the built in apps. ARC ports read your content to “better serve you content” (ads)
I have a tower built off a pine tree. When it thunderstorms, I race up the stairs to go Thor-spotting