Your LG TV is getting a big brightness boost for free - these older models included

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• A recent update improves picture quality on LG C5 and G5 TVs.
• The update makes Dolby Vision content brighter and more vivid.
• All picture modes except Filmmaker Mode are affected.

Just days after giving some users a free audio upgrade, LG is providing a free visual upgrade — and some people are noticing a big difference.

A recent firmware update changes how Dolby Vision content appears on the C5 and G5 models. It makes images significantly brighter and reduces overly dark shadows. Dolby Vision being too dark has been a common complaint from LG users, especially in bright rooms where sunlight or other strong lights hit the screen.

In before‑and‑after images, the difference is striking. Given that the C5 already has a fairly impressive brightness compared to its counterparts, the upgrade is most noticeable on that set.

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One Reddit user shared an image of the latest version’s changelog, which notes that “this update is a specific picture quality fix addressing user complaints regarding Dolby Vision brightness.” The fix resolves an issue where Dolby Vision content (usually in Cinema Home mode) appears significantly darker than standard HDR10 content.

LG added that the update also impacts Cinema Home, Vivid, Game, and Standard modes, but it does not affect Filmmaker Mode, preserving creator intent.

Also: LG’s decision to drop 8K TVs makes an uncomfortable point about TV tech

How to check for the update

1. Open Settings → All Settings → Support.
2. Select Software Update.
3. Look for software version 33.30.92 (or a later version).

If you’re not on the latest version, you can check for updates manually or enable auto‑updates to receive future improvements automatically.