Halo Control Revolution

The star of the show is TCL’s new Halo Control System, a comprehensive suite of technologies that tackles the infamous blooming issue head-on. Anyone who’s owned a Mini LED TV knows the frustration of seeing bright halos around objects in dark scenes. TCL claims they’ve cracked this code with a multi-pronged approach that includes a Super High Energy LED Microchip, Condensed Micro Lens technology, and something called Micro-OD (Optical Distance) reduction.

Credit: TCL

But the real magic happens in the processing. The QM9K features up to 6,000 local dimming zones controlled by a bi-directional 23-bit backlight controller, which is an impressive level of granular control that should theoretically eliminate the halo effect that makes cheaper Mini LED TVs look like they’re projecting Christmas lights onto your wall.

Google Gemini: Your TV Gets Smarter

Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Google Gemini integration, which promises to transform how you interact with your TV. While details are still emerging, this isn’t just another voice assistant implementation. Gemini’s contextual understanding could revolutionize TV search, making it genuinely conversational rather than the clunky keyword-based systems we’re used to.

Credit: TCL

The Ambient Mode Sensor adds another layer of intelligence, using presence detection to automatically turn the TV on when you enter the room or switch to screensaver mode when you leave. It’s the kind of seamless automation that feels magical when it works properly, though we’ll need to see how well it performs in real-world scenarios.

Display Tech That Actually Matters

Beyond the marketing speak, the QM9K packs genuinely impressive display technology. The HDR6500 brightness specification means this TV should punch through even the brightest room lighting, while the 144Hz native refresh rate makes it a legitimate gaming display. Game Accelerator 288 with variable refresh rate up to 288Hz is particularly noteworthy for competitive gamers who demand every millisecond advantage.

Credit: TCL

The CrystGlow WHVA panel promises wide viewing angles without the color shifting that plagues many LED displays. Combined with enhanced QLED technology covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space, the QM9K should deliver colors that pop without looking oversaturated.

Built for Cinematic and Smart Living

TCL pairs the display with Audio by Bang & Olufsen, along with support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+. The speaker system is Dolby Atmos Flex Connect capable, making it easier to pair with wireless speakers like Z100. The TV holds an IMAX Enhanced certification, meeting high standards for brightness, contrast, and sound.

TCL includes support for ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV, allowing access to future-ready broadcast content in 4K HDR. For smart home integration, the TV supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast.

Designed to Fit Modern Spaces

The TCL QM9K features an ultra-slim profile with integrated cable management and a backlit voice remote for intuitive control. Its ambient sensor detects user presence and automatically adjusts the screen’s behavior, enhancing energy efficiency and convenience.

Credit: TCL

For connectivity, the TV supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections. It also provides a comprehensive set of ports, including one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, four HDMI 2.1 ports, Ethernet, and SPDIF optical audio out.

Bottom Line

The QM9K represents TCL’s most ambitious TV to date, combining cutting-edge Mini LED technology with AI-powered features that could genuinely improve the viewing experience. The Halo Control System alone makes this worth watching — if TCL has truly solved Mini LED’s blooming issues while maintaining competitive pricing, they could have a genuine OLED alternative on their hands.

Whether the QM9K lives up to its promises remains to be seen, but TCL is clearly betting big on a future where Mini LED can match OLED’s contrast while delivering superior brightness and longevity. That’s a bet worth paying attention to.

In related news, TCL dominated IFA 2025 with a slew of smart tech awards, and we recently explored how TCL is emerging as a tech giant to watch in the next decade.

The post What’s So Special About the TCL QM9K TV appeared first on TCL Central.

Brighter, Bolder, and Built for Outdoors

The Air 3s Pro steps up the brightness to 1,200 nits, nearly double the 650 nits on the Air 3s. This jump has a noticeable impact in bright environments. Content appears sharper in sunny conditions, and dark scenes with bright elements like stars show higher contrast and greater clarity.

The display uses the HueView 2.0 Micro OLED engine with a tandem OLED structure. This improves edge sharpness, contrast ratio (200,000:1), and overall energy efficiency. Color accuracy also improves with 98% DCI-P3 coverage and △E<2 precision. RayNeo includes new viewing modes like Vision Boost for outdoor use and Eye Protection for long sessions.

It’s What’s on the Inside (and the Outside)

The design stays nearly identical to the original model, but the internals tell a different story. The updated optical engine reduces glare by 15% and sharpens visuals across the entire field of view. Ghosting and color fringing are less noticeable.

The glasses weigh 76 grams like the original, but they now use a refined weight balance with 46.7% front and 53.3% rear for better overall comfort. It also offers nine levels of temple adjustment and three levels of nose pad positioning. The fit works better across different head shapes without increasing pressure.

Whisper Mode Gets Louder… Privately

The quad-speaker system on the Air 3s Pro remains compact but now supports spatial audio. It delivers a more directional and immersive sound experience, useful for watching movies or playing games. RayNeo’s Whisper Mode continues to minimize audio leakage. Sound remains clear even in shared environments like cafes or flights.

Vocals have improved clarity, and background effects maintain separation. The speakers are placed in dual acoustic chambers for a fuller stereo image. This upgrade gives the Pro a stronger edge for media consumption without requiring headphones.

Familiar Looks

The Air 3s Pro looks nearly identical to the 3s. The only noticeable difference is the uniform black finish, which replaces the two-tone silver and black design on the earlier model.

RayNeo ships the Pro with a new triangular soft-shell case. It feels nicer to the touch and resembles a traditional sunglasses pouch. However, the original hard-shell case provides better structural protection and includes a pocket for storing cables. The new case saves some space but doesn’t feel as secure inside a backpack.

Broad Compatibility, Now Switch 2 Ready

RayNeo retains the same wide device compatibility. The Air 3s Pro connects via USB-C to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and handheld consoles that support DisplayPort Alt Mode. It also works with HDMI adapters for legacy devices.

The Pro adds support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 when paired with RayNeo’s updated JoyDock. This improvement expands the use case for portable gaming. Support for Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox also remains available through HDMI to USB-C adapters.

The Best Just Got Cheaper

Despite several meaningful upgrades, the Air 3s Pro costs less than the Air 3s at launch. The $249 price includes an auto-applied coupon, making it one of the most affordable AR glasses with high-end display and audio features.

The Air 3s Pro improves display brightness, reduces visual strain, enhances audio privacy, and adds compatibility features, all while lowering the barrier to entry. This version does not reinvent the formula but refines nearly every core component, making it a smarter buy whether you’re new to AR glasses or looking for a better upgrade path.

We’ve also covered the RayNeo Air 3s Pro vs RayNeo Air 3s in detail; don’t miss that breakdown if you’re deciding between the two.

The post What’s So Special About the RayNeo Air 3s Pro? appeared first on TCL Central.

Originally introduced in 2021, NXTPAPER has quietly matured into one of the most human-centered innovations in mobile and tablet displays. It’s designed to reduce eye strain, minimize glare, and replicate the experience of reading or writing on real paper. But this isn’t just another matte LCD screen or a glorified e-ink hybrid. NXTPAPER blends hardware and software to create a next-gen viewing experience, one that’s been rigorously certified by TÜV Rheinland for visual comfort.

What Is NXTPAPER?

NXTPAPER is TCL’s proprietary display technology that mimics the comfort and clarity of paper, but it’s not an e-ink screen. It’s a full-color, full-motion LCD panel enhanced with a sophisticated multi-layer optical filter system. These layers reduce blue light exposure and eliminate glare without relying on third-party software filters or additional screen protectors.

Think of it as a matte screen that’s baked into the display itself. It delivers paper-like smoothness while still supporting videos, games, and rich color content. It’s especially useful for reading-heavy tasks like document editing, web browsing, and long eBook sessions. In devices like the TCL NXTPAPER 11 tablet and NXTPAPER 40 smartphone, the difference in comfort is immediately noticeable.

How It Works

Most standard LCDs transmit light from a backlight through a handful of layers: diffuser, polarizer, liquid crystals, and color filters. NXTPAPER adds several additional nano-layers that do three critical things: filter out harmful blue light, scatter reflections, and mimic the behavior of natural light.

Unlike OLED, which modulates brightness per pixel and can contribute to long-term image retention and eye fatigue, NXTPAPER uses a consistent backlit LCD architecture. It’s flicker-free in any lighting scenario, thanks to built-in DC dimming that regulates brightness without relying on high-frequency PWM (pulse width modulation), a common culprit behind eye discomfort in modern OLED displays.

Circularly Polarized Light and CPL Advantage

NXTPAPER also integrates Circularly Polarized Light (CPL) technology to mimic the way light behaves in nature. It reflects and refracts light more naturally, which makes reading on NXTPAPER screens feel less artificial than on traditional panels. You’re not just looking at a screen that reduces blue light, you’re experiencing a fundamentally different way of visual presentation.

NXTPAPER Key and Max Ink Mode

TCL is now doubling down on usability. The NXTPAPER Key allows users to instantly toggle between standard display mode and a reading-optimized experience. The Max Ink Mode, particularly in smartphones, enhances readability by offering deeper contrast and a more eBook-like feel, making it a practical feature for both casual reading and professional document work.

Eye Care Assistant and Smart Night Features

Beyond the display itself, TCL has built a broader wellness ecosystem around NXTPAPER. The built-in Eye Care Assistant uses AI-driven reminders and ambient light detection to encourage users to take breaks. It can gently nudge you when it’s time to look away, a small but thoughtful addition that aligns with ophthalmologist recommendations for screen use.

For nighttime use, NXTPAPER devices offer a low-intensity flashlight capped at just 10 to 30 lux, far less than the typical 90 lux of standard phone flashlights. This keeps late-night tasks like reading or checking messages more eye-friendly and far less disturbing to others nearby.

The screen also features automatic night mode support. It intelligently adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient light to ensure your eyes remain comfortable in low-light conditions, reducing abrupt strain during evening use.

Anti-Glare and True-to-Life Colors

The NXTPAPER display incorporates a matte nano-etched layer that cuts reflections and ambient glare. This allows users to read or watch videos outdoors without that mirror-like effect found on most glossy smartphones and tablets.

Crucially, TCL’s solution filters blue light at the hardware level. Unlike conventional low-blue-light modes that introduce an ugly yellow tint, NXTPAPER maintains vibrant, accurate color reproduction. Whether you’re watching a video or editing a photo, what you see remains true to life.

Adaptive Color Temperature and Paper-Like Texture

Another smart addition is TCL’s AI-optimized display engine that adjusts color temperature dynamically based on the time of day and surrounding light. It’s an adaptive layer that quietly works in the background to maintain visual comfort, similar to Apple’s True Tone but tailored for matte displays.

And if you’re using a stylus or writing on a tablet like the NXTPAPER 11, you’ll notice the screen isn’t just soft on your eyes, it’s tactile. The matte finish provides real texture, mimicking the feel of pen-on-paper while also being resistant to smudges and fingerprints.

NXTPAPER vs AMOLED vs IPS LCD

Let’s be clear, NXTPAPER isn’t built to win display shootouts for contrast ratio or peak brightness. Compared to AMOLED, it can’t deliver the inky blacks or the vivid punchiness that makes HDR content pop. It also isn’t as color-rich or fast-refreshing as flagship OLEDs used in gaming phones or high-end tablets.

IPS LCDs fall somewhere in between. While they’re more affordable and color-accurate than older tech like TN panels, they typically don’t excel at glare reduction or eye comfort. NXTPAPER, though based on LCD, leapfrogs conventional IPS by focusing on usability in real-world environments like classrooms, offices, or public transport.

So yes, NXTPAPER is a compromise, but a practical one. It doesn’t pretend to be a spec king. Instead, it carves out a much-needed niche for readers, students, and screen-heavy professionals who care more about their vision than ultra-vibrant animations.

The Bottom Line

NXTPAPER isn’t trying to replace AMOLED or OLED in flagship phones or TVs. It doesn’t need to. TCL is smartly targeting users who spend hours reading, writing, or studying on screens and don’t want their eyes to pay the price.

It’s the kind of tech that doesn’t scream for attention. But once you’ve used it, especially over a long workday or a reading marathon, going back to a standard panel can feel jarring. NXTPAPER is a reminder that sometimes innovation doesn’t have to be louder, brighter, or faster.

Sometimes it just needs to feel a little more human.

In related news, we recently broke down TCL’s Inkjet-Printed OLED technology and also shared a guide on how to calibrate your TCL TV for the best possible picture quality.

The post TCL NXTPAPER Explained: Is It Better for Your Eyes Than AMOLED or IPS? appeared first on TCL Central.

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.

Buy TCL QM8K TV Now on Amazon

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.

The post How to Calibrate Your TCL TV for the Best Picture Quality appeared first on TCL Central.

How Traditional OLED Manufacturing Works

Most OLED panels today are built using vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) through fine metal masks. It’s a meticulous process: organic emissive materials are vaporized in vacuum chambers and deposited layer by layer onto glass substrates. This method works well for small smartphone displays, but it wastes materials, relies on expensive and fragile masks, and becomes increasingly inefficient as screen size grows. It’s also labor-intensive, with constant maintenance and frequent equipment cleanings needed to keep yields high.

What Makes TCL’s Inkjet OLED Different

TCL’s approach bypasses all of that. Instead of vaporizing materials, inkjet printing turns them into liquid form — OLED “inks” — and precisely deposits them onto the panel substrate using printheads. There’s no need for masks, and there’s far less waste since materials are only deposited where needed. Each subpixel (red, green, and blue) is printed separately, allowing for a true RGB OLED layout, which improves text sharpness and color accuracy, especially important for monitors and laptops.

Unlike LG’s WOLED, which emits white light and uses color filters, or Samsung’s QD-OLED, which uses blue OLED with quantum dots to generate red and green, TCL’s printed RGB OLED emits colors directly from each subpixel. There are no filters, no QD layers, and no blue-heavy bias. The result is a cleaner image with higher light efficiency and less optical loss.

Production Progress and Commercial Plans

TCL began pilot production in 2024 with a 21.6-inch 4K OLED panel aimed at medical monitors, the same panel size previously produced by JOLED. This marked the first commercial inkjet OLED display to enter mass production. The panels are currently built at TCL’s Gen-5.5 line in Guangzhou, but the real leap will come from the new Gen-8.5/8.6 “T8” line, which is designed for TV-scale panels.

TCL has already demonstrated 65-inch printed OLED TVs and foldable concepts, and it expects to deliver the first inkjet OLED TVs in late 2025. The company is targeting 55, 65, and 75-inch TVs initially, with expansion plans for 42- and 98-inch panels. Peak brightness is expected to hit 2,000 nits, with Rec.2020 color coverage around 90 percent, comparable to the latest QD-OLED and MLA-enhanced WOLED models.

Environmental and Efficiency Advantages

The biggest upside of inkjet OLED isn’t just image quality. It’s the potential cost and environmental savings. TCL claims a 2× improvement in material efficiency, since there’s no mask wastage and fewer discarded panels due to defects. The process uses less energy, avoids costly vacuum systems, and allows faster production with fewer interruptions. These advantages could eventually bring OLED pricing closer to mainstream LCDs and make high-end panels more accessible.

Compared to LG’s and Samsung’s methods, TCL’s process also avoids the use of heavy filters or quantum dot layers, which reduces complexity and improves lifespan. While long-term durability is still being validated, TCL says its printed panels already show promising results in both efficiency and longevity.

What Comes Next

TCL isn’t just preparing to launch its own OLED TVs. It’s positioning itself as a next-gen OLED panel supplier. If its 27-inch printed OLED monitor panel enters mass production, PC brands like Asus, Dell, and Lenovo could soon have a third option beyond LG and Samsung for high-end OLED screens. The roadmap also includes tablet and smartphone panels, flexible displays, and rollable form factors, all printed, not evaporated.

Xiaomi is also reportedly testing TCL’s printed OLED panels for its upcoming flagship smartphones. If adopted, this would mark a major milestone for inkjet OLED in mobile devices and signal growing confidence from other top-tier brands. TCL CSOT, meanwhile, is doubling down with a massive 8.6G inkjet OLED production line in the works, a multi-billion yuan facility that would enable high-volume manufacturing of large-format printed panels.

It’s still early. TCL’s OLED TVs haven’t hit the market yet, and scaling the technology will take time. But if the company delivers on its roadmap, it won’t just enter the OLED market. It could reshape how OLED is made. And in an industry long dominated by two players, that kind of disruption is long overdue.

The post TCL Inkjet-Printed OLED Tech Explained appeared first on TCL Central.

And here’s the real kicker: it does this at a price that seriously undercuts the competition.

Reinventing the Soundbar Concept

Instead of a long, rectangular bar that lives under your TV, the Z100 is a compact standalone speaker with a unique 1.1.1 channel setup. Each unit packs four drivers, a woofer, a front-facing tweeter, and an up-firing speaker to handle overhead effects in Dolby Atmos mixes. The internals are tightly engineered, with neodymium magnetic tweeters, silk dome diaphragms, and oversized voice coils tuned for both high-frequency finesse and room-shaking volume. At peak, a single Z100 unit delivers 170W of sound and up to 94dB SPL, which already puts it in premium soundbar territory. Add more units, and the room truly comes alive.

But the real magic happens when you use multiple Z100s together. TCL lets you link up to four Z100 speakers and a dedicated Z100 SW subwoofer, creating a fully wireless 7.1.2 Atmos soundscape. No mounting requirements, no AV receiver, no symmetrical speaker placement. Just plug them in, set them around the room, and let FlexConnect do the work.

Dolby Atmos, the Easy Way

The Z100 is the first speaker to launch globally with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, a spatial audio tech co-developed by TCL and Dolby. It scans your room using built-in mics and calibrates speaker output on the fly, no matter where each speaker is placed. The idea is to get full surround sound immersion without needing the precision of a traditional 5.1 or 7.1 setup.

That means you can scatter your Z100s across bookshelves, desks, or even different heights in the room, and still get directional sound that feels spatially accurate. It’s Atmos without the headache. And because it wirelessly syncs with TCL’s 2025 Mini LED TVs like the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K, the whole setup is HDMI free and app free. Everything just works.

Designed to Be Seen (and Heard)

The Z100 looks nothing like your typical audio gear. The shell is anodized aluminum with a soft matte finish, while the grille follows a starburst pattern that’s both futuristic and functional. TCL says the three available colors, grey, gold, and cyan, are inspired by nebulae, which feels appropriately cosmic for a speaker built around spatial sound.

Every detail, from the fabric mesh to the cable management system tucked into the base, feels thought through. And if you’d rather not clutter your shelf, it supports wall and stand mounting too (though the stand is sold separately).

Specs That Matter

It’s easy to rattle off numbers, but TCL’s choices here are deliberate. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures low-latency connections with mobile devices, and OTA firmware updates mean the Z100 could get smarter over time. The optional subwoofer (Z100 SW) adds 130W of bass power and goes as low as 45Hz, using a large iron-core magnet and CONEX spider material for deep, punchy lows. That turns the Z100 from a high-end TV speaker replacement into a genuinely cinematic system.

The entire stack is scalable. You can start with one Z100, add a second for stereo, throw in a third for Atmos, then add a subwoofer when you want to feel the rumble. Or go all out and run four Z100s and the subwoofer for a full surround setup with up to 18 drivers working together.

The Bigger Picture

If TCL’s pitch sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen similar efforts before, like Sony’s $2,500 Bravia Theater Quad. But the Z100 aims for a broader market. At 1,499 yuan (about $206), it’s priced dramatically lower than most Atmos-ready wireless speakers. And TCL is planning global availability this summer, starting in the US and Europe.

This isn’t just TCL flexing its speaker manufacturing muscle. It’s TCL signaling that spatial audio shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for massive living rooms or deep bank accounts.

The Z100 is a bet on the future of home entertainment, one that’s wireless, modular, and sounds damn good even before you start thinking about building a full system around it.

In related news, the Redmi K80 Ultra will feature an OLED display sourced from TCL CSOT and Tianma, while TCL has launched the NXTPAPER 14 in the US with a paper-like display and a 10,000mAh battery.

The post What’s So Special About the TCL Z100 Soundbar? appeared first on TCL Central.

Available in sizes from 65 to 98 inches, the QM8K isn’t just about screen real estate; it’s TCL’s most technologically advanced TV to date, carrying the kind of refinements that might finally elevate it into the ultra-premium TV conversation.

Sharp Departure from the Past

Replacing last year’s QM851G, the QM8K brings several key upgrades, beginning with its CrystGlow WHVA panel, which addresses one of Mini LED’s long-standing flaws: poor viewing angles.

TCL’s proprietary WHVA (Wide Horizontal Viewing Angle) technology uses a sophisticated subpixel structure to reduce color shift and improve image uniformity when viewed off-axis. Combined with the brand’s new ZeroBorder design, which trims bezels down to just 3–4mm, the visual impact is both immersive and modern.

The QM8K is also brighter and more precise. It can hit 5,000 nits of peak HDR brightness and features up to 3,800 local dimming zones, making it TCL’s most aggressive attempt yet at rivaling OLED in dynamic range, but with the punchier highlights Mini LED is known for.

According to TCL, that’s 65% brighter than last year’s model and brings 35% more dimming zones, thanks to a new Halo Control System built around improved LEDs, a micro lens array, and dynamic backlight algorithms.

Processing That Thinks Ahead

TCL’s self-developed AiPQ Pro processor returns with even more intelligent tuning, now capable of adjusting contrast, color, and motion at the pixel level. The processor pairs with the new 23-bit Backlight Controller, enabling over 65,000 levels of brightness control per LED.

There’s also a Zero-Delay Transient Response that reduces input lag between signal and backlight, particularly useful for gamers who want minimal latency during fast-paced sessions.

Speaking of gaming, the QM8K comes armed with Game Accelerator 288, which unlocks up to 288Hz VRR in supported games at 1080p. The native 144Hz panel, combined with Auto Game Mode (ALLM) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensures silky gameplay with less tearing and ghosting.

TCL is also embracing Filmmaker Mode, letting movies play exactly as the creators intended, alongside Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced certification.

Audio, Finally Taken Seriously

TCL isn’t stopping at visuals. It’s also bringing in Bang & Olufsen to tune the QM8K’s sound system. The integrated speakers feature up-firing drivers and Dolby Atmos support, and they’re designed by the same engineers behind B&O’s iconic speaker lines. There’s also support for DTS Virtual:X, making the TV feel like a legitimate all-in-one home theater system.

Notably, the QM8K introduces FlexConnect, a wireless surround solution that pairs seamlessly with supported speakers to eliminate messy cable setups. It’s a forward-looking move, especially as more consumers turn to cleaner, minimalist home setups.

Smarter and Better Connected

Running on Google TV, the QM8K feels familiar but smarter. There’s voice assistant support built-in (Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit), plus AirPlay 2 and Google Cast compatibility.

TCL also throws in a new Art Mode, complete with 350+ curated artworks and AI-generated pieces, turning your blank screen into a digital gallery.

Connectivity is future-ready too. You get four HDMI ports (with eARC), USB 3.0, Wi-Fi 6, and ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) for OTA 4K HDR content.

Premium, but Not Out of Reach

The 65-inch QM8K starts at $2,299.99, while the 85-inch model comes in at $3,799.99. A 75-inch version priced at $2,999.99 and a massive 98-inch variant for $6,499.99 will arrive later in June.

These prices firmly place the QM8K in the high-end TV bracket, yet TCL still undercuts some of its rivals like Samsung and Sony, especially when comparing panel size and feature set.

The post What’s So Special About TCL’s New QM8K TV? appeared first on TCL Central.

After selling off its final LCD factories to TCL, LG is now sourcing its QNED evo lineup directly from China. The irony cuts deep: the same MiniLED tech that’s fueling TCL’s rise is now at the core of LG’s comeback attempt. Even more complicated, LG’s imported QNED TVs land in a U.S. market increasingly hostile to Chinese manufacturing, thanks to mounting tariffs.

LG claims the new QNED series offers richer, more realistic colors across light and dark environments. But unlike traditional QLEDs, the company is touting its proprietary “Dynamic QNED Colour” engine, a different path from the quantum dot technology dominating elsewhere.

Powering the experience is LG’s in-house Alpha AI Processor 3 and WebOS. But beyond sharper images and curated recommendations, there’s a much larger play happening quietly in the background: data collection. LG has admitted to raking in over $1.5 billion last year by selling user data harvested through its smart TVs, including browsing habits, viewing preferences, and even voice profiles through AI Voice ID.

Tightly integrated AI features like AI Concierge, AI Picture Pro, and AI Search further deepen the company’s behavioral tracking. Combined with Microsoft’s Copilot integration and a web of cloud-based analytics, LG’s televisions are becoming potent data hubs disguised as entertainment centers.

And if you think you can easily opt out? LG’s warranty terms suggest otherwise. Turning off tracking isn’t just hard, it’s almost impossible without crippling the TV’s smart features.

Meanwhile, TCL Electronics just reported an 11.4 percent rise in Q1 2025 TV shipments and a 22.3 percent surge in sales revenue, driven by strong demand for larger and MiniLED TVs. The company is expanding its premium footprint globally, even as North American shipments saw a slight dip.

(Via)

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The shift to bigger TVs is paying clear dividends. Shipments of 65-inch and larger models rose 33% compared to a year ago, now accounting for nearly 28% of TCL’s total TV sales. The average TV size grew to 53.4 inches, up nearly two inches year-over-year. But it’s not just about size, TCL’s focus on premium tech like Mini LED is starting to show real results. Shipments of its Mini LED TVs soared by a massive 233% year-over-year, with these advanced models now making up 8.8% of TCL’s global TV sales.

In China, TCL’s home market, domestic shipments rose 10.8%, with even sharper gains in the large-screen and Mini LED categories. Internationally, the company capitalized on its recent partnership with the Olympics to boost brand presence, notching a solid 11.6% shipment growth overseas. Performance was particularly strong in Europe, emerging markets, and Australia, where TCL now claims the top spot in TV sales.

There was a minor speed bump in North America, where overall shipments dipped 3.8% as TCL shifted its strategy toward higher-end channels. Still, sales of 75-inch and larger TVs in the region soared 79%, showing the pivot is beginning to pay off.

TCL’s stock rallied 5.8% in Hong Kong trading following the report, and the company’s shares have surged roughly 50% year-to-date. With a clear focus on bigger, better displays and a growing global footprint, TCL seems determined to move beyond just being a value brand and step firmly into the premium conversation.

In related news, TCL has launched the Q51K 4K QLED TVs with Dolby Atmos and Google TV in the US, while TCL Solar has officially debuted in South Korea, marking its entry into the renewable energy market.

(Source)

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TCL Solar brings next-gen solar tech to Korea’s renewable energy market

This move marks TCL Solar’s first official foray into Korea, backed by the combined strengths of TCL Group, TCL Zhonghuan, and the legendary SunPower, which it acquired earlier this year. The timing is strategic because South Korea, the world’s eighth-largest energy consumer, is racing to overhaul its energy mix under its Carbon Neutrality 2050 plan and is aiming for 30 percent renewable generation by 2030.

At the center of TCL’s display was its G11RA72P BC module, built on SunPower’s advanced technology. The module delivers improved real-world performance over mainstream TOPCon products, with better results in partial shading, temperature coefficients, and power degradation over time, all critical advantages for Korea’s dense, rooftop-heavy solar landscape.

TCL’s Shingled modules also stood out, blending aesthetics and efficiency through a unique one-third cut cell design and high-density packing that promises more power and better durability without sacrificing visual uniformity, a growing priority in urban installations.

The debut was not just about showing off hardware. TCL Solar signed supply deals with two established local players, Dabin E&C and Korea Green Power Co. Ltd., signaling immediate traction in a notoriously competitive and certification-heavy market.

As TCL Solar ramps up its research and development efforts and deepens local partnerships, it is clear the brand is not just entering Korea but is betting on becoming a major force in the region’s renewable energy shift.

In related news, TCL recently launched its T6C-UK 4K QLED Fire TV series in the UK, with prices starting at £399.

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