TCL launches 8-series LCD TVs with miniLED starting at $2000

The first LCD TVs with miniLED backlight are now available for pre-order in the US. TCL's 65-inch version costs $2000 and the 75-inch models will set you back $3000.

TCL 8-series TVs
Other TV makers have been showcasing miniLED-based LCD TVs but TCL is the first to bring it to market. The 8-series was unveiled in August and is available in the US exclusively through Best Buy, the company announced.

- "We are able to develop a solution that will provide broad color volume and stunning whites, while displaying the inky blacks that our users are demanding. The 8-Series is a testament to what we can accomplish with innovation that meets those needs. There are very few display devices available at any price that can match the cinematic picture and audio quality that these sets can deliver," said Chris Larson, Senior Vice President, TCL. 



The miniLED backlight in the 75-inch model has approximately 1000 dimming zones spread across over 8 million pixels. The 65-inch has fewer dimming zones. The LCD TVs are also equipped with a quantum dot film that helps reach full coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, according to TCL. The company did not specify peak brightness capabilities but said that the 8-series TVs support Dolby Vision HDR, in addition to HDR10 and HLG. TCL is planning to bring its miniLED backlight to 8K TVs next year.

The TVs come with the Roku platform offering access to popular streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix, and Vudu.

TCL's 8-series TVs will compete with other high-end LCD TVs such as Samsung's Q series as well as OLED TVs from brands such as LG and Sony. Unlike some of its competitors, TCL is not ready to transition to HDMI 2.1 yet. HDMI 2.1 will be a key enabler for next-generation game consoles that are expected to support 4K120 and VRR.

TCL Q825 is available in the US exclusively through  in a 65-inch model (65Q825) for $1999 and in a 75-inch model (75Q825) for $2999. Pre-orders are online now and the TVs will start shipping in November. The TVs will launch in Europe later this year as TCL X10.

TCL 8-series - specifications
Wide Color powered by Quantum Dot technology
Quantum Control Zone technology maximizes contrast
Dolby Vision HDR
iPQ Engine with Smart HDR, Smart 4K Upscaling, and Smart Contrast
FullView edge-to-edge glass display
Dolby Atmos cinema sound
Easy Voice Control with Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
Auto Game Mode for a responsive gaming experience
Dolby Atmos cinema sound
Enhanced Remote with Voice Control
High-speed 802.11ac wireless and Ethernet networking
4x HDMI 2.0 (1 ARC)