In-Depth Overview of LG Channels – What You Should Be Aware Of

LG uses webOS as itssmart TV operating system, which provides efficient and simple operation of the TV, network, and internet streaming features, including access to an abundant list of streaming channels, and full web browsing similar to a PC.

What Is LG Channels?

To make the webOS platform even more efficient, LG partnered with Xumo to include an additional streaming app feature called LG Channels (formerly LG Channel Plus).

Although the Xumo Play app is an option for some other brands, LG includes it as part of the webOS core experience for selectFHD and UHD 2012-2018 LGLED/LCD orOLED smart TV models running or updated to webOS 4.0 as well as select 2019 models running webOS 4.5 and select 2020 models running webOS 5.0.

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LG Channels provides direct access, via an onscreen app icon, to more than 100 streaming channels without having to download and install each one. All the channels are free to view but may contain ads.

The channels offer news, sports, and entertainment from a variety of sources.

Some of the featured channels include:

• CBS News
• Comedy Central Pluto TV
• PBS Nature
• Fubo Sports
• Crackle
• TMZ

Check outLG’s complete channel listing .

How to Activate LG Channels

If the LG Channels app icon isn’t already showing your LG TV’s menu bar, or the icon isn’t active, here is how to activate it.

1. PressHome on your TV Remote.
   
   Depending on the model of your LG TV, the remote control may look different than the one shown, with the buttons arranged differently. However, the appearance of the home button and other button icons is the same.
2. On the TV’s home screen, selectSettings.
   
   If your remote control has aSettings button, you can click that instead of having to hit the home button first.
3. After selecting the Settings icon on your remote or home page, the Settings Menu will display on either the left or right side of the TV screen. Scroll down to the bottom of the settings menu and selectAll Settings .
   
4. SelectChannels .
   
5. Toggle onLG Channels if it’s not already on.
   
   If you receive a notice that a new version or update is available, select the update. The update may periodically provide new channels.
6. Upon turning on LG Channels, you might see a Viewing Restriction Disclaimer. SelectOK to continue.
   
7. Select theLG Channels icon on LG TV’s webOS Menu Bar.
   
8. Start watching LG Channels.
   
   LG Electronics

LG Channels Content Navigation

Once activated, you can access LG Channels directly from the icon located on the main menu bar that runs along the bottom of the TV screen.

When you click on the LG Channels icon, it takes you to a full-page channel navigation menu.

As you scroll through the menu, a brief description of each channel you highlight will display in the top portion of the screen. You will also notice that each “channel” also has an assigned number, which you can also use to access the channel if you don’t want to scroll.

You can tag your favorite channels with a “star” so that they are easier to find later, as well.

In all cases, when you find what you want, select it to watch.

LG Channels Listing Combined with Antenna TV Listings

If you receive over-the-air TV broadcasts via antenna and have also activated LG Channels, you can access both via theLive TV icon on the LG TV menu bar.

Upon selecting the Live TV icon, you will have access to a combined list of over-the-air (OTA) and LG channels. The LG channel offerings are mixed right in with a TV’s OTA channel listings, so you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can browse everything at once.

Unlike cable/satellite and streaming services, over-the-air TV viewers don’t have to leave the main channel selection menu to access the new internet streaming channels that LG Channels offers.

For OTA TV viewers, LG Channels provides more seamless content access and navigation, making finding that favorite show or niche content more accessible and faster.

OTA TV channels start with a number or letter, whereas LG Channels always begin with the letters “IP.”

LG Channels By Other Names

Xumo has also expanded the LG Channels concept to other TV brands, including:

• Hisense/Sharp : 60 channels are available through the virtual input selection feature.
• Magnavox, Sanyo, and Philips Roku TVs and Roku Media Streamers : The Xumo Play App can be added onRoku media streamers and Roku TVs via theRoku Channel Store .
• Samsung : The Xumo Play app is available via theSamsung App Store .
• Vizio : Xumo is available through Vizio TVs featuring Internet Apps Plus. Vizio also offers an additional alternative in partnership with Pluto TV that it refers to as WatchFree.

The Bottom Line

LG’s partnership with Xumo is part of a continuing trend that blurs the steps usually needed to access broadcast, cable, satellite, and internet streaming content.

Instead of the consumer having to figure out which menu holds a specific content provider or app, it can all be in one integrated list similar to a channel guide you might find for cable or satellite TV.

Where your programming comes from isn’t the main concern: your TV should be able to access and deliver it to you without you having to find it.

How to Do Screen Mirroring on LG Smart TVs

FAQ

• How do I scan for antenna channels on LG TVs?
  First, connect an antenna or cable directly to the LG TV. Then, depending on your TV, clickSettings /Home on the remote control. Go toChannels >Channel Tuning >Auto Tuning . If prompted to check your antenna connection, selectYes /OK . The TV will scan for all types of channels, including local antenna channels.
• How do I add channels to my LG smart TV?
  To add more LG channels/apps, go to the LG app store: On the TV remote, clickStart /Home > selectApps > search icon > enterapp name >Search > Choose a channel to add >Install .
• How do I watch two channels at once on an LG smart TV?
  Turn to a channel you want to watch, then clickHome on the remote >My Programs . Next, choose the+ (Plus) sign on the screen to select the channel you are currently watching. Then, change channels and click the+ (Plus) sign to add the second channel. SelectMulti-view . From the two channels you’ve selected, choose the one to add as the smaller picture-in-picture channel. The other channel will display larger.
• What apps are available for LG Smart TV?
  You can control your TV with the ThinQ (formerly LG TV Plus) remote app for iOS and Android. Download the ThinQ app for iOS from the App Store, or download the app for Android from Google Play.

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