LG has released the promised firmware update to add support for FreeSync Premium (with HDR) on its 2020 CX and GX OLED TVs. The same update enables ATSC 3.0.
FreeSync Premium with HDR
LG has released firmware version 03.10.20 in the US and Europe. The new firmware includes support for AMD FreeSync Premium, which LG had promised to add to select 2020 OLED TVs as reported first by FlatpanelsHD at CES 2020.
While PC monitors require the 'FreeSync Premium Pro' tier to support HDR together with FreeSync, TVs only need to support the 'FreeSync Premium' tier for HDR. AMD and owners confirm that HDR is working correctly together with FreeSync on LG's CX and GX OLED TVs.
LG 2020 TVs already offered support for HDMI VRR and Nvidia's 'G-Sync Compatible'. With AMD FreeSync the TVs now support three VRR flavors - the widest support found in any TV. Samsung has been offering FreeSync in its TVs for a few years now but only recently added HDMI VRR. Sony just launched its first TV with HDMI VRR although it will require a future firmware update.
VRR provides smoother gameplay with a compatible PC or game console such as Xbox One S/X. VRR also reduces input lag and tearing.

The supported frequency range for AMD FreeSync Premium in LG 2020 TVs is 40-120Hz. Below that range, LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) kicks in. LG's 2020 TVs support up to 4K at 120fps with maximum 4:2:0 and 8-bit over HDMI 2.0. Exact VRR support over HDMI 2.1 remains unclear as there are no HDMI 2.1 players/consoles available. LG has only said that 40-120Hz will be supported for 4K over HDMI 2.1.
Also read: LG CX OLED review
LG's 4K BX OLED and 8K ZX OLED TVs ranges will also gain support for FreeSync. Firmware updates for these sets are still pending.
A couple of caveats here. Users are reporting that if you enable FreeSync detection on a specific HDMI port, this HDMI port will no longer accept Dolby Vision signals; even if FreeSync is not engaged. It has also been reported that LG's FreeSync implementation suffers from the same black level fluctuations as its HDMI VRR implementation.
Firmware version 3.10.20 also includes "Apple AirPlay improvements, Sport Alert improvements, and support (for) ATSC 3.0 (WX/GX only)", meaning the new 'nextgen' TV standard in the US. The firmware is available now in the US and Europe.
LG 2020 OLED TVs with FreeSync
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Firmware version 3.10.20:
USA: If the update is not showing up automatically you can download it from LG's support page here
Europe: If the update is not showing up automatically you can download it from LG's support page here
Applicable models: 2020 LG CX OLED and LG GX OLED
Improvements:
1) Apple AirPlay improvements
2) Support AMD FreeSync
3) Sport Alert improvements
4) Support ATSC 3.0 (WX/GX Model only) |
FlatpanelsHD