There was a time when my living room felt like a black hole of entertainment mediocrity. The old television, a relic from a bygone era, simply couldn’t deliver the immersive experience I craved, leaving movies looking flat and games lacking their full punch. I knew I needed an upgrade, something that could truly transform my viewing habits and bring content to life. Without a solution, my evenings would continue to be underwhelming, missing out on the vibrant detail and cinematic grandeur that modern technology could offer, especially considering the incredible leap in visual fidelity offered by displays like the LG OLED C1 Series 65” Alexa Built-in 4k Smart TV (3840 x 2160), 120Hz Refresh Rate, AI-Powered 4K, Dolby Cinema, WiSA Ready, Gaming Mode (OLED65C1PUB, 2021).
When you’re in the market for a new television, you’re not just buying a screen; you’re investing in an experience. Modern TVs address a multitude of desires, from bringing cinematic quality to your home to providing an ultimate gaming arena or a central hub for smart home integration. People seek out new displays to escape the limitations of older technology – washed-out colors, poor contrast, blurry motion, and limited smart features that can make content consumption a frustrating chore.
The ideal customer for a high-end display like an OLED is someone who prioritizes picture quality above all else, especially deep blacks and vibrant, accurate colors. They are likely avid movie watchers, sports enthusiasts, or serious gamers who demand the best possible visual performance and low input lag. This buyer understands that this level of quality comes with a premium price tag. Conversely, someone who primarily watches standard definition cable, has a very bright room with direct sunlight, or is on a very tight budget might find an OLED to be overkill. For them, a well-regarded QLED or mini-LED TV might offer better value in terms of brightness for bright rooms or simply fit a more conservative budget, while still providing a significant upgrade over older LCDs without the inherent risks of OLED technology. Before making a purchase, consider screen size relative to your viewing distance, the display technology (OLED, QLED, LED), refresh rate (especially for gaming), smart TV platform (ease of use, app availability), connectivity options (number of HDMI 2.1 ports), and critically, your budget and personal usage habits.
- LG Electronics - OLED65C1PUB - 65" Ultra Slim 4K UHD ThinQ AI OLED TV W/ A9 Gen 4 Intelligent Processor
Introducing the LG OLED C1 Series
The LG OLED C1 Series 65” is more than just a television; it’s a statement of visual excellence, promising to light up your world with “self-lit pixels” for unparalleled picture quality. This model comes with the television itself, a sturdy stand, and the innovative Magic Remote. Compared to its predecessor, the CX series, the C1 features the upgraded α9 Gen 4 AI Processor 4K, enhancing picture and sound optimization even further. While Samsung’s QLEDs might offer brighter peak highlights, the LG OLED C1’s self-emissive pixels deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast, something no LED-based TV can truly replicate. It also supports WiSA Ready for wireless audio, a feature not commonly highlighted in other brands.
This specific LG OLED TV is ideal for cinephiles, hardcore gamers, and anyone who wants a premium home theater experience. Its ability to produce absolute blacks and vivid colors makes it perfect for dark room viewing and HDR content. It’s less suited for extremely bright environments where glare might be an issue or for users who frequently display static images for prolonged periods, which could potentially lead to burn-in, though LG has implemented features to mitigate this risk. If you’re looking for a top-tier visual experience, this is certainly a contender.
Pros:
- Stunning OLED picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast.
- Excellent for gaming with 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, G-SYNC, and FreeSync compatibility.
- Advanced α9 Gen 4 AI Processor for superior upscaling and sound optimization.
- Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos support for a cinematic audio-visual experience.
- Intuitive webOS smart platform with ThinQ AI and the convenient Magic Remote.
Cons:
- Potential for screen burn-in with prolonged static images, though LG has safeguards.
- Magic Remote can be prone to mechanical issues (scroll wheel failure) and may not be truly universal for all devices.
- User interface can occasionally feel sluggish or clunky, with some settings hard to find.
- Power cord is relatively short, which can complicate cable management.
- Not as bright as competing QLED TVs, which can be a factor in very bright rooms.
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Diving Deep into the LG C1’s Capabilities
Having spent considerable time with the LG OLED C1 Series, I can confidently say its core technologies deliver on their promise, though not without a few quirks. The experience is largely defined by its remarkable display and processing power.
Self-Lit OLED Pixels: The Heart of the Visuals
The cornerstone of the LG OLED C1‘s performance lies in its self-lit pixels. Unlike traditional LED TVs that rely on a backlight, each of the millions of pixels on an OLED screen can turn on and off independently. This means when the TV displays black, it’s an absolute, inky black – not a washed-out dark gray. This perfect black creates an unparalleled contrast ratio, making colors pop with incredible vibrancy and detail. I’ve been mesmerized by how cinematic everything looks, from deep space in sci-fi films to the subtle shadows in a dark thriller. The clarity and depth are truly a joy to behold. This feature is crucial because it allows for stunning HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance, making the most of formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 by showcasing incredibly bright highlights alongside the deepest blacks, leading to a much more lifelike image. The screen itself is incredibly thin, a testament to this technology, which gives it a sleek, modern aesthetic that truly elevates any living space.
However, this very advantage comes with a known concern: burn-in. While LG has implemented various pixel refresh and screen-shifting technologies to mitigate the risk, prolonged display of static images – such as news tickers, channel logos, or game HUDs – can, over time, potentially lead to permanent ghost images. It’s a risk that still exists, albeit reduced, and something I remain mindful of, especially during extended gaming sessions or when pausing content for long periods. The TV’s “fireworks screensaver” often kicks in, but it’s not foolproof, especially if you’re using an external device like a DVR or Blu-Ray player that isn’t under the TV’s direct control. Furthermore, content with varying aspect ratios (like older 4:3 movies or ultra-widescreen films) that result in black borders can, over time, create burn-in risks in those border areas if not zoomed in. While LG’s manual suggests zooming, it often means cropping the picture, which isn’t ideal for cinematic integrity. It’s a trade-off for the superior picture quality.
α9 Gen 4 AI Processor 4K: The Brains Behind the Beauty
The LG C1 is powered by the α9 Gen 4 AI Processor 4K. This intelligent chip uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and optimize both picture and sound in real-time. It excels at upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, making older movies and TV shows look surprisingly good. The AI Picture Pro intelligently recognizes content genres and adjusts settings accordingly, while AI Sound Pro can virtualize a 7.1.2 channel surround sound experience even from the TV’s built-in speakers. While I still prefer a dedicated sound system, the internal speakers are remarkably decent for such a thin TV, offering clear dialogue and a surprising amount of punch for casual viewing. This processor is vital for delivering the crisp, smooth visuals, and immersive sound that makes this a true home entertainment powerhouse, ensuring content always looks and sounds its best regardless of its original quality.
Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos: A Cinematic Embrace
The support for Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos truly elevates the cinematic experience. Dolby Vision IQ intelligently adjusts the picture settings based on the room’s ambient light, ensuring that HDR content always looks its best, whether you’re watching in a brightly lit room or total darkness. This means no more fumbling with settings to compensate for changing light conditions. Combined with Dolby Atmos, which delivers multi-dimensional sound that seems to flow around and above you, watching movies on the C1 feels like being in a premium theater. I’ve even started collecting 4K Blu-rays because the experience is so transformative. The sound, even without an external system, is astounding for a built-in solution, creating a surprisingly enveloping audio landscape.
webOS and ThinQ AI with Magic Remote: Smart and Intuitive
LG’s webOS smart TV platform, combined with ThinQ AI, makes navigating the TV a breeze. The interface is intuitive and quick, with a wide array of streaming apps readily available, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and many more. The integration of Alexa and Google Assistant allows for convenient voice control, which is incredibly useful for finding content or controlling smart home devices. The Magic Remote, with its point, click, and scroll functionality, operates like a mouse for your TV and feels incredibly natural to use. Its motion control, voice commands, and quick access buttons for popular streaming services make finding content much faster. I found the remote comfortable to hold, despite some complaints about its bulkiness, and its robust design makes it feel durable.
However, the Magic Remote has been a source of mixed feelings. While initially excellent, I, like some other users, experienced issues with the scroll wheel becoming unresponsive or even detaching after extended use. This renders the remote almost useless for general navigation, forcing the purchase of replacements that often don’t fully replicate the original’s functionality, especially with cable TV box integration. This is a significant drawback for a premium product. Furthermore, while the webOS itself is generally fast, I’ve occasionally found the user interface to be sluggish or clunky when navigating between apps or through certain menus, which can be frustrating. Some customization options are surprisingly limited or hidden deep within menus, making the overall experience less tailored than it could be. And if you’re hoping for beautiful video screensavers, the native Gallery app offers only a small selection of static art, lacking dynamic video options found on other smart platforms.
Gaming Features: A Gamer’s Dream
For gamers, the LG C1 is a true powerhouse. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, it supports all the latest gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and eARC. Being NVIDIA G-SYNC and FreeSync certified means incredibly smooth, tear-free gameplay, even with demanding graphics. The Game Optimizer feature consolidates all gaming settings in one place, allowing for quick adjustments to picture modes, VRR, and other critical elements. Playing games on this OLED TV is a revelation; the crisp motion, vibrant colors, and deep blacks make every title feel hyper-realistic and immersive. It genuinely feels like I’m stepping into the game world, enhancing the experience tenfold.
Design and Connectivity: Slim and Smart
The LG C1 boasts an ultra-slim design, a hallmark of OLED technology, which makes it look incredibly elegant whether mounted on a wall or placed on its stand. The included stand is surprisingly heavy and stable, providing peace of mind against accidental tipping. Connectivity is robust with four HDMI ports (all 2.1 capable for future-proofing) and three USB ports. Wireless options include Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi. However, I did encounter some initial challenges connecting external audio via HDMI ARC, requiring some troubleshooting and a newer receiver to achieve flawless communication. Additionally, for connecting older devices like VCRs or non-HDMI Blu-ray players, you’ll need an HD video converter and extra HDMI 4K cords, which adds to the setup complexity. The power cord is also quite short, which can make discreet cable management a bit of a struggle, particularly if you’re trying to hide cords behind the TV or lift it with a stand.
Voices from Other Viewers: Real-World Feedback
After sifting through numerous comments online, it’s clear that the overwhelmingly positive sentiment for the LG C1 Series is well-deserved. Many users rave about the “life-changing” picture quality, noting the astonishing colors and black levels that put older TVs to shame. Gamers consistently highlight the 120Hz refresh rate and Game Optimizer as game-changers, making every session incredibly crisp and smooth. While some echo my frustrations with the Magic Remote’s durability and the occasional UI sluggishness, the core performance of the display frequently earns enthusiastic recommendations, with many considering it a “steal” at its price point, especially during sales events. The general consensus points to an exceptional viewing and gaming experience that truly justifies the investment.
The Verdict: Elevating Your Entertainment Experience
The problem of a lackluster home entertainment setup, filled with washed-out colors and blurry motion, fundamentally detracts from the joy of watching movies, playing games, or simply relaxing with your favorite shows. Without a display that can truly render content as it was intended, you’re missing out on immersive experiences and detailed visuals, which can make every viewing session feel like a compromise.
The LG OLED C1 Series is an exceptional solution to this problem. Firstly, its self-lit OLED pixels deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast, creating a stunningly realistic picture quality that few other technologies can match. Secondly, its powerful α9 Gen 4 AI Processor and comprehensive gaming features make it an unrivaled choice for both casual viewers and serious gamers, ensuring smooth motion and optimized visuals. Lastly, despite a few minor drawbacks with the remote and user interface, the overall package of cutting-edge technology, intuitive smart features, and breathtaking cinematic performance makes it a truly transformative addition to any home. For an experience that truly redefines home entertainment, Click here to check out the LG OLED C1 Series .
Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API