At CES 2019, TCL unveiled new LCD TVs with miniLED backlight that offer improved luminance control. The company is planning to launch them this year with 4K and 8K resolution. TCL also introduced a 75-inch 6-Series TV and showcased microLED.

TCL miniLED LCD TVs
TCL’s 8-Series in the US and X10 in Europe will be based on LCD panels with miniLED backlight. The 55 and 65-inch models will feature 4K resolution, while a larger 75-inch model will have 8K resolution.

The miniLED backlight is expected to have around 1000 active dimming zones (and many more LEDs), according to Marek Maciejewski, Product Development Director, TCL Europe. The TVs are also expected to offer 1000 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, and virtual Dolby Atmos but specifications have not been finalized, he said.



In the US, TCL TVs will be based on the Roku system whereas they will run Android TV in Europe. In Europe, TCL will be switching from MediaTek chipsets to Realtek. The company also said that the Android TVs will have version 8 (Oreo) pre-installed, with Android 9 coming via a later update.



It was confirmed that the 8K model will have HDMI 2.1 capable of 8K60 inputs but it is still being discussed what other HDMI 2.1 features such as VRR and eARC that will be included in both the 4K and 8K models of the 8-series / X10.

The TCL 8-Series in the US and X10 in Europe is more of less technically the same TV but there will be some design differences. The European model will have a soundbar integrated in the stand, as seen in this picture.



FlatpanelsHD saw the TVs in action at CES 2019 and they look promising. It appears that miniLED improves backlight control and TCL’s TVs also boast impressive viewing angles for LCD. However, off-axis the miniLED backlight still produces some blooming. These are early pre-production models so we will reserve judgement.

Launch and pricing details were not announced but TCL said that the European X10 model will probably be launched sometime in the second half of 2019. 


75” TCL 6-Series
At CES 2019, TCL also announced that it will expand its popular 6-Series LCD TV with a larger 75-inch model in the US. It has 160 dimming zones, which is a bump up from the smaller models.

Like the other models, it will support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and be based on the Roku OS with access to apps such as Netflix and HBO. TCL says that it will cost $1800.

TCL is optimistic about the future and the opening of its 11G display factory. The company was showcasing a number of display technology innovations, including a large microLED display (The Cinema Wall) and ”QD-on-glass”, that may show up in future products as it is looking for further growth in the US and Europe.



- "2018 was another great year for the TCL television business globally and especially for us here in North America," said Aaron Dew, Director of Product Development, TCL North America. "We're making TVs people love and according to NPD, TCL became a leader in Smart TV with number two market share in the USA. The growth in large screen was even more pronounced with TCL taking a top-3 position in the 55" and above category. As TCL continues to drive into increasingly larger screen sizes with the opening of the world's most advanced Gen 11 panel production facility, the TCL team must ensure that we are delivering world-class products with the performance levels that our users truly want in their family room."