TCL Europe has today launched the 75-inch X915 (X91), its first TV with 8K resolution, HDMI 2.1 ports, and AV1 for YouTube 8K. It also features Android TV, Dolby Vision, Atmos, and local dimming.

TCL X915 8K TV
At an event today, TCL Europe outlined its plans for 2020. Besides new mid-range 4K LCD TVs called C815 (C81) and C715 (X71), the company formally launched its first 8K TV that was teased earlier this year at CES.

X915 is based on a "QLED" LCD panel with 8K resolution and full array local dimming (FALD) for improved contrast. Unlike the X10 4K flagship that TCL launched earlier, X915 does not come equipped with miniLED technology. The company said that its 8K TV can hit up to 1000 nits peak brightness and that it supports various HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

X915 is also TCL's first TV with HDMI 2.1 ports (3x). It is listed with support for 8K60 via HDMI 2.1 as well as optional features like VRR (variable refresh rate), ALLM (auto low latency mode), and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).


  TCL X915 8K TV (center) 
8K video streaming with AV1
Another new development is support for the AV1 video codec, which enables the TV to stream YouTube in 8K resolution. TCL said that YouTube 8K support will be added as part of an Android TV update to Android 10 "later this year". 2020 LG and Samsung 8K TVs also come with AV1 support for YouTube 8K.

Support for YouTube 8K is a step in the right direction but it will do little to change an 8K market segment defined by expensive TVs and a dearth of content. No major subscription streaming services have announced plans to offer 8K content. As a result of the challenging conditions for 8K, analyst companies have repeatedly slashed their estimates for 8K TV sales.

TCL commented on its plans for Filmmaker Mode and Dolby Vision IQ saying that it will be able to provide more details later this year - presumably around IFA time in September.

It has partnered with Onkyo to develop the soundbar for X915. The TV supports Dolby Atmos but there are no up-firing units in the soundbar so to experience the more immersive sound experience you can output Atmos via the HDMI eARC connection.

X915 will be available in 75 inches for 4000 Euro. It will start to roll out in Europe over the next weeks. There are no plans to bring in to the UK at this time.


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