LG’s TV for senior citizens costs $127 more but misses core usability issues

LG has launched the Easy TV in South Korea, targeting senior citizens with a $1,964 65-inch smart TV that includes a simplified remote and adjusted interface features. The device represents LG’s attempt to create a dedicated “senior TV market,” though it comes with a significant price premium over the standard model it’s based on and includes questionable additions like an AI button.

What you should know: The Easy TV is essentially LG’s existing QNED85A model with senior-focused modifications and a $127 markup.
• The 65-inch version costs 2,769,000 won (about $1,964) compared to 2,590,000 won ($1,837) for the standard model.
• LG made the decision based on “over 70 percent of TV-related inquiries from senior customers received at its service centers [being] simply about difficulties in operating the TV.”
• The target demographic represents a significant market opportunity, with people age 65 and older accounting for 20% of South Korea’s registered population.

Key features: LG modified both the hardware and software to address perceived senior user needs.
• The remote includes numbered buttons, input switching, play/pause, fast forward/rewind, mute, zoom, and larger labels—features missing from LG’s current Magic Remote.
• The webOS interface focuses on “five senior-focused features and favorite apps” with larger fonts.
• Picture adjustments include brighter, more color-saturated visuals and boosted dialogue audio, plus special features like medication reminder alerts, integrated video calling for family support, and brain health games.

The big picture: LG’s approach assumes seniors need specialized technology rather than simpler solutions.
• The TV includes the same smart TV complexity that creates user confusion, plus an AI button that seems counterintuitive for users seeking simplicity.
• Competitors like JubileeTV offer alternative approaches, providing remote family support through dedicated apps while allowing seniors to choose their own TV.
• The senior market extends beyond just older adults—many features like clearer interfaces and functional remotes would benefit users of all ages.

Why this matters: The Easy TV highlights the tension between genuine accessibility needs and profit-driven product segmentation.
• Seniors represent the largest remaining demographic of broadcast viewers, with 64% of Americans age 65 and older maintaining cable or satellite subscriptions.
• A simpler solution might involve basic TVs without internet connectivity that avoid smart TV complexity, privacy concerns, and software monetization while supporting streaming through external devices.
• The approach suggests manufacturers prioritize revenue from software ads and tracking over addressing core usability issues that affect users across age groups.