LG SmartTV: LG Internet Apps and Features

by Sophia Schmidt, Contributor

LG is using its own proprietary platform for its Internet TV solution, LG SmartTV. LG Smart TV users have access to many channels, as well as access to the Internet and material like videos, photos, and music available on their home network Plex, the developers for Apple's software systems is also the maker of the LG solution, and, as you can imagine, LG SmartTV is fast, intuitive and beautifully displayed.

LG Smart TV's user interface (UI) is organized into four sections – TV Live, Premium Content, TV Apps and a Launch Bar. Users have access to major channels on LG SmartTV including, Vudu, Netflix, YouTube, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video on Demand and Live Streaming Sports from channels such as MLB.tv, NBA GameTime and others. Several sections can be displayed at once on the tv, so for instance, you can watch a home video while scrolling to find a movie to watch on a different app. Content is expanded with LG's Smart Share function which allows users to wirelessly stream content from their computers and other compatible devices for viewing on their HDTV.

LG is among only a few major HDTV manufacturers to also offer an Internet browser with its Internet TV offering. Because Plex is behind the software for LG SmartTV, we suppose the browser is a take off of the Apple Safari browser, although this is unconfirmed. Applications are also growing rapidly on the Smart TV system, since the platform is open to developers. We noted several interesting gaming options among the menu selection we tested.

Another appealing feature of LG Smart TV is its remote, called the LG Magic Motion Remote, letting users point at the screen and move a cursor on the screen much like a wireless mouse. LG also thought through the need for a keyboard and has an app available for both iPhone and Android smartphones. The LG Magic Motion Remote comes standard with the LG PZ750 and PZ950 models and may be purchased separately for use with other LG SmartTV models.

LG SmartTV is available on HDTVs and Blu-ray players. The range of LG LED, LCD and plasma HDTVs, include: LK530, LV3700, LV5500, LW5600, LW6500, LW7700, LW9500, LW9700, PZ750 and PZ950. Smart TV is also available on Blu-ray players and Home Theater solutions, including: BD650, BD670, BD690, LH336, LHB536 and LHB976.

For consumers who want access to the LG Smart TV technology on an older television with an HDMI input, the LG SmartTV Ugrader can replicate all of the channels and capabilities.