A modern TV can do much more than display your favourite shows and movies. Today’s smart TVs combine picture processing, sound technologies, connected features and AI-powered tools as part of the viewing experience.
But what exactly makes a TV an AI TV? And what can AI actually do on a television?
LG’s current TV range provides a useful example. The LG NANO 4K UHD range and the LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB Smart TV AI bring together AI-powered picture and sound processing with smart-TV features and personalised experiences.
What Is an AI TV?
An AI TV uses artificial intelligence-powered features across different parts of the television experience.
This can include picture processing, sound processing, content search and personalised recommendations.
For example, the LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB features the α5 AI Processor Gen9. It also includes AI-powered features through its webOS experience, including AI Search, AI Concierge and AI Voice ID with My Page.
The LG NANO 4K UHD range combines its 4K display with AI-powered processing and smart features designed to support different aspects of the viewing experience.
The processor varies by model within the NANO 4K UHD range. The 98NU885BPL features the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, while the 85/75/65/55/50/43-inch variants of the NU885BPLA, NU880BPLA, NU875BPLA and NU870BPLA feature the α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9.
What Does AI Do on an LG TV?
AI can work behind the scenes as well as through features you interact with directly.
On the LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB, the α5 AI Processor Gen9 is used for picture processing. The TV also features AI Sound Pro with Virtual 9.1.2 Channel, designed to process the audio experience.
The TV’s AI features also extend to content discovery and personalisation.
AI Search lets users ask questions through the TV interface, while AI Concierge provides content recommendations and information based on interests. AI Voice ID with My Page provides personalised features for the user.
What Is AI Hub?
AI Hub brings several of LG’s AI-powered features together.
On the LG 108cm (43) LB6500PLB, the α5 AI Processor Gen9 is used for picture processing.
- AI Search
- AI Concierge
- AI Voice ID with My Page
- AI Chatbot
- AI Picture Wizard
- AI Sound Wizard
The TV also supports an AI Magic Remote, which can be used to navigate AI Hub and access voice commands. LG notes that the AI Magic Remote is sold separately and that certain voice and AI features require it.
This makes AI part of different aspects of the TV experience, including search, navigation and personalisation.
Can You Search Using AI?
Yes, compatible LG TVs can use AI-powered search.
The LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB features AI Search, which allows users to ask questions while watching TV. LG’s page also highlights integration with Google Gemini for voice-based queries and relevant answers.
The exact availability of AI services and features can vary by model and region, and LG notes that an internet connection is required for AI Search.
How Does AI Personalise the TV?
AI can also be used for personalisation.
With AI Voice ID with My Page, the LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB can recognise the user’s voice and take them to a personalised My Page. LG says this can include information such as weather, calendar, widgets and favourite sports scores.
AI Concierge adds another personalisation feature by suggesting content and updates based on the user’s interests. LG also highlights In This Scene, which provides recommendations and information based on what you’re watching.
What About AI and Picture Quality?
AI isn’t limited to content discovery.
The LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB uses the α5 AI Processor Gen9 for picture processing. The TV also features Resolution Upscaler and Dynamic Tone Mapping.
The LG NANO 4K UHD range also combines its 4K display with AI-powered picture processing and other picture technologies.
The processor varies across the NANO 4K UHD range. The 98NU885BPL uses the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, while the 85/75/65/55/50/43 NU885BPLA, NU880BPLA, NU875BPLA and NU870BPLA models use the α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9.
So, on an AI TV, AI-powered processing can form part of how picture content is processed before it appears on the screen.
Can AI Improve Sound Too?
Yes.
The LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB features AI Sound Pro – Virtual 9.1.2 Channel. This uses AI-powered audio processing, while the Virtual 9.1.2 Channel technology provides a multi-directional sound experience.
The TV also includes AI-powered sound functionality alongside its picture-processing capabilities.
What About Smart TV Features?
AI is one part of the overall smart-TV experience.
The LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB runs on webOS, which brings AI-powered features to the TV experience. The TV is also secured by LG Shield.
It also provides access to LG Channels, with live and on-demand content available through the TV.
The NANO 4K UHD range similarly combines its picture technologies with smart features designed for everyday entertainment.
Is Every Smart TV an AI TV?
Not necessarily.
A smart TV can offer connected entertainment and smart-TV functionality, while an AI TV can add AI-powered capabilities such as AI search, personalised recommendations, voice-based interaction, picture processing and sound processing.
The important thing is to look at the actual features offered by the specific TV rather than assuming that every model labelled “Smart TV” has the same AI capabilities.
The LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB, for example, combines webOS, AI Hub, AI Search, AI Concierge, AI Voice ID with My Page, AI Chatbot, AI Picture Wizard and AI Sound Wizard with the α5 AI Processor Gen9.
The NANO 4K UHD range combines AI-powered processing with smart-TV features, with processor specifications varying by model.
What Should You Look For in an AI TV?
When comparing AI TVs, look beyond the word “AI” and check what the technology actually does.
AI-powered picture processing
Look at the processor and picture technologies used for picture processing, including technologies related to sharpness, depth, detail and contrast.
AI search
Check whether you can use voice-based search to find information and content.
Personalisation
Features such as AI Voice ID with My Page and AI Concierge can provide personalised features and content recommendations.
AI sound
AI-powered sound processing can form part of how audio is processed, with features such as AI Sound Pro available on the LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB.
Smart-TV experience
Look at the operating system, content access and connected features available on the specific model.
So, What Makes an AI TV Different?
An AI TV isn’t simply a Smart TV with the word “AI” added to its name.
It can use AI across different parts of the viewing experience — from picture processing and sound processing to content search and personalisation.
The LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB brings these capabilities together through its α5 AI Processor Gen9, AI Hub, AI Search, AI Concierge, AI Voice ID with My Page, AI Sound Pro and webOS.
The LG NANO 4K UHD range similarly combines AI-powered picture processing with smart features, with the processor varying by model.
For the NANO 4K UHD range, the 98NU885BPL features the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, while the NU885BPLA, NU880BPLA, NU875BPLA and NU870BPLA models listed in the supplied model sheet feature the α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9.
Ultimately, when looking at an AI TV, the most useful question isn’t simply “Does it have AI?” It’s “What does the AI actually do?”
Sources:
LG NANO 4K UHD
LG 109cm (43) LB6500PLB
Disclaimer – α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9 is present in All NU Series Models except for 98NU885. 98NU885 features the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3.
