Key takeaways:
- Motion smoothing, also known as the “soap opera effect,” artificially increases the frame rate of video content, making it look unnatural.
- LG TVs call motion smoothing “TruMotion,” which can be turned off in the TV settings.
- Disabling motion smoothing can provide a more authentic cinematic experience when watching movies and TV shows.
Have you ever noticed that movies or TV shows on your LG TV look a bit off? The movement might seem too smooth, almost like a soap opera. This is due to a feature called motion smoothing, or as LG calls it, “TruMotion.” While some people don’t mind this effect, others find it distracting and prefer to watch content in its original form. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of disabling motion smoothing on your LG TV to enjoy a more authentic viewing experience.
Table of Contents
Understanding Motion Smoothing
Motion smoothing is a technology found in most modern televisions that artificially increases the frame rate of video content. It works by creating additional frames between the original frames, making the movement appear smoother. This can be beneficial for watching sports or playing video games, as it reduces motion blur and enhances the overall experience.
However, when it comes to movies and TV shows, motion smoothing can make the content look unnatural. Most films and shows are shot at 24 frames per second (fps), while some TV programs are recorded at 30 fps. When motion smoothing is enabled, the TV increases the frame rate to 60 fps or higher, resulting in the “soap opera effect.”
Disabling TruMotion on LG TVs
To turn off motion smoothing on your LG TV, follow these simple steps:
- Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote to access the Settings menu.
- Navigate to the Picture settings using the left-side menu and select it.
- Choose Picture Mode Settings, then Picture Options.
- Locate the TruMotion setting and select it.
- In the pop-up menu, choose the Off option to disable motion smoothing.
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote |
2 | Navigate to the Picture settings and select it |
3 | Choose Picture Mode Settings, then Picture Options |
4 | Locate the TruMotion setting and select it |
5 | Choose the Off option to disable motion smoothing |
By following these steps, you can easily turn off motion smoothing on your LG TV and enjoy a more cinematic experience when watching movies and shows.
Disabling Motion Smoothing Without a Remote
If you don’t have access to your LG TV remote, you can still disable motion smoothing using the LG TV Remote app by BoostVision. This app turns your smartphone or tablet into a remote control for your LG TV. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the LG TV Remote app on your smartphone or tablet (available for Android and iOS).
- Ensure that your mobile device and LG TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the app and tap the connection icon in the Remote tab.
- Select your LG TV from the device list and enter the PIN code displayed on your TV screen.
- Once connected, tap the Home button in the app and choose the Settings option from the home menu.
- Navigate to Picture > Picture Mode Settings > Picture Options > TruMotion, and select Off to disable motion smoothing.
Using the LG TV Remote app, you can easily control your TV and adjust settings without the need for a physical remote.
When to Keep Motion Smoothing Enabled
While motion smoothing can be distracting when watching movies and TV shows, there are some instances where it can enhance your viewing experience:
- Sports: Motion smoothing can make fast-paced sports like football, basketball, or hockey look smoother and more fluid, making it easier to follow the action.
- Video Games: When playing video games on your LG TV, motion smoothing can reduce input lag and motion blur, providing a more responsive gaming experience.
If you primarily use your LG TV for watching sports or playing video games, you may want to keep motion smoothing enabled. However, if you’re a movie buff or enjoy watching TV shows in their original format, disabling TruMotion is the way to go.
Conclusion
Motion smoothing, or TruMotion on LG TVs, is a feature that can enhance the viewing experience for some content but may make movies and TV shows look unnatural. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable motion smoothing on your LG TV and enjoy a more authentic cinematic experience. Whether you use your LG TV remote or the LG TV Remote app, taking control of your TV’s settings is just a few clicks away.
FAQ
What is the “soap opera effect”?
The “soap opera effect” is a term used to describe the unnatural, overly smooth appearance of video content when motion smoothing is enabled. It makes movies and TV shows look like they were shot on a soap opera set, hence the name.
Does disabling motion smoothing affect picture quality?
Disabling motion smoothing does not affect the overall picture quality of your LG TV. It simply removes the artificial frame interpolation, allowing you to view content in its original format and frame rate.
Can I disable motion smoothing for specific inputs or apps?
On most LG TVs, the TruMotion setting is applied globally across all inputs and apps. However, some newer models may allow you to adjust motion smoothing settings for individual inputs or apps. Check your TV’s manual or explore the settings menu to see if this option is available on your specific model.
Will disabling motion smoothing help with gaming?
Disabling motion smoothing can actually improve your gaming experience on an LG TV. With TruMotion turned off, you may notice reduced input lag and a more responsive feel when playing video games. However, if you prefer the smoother look that motion smoothing provides, you can keep it enabled for gaming.