LG Smart TV setup (WebOS)
Closed platform, decent Plex and Emby apps, notorious subtitle bug. Here's what to know.
What WebOS is
LG Smart TVs run WebOS - LG's own platform, not based on Android or any other common OS. This means a closed app store, no sideloading, and a curated (small) selection of apps. What you can install is limited to whatever LG has approved for WebOS. There are workarounds for some things, but broadly: what you see in the LG Content Store is what you get.
What's available
- Plex - official app, reasonably well maintained
- Emby - official app, also decent
- Jellyfin - unofficial community-built WebOS app (install via developer mode, not trivial)
- Kodi - no official app, limited unofficial options
- No TiviMate, no Smarters Pro, no XCIPTV, no Stremio
- Most major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) are present
Important
If IPTV is your main use case, an LG Smart TV alone will not work. You need a separate streaming box (Fire Stick, Onn, Shield) - keep the LG for its display and the built-in streaming services.
The infamous subtitle bug
WebOS has a well-documented issue that catches many users: when playing content that requires both audio transcoding AND subtitles at the same time, the player forces the video to transcode too - to keep audio and subtitles in sync. This means even though your LG is perfectly capable of 4K HEVC playback, one subtitle track + lossless audio can trigger a full transcode on your server.
How to avoid it
- Use SRT subtitles instead of PGS (Blu-ray) where possible
- Pick audio tracks that don't need transcoding - AC3 or EAC3 are usually safe
- In Plex Server settings, set "Burn Subtitles" for that client to "Only image formats" so SRT passes through
- If you have persistent issues, add a streaming box and use that instead of the built-in app
Essential settings tweaks
- 1Settings > All Settings > General > AI Service > AI Picture: turn this off. It applies heavy post-processing that distorts HDR.
- 2Settings > Picture > Picture Mode: use "Filmmaker Mode" for 24p content, "Cinema Home" for general use. Turn off Motion Smoothing.
- 3Settings > Sound > Sound Out > Digital Sound Out: set to "Pass Through" if you have a receiver. Otherwise leave on "Auto".
- 4Settings > General > HDMI Settings > HDMI Deep Color: enable on the inputs connected to 4K HDR sources.
- 5Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Connection > rarely used: prefer Ethernet via the TV's LAN port if you stream high-bitrate 4K.
The Magic Remote
LG's Magic Remote (the one with the pointer) is genuinely better than most TV remotes for navigating apps, entering text, and general use. Most complaints come from people who haven't used it for long. It grows on you.
Tip
If the pointer jumps around, move to a room with less Wi-Fi interference, or press the wheel button to recalibrate.
Model tiers
OLED C series / G series
The premium range. Excellent picture, full HDR support including Dolby Vision, good WebOS performance, strong Plex/Emby apps. Worth the price if you want the picture quality.
QNED / NanoCell
Mid-range LCD sets. Decent picture, same WebOS platform, same app limitations. HDR support varies.
UK / UN series
Budget 4K sets. Same WebOS but with less RAM/CPU - apps can feel slow. HDR10 only, no Dolby Vision on many.
A final reassurance
LG OLEDs have some of the best picture quality on the market. The panel, contrast, and colour accuracy are genuinely excellent. WebOS is the weak part, and it's fixable by adding a £30-100 streaming box. Don't abandon a great TV because its built-in apps have limits - route around them.
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