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TCL X965 4K Ultra HD TV: Mini LED, 6,500 nits, HDR10, Dolby Vision/Atmos, 144 Hz and Google TV

05.09.2024 • 14h01

In addition to the new TCL C765 series, TCL is presenting another new product at IFA Berlin 2024, the TCL X965 TV series, an evolution of the great X955 TV series that appeared last year.

At the time of writing, only the 85"/98"" models are being renewed with the TCL 85X965 and TCL 98X965 references. The question of the TCL 115X955 could be addressed in spring 2025 with, for example, a presentation at the next CES show in Las Vegas next January.

TCL X965, 6th generation Mini LED backlight££££ [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] [abc]LCD[/abc] VA 144 Hz models equipped with an advanced sixth generation Mini LED system called OD2 (distance between the backlight system and the LCD panel of 2 mm) which allows for an extremely thin screen, TCL X965 TVs of course have a native 10-bit panel.

In terms of zones, The X965 televisions represent the ultimate of the brand, they are much better equipped than all the other series: 10,368 zones to be exact, not one less, on the 85" and 14,000 zones (!) on the 98 inches. Of course, the TCL X965 series has very small diodes, 100 microns, and are equipped with a lens to improve the light diffusion angle to 160° (see first photo below) against 130 degrees.

The lens allows you to control the diffusion of light to on the one hand significantly improve the uniformity of the panel (eliminate Clouding), by 60.63% according to the brand, and on the other hand reduce to zero or almost the halo phenomenon (Blooming) on the white or bright elements of the image on a black background.

Good news, we find on the backlighting system of the sixth generation TCL X965 screens all the recipes of the TCL 845 and TCL X955 (see our news Ultra HD 4K TV TCL C845: Mini LED OD10, QLED, 2,000 nits, HDR10+, Dolby Vision/Atmos, 144 Hz and Google TV). First of all, all strictly identical diodes, particularly in terms of efficiency (electrical efficiency, wavelength, power) to ensure perfect image homogeneity, but also in colorimetric terms for total uniformity and to combat the Demura effect (also called Clouding) directly from the backlighting system, and no longer just at the LCD panel level. Similarly, these embedded LEDs are capable of changing state extremely quickly, i.e. a time less than that required to display an image, even with a 120 hertz signal. Called Direct Drive by TCL, this feature eliminates shadow problems on moving objects.

Similarly, the LEDs of TCL X965 TVs offer ultra-precise control of the brightness delivered in a million steps, according to the brand. Thus, the slightest variations in the image are taken into account and reproduced on the screen for increased realism. In addition to a reduced optical distance and an increased number of zones, the Mini LED backlighting system of the X965 screens still includes Dynamic Alpha Technology processing, which allows the brightness of each of the Mini LED zones to be modulated over 16 levels. This fine setting allows, for example, the specific management of the brightness of the zones adjacent to the subtitles of a film in the Cinemascope black band, by imperceptibly graying out the black in order to further eliminate the off-axis Blooming phenomenon. Similarly, the Dynamic Alpha Technology function also improves the uniformity of the panel.

In total, the backlighting system of the TCL X965 televisions includes multiple major technical developments for a display quality announced as unprecedented by the brand.

TCL X965, 6,500 nits££££ On the menu of technical characteristics, the TCL X955 televisions display a peak brightness of 6,500 nits associated with a matte LCD panel for a magnificent visual rendering. As usual, the QLED (Quantum Dots) technology allows 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut. We of course find the new AiPQ Pro with AI video processing. A single remote control, made of metal and equipped with keys from 0 to 9, accompanies the TCL X965 TVs.

TCL X965, connectivity and HDR££££ The connectivity includes four HDMI 2.1 connectors certified HDCP 2.3, with HFR 4K/120, eARC (HDMI 4), VRR (from 48 Hz to 144 Hz), FreeSync Premium Pro and ALLM compatibility. Also present are a [abc]Composite[/abc] input, an [abc]optical[/abc] output, three [abc]USB[/abc] 3.0 ports, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port, a headphone output plus a [abc]CI+[/abc] port.

Management of HDR10, [abc]HDR10+[/abc] and [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] technologies associated with the Dolby Vision IQ functionality (brightness sensor) is included. We can also mention a 120 Hz MEMC motion compensation and an anti-blue light mode.

TCL X965, 6.2.2 sound section££££ The 6.2.2 sound equipment (two subwoofers) signed Onkyo ensures [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc], [abc]DTS:X[/abc] and DTS Virtual:X compatibility. Precision, the TCL X965 screens are equipped with a [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2, [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2 and [abc]DVB-C[/abc] tuner.

TCL X965, Smart Google TV££££ Of course, like their predecessors, the TCL X965 TVs include the Smart Google TV function (Android 12). For connectivity, it is the Wi-Fi 6 function that is implemented in addition to Bluetooth 5.2. We also note the [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]/HomeKit and Works with Alexa certifications (requires an Amazon Echo type speaker). In addition to having an internet browser, Voice Search and [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc] functions, offering access to the Google Play Store with thousands of free applications, there is multi-account management, PIP, the efficient Cast function on Ultra HD content, multitasking management to navigate between several applications, quick access to favorite content via a side information bar in overlay, Google Assistant compatibility, the Google Meet application and the Hands free Voice Control function (voice control of the TV) without the need for a remote control (mirro integrated into the TV).

TCL X965, Game Master Pro 3.0 function with DLG 240 Hz££££ TCL has not forgotten video game fans with the new Game Master Pro 3.0 functionality. In addition to managing the 144 Hz frequency, FreeSync and direct access to various TV settings to optimize the gaming experience, TCL X965 TVs have minimal Input Lag, less than 6 ms in the presence of a 120 hertz signal. Finally, as on the TCL C645/C805/C765 TVs (see our news TCL C645, QLED Ultra HD 4K HDR TV Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos + VRR 120 Hz 1 080p + Google TV), DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology. The latter, by halving the vertical resolution (therefore in [abc]1 080p[/abc] and not [abc]2 160p[/abc]), offers a 240 Hz display for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

Availability expected for December. Indicative prices still unknown.

Reminder of the key characteristics of TCL X955 TVs:

• 10-bit panel

• [abc]LCD[/abc] VA panel

• [abc]Ultra HD[/abc]/[abc]4K[/abc] panel

• 144 Hz panel

• Processor: Quad Core

• Mega Contrast enhancement function

• Wide Color Gamut function

• UHD Color Extender function

• Multimedia gateway function [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])

• DVR function

• [abc]eARC[/abc] function

• [abc]VRR[/abc] function

• [abc]ALLM[/abc] (Auto Low Latency Mode) function

• 4K HFR 120

• Quantum Dots function

• UHD Super Resolution function

• AiPQ 3.0 Engine function

• Game Master Pro 2.0 function

• DLG 240 Hz function

• [abc]HDR10[/abc] and [abc]HDR HLG[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDR10+[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Miracast[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HEVC[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HBBTV[/abc] compatibility

• FreeSync compatibility

• [abc]CEC[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Canal Ready[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.0

• Compatibility DTS Virtual:X

• Compatibility [abc]DTS-HD[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3

• Compatibility [ab c]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax

• Outputs: 1 optical, 1 headset

• Inputs: 4 [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 inputs, 1 [abc]Composite[/abc], 3 USB Host 3.0 port, 1 Ethernet port, 1 [abc]CI+ port[/abc]

• Multimedia [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]

• HomeKit Multimedia

• Google Assistant Multimedia

• Works with Alexa Multimedia

• Google TV Multimedia

• Google Meet Multimedia

• MEMC Motion Compensation

• Mini [abc]LED[/abc] [abc]Local Dimming[/abc] Backlight System

• Input Lag: < 6 ms

• Number of Zone(s): 5,184

• Peak Light: 5,000 nits

• [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2 Tuner

• [abc]DVB-C[/abc] Tuner

• [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2 Tuner

• Sound Section: 4.2.2

• Power: 160 W