Can You View 2 HDMI Inputs Side-by-Side on LG OLED TVs?

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

Most LG OLED TVs don’t let you view two HDMI devices side by side due to a hardware limitation, and only select 2024 and newer high-end models allow it. If you want true HDMI-to-HDMI multi view, it's important to understand which TVs support this feature before purchasing or upgrading.

Multi View on LG OLED: The Core Insight

On Home Theater Geeks, Scott Wilkinson highlighted an increasingly common question: can owners of LG OLED TVs, like the popular B7A series, display two HDMI sources side-by-side using the Multi View feature? After consulting with LG directly and investigating user manuals and community forums, here's what viewers need to know:

Most LG OLEDs—especially those produced before 2024—are limited by hardware to showing only one HDMI input alongside the built-in tuner or streaming apps. Dual HDMI multi view is only possible on select high-end 2024 (G4,G5, M5) and beyond models.

Why Most LG OLEDs Can't Do Dual HDMI Multi View

• Older LG OLEDs like the B7A (2017) feature a single HDMI decoder. This hardware component enables one HDMI source at a time to be processed for multi view.
• Traditional multi view/picture-in-picture modes on such models combine an HDMI source with another input, usually the TV’s over-the-air tuner or a supported app.
• According to Scott’s LG contact, this design is not unique to LG; competing brands typically restrict multi view in the same way unless their models specify otherwise.

What Changed with 2024 & Premium Models

• LG introduced multiple HDMI decoders on its Alpha 11 processor found in top-tier modern models like OLED G4, G5, and M5.
• These models now support true HDMI-to-HDMI multi view: side-by-side display of any two HDMI inputs, not just HDMI plus tuner or app.
• This feature is restricted to the high-end line, making it unavailable in entry-level or mid-range models.

Can You Work Around the Limitation?

• No direct workaround for two HDMI sources exists if your LG OLED has just one HDMI decoder.
• While online manuals for some models like the B7A may suggest otherwise, and confusing references appear in user forums, Scott confirmed with LG that this restriction is indeed based on hardware, not software or settings.
• Upgrading to a recent, premium OLED is the only native option if you need simultaneous HDMI feed viewing.

The Bird’s Eye View

• Dual HDMI Multi View is not supported on most older or mid-level LG OLED TVs.
• Only 2024 G4 and 2025 G5/M5 LG OLEDs, equipped with the Alpha 11 processor, offer 2-HDMI display.
• The manufacturer's hardware specs tell the real story.
• Expect similar limitations on competing brands unless otherwise specified.

If watching two HDMI sources side by side matters to you, check your TV’s year, model, and hardware spec for number of HDMI decoders. For LG, genuine dual HDMI Multi View starts with the G4 in 2024. Otherwise, you'll have to settle for HDMI plus tuner/app or consider using external video processors—not as seamless, but sometimes a workaround for advanced users.

Want to stay ahead of home theater trends and avoid costly mistakes? Subscribe to Home Theater Geeks for in-depth answers and expert insights: https://twit.tv/shows/home-theater-geeks/episodes/508