LG might save us from the misery of hotel TVs

LG is adding Google Cast support to its range of hotel TVs, making it easier to stream content from your phone or other devices. Cast joins existing support for Apple Airplay, and LG is the first manufacturer to offer both options on its hotel TVs.

If you stay in a hotel room with a compatible LG TV, you should be able to scan a QR code with your phone and then start streaming video or music directly to the screen from a user interface you’re already comfortable with. That way you won’t have to enter any personal information or login details into the TV itself. LG says it uses network isolation to maintain privacy between hotel rooms, and that your connection will be maintained for the duration of your stay but severed upon checkout.

Some hotels, including Hyatt, already offer Cast through customized hospitality Chromecast hardware. LG has instead included casting directly into the TV, with no additional hardware required.

“Many hotel guests nowadays wish to stream their favorite content from a personal device to their in-room TV,” said Paik Ki-mun, head of LG’s information display business. “With LG Hotel TVs integrating Google Cast, they can enjoy a secure and convenient content-streaming experience, just like they’re used to at home.”

LG says Cast should work on any of its TVs running webOS23 or later. From its consumer line-up, that covers all of the company’s models from 2023 onwards, and a selection of 2022 models via updates — so you’ll still have to hope that your next hotel gave its TVs a recent upgrade.