Have you ever found yourself torn between watching the big game and keeping up with your favorite show? Or perhaps you wanted to play your PlayStation while also checking out YouTube tutorials? LG‘s Multi View feature solves this dilemma by letting you view multiple content sources simultaneously on your TV screen.
This split screen capability transforms how you use your television, making it possible to multitask without compromise. Whether you‘re a sports enthusiast who needs to track multiple games, a gamer who wants to follow a walkthrough, or simply someone who likes to browse social media while watching movies, Multi View opens up new possibilities.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Multi View on your LG TV—from basic setup to advanced configurations—so you can make the most of this powerful feature.
What Is Multi View on LG TV?
Multi View is LG‘s screen splitting technology that allows you to display content from two different sources simultaneously on your TV screen. Think of it as the TV equivalent of the split-screen or picture-in-picture features you might be familiar with from computers or mobile devices.
The feature first appeared in LG‘s premium TV lineup around 2020 but became more widely available and significantly improved in models from 2022 onward. With WebOS 22 and later versions, LG expanded Multi View‘s capabilities to support more content combinations and viewing arrangements.
Multi View offers two primary display modes:
- Side by Side: Equal screen space for both content sources
- Picture-in-Picture (PIP): One main screen with a smaller secondary screen overlay
This functionality is particularly valuable in today‘s content-rich environment where viewers often engage with multiple media streams simultaneously.
The Technical Architecture Behind Multi View
Multi View relies on LG‘s advanced image processing technology and the WebOS platform‘s multitasking capabilities. The feature works by:
- Dual signal processing: The TV processes two separate video signals simultaneously
- Memory allocation: Dedicates specific RAM portions to each content stream
- GPU sharing: Divides graphics processing resources between both displays
- Audio channel management: Selectively routes audio from one source while muting the other
According to LG‘s engineering specifications, Multi View requires at least 2.5GB of dedicated RAM to function properly, which explains why older models with less memory don‘t support the feature.
The Evolution of Split Screen Technology in TVs
Split screen technology has come a long way since its inception. Understanding this evolution helps appreciate the sophistication of LG‘s current Multi View implementation:
1970s-1980s: Early PIP
The first Picture-in-Picture technology appeared in high-end CRT televisions, allowing viewers to watch two channels simultaneously. These early implementations were limited to:
- Small, low-resolution inset windows
- TV broadcast signals only
- No audio switching capabilities
1990s-2000s: Improved PIP
As digital television emerged, PIP features improved:
- Better resolution for the secondary window
- Limited external input support (VCR, DVD players)
- Basic audio switching
2010-2019: Smart TV Split Screen
Early smart TVs introduced more advanced split screen capabilities:
- Side-by-side viewing options
- Support for HDMI inputs
- Limited app integration
2020-Present: Modern Multi View
Today‘s Multi View technology represents a quantum leap forward:
- High-resolution dual displays
- Multiple layout options
- Streaming app integration
- Advanced audio management
- Cross-device compatibility
LG TV Models That Support Multi View
Not all LG TVs support the Multi View feature, and even among those that do, capabilities may vary. Here‘s a breakdown of compatibility by model year:
2022 and Newer Models (Full Support)
LG TVs released in 2022 and later years with WebOS 22 or higher typically offer full Multi View functionality. This includes:
- LG OLED series (C2, G2, Z2, etc.)
- LG QNED series
- LG NanoCell models
- Most UHD 4K models
These newer models support both Side by Side and PIP modes with a wide range of content combinations.
2020-2021 Models (Limited Support)
TVs from 2020-2021 running WebOS 5.0 or 6.0 have more limited Multi View capabilities:
- Some models allow split-screen between a TV broadcast and web browsing
- PIP functionality may be available but with fewer source combinations
- The feature might be called "Screen Split" instead of "Multi View"
2016-2019 Models (App-Based Support)
Older LG Smart TVs from 2016-2019 don‘t have built-in Multi View but may support:
- A pre-installed Multi View app
- Side-by-side viewing of two TV broadcasts
- Dual external input viewing
Multi View Support by LG TV Series
Series | Years | Multi View Support | Layout Options | Content Combinations |
---|---|---|---|---|
OLED (G/C/B Series) | 2022-2024 | Full | Side-by-Side, PIP | All supported combinations |
OLED (G/C/B Series) | 2020-2021 | Limited | PIP only | TV + Web Browser |
OLED (E/C/B Series) | 2016-2019 | App-based | Side-by-Side | TV broadcasts, HDMI inputs |
QNED | 2022-2024 | Full | Side-by-Side, PIP | All supported combinations |
QNED | 2021 | Limited | PIP only | TV + Web Browser |
NanoCell | 2022-2024 | Full | Side-by-Side, PIP | Most combinations |
NanoCell | 2020-2021 | Limited | PIP only | TV + Web Browser |
NanoCell | 2017-2019 | App-based | Side-by-Side | TV broadcasts, HDMI inputs |
UHD 4K | 2022-2024 | Full (select models) | Side-by-Side, PIP | Most combinations |
UHD 4K | 2020-2021 | Limited (select models) | PIP only | TV + Web Browser |
UHD 4K | 2016-2019 | App-based (select models) | Side-by-Side | TV broadcasts, HDMI inputs |
How to Check if Your TV Supports Multi View
To verify if your LG TV supports Multi View:
- Press the Settings button on your remote
- Look for "Multi View" in the menu options
- If not present, check the app library for a Multi View app
- Alternatively, consult your user manual or LG‘s support website with your specific model number
You can also check your TV‘s model number against LG‘s official compatibility list on their support website.
How to Enable Multi View on LG TV (2022 and Newer Models)
Activating Multi View on newer LG TVs is straightforward. Here‘s how to do it:
Method 1: Using the Settings Menu
- Press the Settings button on your LG Magic Remote
- Navigate to Multi View in the menu
- Select your preferred screen layout (Side by Side or PIP)
- Choose the content sources for each screen
- Adjust audio settings as needed
Method 2: Using the Quick Access Menu
- While watching content, press the Home button on your remote
- Select the Dashboard icon
- Choose Multi View from the options
- Select your preferred layout and content sources
Method 3: Using Voice Commands (for TVs with ThinQ AI)
If your LG TV supports voice commands:
- Press and hold the microphone button on your Magic Remote
- Say "Open Multi View" or "Split screen"
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select your layout and content
Method 4: Using the Multi View Button (Select Remotes)
Some newer LG Magic Remote models include a dedicated Multi View button:
- Press the Multi View button on your remote
- Select your preferred layout
- Choose content for each screen
WebOS Versions and Multi View Capabilities
The capabilities of Multi View vary significantly depending on which version of WebOS your LG TV runs. Here‘s a detailed breakdown:
WebOS 22/23/24 (2022-2024 Models)
Full Multi View Support:
- Both Side by Side and PIP modes
- Extensive content combination support
- Custom positioning and sizing
- Preset configurations
- Voice command integration
WebOS 6.0 (2021 Models)
Limited Multi View Support:
- Primarily PIP mode
- Limited to TV + Web Browser in most models
- Some premium models support TV + HDMI
- Basic positioning options
WebOS 5.0 (2020 Models)
Basic Multi View Support:
- PIP mode only
- Limited to TV + Web Browser
- Fixed positioning
- No streaming app support in split mode
WebOS 4.5 and Earlier (2019 and Older)
App-Based Multi View:
- Requires separate Multi View app
- Limited to TV broadcasts and HDMI inputs
- No streaming app support
- Basic controls
Side by Side Mode: Detailed Walkthrough
Side by Side mode splits your screen into two equal parts, giving both content sources the same amount of screen real estate. This mode is ideal when both sources deserve equal attention.
Setting Up Side by Side Mode
- Access Multi View using any of the methods described above
- Select Side by Side as your layout
- Choose your first content source (left side)
- Choose your second content source (right side)
- Adjust settings as needed
Side by Side Control Options
Once in Side by Side mode, you‘ll see control icons at the top of each screen:
- Full Screen (rectangle icon): Expands the selected screen to fill the entire display
- Sound (speaker icon): Sets which screen‘s audio you want to hear
- Switch to PIP (PIP icon): Changes the layout from Side by Side to PIP mode
- Close (X icon): Closes the selected screen and returns to single-screen viewing
Adjusting Side by Side Content
You can make additional adjustments to your Side by Side viewing experience:
- Swap Positions: Switch which content appears on the left and right
- Resize Ratio: On some models, you can adjust the width allocation between screens (60/40, 50/50, 40/60)
- Content Navigation: Use the remote to control either screen by selecting it first
Side by Side Resolution Management
When using Side by Side mode, each content source typically displays at a reduced resolution:
Original Content Resolution | Side by Side Resolution (per screen) |
---|---|
4K (3840 x 2160) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
Full HD (1920 x 1080) | HD (1280 x 720) |
HD (1280 x 720) | SD (640 x 360) |
This resolution reduction is necessary due to processing limitations but is often imperceptible at normal viewing distances.
PIP (Picture-in-Picture) Mode: Complete Guide
PIP mode displays one content source as your main screen while showing a second source in a smaller overlay window. This is useful when one content source is your primary focus, but you still want to keep an eye on something else.
Setting Up PIP Mode
- Access Multi View using any method described earlier
- Select PIP as your layout
- Choose your main content source (background)
- Select your secondary content source (overlay)
- Adjust settings as needed
PIP Control Options
When using PIP mode, you‘ll have seven control options for the smaller overlay window:
- Move: Relocate the PIP window to different corners of the screen
- Resize: Change the size of the PIP window (Small, Medium, Large)
- Hide: Temporarily hide the PIP window without closing it
- Full Screen: Make the PIP content your main display
- Sound: Toggle which screen‘s audio you want to hear
- Switch to Side by Side: Change from PIP to Side by Side layout
- Close: Remove the PIP window completely
PIP Placement Options
You can position the PIP window in various locations:
- Top-right corner (default)
- Top-left corner
- Bottom-right corner
- Bottom-left corner
- Custom position (on select models)
PIP Size Options
The PIP window can be adjusted to different sizes:
Size Setting | Approximate Screen Coverage | Ideal For |
---|---|---|
Small | 10% of screen | Discreet monitoring |
Medium | 20% of screen | General viewing |
Large | 30% of screen | Detailed content |
Custom | Variable (select models) | Specific needs |
Supported Content Combinations for Multi View
LG has specific combinations of content sources that work with Multi View. Not all apps or inputs can be paired together. Here‘s a comprehensive breakdown:
Compatible Combinations
TV + External Inputs:
- Live TV + HDMI input (gaming console, Blu-ray player, etc.)
- Live TV + USB media
- HDMI input + Another HDMI input
TV + Streaming Apps:
- Live TV + Netflix/Disney+/Prime Video/YouTube
- Live TV + LG Channels
Streaming + Streaming:
- Netflix + YouTube
- Disney+ + YouTube
- Prime Video + YouTube
- Most streaming apps + YouTube
Screen Share + Other Sources:
- AirPlay/Screen Share + Live TV
- AirPlay/Screen Share + HDMI input
- AirPlay/Screen Share + Streaming app
Content Compatibility Matrix
Primary Source | Compatible Secondary Sources |
---|---|
Live TV | HDMI, USB, YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, AirPlay |
HDMI 1 | Live TV, HDMI 2/3/4, YouTube, AirPlay |
Netflix | Live TV, YouTube |
Disney+ | Live TV, YouTube |
Prime Video | Live TV, YouTube |
YouTube | Live TV, HDMI, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, AirPlay |
AirPlay/Screen Share | Live TV, HDMI, YouTube |
Incompatible Combinations
Some content types cannot be used together in Multi View:
- Ultra HD/4K content cannot be used in Multi View
- Some DRM-protected premium content may be restricted
- Certain apps may black out when used in Multi View due to copyright restrictions
- Two instances of the same streaming app (e.g., Netflix + Netflix) won‘t work
Audio Management in Multi View
When using Multi View, you can only hear audio from one source at a time. Here‘s how to manage audio:
- Select the screen whose audio you want to hear
- Click the Sound icon (speaker symbol) in the control panel
- The selected screen will show a highlighted speaker icon
Advanced Audio Options
Some newer LG TV models offer additional audio management features:
- Audio Preset Switching: Different audio modes for different content types
- Auto Volume Leveling: Maintains consistent volume between sources
- Bluetooth Dual Connect: Connect two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously (select models)
- Audio Delay Adjustment: Sync audio with video if there‘s lag
Audio Format Support in Multi View
Not all audio formats are supported when using Multi View. Here‘s what you can expect:
Audio Format | Support in Multi View |
---|---|
Stereo PCM | Full support |
Dolby Digital 5.1 | Downmixed to stereo |
Dolby Atmos | Not supported |
DTS | Downmixed to stereo |
DTS:X | Not supported |
Multi View on Older LG TVs (2016-2019 Models)
If you have an LG TV from 2016-2019, you can still enjoy split-screen functionality through the Multi View app:
Using the Multi View App
- Press the Home button on