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How to Calibrate Your TCL TV for the Best Picture Quality
TCL TVs sold in the U.S., from budget 4-Series models to high-end QLED and Mini LED sets, include a wide range of picture settings. With a few careful adjustments, users can unlock much better image quality across all content types.
This guide outlines how to set up your TCL TV for Movies, Gaming, Live TV and Streaming, and Sports. It covers both SDR and HDR (including Dolby Vision) content and explains platform differences between Roku TV and Google TV.
Before You Start: Turn Off Eco and Adaptive Settings
Before adjusting any picture controls, users should disable automatic features that interfere with consistency. On Google TV models, go to Settings > System > Power & Energy and turn Energy Saver off. Also, turn off Adaptive Brightness, Contrast, or any Intelligent Picture options in the settings. On Roku TVs, set TV Brightness to Normal under the general settings menu. These steps ensure the TV will not override manual picture settings.
Movies and Cinematic Content
To get a film-accurate image in a dark room, start with the Movie picture mode. This preset reduces backlight intensity, warms the color temperature, and disables motion smoothing. On Roku TVs, press the star (*) button during playback to access the picture menu and select Movie. On Google TV, go to Settings > Picture > Picture Mode and choose Movie.
Adjust the backlight based on the lighting in your room. For a dim home theater, a 40–50% backlight level works well. In a brighter room, raise it to around 70–80%. Set contrast to 90 or higher for strong highlights. Use the Warm color temperature setting for more natural skin tones. Set Sharpness to 0 to avoid artificial outlines and turn off any motion smoothing options like Action Smoothing or Motion Clarity.
For HDR10 content, keep the Movie mode active, set Backlight and Contrast to 100, and turn Local Dimming or Local Contrast to High. On Dolby Vision content, choose Dolby Vision Dark for night viewing or Dolby Vision Bright in a well-lit room. TCL locks most settings in Dolby Vision mode, but users can still adjust brightness based on viewing conditions.
Gaming (Console and PC)
TCL TVs include a Game Mode that reduces input lag by disabling unnecessary processing. On Roku TVs, access this under Advanced Picture Settings. On Google TVs, either switch to the Game picture mode or ensure Game Mode or ALLM is enabled when a console is connected.
Keep contrast high and backlight at maximum for HDR gaming. Use Warm color temperature for accurate colors. Set Sharpness to 0 and turn off noise reduction. In HDR games, verify that Local Dimming is still set to High if available. Users should also calibrate HDR using their console’s built-in utility.
For Xbox and PC users with supported TCL models, enable VRR and connect through HDMI 2.1 ports. TCL automatically detects variable refresh signals when Game Mode is active. If the TV shows brightness fluctuations during VRR gameplay, consider setting Local Dimming to Low to stabilize the image.
PC users should rename the HDMI input to “PC” or “Computer” to force 4:4:4 chroma and better text clarity. Set the GPU to output Full Range RGB and ensure the TV’s black level is not clipping shadow detail.
Live TV and Streaming
For general TV watching, use the Standard picture mode. This profile balances brightness, contrast, and color for a wide range of content. Raise the backlight to suit your room lighting. On Roku TVs, select a brighter preset if you are watching during the day. On Google TVs, push the Brightness slider to around 70–100, depending on ambient light.
Keep contrast high and adjust color temperature to Normal or Warm if faces appear too cool. Moderate sharpness, around 10 to 20 on a 0–100 scale, helps with cable news or older YouTube content. Use Low or Auto noise reduction if the signal is low-quality. For motion, enable Low smoothing if you want smoother camera pans, or leave it off for a more natural feel.
In HDR or Dolby Vision streaming, use HDR Bright or Dolby Vision Bright modes for daytime viewing. These modes raise midtones to prevent images from appearing too dim in well-lit rooms. For evening or dark-room viewing, switch to HDR Dark or Dolby Vision Dark for a more accurate tone curve.
Sports Viewing
TCL’s Sports mode is tuned for fast motion and bright environments. Activate this mode during live games to boost clarity and motion smoothness. It increases backlight, contrast, and sharpness and often sets the color temperature to Cool.
Set Backlight and Contrast to 100 to maintain visibility in bright rooms. Sports mode typically enables aggressive motion interpolation by default. On Google TVs, set Blur Reduction and Judder Reduction sliders to high values. On Roku TVs, use Action Smoothing = High. This ensures players and fast-moving objects remain visible during pans.
Use a higher color saturation level (around 55–60) to make team jerseys and field colors look more vibrant. Avoid pushing this too far, or faces may look unnatural. Leave Clear Motion or LED Motion off to avoid flickering and loss of brightness.
For HDR sports, use HDR Bright or a bright Sports HDR mode if available. Keep Local Dimming on High to maintain image depth.
Final Thoughts
Each TCL model may have slight differences in menu structure, but the core settings remain consistent. Disable adaptive features, choose a mode based on the content type, and fine-tune color and brightness to suit your environment. Calibrating each HDMI input separately ensures every source looks its best, whether you are watching a film, gaming online, or streaming daytime TV.
In related news, we recently broke down how TCL’s inkjet-printed OLED technology works and explored what makes the TCL Z100 soundbar stand out.
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What Is TCL Chinese Cinema and Why It’s Widely Searched
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.
In related news, we recently covered a story on TCL vs Hisense and explored which Chinese tech giant is winning the global race.
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TCL vs Hisense: 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.
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RayNeo Air 3s Pro vs RayNeo Air 3s: What’s the Difference?
RayNeo is back with an upgraded version of its popular wearable display glasses, the Air 3s Pro. And while it may look like a twin to the original Air 3s, make no mistake, there are meaningful upgrades here, particularly for those who care about brightness, display fidelity, and immersive sound. But is it enough to justify an upgrade? We tested both side by side to find out what really separates the Pro from the non-Pro.
Same Shape, Slightly Sharper Identity
At first glance, the Air 3s Pro doesn’t scream new generation. The industrial design is nearly identical to the standard Air 3s, right down to the 76g weight and FlexiFit hinge system. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, the original was already one of the lightest and most comfortable AR video glasses available.
However, subtle design tweaks stand out. The Pro version opts for a uniform matte black finish, ditching the silver-accented frame found on some Air 3s models. It’s a cleaner, more minimalist look that feels better suited for mainstream appeal.
In the hand and on the face, both glasses feel equally balanced. The clamping force has been slightly reduced on the Pro, and RayNeo includes additional nose pads for finer comfort tuning. The Pro still floats slightly off the face, allowing ambient light to seep in from the bottom, a known tradeoff. That said, a separately sold lens shade accessory is expected to fix that, at least partially.
Display: The Biggest Reason to Go Pro
Here’s where the real differentiation begins. The Air 3s Pro jumps from 650 nits to a staggering 1200 nits of brightness. This isn’t just a spec bump, it directly improves contrast, visibility in bright environments, and overall display punchiness.
Both models use RayNeo’s in-house HueView micro-OLED technology with 200,000:1 contrast and 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage, but the Pro steps up to HueView 2.0, a tandem OLED structure that improves clarity, transmission efficiency, and reduces glare by 15 percent. Dark scenes sparkle more, highlights pop, and overall immersion improves, especially in rooms with bright ambient light.
They share the same 201-inch virtual screen size at 6 meters, 60Hz default refresh rate with 120Hz support, and large 14×7 mm EyeBox. Color modes include six presets on both: Standard, Game, Movie, Eye-Protection, Professional, and Vision Boost. Color temperature is 7500K for the Pro, slightly cooler than the Air 2s or Air 2.
Audio and Immersion: More Theater, Less Leakage
The Pro adds spatial audio support to the same dual opposing acoustic chamber speaker system used in the 3s. This makes a meaningful difference when watching action films or gaming. Audio feels more three-dimensional, and Whisper Mode 2.0 continues to minimize sound leakage impressively.
Overall tuning has been improved on the Pro. Voices sound cleaner, stereo separation feels more accurate, and spatial positioning adapts better to head movement. It’s not audiophile-grade, but it definitely elevates the theater experience over the Air 3s.
Portability: Hard Shell vs Soft Case
Ironically, the original Air 3s feels more travel-friendly thanks to its rigid zipper case with a molded interior and cable pocket. The Air 3s Pro ships with a sleeker fabric case that looks more like a high-end sunglasses pouch, but it’s flimsier and less structured.
Cable storage also differs. The older case has a dedicated internal compartment, while the Pro case requires you to squeeze the cable in manually. If you’re tossing your glasses into a bag, the Air 3s case feels more secure and durable. The Pro case wins on aesthetics, but not practicality.
Compatibility: No Surprises, Just Plug and Play
Both models support a wide range of devices via USB-C DisplayPort, including Android phones, iPhones (with adapter), tablets, laptops, the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck, and PS5 or Xbox (via HDMI adapter). You’ll need RayNeo’s optional JoyDock for Switch compatibility, and both models support it equally.
Whether you’re streaming content, playing games, or extending your desktop, the plug-and-play experience is identical between the two. Both also support prescription lens inserts and 20-step brightness adjustment.
Pricing: Surprisingly, Pro Is Cheaper For Now
In a twist, the Air 3s Pro launches at just $249 during early access, which undercuts the original Air 3s launch price of $269. That price includes all the upgrades: 1200 nits brightness, spatial audio, improved display optics, better comfort tuning, and full platform compatibility.
RayNeo also plans to offer trade-in options, referral rewards, and creator incentives, making the Pro an even more accessible upgrade path for returning users.
Verdict: The Pro Is the Real Flagship
If you’re buying into wearable displays for the first time, the Air 3s Pro is the model to get. It fixes core complaints from the Air 3s, mainly brightness and immersion, without adding bulk or sacrificing compatibility. The improved sound profile, refined visuals, and clever new display modes make the Pro feel more mature and versatile.
That said, if you already own the Air 3s and don’t care about outdoor usage or spatial audio, you’re still holding onto a solid piece of hardware. But if you’re curious about what the next step in wearable display tech looks like or just want the best possible experience right now, the Air 3s Pro is absolutely worth it.
Buy Now From RayNeo Official Website
In related news, TCL reports a 176% surge in Mini LED TV shipments with profit growth in H1 2025, while the TCL 60 Ultra Nxtpaper surfaces online revealing full specifications and images.