TCL will have a phased series launch this year but at CES 2025 the company has detailed some of its next-gen miniLED LCD technology debuting with QM6K and QM7K in up to 115 inches.
During a pre-briefing attended by FlatpanelsHD, TCL North America outlined its next-generation miniLED backlight technology for LCD TVs, with all stages of miniLED development now taking place in-house at its Pangu lab in China.
The company also shared its expectations for the TV industry, forecasting growth primarily in the 98-100-inch TV segment, followed by the 85-inch and 75-inch segments. TCL highlighted that it now sells over 5 million TVs in the US and surpassed Sony last year in dollar sales.
TCL's forecast for sales of large TVs
| Forecast | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|
| 75" | 2,600,000 | 3,000,000 | 3,500,000 |
| +9% | +15% | +17% |
| 85" / 86" | 1,400,000 | 1,700,000 | 2,100,000 |
| +15% | +21% | +24% |
| 98" / 100" | 110,000 | 250,000 | 400,000 |
| +804% | +227% | +160% |
FlatpanelsHD
TCL's 2025 miniLED LCD tech
TCL explained that its new 23-bit backlight controller offers over 65,000 levels of miniLED luminance control. This controller manages the new higher-energy LED chip, which delivers 10% improved efficiency and up to 53% higher brightness.
Another innovation for 2025 is TCL's 'Zero Delay Transient Response' system, which the company claims delivers "virtually no lag between the input signal and backlight response", eliminating delays in miniLED zones when transitioning from very dark to very bright images for deeper blacks and more accurate peak brightness.
A cut-out of the 2025 miniLED backlight from QM6K. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
The number of miniLED dimming zones will increase in 2025 but will depend on the TV model. Other related improvements include a further reduced optical distance for an "86% improvement in backlight uniformity" and the use of microlenses to focus light from each LED, reducing blooming.
QM6K kicks off the show
These advancements add up to what TCL calls 'Precise Dimming', with QM6K being the first TV range to benefit. QM6K will launch in North America in Q1 in sizes ranging from 50 to 98 inches.
TCL confirmed to FlatpanelsHD that QM6K will have up to around 500 dimming zones. Additionally, QM6K features a 144Hz 4K LCD panel with a 288Hz half-resolution VRR mode. It runs Google TV and supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos – a very promising mid-range LCD TV for 2025. See full specifications in the TV Database at the bottom.
TCL's QM6K will be available in 50 inches for $750, 55 inches for $800, 65 inches for $1000, 75 inches for $1300, 85 inches for $2000 and 98 inches for $3500. The 65, 75 and 85-inch QM6K models are available now for preorder in the US.
The 98-inch QM6K. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
QM7K launching in sizes up to 115"
TCL also teased a new QM7K, which will be available in sizes up to 115 inches, the 115QM7K. It will also be available in smaller sizes.
The 115-inch QM7K succeeds the current 115-inch QM891G, with the lower model number hinting that the 115-inch version might be priced slightly lower this year. However, TCL North America has not yet commented on pricing.
- "TCL will be doubling down on QLED, QD-Mini LED and XXL screen sizes, as we deliver even more premium options that meet consumer demand while still providing the unmatched value and quality we’re known for," said Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President, TCL North America.
FlatpanelsHD had the chance to see the new 115-inch TV in action and it looks promising. However, beyond that information is currently limited. TCL plans to make a formal announcement later.
The 115-inch QM7K. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
Wider viewing angles, RGB miniLED?
The 2025 LCD panel will also feature a new quantum dot film that delivers up to 98% DCI-P3 color coverage for HDR movies and games. TCL's current models deliver around 95% DCI-P3.
Additionally, TCL hinted that some 2025 models will feature an LCD panel with wider viewing angles, seemingly confirming rumors about the debut of the WHVA LCD panel in some TCL – and Samsung – 2025 models. This new panel will maintain the current level of up to 7000:1 native contrast but will not be featured in QM6K.
There are also rumors suggesting that TCL’s high-end TVs later this year may include RGB miniLED technology, which could expand the coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut. However, the company did not comment on it during the pre-briefing.
TCL will announce details about additional 2025 models later this year.
TCL QM6K – specifications
FlatpanelsHD
