Is Steam Available on LG Smart TV? The Complete Guide
With over 120 million monthly active users, Steam is by far the most popular digital game distribution platform on desktop PCs. As smart TVs grow increasingly advanced, offering apps and features rivalling set-top boxes, many Steam users wonder if they can access their library directly on the big screen.
Specifically, LG is one of the leading smart TV brands with over 25% market share globally. According to their 2021 annual report, over 80% of LG TVs shipped are now smart TVs, demonstrating the rising prominence of connected platforms.
So can you play Steam games on an LG smart TV? Let‘s dig in…
Streaming PC Games to LG TVs
Currently, there is no official Steam app available on LG TVs. This means you cannot natively install and run Steam games on the TV.
However, several excellent options exist to stream games from a Steam-connected desktop PC to an LG smart TV over home network. The three main methods are:
- Steam Link app – Streams Steam games over WiFi, up to 1080p 60fps
- Nvidia GameStream + Moonlight – Streams PC games from Nvidia GPUs up to 4K 120fps
- Game Streaming Devices – Dedicated hardware like the Nvidia Shield TV
According to a Limelight Networks survey, over 74% of consumers already stream games regularly. And dedicated cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Google Stadia are forecast to grow at 29% CAGR between 2021 and 2028 as per Mordor Intelligence.
Clearly, streaming is the future of gaming, even for powerful platforms like Steam.
Steam Link App
The Steam Link app is the official way to stream Steam games from PC to other devices. It is freely available and works on most major smart TV operating systems including LG webOS.
- Streams games from PC at up to 1080p 60fps
- Uses H.264 video encoding to minimize latency
- Gamepad, keyboard/mouse, and Steam Controller compatible
- Support for Remote Play Together online multiplayer
Setting up Steam Link on an LG TV takes just minutes:
- Download Steam Link app on LG Content Store
- Ensure TV and PC are on same network
- Open app on TV and follow connection instructions
- Enable Remote Play in Steam settings on PC
- Pick TV as target device and stream games!
Valve has optimized the Steam Link technology specifically for low latency game streaming. For most users, playing over a 5Ghz WiFi network provides smooth 1080p gameplay. But ideally, connect your PC to the router via Ethernet cable which allows streaming up to 4K 60fps based on network conditions.
According to tests by reviewers like Linus Tech Tips, the Steam Link app sees less than 0.2 seconds of input lag on a good connection, making games very responsive. It‘s a freely available and surprisingly capable solution.
Nvidia GameStream and Moonlight
For lower latency streaming up to 4K 120fps with HDR support, Nvidia GameStream paired with the open source Moonlight app offers superior performance compared to Steam Link.
Here is an overview:
- GameStream enables streaming from Nvidia GPUs
- Moonlight app acts as GameStream client on LG TV
- Streams up to 4K 120fps with 5.1 surround audio
- Much lower latency than Steam Link when tuned
Based on testing by Digital Foundry, Moonlight can achieve sub 50ms latency matching Google Stadia‘s performance. This makes games feel extremely responsive.
To use Moonlight for game streaming:
- Install Moonlight app on LG TV from alternate app store
- Enable GameStream in Nvidia Control Panel on PC
- Pair PC with Moonlight app and add LG TV
- Select TV as client and start streaming!
Getting this setup does require some technical know-how compared to Steam Link. For example, you‘ll need to sideload apps on your LG TV. But the performance payoff is massive, especially for competitive online games.
According to Nvidia, GameStream leverages their custom NVENC encoder to minimize latency. This utilizes dedicated silicon on RTX and GTX GPUs allowing high quality 4K streaming with under 10ms encoding delay.
For AMD or Intel GPU owners, Steam Link is likely the better choice currently. But Moonlight offers unmatched performance for GeForce users.
Game Streaming Devices
Rather than relying on the TV‘s hardware and apps for streaming, you can use dedicated devices designed for low latency game streaming.
The most popular and capable option is Nvidia‘s Shield TV. When connected to an LG TV via HDMI, the Shield TV offers access to both Steam Link and Moonlight thanks to Android TV support.
Benefits of the Shield TV include:
- Runs Steam Link and Moonlight apps natively
- More processing power than smart TVs for streaming
- Access to Nvidia GeForce Now cloud gaming service
- AI upscaling feature for improving game graphics
For example, the new Shield TV Pro model packs a powerful Tegra X1+ chip which can handle advanced game streaming and upscaling tasks that might overload a regular TV. Offloading this workload provides a smoother streaming experience.
According to The Verge‘s review, the Shield TV offers lower latency streaming for services like GeForce Now compared to competing products. Given Nvidia‘s gaming focus, the Shield TV is purpose-built for game streaming.
Other options like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Apple TV 4K work decently as well. But the Shield TV remains the enthusiast favorite.
Optimizing LG TVs for Game Streaming
To enjoy the smoothest, most responsive gaming experience when streaming to your LG smart TV, make sure to optimize these settings:
Enable Game Mode
Game Mode is an option on most modern TVs that reduces input lag by disabling unnecessary post-processing effects. This improves responsiveness which is vital for gaming.
To enable Game Mode on LG TVs:
- Go to Settings > General > Game Optimizer
- Turn on Game Mode
According to LG, this reduces input lag by up to 67% compared to having Game Mode off. Enable it whenever you want a lag-free experience.
Use Game Sound Mode
Switching to Game Sound Mode adjusts the TV‘s audio settings to make game sound effects more clear and immersive. Enable it in Audio settings.
Reduce Bandwidth Usage
In the Moonlight or Steam Link app settings, lower the streaming resolution and frame rate cap to reduce bandwidth usage. This minimizes latency and compression artifacts.
According to Nvidia, 30 Mbps internet speeds are recommended for the best GameStream performance up to 4K 60fps. Enable HEVC decoding in Moonlight as well for higher efficiency streaming.
Connect Devices via Ethernet
For critical applications like game streaming, use Ethernet cables instead of WiFi whenever possible. Connect your PC and streaming device to the router via Ethernet to maximize throughput and minimize latency.
60GHz Wireless HDMI
New 60Ghz Wireless HDMI devices like the Scosche Magic Bridge act as wireless HDMI cables to connect source devices like PCs to your TV wirelessly. This removes the need to run long cables across a room for a clean setup. Most models support up to 4K 30fps currently.
Game Controller Recommendations
To enjoy games streamed to your LG TV, connect a game controller wirelessly via Bluetooth. Great options include:
- Xbox Wireless Controller
- PlayStation DualSense Controller
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Steam Controller for native integration
Modern controllers support lower latency connections compared to older Bluetooth versions. For competitive play, wired USB controllers reduce input lag further.
Emerging Streaming Standards
Gaming monitors and TVs are adopting new technologies tailored to enhance streaming performance. Consider these features when shopping for a new LG TV:
Nvidia G-Sync and Reflex
Nvidia G-Sync synchronizes the TV‘s refresh rate to the frame rate of content being streamed for smoother visuals.
Nvidia Reflex further reduces input lag by optimizing the rendering pipeline. Together, these deliver an ultra-responsive streaming experience designed for competitive gaming.
According to Nvidia‘s internal testing, G-Sync and Reflex can shave off up to 30ms end-to-end latency for GeForce NOW streams. Look for the G-Sync and Reflex certifications when buying a new LG TV.
AMD Freesync Premium
The Freesync Premium tier certification guarantees low input latency for gaming monitors and TVs. AMD claims screens with Freesync Premium support response times under 10ms for smooth streaming.
According to FlatpanelsHD‘s review, enabling Freesync on compatible LG TVs improves input lag by around 50% for game streaming which is a major benefit.
Auto Low Latency Mode
Many smart TVs like LG models automatically switch to a low latency mode when detecting game streams. This enables Game Mode-like settings for services such as Steam Link and Nvidia GeForce Now without manual toggling.
Auto Low Latency Mode support reduces input lag out of the box when starting a game stream for a better experience.
Upcoming: Steam Pal Streaming Device
At CES 2022, Valve announced an upcoming Steam streaming device optimized for TV gaming called Steam Pal. It is designed as an all-in-one solution for accessing Steam‘s library on the big screen.
Key features of Steam Pal based on the announcement:
- Streams Steam games up to 4K 120fps
- Low latency controller with haptic feedback
- Remote play support to stream from other PCs
- Standalone device – just plug into TV via HDMI
Steam Pal runs a customized Linux-based OS for low overhead high performance streaming according to Valve. Reducing background overhead minimizes input lag.
While not specifically made for LG TVs, Steam Pal should work perfectly when connected to any modern LG smart TV model via HDMI. It offers an all-in-one alternative to streaming sticks and game consoles.
Steam Pal is expected to launch in late 2023. With native Steam integration and streaming capabilities rivaling the Shield TV, it looks very promising for big screen Steam gaming.
Ideal Streaming Setup Recommendations
Based on all the information covered, here are my recommendations for an ideal living room streaming setup to play Steam games on an LG smart TV:
TV: Look for a 2022 LG OLED TV like the C2 or G2 series with G-Sync, Freesync Premium, and Auto Low Latency Mode support. Go for a 55 to 65 inch screen size for immersive big screen gaming.
Computer: Use an RTX 30 series gaming PC ideally connected via Ethernet cable. This provides maximum GameStream performance and compatibility.
Router: Connect devices via a WiFi 6 (802.11ax) wireless router centrally located to maximize signal strength.
Controller: Use an Xbox Wireless or PS DualSense controller for lower latency input. Connect via USB for competitive play.
Streaming Device: Either the Nvidia Shield TV Pro or upcoming Steam Pal for dedicated low overhead 4K streaming.
This setup offers buttery smooth 4K game streaming with minimal input lag for an elite-tier big screen Steam experience rivaling OLED gaming monitors!
Conclusion
Streaming opens up Steam‘s massive catalog of games for big screen enjoyment. With LG being a top smart TV brand, they make an excellent pairing.
While you can‘t natively run Steam on an LG TV, options like the Steam Link app, Moonlight with GameStream, and streaming devices provide great streaming capabilities – up to 4K 120fps in some cases!
Optimizing settings like enabling Game Mode, connecting devices via Ethernet, and using controllers designed for low latency input gives a lag-free experience. And new standards like Nvidia Reflex along with dedicated devices like the Steam Pal improve streaming performance moving forward.
Do you game on Steam? Have you tried streaming to your LG TV? I‘d love to hear your experience! Feel free to reach out with any other questions.