LG UltraFine 5K - Owners Thread

[whoisyourdaddy]

Here you go!

Thanks. You're awesome! Updated and all went well. Volume bug was fixed which was the only annoyance that I had observed. I didn't have any sleep issues and I've not used the hub enough to know if there would be disconnect problems. LG Support is clueless, misinformed, or just don't care. Maybe a combination of all these. I've uploaded it to a file share and the link is below in hopes that it's not as difficult for others to find.

https://mirr.re/d/Zcq

 

[hifismith]

Only took 21 months to get a patch for the volume issue? Good job LG! </sarcasm>

And why can't LG Screen Monitor check for the latest software? Why do you have to manually feed a password protected zip file to it?

 

[1369281]

Only took 21 months to get a patch for the volume issue? Good job LG! </sarcasm>

And why can't LG Screen Monitor check for the latest software? Why do you have to manually feed a password protected zip file to it?

Are you saying they released a new version today? 3.04 is no longer the latest?

 

[whoisyourdaddy]

Are you saying they released a new version today? 3.04 is no longer the latest?

This is the latest version which I could find from different posts in this forum and other sites online. However, there could be a newer version. This one was released last year. The app will check and validate that an update is available from a background process. But, it fails to download the update. Instead of the app properly informing the end user that the update check/install failed, the programmers for the LG Screen Manager app incorporated a return function to be displayed to the user that the firmware is up to date, which is false. I would like to know if I have the latest version, as well.

 

[jkundi]

Hi, looking to purchase the 5k monitor - as I'll be using it for design work (with Sketch), can it calibrated to sRGB seeing as it is a wide gamut - I normally use x-rite for my color calibration.

Thanks.

 

[benan]

I've just got a used LG 5K. The previous owner said that he bought this monitor on June 2018, but when I using AirPods, Bluetooth connection drops. And, the serial number starts with (MEZ)667, but it contains REV03.

Is it possible that this monitor is older than June 2018, or doesn't have a shield?

You can look at the serial number attached.

 

[whoisyourdaddy]

I've just got a used LG 5K. The previous owner said that he bought this monitor on June 2018, but when I using AirPods, Bluetooth connection drops. And, the serial number starts with (MEZ)667, but it contains REV03.

Is it possible that this monitor is older than June 2018, or doesn't have a shield?

You can look at the serial number attached.

The character string beginning with "MEZ*" is not the serial number. I don't know the specifics of what this character string will provide about the display. Mine is MEZ66731801(REV00). A purchase date isn't the manufacturing date. The manufacturing date of your display should begin with three digits which coincide with the month year. So, my display has an April 2017 manufacturing date and the serial number begins with 704*. Models with serial number 702-703, February-March 2017, or greater should have the shielding installed. Your manufacturing date, serial number, etc. are located on the label beneath the VESA stand/plate on the back of the monitor. I don't know if your REVISION 03 is significant across the entire line model 27MD5KA, specific to a particular factory, region, or other characteristic. It would be interesting to know this and if there's any correlation to firmware installed. It maybe helpful to know the differences in the revisions since mine is "00" which I would assume is based upon the original even with the shielding change. Can you check on which firmware(s) you have installed for the display?
The firmware(s) are listed under your System Profile. The different devices associated with the display are the monitor, hub, camera, controls and audio.
0) 'Apple Logo > About This Mac'
1) 'Overview > System Report...'
2) 'Hardware > Thunderbolt > UltraFine 5K' "Device Revision" and "Firmware Version"?
3) 'Hardware > USB > USB 3.1 Hub' "Version"?
4) 'Hardware > USB > LG UltraFine Display Camera' "Version"?
5) 'Hardware > USB > USB Controls' "Version"?
6) 'Hardware > USB > USB Audio' "Version"?

Example: UltraFine 5K device revision is 1 (0x1) and firmware version is 9.4, USB 3.1 Hub version is 52.37, LG UltraFine Display Camera is 1.13, USB Controls version is 3.04, and USB Audio version is 0.1e.

 

[jkundi]

Hi all, do most run the LG 5K at 'default for display' resolution? Or are you selecting a scaled resolution i.e. 5120x2880 (everything does look tiny) or 3200x1800 as I would prefer? Are there any negative performance issues if using scaled resolution. Thanks.

 

[powerplant]

I run scaled without performance issues
(MacBook Pro 2017)

 

[jkundi]

Thanks I switched to 3200x1800 the only thing I am noticing is Launchpad is a little laggy when scrolling through pages (left-right).

 

[1369281]

Anything other than native or scaled to 1440p is going to require a lot of effort from your computer’s GPU. I use 1440p. The pixels are still 1:1 that way.

 

[varzel]

SwitchResX on mine also says week 2 of 2017 but the label clearly says February 2017 so I think this is a red herring. I'm pretty sure it will be the motherboard of the display that provides the EDID data so I don't think it will be referring to the LCD panel.

Here's a couple of pics of the internals in case you're interested.
View attachment 692665 View attachment 692666

Would you please help me where to find instructions about how to Disassembly / Teardown the lg ultrafine 5K, please?

 

[Apple Master]

So when did LG rise up in the LCD world? For years Samsung was the number one screen maker. The quality of the LG enclosures is not that great.

 

[Ploki]

So when did LG rise up in the LCD world? For years Samsung was the number one screen maker. The quality of the LG enclosures is not that great.

Since retina screens came into use, there were always LG and Samsung panels if i recall correctly

 

[1369281]

So when did LG rise up in the LCD world? For years Samsung was the number one screen maker. The quality of the LG enclosures is not that great.

LG.Display is a company that makes panels. They have always been one of the two or three largest panel manufacturers. You may be thinking of LG the consumer brand. They, of course, use LG.Display panels.

I have always preferred LG's panels to Samsung's panels. Just like Mercedes, you can buy an A-Class or you can buy the S-Class. Very different machines. The same applies to monitors within LG... you can get a cheap version or you can get the UltraFine version.

 

[whoisyourdaddy]

LG should just stick with manufacturing and supplying display panels to a company that actually cares about the longevity, compatibility, and customer support for the consumer product. In my opinion, as of right now, they are horrid with the all three of these for a product which was marketed specifically for macOS computers. If as a large company you can't manage the firmware for the device which has disabled one feature of it and customer support is clueless about the most basic aspects of the product, then that company should have not even agreed to the terms for marketing this display. It did nothing but make me want to avoid other LG consumer products, based upon, my experience with this display. Now, the pros are that I've luckily had none of the issues that others have mentioned in threads on this forum, other than, the fix for sound with a firmware update. Was I able to get that firmware update from LG's app, customer support, or anyone on their specific forum? NOPE. It came from just some generous user on this forum who answered a PM. LG's customer support, even replied back with my inquiry, that "no firmware have ever been released for this display since it has been available for consumer purchase". This, alone, was enough for me to think f!@k this company and I'll ride out owning this display with the hopes that I never purchase another LG finished consumer product again. On top of all this, the panel is nice and would have been great in another manufacturer's finished monitor.

 

[lankox]

When I connect my 2018 13" MBP to my LG UltraFine 5k, I cannot use Dictation. Enhanced works but not the regular. Regular dictation works fine when not connected to the LG. I have tried everything suggested from searches. I even factory reset the MBP and that did not help.
Dictation works when the laptop is open and connected but not in clamshell mode.

Can anyone with a T2 laptop and LG 5K confirm that regular dictation works when connected with the laptop closed? Thanks!

 

[Hessel89]

Has anyone here been successful at getting ''true tone'' and the Ambient sensor to work? I just got my Ultrafine 5K exchanged for a new one but it's still not giving me those options in systemprefs..

 

[whoisyourdaddy]

Has anyone here been successful at getting ''true tone'' and the Ambient sensor to work? I just got my Ultrafine 5K exchanged for a new one but it's still not giving me those options in systemprefs..

Ambient light sensor is disabled. True Tone may be operable but it requires a supported hardware, software, and dum...dum...dummmmm ambient light sensor. Of course, True Tone could possibly work if it relies on those three previously mentioned requirements when not in clamshell mode.

 

[jeffme]

Opening up the LG 5K display is pretty straightforward really. It has a few obvious screws plus a bunch of little plastic "snaps" around the perimeter. These require patience and a bunch of old credit cards or guitar picks to spring open without damage but it can certainly be done. After that it's a case of taking out more screws and disconnecting various connectors, taking particular care with the power supply which could retain dangerous voltages for a while after disconnection.

Forgive me being blunt but quite honestly, if you had to ask how to take it apart then it suggests to me that you are probably better off leaving it alone and try to get LG to service it for you. It sounds like you probably need a new USB hub assembly as the connector is probably damaged or the solder connection broken. I don't think there is any likely scenario where opening the display yourself will lead to a good outcome.

Hi - understood that if you have to ask, you're probably better off leaving it alone, but... I have a 5K I purchased off Craigslist. The monitor died (along with a Macbook Pro that was connected to it. Not sure what happened, but it involved sparks.). LG customer support wasn't going to be much help without an original receipt. So, I ordered a new power supply, as I have a little experience repairing electronics and assuming I could get inside the dang thing. But... no luck. Any suggestions of where the plastic snaps might be or how many of them there are? Thanks in advance for having blazed this trail already...

 

[turbineseaplane]

LG customer support wasn't going to be much help without an original receipt.

Even with a receipt, don't expect much..
I've had horrible experiences with LG "support"

I won't go into it, but it was a contractor outsourced repair with non original parts with expensive shipping both ways...sucked

Makes you appreciate dealing with Apple on something like a Monitor and being able to take it into a store, etc.

 

[jeffme]

Sorry to hear that @turbineseaplane!

Ok... scratch that... managed to pull my unit apart and replace the power supply, only to learn the problem wasn't in the power supply... must be the other board.

Good news is that it's really not that hard to pull apart. Some pictures below... apologies if I'm reposting what's already been here before.

Bottom line is that to get the rear cover off the monitor, you remove the 4 obvious screws on the back and then wedge the bezel off. I just used 2 thin butter knives. You have to pull a little more than might be comfortable, but they give pretty quickly. There are 5 clips on each side except the top, which has none.

different angle...

[doublepost=1551566634][/doublepost]Once you get inside, it's pretty straightforward. You lift a speaker bar off its mount posts (no screws), remove one cable (lower left, near the speaker bar), and then there are 7 phillips head screws to remove.

View attachment 824288

 

[jeffme]

Forgot to mention... you don't have to undo the two cables at the top of the display, which I believe are for the camera / microphone.

[doublepost=1551636102][/doublepost]Once you have removed all of those screws, you can flip the panel over without removing the camera cables... kind of using the cables as a hinge and then the two primary boards are serviceable. The power supply (LG part EAY64509202) is the rectangular one... I'm not sure what the other board is called.

Unfortunately, replacing the power supply did *not* work. Time to order the other board...

Hope this very lightweight "how to" is a help to others...

 

[craig1410]

Hi - understood that if you have to ask, you're probably better off leaving it alone, but... I have a 5K I purchased off Craigslist. The monitor died (along with a Macbook Pro that was connected to it. Not sure what happened, but it involved sparks.). LG customer support wasn't going to be much help without an original receipt. So, I ordered a new power supply, as I have a little experience repairing electronics and assuming I could get inside the dang thing. But... no luck. Any suggestions of where the plastic snaps might be or how many of them there are? Thanks in advance for having blazed this trail already...

Glad to hear you got your monitor opened up successfully. Saves me looking out a bunch of photos I took when I opened mine up.

 

[jeffme]

Glad to hear you got your monitor opened up successfully. Saves me looking out a bunch of photos I took when I opened mine up.

You're a good man to follow up!!