LG UltraFine 5K Display possibly affected by interference from nearby wi-fi router
A Wi-Fi-related issue with some LG UltraFine 5K Displays has possibly been discovered, one that effectively renders the high-resolution Thunderbolt 3 displays unusable if an afflicted unit is positioned within a few feet of a router or a wireless access point.
The LG UltraFine 5K Display appears to be affected by interference in some cases, caused by devices broadcasting a strong Wi-Fi signal. In testing by 9to5Mac, the monitor started having problems when it was placed less than 6.6 feet away from a router, causing the display to repeatedly disconnect from the MacBook Pro, and in turn causing the MacBook Pro to freeze.
After moving the monitor away from the router, LG's support suggested the display should be kept away from the router while the company works to "isolate the issue."
One clue that helped pin the source of the problem on Wi-Fi interference was an online review for the display on Apple's website, suggesting the issue is being felt by other users. The reviewer, identified as Patrick G, advises the symptoms he experienced as dependent on how much traffic was passing through the Wi-Fi connection, and that the screen would flicker or go black based on the proximity to a router.
The problem does not appear to affect all configurations, however. The unit reviewed by AppleInsider was evaluated during the course of the review within three feet of two different operating 802.11ac routers, and was not impacted by the proximity.
A second LG Ultrafine 5K unit tested on Monday also does not show the issue with wi-fi routers. A NetGear NightHawk X6 router was held directly on top of the monitor with no ill effect.
AppleInsider has confirmed that both LG and Apple engineers are examining the situation.
"At first analysis, it may be an issue with insufficient RFI shielding on a very limited quantity of the cabling bundled with the monitor," a source within Apple corporate told AppleInsider. "We're continuing to look into the rare trouble reports with the monitor."
The LG UltraFine 5K Display is considered a replacement for Apple's discontinued Thunderbolt Display, offering a 5,120x2,880 resolution, a P3 wide color gamut, and the ability to charge a MacBook Pro using the same Thunderbolt 3 cable used for video and data transfers. The monitor is on sale from Apple directly for $974, a discount of 25 percent from the usual $1,299.95 price.
The LG UltraFine 5K Display appears to be affected by interference in some cases, caused by devices broadcasting a strong Wi-Fi signal. In testing by 9to5Mac, the monitor started having problems when it was placed less than 6.6 feet away from a router, causing the display to repeatedly disconnect from the MacBook Pro, and in turn causing the MacBook Pro to freeze.
After moving the monitor away from the router, LG's support suggested the display should be kept away from the router while the company works to "isolate the issue."
One clue that helped pin the source of the problem on Wi-Fi interference was an online review for the display on Apple's website, suggesting the issue is being felt by other users. The reviewer, identified as Patrick G, advises the symptoms he experienced as dependent on how much traffic was passing through the Wi-Fi connection, and that the screen would flicker or go black based on the proximity to a router.
The problem does not appear to affect all configurations, however. The unit reviewed by AppleInsider was evaluated during the course of the review within three feet of two different operating 802.11ac routers, and was not impacted by the proximity.
A second LG Ultrafine 5K unit tested on Monday also does not show the issue with wi-fi routers. A NetGear NightHawk X6 router was held directly on top of the monitor with no ill effect.
AppleInsider has confirmed that both LG and Apple engineers are examining the situation.
"At first analysis, it may be an issue with insufficient RFI shielding on a very limited quantity of the cabling bundled with the monitor," a source within Apple corporate told AppleInsider. "We're continuing to look into the rare trouble reports with the monitor."
The LG UltraFine 5K Display is considered a replacement for Apple's discontinued Thunderbolt Display, offering a 5,120x2,880 resolution, a P3 wide color gamut, and the ability to charge a MacBook Pro using the same Thunderbolt 3 cable used for video and data transfers. The monitor is on sale from Apple directly for $974, a discount of 25 percent from the usual $1,299.95 price.
Comments
I did think about getting one of these, but the price put me off. Lucky, since I don't have the option of putting it 2 metres away from my WiFi router.
Not sure how they can deal with this without a recall - I don't see it being fixed with a firmware update. Maybe this will encourage Apple to get back into monitors, or maybe someone else will sell something similar that doesn't have this problem.
I doubt they're oxide-backed LCD, which is what gives the brightness and wider gamut.
Avoid Interference
Install your router or access point at least three feet (one meter) away from other home appliances that send wireless signals. Examples of such appliances are microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and home automation equipment like X-10 devices. If it transmits signals in the range of 802.11b or 802.11g (2.4 GHz), it can generate interference.
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Computers using WiFi transmit signals in the listed wavebands so it makes sense the monitor's signal coming from the computer could be affected. I also don't understand why people cram everything into a small work area and still use WiFi. In the case of several posters, why not just use hardwired ethernet to the router, it's going to always be faster.
Perhaps because the wifi is for the whole house and just some devices happen (at least from time to time) be close to the router. Also, like the setup in the picture, without buying a dock or an adaptor, there is no way "just use hardwired ethernet to the router" with any recent Mac laptop. But I agree with you in principle. The iMacs and Mac mini in my office are all hard wired to the wifi router that is in the same room, but none of our MacBooks or iPads or Apple TVs are ever connected with Ethernet cables.
That seems overstated. I expect this will get fixed in fairly short order with some people needing a new cable or a replacement. That's hardly a problem "beyond all recognition."
Actually, I was just deleting a duff post which I'd foobarred.
I missed the bit about the cables. Seems careless, nonetheless.
I suppose the next test is to find a unit that reliably has the problem, and swap the cable with one that doesn't. Then, if the "faulty" one works fine and the "working" one develops the fault, we can sort it out.
Not it that most people care, but I shelled out for an Eizo with hardware calibration built in. That's what you pay for in the pro space. At least the pro space I shop in.
Has anyone tried placing an iPhone near the monitor? I bet the RF from devices like phones could also disrupt the LG, especially when making or getting a call.