LG has some of the best smart TVs on the market, including high-end OLED models. But while you might be paying upwards of $5,000 for a TV set, that doesn’t mean you’ll be free from advertisements.
Say Hello to Screensaver Ads
LG has added screensaver ads on all of its smart TVs, including the OLED models. All the ads appear before the regular screensaver begins and are localized to the region the TV is set in.
The ads were first noticed by FlatPanels HD during a review of one of the most recent LG models.
According to the report, the new ads will be shown across the home screen, LG Channels, and Content Store.
For obvious reasons, LG didn’t herald this new development to the public, but did announce it on its Ad Solutions site, saying that screensaver ads drove on average a 2.5 times higher lift in brand awareness.
Thankfully, you can turn these new screensaver ads off. If you have an LG TV, they can be turned off in the Settings section of the smart TV.
One Big Reason Why Smart TVs Suck
The smart TV market has grown so large, it’s basically impossible to buy a TV without the added technology. For many people, being able to access streaming services and other great features without having to purchase an additional box is worth the cost of admission. When looking for a smart TV, there are a number of mistakes you don’t want to make.
But it’s laughable that LG believes that people want to see ads after purchasing an expensive smart TV.
Instead of showing people ads while they aren’t watching TV, LG could learn from Roku, who recently unveiled a Backdrops feature that lets users display works of art or photos on a TV screen.
If you value your privacy and don’t want to be bombarded with ads on any smart TV, including LGs, there are a few options. First, you can use a smart TV without an internet connection. Alternatively, you can purchase a streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV.
I’ve been an Apple TV user for many years. While I don’t necessarily enjoy paying extra for more hardware, it’s nice to know I won’t be bombarded with ads and can instead use a screensaver of some of my favorite photos.
