GoKawiilOpen-source PlxNative app speeds up Plex on older LG webOS TVs
An independent developer has released PlxNative, a free open-source Plex client built specifically for LG TVs running webOS, aimed at fixing the sluggish menus that plague older sets. Rather than running inside a browser like the official app, it renders its interface natively using Rust and OpenGL while still handing off video playback to the TV's built-in hardware decoder. It can be installed through the Homebrew Channel or sideloaded using LG's Developer Mode and webOS Dev Manager.
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Many older LG TVs still have excellent displays but grind to a halt navigating streaming apps, pushing owners toward buying new hardware or external streaming boxes just to fix software sluggishness. A community-built native client shows how open-source developers can extend the useful life of aging smart TVs without manufacturer support, and it highlights a persistent complaint about Plex's own app performance on TV platforms.
- PlxNative is a free, open-source Plex client built specifically for LG webOS TVs.
- It uses native Rust/OpenGL rendering instead of a browser, making browsing and menus much faster while still using the TV's hardware decoder for playback.
- It can be installed via the Homebrew Channel or sideloaded through LG Developer Mode and webOS Dev Manager.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro — If your old LG webOS TV is struggling with sluggish app performance, pairing it with a dedicated streaming box like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro can breathe new life into your setup. It runs a full Plex client with a snappy interface and powerful hardware decoding, sidestepping the limitations of aging smart TV software entirely. It's a great complement to a device like PlxNative for anyone wanting smoother media browsing without replacing their TV.
See Nvidia Shield TV Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-18
Published there as: “This clever Plex app could give your aging LG TV a new lease on life”
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