All of Philips' 9-series LCD TVs for 2021 will feature HDMI 2.1 and the high-end PML9636 and PML9506 ranges will move to more advanced miniLED backlight technology. There is also Android 10, Ambilight, and more.

LCD TVs with miniLED
Like LG and Samsung, Philips will this year introduce its first LCD TVs with miniLED backlight. The smaller light emitting diodes enable manufacturers to make slimmer LCD TVs with somewhat better control of the LED backlight for reduced blooming in the picture and higher contrast.

The premium PML9636 features a "local dimmable backlight". However, the company did not say how many dimming zones it has. The step-down PML9506 features the same miniLED backlight solution. Both will have VA LCD panels. Update: Philips confirms that the miniLED backlight in PML9636 and PML9506 will be "divided into 1000 zones". It also said that input lag is around 18 ms and that there is an HGiG Mode.


 Philips PML9636

The TVs will be available in 65 and 75 inches and will for HDR content deliver up to 2000 and 1500 nits brightness, respectively, the company said. They also cover 95% of the DCI-P3 color space. In addition to the common HDR formats, both TV ranges support HDR10+ Adaptive. It is not a new format but rather a system that adjust brightness (for HDR10+ content) to better match the viewing environment.

The company said that its P5 video processor has reached its fifth generation with a new 'Film Detection' feature that can recognize a movie and adjust processing accordingly.

HDMI 2.1 support enables 4K120, VRR (40-120Hz), eARC, and ALLM. Philips said that its LCD TVs will also be AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certified. With all of these HDMI 2.1 features baked in, Philips TVs are now able to take advantage of the HDMI 2.1 features in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Learn more about HDMI 2.1 here

PML9636 has a 3.1.2-channel speaker system developed by Bowers & Wilkins with up-firing Dolby Atmos units and tweeter-on-top technology, which is also utilized in other B&W speakers. PML9506 has a 2.1-channel 50W speaker system.


 Philips PML9506

Other 2021 Philips LCD TVs
In addition to the top-of-the-line miniLED LCD TV, Philips will introduce more affordable PUS9206 and PUS8506 LCD TVs in 43 to 75 inches, with 4-sided Ambilight and 3-sided Ambilight, respectively.

PUS9206 comes with the same HDMI 2.1 features as the other 9-series models whereas PUS8506 (will also be known as 'The One') supports only some of the optional HDMI 2.1 features that can be brought to HDMI 2.0 chipsets – not higher bandwidth for 4K120.


 Philips PUS8506 

All of the 2021 LCD ranges announced today (from PUS8506 and up) are Android TVs, with Android 10 pre-installed. The company did not detail its plans for Google TV, which is the new user interface on top of Android TV. The TVs have built-in Chromecast and access to streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix.

There is support for DTS Play-Fi, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other systems found in previous Philips TVs.

The 2021 line-up will also include more affordable 8 and 7 series LCD TVs. Expect more details on the mid-range models to be announced closer to launch.

Follow the links for specifications in the TV Database:
Philips PML9636 miniLED LCD TVs - specifications
Philips PML9506 miniLED LCD TVs - specifications
Philips PUS9206 LCD TVs - specifications
Philips PUS8506 LCD TVs - specifications
The miniLED LCD TV will be available this summer whereas the other new LCD TVs are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2021.

Philips 2021 LCD TVs - specifications
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