The TCL Chinese Theatre, often referred to as TCL Chinese Cinema, is one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks. It opened in 1927 as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and has since become a global symbol of cinema history. Its legacy includes historic premieres, unique Chinese-inspired architecture, and the famous Forecourt of the Stars. In recent years, the theater has also gained attention for its partnership with TCL, a Chinese electronics company.

Historical Background

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre opened on May 18, 1927, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s The King of Kings. Showman Sid Grauman partnered with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to create the theater. The venue quickly became Hollywood’s premier site for movie debuts and celebrity events. It hosted the Academy Awards in 1944, 1945, and 1946, strengthening its role during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

The name and ownership changed several times over the decades. In 1973 it became Mann’s Chinese Theatre under Ted Mann’s theater chain. By the early 2000s, it returned to its original name after Mann’s chain collapsed. In 2011, Donald Kushner and Elie Samaha purchased the theater and began restoration efforts. This period set the stage for the TCL sponsorship that redefined its modern identity.

Architecture and Cultural Significance

The exterior design of the Chinese Theatre resembles a grand Chinese temple. A 90-foot bronze pagoda roof sits above massive red columns. A 30-foot carved dragon stretches across the facade, while imported Ming Dynasty guardian lions stand at the entrance. Authentic Chinese artifacts such as temple bells and wooden pagodas were integrated into the design.

The interior also featured Chinese artistry, with murals painted by Chinese-American artist Keye Luke. The building was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1968. Restoration projects in the early 2000s uncovered original details and preserved its architectural significance.

Image Credit: Klook Travel

The Forecourt of the Stars remains the most famous element of the theater. Celebrities began leaving handprints and footprints in cement in 1927, starting with Norma Talmadge. Today, the courtyard includes imprints from stars of every era, from Marilyn Monroe to Keanu Reeves, as well as fictional characters such as Donald Duck and Star Wars droids. This tradition continues, attracting millions of visitors who see it as a living record of Hollywood history.

Modern Ownership and Branding (The TCL Era)

In 2013, the theater entered a new phase when TCL Corporation acquired naming rights in a deal worth over $5 million. The theater officially became the TCL Chinese Theatre. TCL also invested in modernization, helping transform the auditorium into the world’s largest IMAX theater by seating capacity. A 94-foot-wide screen, advanced sound systems, and digital projection technology were installed, while historic interiors were preserved.

The venue reopened in September 2013 as TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX. The partnership was renewed in 2023 for another decade, ensuring TCL’s branding will remain on Hollywood Boulevard. The collaboration gave the theater financial stability and global exposure, while TCL gained valuable cultural association with Hollywood.

Why People Search for the TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre continues to attract global attention for several reasons. It remains a prime venue for movie premieres, drawing fans searching for event details and celebrity appearances. The site also receives about 4 million visitors annually, with tourists looking for tours, directions, and handprint viewing.

Image Credit: iventurecard

History enthusiasts frequently search for details about the theater’s origins, architectural style, and cultural impact. The naming rights deal also drives searches, as people often want to confirm whether TCL Chinese Cinema is the same as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The link between a Chinese electronics company and an American landmark creates ongoing curiosity.

Final Thoughts

The TCL Chinese Theatre combines nearly a century of Hollywood history with modern corporate sponsorship. Its architecture, handprint tradition, and role in film premieres ensure constant attention, while TCL’s involvement adds a global branding dimension. Whether searched as TCL Chinese Theatre or TCL Chinese Cinema, it remains one of the most recognizable and discussed landmarks in the entertainment world.

TCL‘s gaming brand Thunderbird just dropped their new Q9 34-inch gaming monitor on JD.com for 3,999 yuan ($561), and they’re throwing in a mechanical arm mount as a launch bonus.

TCL Thunderbird Q9 Specifications

This thing is packed with some serious specs. You’re getting a gorgeous 3440 × 1440 ultrawide curved display with that sweet 21:9 aspect ratio and a 1500R curve that really wraps around your field of view. The panel itself is CSOT’s APEX FAST HVA technology, pushing a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate with just 1ms response time – perfect for competitive gaming.

What really makes this monitor shine is the QD-Mini LED backlighting system with over 2,300 local dimming zones. We’re talking about incredible contrast here – 4000:1 static, up to 1,000,000:1 dynamic, and it can pump out 1,600 nits of peak brightness. It’s even got VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification to prove it.

Color reproduction is where this thing really impresses. You get 98% DCI-P3 coverage and full sRGB, with factory calibration keeping color accuracy under ΔE<2. The quantum dot tech makes colors pop, and it’s TÜV Rheinland certified for eye comfort with low blue light and no flicker.

Connectivity-wise, they’ve got you covered with dual HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port that can even charge your laptop at 90W. There’s also USB-B and dual USB-A ports with KVM switching, plus a headphone jack. Gaming compatibility includes both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC.

The Q9 comes with built-in 3W stereo speakers and some nice touches like customizable RGB effects, a hidden headphone hook, and a fully adjustable stand. At 10.3kg with the stand, it’s got some heft to it, but you can also wall-mount it if you prefer.

In related news, we recently covered a story on TCL vs Hisense and explored which Chinese tech giant is winning the global race.

In the battle to define the future of global consumer electronics, two names from China have steadily risen to rival the Korean tech incumbents: TCL and Hisense. Once known for affordable TVs, these companies are now redefining what it means to be a tech giant, expanding into premium televisions, smart appliances, and the sprawling world of AIoT. But as their strategies diverge and overlap in complex ways, one question lingers: who’s actually winning this global race?

Dominating Screens Worldwide

TCL and Hisense are now two of the biggest players in the global TV market. In 2023, TCL shipped 26.2 million units while Hisense shipped 27 million. These numbers placed them just behind Samsung in volume, pushing LG to fourth. By Q4 2024, TCL and Hisense together held a 30.2% global market share, exceeding the combined share of Samsung and LG.

Samsung still leads in revenue due to its focus on high-end OLED and QD-OLED models. TCL and Hisense are closing the gap by expanding into Mini-LED and QLED categories. TCL has seen strong adoption of its Mini-LED TVs and leads the 85-inch+ TV segment globally. Hisense continues to push its proprietary ULED tech and Laser TVs, offering large-screen alternatives with short-throw projectors.

TCL holds an edge in panel manufacturing through its display arm CSOT, which allows better control over quality and cost. Hisense has prioritized visual processing hardware and has started integrating its own image quality chips into new TV lines. In premium TV shipments, TCL overtook LG in 2024, signaling progress beyond volume.

Home Appliances: Hisense Leads, TCL Catches Up

Hisense has built a strong global appliance portfolio. Its acquisition of Gorenje in 2018 and Sanden in 2021 expanded its product lineup and manufacturing reach across Europe and Japan. In 2023, Hisense Home Appliances posted revenue of approximately $12.1 billion, with nearly 100% year-on-year profit growth. The company’s eight-brand structure now covers refrigeration, laundry, HVAC, and kitchen appliances in key markets.

TCL entered the appliance segment more recently but is expanding quickly. It has added air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators to its overseas portfolio. In Europe, TCL reported over 50% sales growth in the first half of 2024. Although it currently lags Hisense in appliance breadth and brand recognition, TCL is leveraging its consumer electronics expertise to scale up quickly.

Hisense remains the clear leader in appliances, but TCL’s fast growth indicates increasing competition in the coming years.

AIoT and Ecosystem Play: Parallel Ambitions, Different Roads

Both brands are building ecosystems across their product categories. Hisense has integrated its appliances and electronics through the ConnectLife platform. In 2025, Hisense partnered with Google to support Home API and Matter-compatible devices, increasing compatibility with other brands and voice assistants.

TCL runs its own smart device ecosystem through the TCL Home app. The app connects TVs, appliances, and air conditioners while integrating cloud services and AI voice controls. TCL TVs also support Roku or Google TV, depending on the region, and function as smart hubs.

Neither company controls a tightly locked ecosystem like Apple or Samsung. However, both have gained ground by offering open, flexible compatibility. Hisense’s use of multiple brands within its smart ecosystem gives it wider appliance integration. TCL’s broader product scope, including AR glasses and smartphones, positions it as a generalist tech player.

Innovation Muscle and Manufacturing Power

TCL has invested heavily in display technology. It operates 46 R&D centers worldwide and is vertically integrated with CSOT. TCL leads global shipments in extra-large TVs and has aggressively pushed affordable Mini-LED models. Its X955 TV with over 5,000 dimming zones is an example of its push into high-spec displays.

The company is also developing Inkjet-printed OLED panels, a next-generation display technology aimed at reducing OLED production costs. Mass production is expected to begin soon, which could help TCL compete more directly with high-end OLED players. Beyond TVs, TCL has expanded into the smartphone display business, supplying flexible OLED and high-refresh-rate panels to phone makers, further strengthening its position in the global display supply chain.

Hisense has focused more on processing chips and display enhancements. Its in-house AI image processors improve upscaling and motion smoothness across its newer TV models. Hisense has also built a strong position in Laser TV, a category it continues to promote as a premium alternative to large LED panels.

Both companies operate dozens of manufacturing bases worldwide. TCL has 38 global factories with major facilities in Mexico, Poland, and Vietnam. Hisense runs 36 factories and continues to add new ones, including a large facility in Serbia for refrigerators and another in Egypt for TVs and appliances. These global operations help both brands reduce tariff risks and tailor products to regional needs.

Branding, Strategy, and Global Recognition

Hisense has focused heavily on sports sponsorships to boost its brand. It has been a key sponsor of UEFA, FIFA, and the NBA. The brand’s 2024 Euro campaign used the slogan “Never Settle for No.2 Globally” and emphasized its top-tier ambitions. These campaigns have helped improve Hisense’s brand awareness across North America, Europe, and Asia.

TCL has used similar strategies, partnering with global sports organizations and athletes. It signed Neymar Jr. as an ambassador and partnered with FIBA and NBA teams. In 2024, TCL became an official global partner of the Olympic Games and Paralympics through 2032, marking a major step in brand elevation.

TCL positions itself as a premium technology company. Its branding highlights innovation, design, and youth-focused messaging. Hisense emphasizes reliability, product quality, and performance. Both companies use multi-brand strategies to target various market tiers. TCL maintains Iffalcon and Thomson brands in specific markets. Hisense operates ASKO, Kelon, and Ronshen in parallel with its main brand.

Strategic partnerships with Google and Roku help both companies provide familiar software platforms on their smart TVs. Hisense integrates Google APIs in appliances, while TCL continues working with Roku and Google for global TV software distribution.

The Bottom Line: Who’s Winning?

Hisense currently leads in appliances and overall revenue. It has used acquisitions to scale quickly and has a strong presence in multiple categories. TCL leads in display technology, premium TV segments, and has a wider portfolio that includes mobile devices and AR glasses.

TCL is growing faster in premium TV shipments and has a more advanced R&D structure in display manufacturing. Hisense has built a stronger global brand presence in home appliances and continues to gain recognition through high-profile sports sponsorships.

The global race between TCL and Hisense remains close. Both brands are transforming their images, expanding globally, and moving beyond budget perceptions. While they follow different routes, TCL through display innovation and TCL Home, Hisense through appliance leadership and Google integration, they are reshaping the global tech industry.

The winner may not be determined by volume alone. Success will depend on brand equity, profitability, and consumer loyalty in premium segments. For now, the competition remains tight, and consumers worldwide are benefiting from better technology at more affordable prices.

In related news, we have recently covered how to calibrate your TCL TV for optimal picture quality and explored whether TCL NXTPAPER displays are actually better for your eyes compared to AMOLED or IPS panels.