After showing off a dual-layer LCD TV at CES earlier this year, Hisense China has launched the 65-inch U9E based on the technology, according to a report by Gizmochina.

Dual-layer LCD for improved contrast
Companies have been exploring the concept for years and in 2017 Panasonic became the first company to commercialize a panel. Like other new technologies, this one goes by several names: BD cell, dual-layer, dual-cell, dual-stack, dual LCD etc. It works by stacking two LCD panels; one for modulating light and one to control color. The goal is to drastically increase contrast.

In its early years, dual-layer LCD was reserved for professional monitors but at CES 2019 in January Hisense exhibited a prototype under the name 'ULED XD'. It is believes to be based on a panel from China's BOE.

- "Dual-cell ULED XD panel layers a 1080p module displaying a grayscale image between a full array LED backlight and a 4K module displaying a full color image, creating significant upgrades in local dimming, colors and dynamic range,”" the company said at CES.



Hisense is now putting action behind its words by launching its first dual-layer LCD TV in China. At launch, U9E is available in 65 inches for 18,000 Yuan, which is approx. 2,600 US dollars - quite costly for a TV that has been produced locally.

FlatpanelsHD saw the display in action at CES and it looked promising, with deeper blacks, higher contrast and more saturated colors than conventional LCD TVs. It also had a matte coating with low reflectivity. However, it still exhibited some blooming.



To compete with OLED technology and to enable HDR on LCD panels, TV makers have been employing more advanced zone dimming LED backlights, new approaches to wide viewing angles, quantum dots, and soon miniLED backlights. Several of these technologies can be combined to elevate picture quality.

Hisense will launch 55 and 75-inch models in China next year and possibly bring the TVs to regions outside of China in the coming years. Future versions could stack two 4K LCD panels.

- Source: Gizmochina, Hisense