Featured
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.
Featured
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.
Featured
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.
Featured
Who Owns TCL? Breaking Down the Brand, Subsidiaries & Global Strategy
TCL has grown from a regional electronics player in China to one of the top global brands in televisions and smart appliances, but who really owns this sprawling empire, and what exactly does TCL control? The answer is a lot more layered than it might seem.
Public, But With Roots in the State
TCL Technology Group Corporation, the backbone of the TCL brand, is publicly traded on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker 000100. But it didn’t start out that way. Founded in 1981 as a state-owned enterprise, TCL has since morphed into a hybrid of public and partially state-backed ownership, with no single majority stakeholder in control.
Founder Li Dongsheng, who remains chairman and has held the CEO role at various times, owns around 3.3% of TCL Technology. Government-linked investment entities such as Huizhou SASAC and Wuhan Optics Valley each hold 2 to 3%, while the majority, over 87%, is publicly held by retail and institutional investors. This mix means TCL operates like a market-driven firm with state influence, a structure that’s common among China’s largest industrial players.
Restructuring the House: The Rise of TCL Holdings
In 2019, TCL underwent a corporate split to sharpen its focus. It spun off its consumer electronics and appliances division into a new entity, TCL Industries Holdings (also known as TCL Holdings), which now oversees TCL Electronics, the TV and smart device arm. Meanwhile, TCL Technology retained control of high-tech ventures like display panel production (via CSOT) and solar energy (via TCL Zhonghuan).
Despite the split, TCL Technology and TCL Industries are closely intertwined. For example, TCL Electronics continues sourcing panels from CSOT, ensuring tight vertical integration in its TV business.
Subsidiaries, Subsidiaries Everywhere
TCL’s structure is a web of subsidiaries that span consumer electronics, component manufacturing, and even renewable energy.
TCL Electronics Holdings (HKEX: 1070) is the most visible face of the brand, making smart TVs, soundbars, and smartphones. It’s also the engine behind TCL’s climb to the number two global spot in TV shipments. TCL Communication, once known for BlackBerry and Alcatel phones, has been folded into this unit.
China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) sits at the heart of TCL’s display ambitions. It builds LCD, Mini-LED, and OLED panels, not just for TCL TVs but also for other brands. It’s a wholly owned part of TCL Technology and a key reason the company can compete with global giants on price.
TCL Smart Home (formerly Homa) covers air conditioners, fridges, and washing machines. It’s already among the world’s top four AC brands and the leading refrigerator exporter in China. And it’s backed by smart integrations and large-scale factories in China.
TCL Zhonghuan, acquired in 2020, pushes TCL into solar energy. It produces monocrystalline silicon wafers for solar panels and is quickly becoming central to TCL’s push into renewables and semiconductors.
Other subsidiaries include Tonly Electronics (audio, IoT devices), TCL Environmental Technology (e-waste and recycling), and TCL Financial Services, which collectively round out the group’s diverse portfolio.
Global Strategy: Localized, Scaled, and Brand-Driven
TCL’s expansion outside China has been fast and aggressive. It now operates in over 160 countries and has regional headquarters across six global business zones. The company has set up 20 manufacturing bases, including plants in Mexico, Vietnam, and Poland, to dodge tariffs, shorten supply chains, and serve local markets efficiently.
TCL also invests heavily in global R&D, with over 40 research centers worldwide focusing on AI, display tech, and smart home systems. In North America, TCL’s partnership with Roku turned it into one of the best-selling TV brands in the U.S. In Europe and India, it’s pushing smart appliances and affordable smartphones. And globally, TCL is promoting its own smart TV OS, Lingkong UI, to reduce reliance on Google and Roku.
The brand strategy? Mass-market affordability wrapped in next-gen features. Whether it’s budget-friendly Mini-LED TVs or the paper-like NXTPAPER phone displays, TCL’s message is clear: tech doesn’t have to be expensive.
Bottom Line
TCL’s ownership is split between founder Li Dongsheng, state-backed funds, and a wide public float. But in practical terms, the brand is steered by a mix of private ambition and state alignment. Through subsidiaries like CSOT, TCL Electronics, and TCL Zhonghuan, the company balances consumer-facing innovation with serious upstream tech investment.
It’s not a traditional tech giant like Samsung or LG, but it’s gaining ground fast. And if TCL continues executing its global strategy, it may not be long before this hybrid-owned Chinese conglomerate becomes a household name far beyond the TV aisle.
In related news, TCL CSOT sets its sights on dominating the esports display market, stepping beyond its role as a panel supplier. Also, we recently explored TCL NXTPAPER technology and how it compares to AMOLED and IPS in terms of eye comfort.