LG Releases Free Firmware Update to Enhance Dolby Vision Brightness on Select OLED TVs

LG Releases Free Firmware Update to Enhance Dolby Vision Brightness on Select OLED TVs

LG Electronics has quietly deployed a major firmware update for its flagship OLED television lineup, dramatically improving the brightness and dynamic range of Dolby Vision HDR content. The update, available to users in North America, Europe, and select Asian markets, addresses long-standing complaints about underwhelming luminance levels when streaming premium content from platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and HBO Max. According to reports from tech.yahoo.com, the update specifically targets the luminance curve of LG’s OLED panels, allowing them to more accurately reproduce the full tonal range intended by content creators.

Owners of the LG C3, G3, and Z3 series OLED TVs — released in 2022 and 2023 — are receiving the update automatically via over-the-air (OTA) channels. The firmware revision, labeled as version 05.10.20, includes recalibrated peak brightness algorithms and improved metadata interpretation for Dolby Vision IQ, a feature that adjusts picture settings based on ambient lighting. Users have taken to social media and forums to express relief, with many posting variations of the phrase, "Thank you LG for finally fixing the darkness," a sentiment echoed in multiple user reviews cited by tech.yahoo.com.

While the update does not increase the physical peak brightness of the OLED panels — which remain capped at around 800 to 1,000 nits depending on model — it optimizes how brightness levels are mapped across the HDR spectrum. Previously, some Dolby Vision titles appeared dimmer than their HDR10 counterparts due to conservative luminance mapping. The new firmware adjusts this by leveraging the full dynamic range of the display more aggressively during high-contrast scenes, particularly in dark rooms, where OLED’s perfect blacks already provide superior contrast.

Industry analysts note that this update reflects a broader trend among TV manufacturers to improve post-purchase HDR performance through software. Unlike LCD TVs, which rely on hardware-based local dimming, OLED panels can be fine-tuned via firmware without requiring physical modifications. This makes software updates a cost-effective way to enhance user experience and extend product lifecycle. LG’s move may also serve as a strategic response to competition from Samsung’s QD-OLED lineup and Sony’s Bravia XR series, both of which have received praise for their HDR implementation.

Notably, the update does not affect LG’s entry-level OLED models or its NanoCell LCD TVs. The company has not issued a public press release regarding the update, suggesting a deliberate low-profile rollout to avoid setting expectations for future firmware enhancements. However, LG’s customer support portal now includes a dedicated FAQ section addressing the brightness improvements, confirming the update’s purpose and listing compatible models.

For users who haven’t received the update yet, LG recommends checking for software updates manually through Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV > Check for Updates. The update is expected to reach all eligible devices globally within the next two weeks. Consumer electronics experts advise that users should allow the update to complete without interruption, as incomplete firmware installations can lead to display anomalies.

While this update enhances visual fidelity for HDR content, it does not resolve all user concerns — notably, the lack of full support for Dolby Vision in some third-party apps and the occasional lag in gaming modes. Nevertheless, for cinephiles and streaming enthusiasts, this represents one of the most meaningful software improvements to a TV platform in recent memory.