I don't think any success LG has had selling TVs has anything to do with the SmartTV stuff though. Anecdotal evidence and all, but I have yet to meet anyone where the SmartTV UI was even remotely a factor in which TV they bought. Heck, I have yet to meet anyone where the presence of SmartTV features was a factor in which TV they bought.
I would think that anyone who cares at all about watching Internet video on their TV would just shell out the $35-$100 to get a Chromecast, Roku, or AppleTV, if they don't already get the same functionality from a game console that they already own. I have yet to see any SmartTV which is remotely competitive with these devices, and they have the added benefit of not being baked into your display so you can upgrade or replace them as needed.
I'm a happy owner of an LG SmartTV and would recommend and buy again. In fact I'm disappointed they don't sell them in TV's less than 28 inches because I want a small one for the kitchen.
There is something very satisfying in having the Internet video services naturally integrated into the remote and just one button away.
Not to say that LG can't screw it up, but what they have today is a great product.
I would think that anyone who cares at all about watching Internet video on their TV would just shell out the $35-$100 to get a Chromecast, Roku, or AppleTV, if they don't already get the same functionality from a game console that they already own. I have yet to see any SmartTV which is remotely competitive with these devices, and they have the added benefit of not being baked into your display so you can upgrade or replace them as needed.