Simplified Home Screen and Redesigned Remote Control
Enhanced Readability with Senior-Focused Features
Equipped with Video Calling and Assistance Functions
Plans to Expand Senior-Friendly Products to Other Categories
LG Electronics is launching a new TV product specifically designed for seniors, marking the first case in the domestic industry where a TV has been developed tailored to senior consumers.
On September 25, LG Electronics held a press conference at Twin Tower in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to announce the release plan for the 'LG Easy TV.' Baek Sunpil, Executive Director of TV Product Planning, stated, "We developed this product after noticing that senior customers often say, 'TV operation is too difficult.' We established three concepts for the product: 'Easy (simple), Care (support), and Fun (enjoyment)."
The LG Easy TV was developed with extensive input from senior customers who want a more convenient TV experience. Both software, such as an easy-to-understand home screen, and hardware, including a completely redesigned remote control and a built-in camera, as well as convenience features like video calling and medication reminders, have all been customized for seniors.
Baek Sunpil, Executive Director of TV Product Planning, is explaining the features of the 'LG Easy TV' at a press conference held on the 25th at Twin Tower in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Park Juni.
The senior market has been growing rapidly in recent years. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, as of the end of last year, the population aged 65 and older exceeded 10 million, accounting for 20% of the total registered population. An OECD report projects that the senior industry market in South Korea will reach 168 trillion won by 2030.
To ensure that senior customers can easily access and enjoy smart TV features such as OTT (over-the-top) services and games, the home screen has been simplified to include only essential functions, and the remote control has been designed exclusively for the Easy TV. In particular, the home screen has been streamlined to focus on five senior-specialized features and frequently used apps.
Baek Sunpil, Executive Director of TV Product Planning, is explaining the features of the 'LG Easy TV' at a press conference held on the 25th at Twin Tower in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Park Juni.
The dedicated Easy TV remote control features large, clearly labeled buttons to enhance understanding, and a backlight so that the text is easy to read even in the dark. A separate 'Help' button at the top allows users to resolve issues such as the screen not displaying due to accidental external input changes or unintended app launches while using the TV.
LG Easy TV also includes specialized features to support seniors, such as enabling video calls with children living apart or providing remote assistance for simple TV issues. In collaboration with KakaoTalk, the TV comes equipped with the 'LG Buddy' feature, which offers a variety of exclusive services. The built-in camera allows video calls with family members connected via KakaoTalk accounts.
A model is video calling family members connected through KakaoTalk accounts using a camera equipped with a built-in 'LG Easy TV.' LG Electronics.
Family members connected through LG Buddy can send photos, videos, YouTube links, and more directly to the Easy TV. Remote control of the TV is also possible, so if parents have difficulty using the TV, their children can help by switching external inputs or turning various features on and off from afar.
However, considering the price range preferred by senior customers, the product was developed as an LCD (liquid crystal display) TV rather than an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV. Executive Director Baek explained, "We have appropriately balanced picture quality, sound quality, and features, while also taking into account the price point that seniors want."
The LG Easy TV will be released in South Korea on September 29. There are two models: 65-inch and 75-inch. The domestic retail price is 2,769,000 won for the 65-inch model and 3,869,000 won for the 75-inch model.
LG Electronics plans to expand its lineup of products targeting seniors to all home appliance categories, starting with the Easy TV. Park Hyungse, President of the Media Entertainment Solution (MS) Business Division at LG Electronics, stated, "By continuously expanding our lifestyle TV lineup, including the LG Easy TV for seniors and their families and the portable screen leader StanbyMe, we will pioneer and lead new markets."
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