TCL's next-gen LCD panel brings improved color, fewer reflections

23 Jan 2025 | Rasmus Larsen |

TCL is planning to introduce an 'HVA Pro' panel and RGB miniLED technology. However, before we get to that, other significant improvements are coming to "regular" miniLED LCD TVs. Remember last year when FlatpanelsHD broke the news about TCL's new wide viewing angle VA LCD panel, the so-called WHVA? This WHVA panel is set to debut later this year in 2025 TV models from TCL, Samsung and possibly other brands.

TCL's next-gen LCD panel

At CES 2025, FlatpanelsHD got a first look at TCL's next-generation panel, dubbed 'HVA Pro', and spoke with CSOT, TCL's subsidiary responsible for manufacturing display panels. HVA Pro builds on WHVA plus these innovations:

Expanded color gamut to 88% Rec.2020
Reduced reflectance (2%)
Ultra-slim 2.9mm bezels (except for the bottom)

The prototype panel showcased at CES 2025 measured 98 inches and the colors were indeed very punchy. The panel could make its way into consumer TVs in 2026 – or late 2025, if we are lucky.

TCL's next-gen 'HVA Pro' LCD TV panel. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

RGB miniLED backlights

With 88% Rec.2020 coverage, the next-gen LCD panel delivers color close to that of QD-OLED TVs (90%). This strongly suggests that the panel will be paired with an RGB miniLED backlight, although TCL CSOT declined to provide details on this matter. Meanwhile, TCL, the consumer brand, showcased prototypes of RGB miniLED LCD TVs elsewhere at CES. According to TCL, the RGB miniLED solution can achieve up to 92% Rec.2020 coverage and over 10000 dimming zones. TCL also refrained from commenting on the launch timing for RGB miniLED. As you may have heard, Hisense announced plans to launch RGB miniLED technology later in 2025. However, so far, it has only been confirmed for Hisense's 116-inch LCD TV, which will be priced beyond the reach of most consumers. Nevertheless, RGB miniLED is coming in the near future, and based on what we have seen so far it will help elevate LCD TVs. More and more, the competition between Hisense and TCL in the miniLED space mirrors the rivalry between LG Display and Samsung Display in WOLED and QD-OLED. This is good news because strong competition is a win for consumers.

A prototype TCL RGB miniLED LCD TV that will be introduced later. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

Photo: FlatpanelsHD

TCL's 2025 miniLED tech

Before RGB miniLED arrives, TCL is rolling out another wave of upgrades to its miniLED backlighting technology for LCD TVs, as detailed in our CES article from January 6. During CES, we had the chance to take a closer look at these advancements that look promising. The improvements will increase efficiency and picture quality through an increased number of dimming zones and some other tweaks. In the near term, these upgrades will also be more accessible to a wider audience as TCL plans to implement them in more affordable TV ranges, including QM6K, rather than limiting them to flagship models. See for yourself: