Brief Summary
Brian and FOMO from Tech Therapy discuss a recent issue with the LG G5 TV where a firmware update inadvertently reduced brightness. They highlight the importance of community feedback and LG's quick response in addressing the problem. They also touch on the role of reviewers and influencers in communicating community concerns to manufacturers, the challenges of comparing TVs due to Dolby Vision inconsistencies, and the need for manufacturers to acknowledge and fix issues promptly. The discussion emphasizes the value of open communication between reviewers, manufacturers, and the community to improve the ownership experience.
- Community feedback is crucial for identifying issues with TVs.
- LG responded quickly to address the brightness issue on the G5.
- Open communication between reviewers, manufacturers, and the community is essential for improving the ownership experience.
Introduction and Brightness Issue
Brian and FOMO introduce the topic of the video, which is the recent reduction in brightness on the LG G5 TV due to a firmware update. They mention that their community brought this issue to their attention, and they appreciate the quick response from LG, including engineers in the US and Korea, who are working on a fix expected to be released soon. FOMO confirms that viewers have been reporting a drop in brightness after the latest firmware update, particularly in vivid mode with dynamic tone mapping. Ratings also confirmed a slight drop in brightness, leading many users to question if they were imagining the change.
Subjective Impressions and LG's Response
Brian explains that while he doesn't measure brightness with a meter like Ratings, he can subjectively assess brightness in real scenes relative to other TVs. He notes that he rarely uses vivid mode, but many viewers do. FOMO mentions that after their live stream, some owners expressed frustration and considered returning their G5s for brighter alternatives like the Bravia 8 Mark II. Brian reached out to LG and was surprised by their quick response within a week.
Reviewer's Role and LG's Mistake
Brian discusses the role of reviewers and influencers, emphasizing that their influence comes from representing the community's concerns. He mentions that he spent hours comparing the G5 to other TVs, including the S90F, Z95B, C4, and Bravia 8 Mark II, and found that the G5 was still brighter in regular HDR but dimmer in Dolby Vision. LG responded to Brian, explaining that the brightness issue was due to a fine-tuning intended for the LG B5 that was mistakenly applied to the G5. The fix will also address Dolby Vision dimness.
Importance of Community and Acknowledgment from Brands
Brian emphasizes that his efforts were driven by concern for the G5 owners and the community, not by any sponsorship or personal gain. He appreciates that LG listened to the community's feedback and acknowledged the issue, unlike some brands that ignore or remain silent about problems. FOMO adds that it's important for brands to recognize issues and communicate openly with owners, as silence can be frustrating.
Working with Brands and the Review Process
The speakers discuss how reviewers work with brands to improve their products, noting that there is no loyalty to any single brand. They mention that they often provide feedback and videos to manufacturers, who then offer suggestions or fixes. Brian points out that LG is unique in that they don't send loaner TVs to reviewers, so he purchases his own. He also highlights the importance of micro-influencing, where reviewers with specific expertise can have a significant impact on manufacturers.
Challenges of TV Reviews and Dolby Vision
Brian and FOMO discuss the challenges of reviewing TVs, including the difficulty of showing differences on camera due to copyright restrictions and the limitations of demo material. They also address the inconsistencies of Dolby Vision across different TVs and sources, making comparisons difficult. Brian mentions that he spent a lot of time comparing Dolby Vision content on various devices and found that the G5 lacked dimension compared to other TVs.
LG's Honesty and Future Updates
Brian expresses his appreciation for LG's honesty in admitting the mistake and promising a fix. He emphasizes that he never believed LG intentionally reduced the brightness and is glad they took the issue seriously. He also mentions that LG has a history of maintaining their TVs with updates, even for older models. Brian was concerned that the G5 might be left behind, but LG assured him that it remains a priority.
The Golden Age of TVs and Community Feedback
The speakers discuss the current state of the TV market, noting that mid-tier TVs are catching up to flagship models, making it a golden age for consumers. However, they emphasize that flagship TVs need to be near-perfect to justify their high prices. They also highlight the importance of community feedback in identifying issues and the need for a respectful and constructive approach when communicating concerns to manufacturers.
The Importance of Updates and the Reviewer's Perspective
Brian and FOMO discuss the importance of updates for TVs and other devices, noting that nothing comes out 100% perfect. They mention that reviewers often serve as testers, helping manufacturers identify and fix issues. Brian points out that he and FOMO don't watch TVs as much as regular owners because they are constantly filming and reviewing them. This gives them a different perspective and allows them to bridge the gap between consumers and brands.
LG's Concern for the Community and the Value of Relationships
Brian expresses his gratitude for LG's concern for the ownership experience and their willingness to fix the brightness issue, even though they could have ignored it. He also highlights the value of building relationships with people in the industry, which allows for open communication and problem-solving. FOMO adds that hobnobbing, or networking, is not a bad thing and can benefit consumers by fostering better communication between reviewers and manufacturers.
Conclusion and Gratitude
Brian and FOMO conclude by thanking the community for bringing the brightness issue to their attention and LG for responding quickly and effectively. They emphasize that LG's actions demonstrate their commitment to the G5 and its owners. They also encourage viewers to check out FOMO's channel and to continue providing feedback to reviewers and manufacturers.
