TCL C8K TV, Mini LED Gen 7, 5,000 nits and 3,000 zones

fbluetThe C8K Mini LED TV series will therefore have five references, the TCL 55C8K (140 cm), TCL 65C8K (165 cm), TCL 75C8K (191 cm), TCL 85C8K (216 cm) and TCL 98C8K (249 cm).

TCL C8K, 7th generation Mini LED backlight system££££ TCL specifies that the Gen 7 Mini LED backlight oscillates between OD5 and OD7 values, without further details. However, this is a drastic reduction in optical distance compared to that of the various Mini LED systems of the TV series available in 2024, which oscillated between OD8 and OD20 values. And to formalize this evolution, TCL bluntly mentions the term Micro OD, specifying that the latter will improve image uniformity by an unprecedented 143%.

For the rest, we find a native 10-bit [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] panel and a refresh rate of 144 hertz. The C8K series televisions have a huge number of backlighting zones: 720 zones for the 55" model, 1,344 zones for the 65" model, 2,160 zones for the 75" model, 2,880 zones for the 85" model and 3,000 zones for the 98-inch model. These diffusers are equipped with very small diodes, measuring 100 microns, equipped with a lens that improves the light diffusion angle to 160°, compared to 130° for previous models. This lens not only improves screen uniformity by reducing the Clouding phenomenon by 60.63%, but also minimizes Blooming, which manifests itself as halos around the luminous elements on a dark background thanks to an optimized shape for a significantly better controlled light path (less leakage and less disturbance of neighboring diodes). Also worth knowing about the diodes that equip this seventh generation Mini LED, their brightness is 33% higher than the previous generation while consuming approximately 40% less energy.

Of course, the TCL C8K's backlighting system incorporates the technological advances of previous models, the TCL C89B or TCL X955. The LED diodes used are identical in terms of colorimetric characteristics, guaranteeing optimal image homogeneity. In addition, these LEDs are capable of changing state very quickly, making it possible to eliminate shadows on moving objects thanks to Direct Drive technology. This precise 16-bit brightness control is carried out on more than 65,536 levels and ensures faithful reproduction of the slightest image variations. Thus, these are taken into account and reproduced on the screen for increased realism. As a result, the luminous halo phenomenon is reduced by 96%, good news for better controlling Blooming linked to transmissive LCD technology.

Similarly, TCL announces that the diodes of the 7th generation Mini LED are capable of changing state extremely quickly, a time less than that required to display an image, even with a 120 hertz signal. Thus, there is no latency between the signal and the response of the diodes, which until now was the cause of a slight blurring of the image and a lack of dynamics. TCL calls this capacity of its Mini LED 2025 system Zero Delay Transient Response.

To conclude the hardware improvements concomitant with this 7th generation Mini LED signed TCL, it is necessary to mention the Crystglow HVA Panel process. Already mentioned in our news relating to the Samsung 2025 TV range, this one offers a wider viewing angle, more or less equivalent to that of IPS LCD panels, associated with a very high-performance anti-reflective coating.

TCL C8K, technical specifications and connectivity££££

The TCL C8K displays a significant peak brightness of 2,600 nits for the 55", 5,000 nits for the 65", 75", 85" and 98 inches. They also incorporate QLED Pro technology allowing 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut thanks to nanocrystals with a new alloy for a more pronounced reaction to light. TCL mentions more "vibrant" nanocrystals and increased longevity, 100,000 hours of viewing in the best conditions, that is to say while benefiting from preserved Quantum Dots qualities (before degradation). HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR Dolby Vision technologies are supported, along with Dolby Vision IQ (light sensor). Other features include Filmmaker mode, Imax Enhanced certification, 120Hz MEMC motion compensation and an anti-blue light mode. All of this is implemented by the AiPQ Pro processor.

In terms of connectivity, the TCL C8K TVs are equipped with four [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]2.1[/abc] ports certified for [abc]HFR[/abc] 4K/144, [abc]eARC[/abc], [abc]VRR[/abc], FreeSync Premium and [abc]ALLM[/abc] technologies. Other connectors include an [abc]optical[/abc] output, a [abc]USB[/abc][abc]3.0[/abc] port, a USB Host 2.0 port, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port, a headphone output and a [abc]CI+ port[/abc].

TCL C8K, 4.2.2 sound section££££ TCL C8K televisions are equipped with 4.2.2 sound equipment from Bang & Olufsen, compatible with [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc], [abc]DTS-HD[/abc] and DTS Virtual:X. Precision, the TCL C8K screens have a [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2, [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2 and [abc]DVB-C[/abc] tuner.

TCL C8K, Smart Google TV££££ As for Smart TV features, the TCL C8K televisions run on Google TV (Android 12) and support [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6 connectivity as well as [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4. [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] and HomeKit certifications, as well as compatibility with Alexa, are also present, allowing for seamless integration into a connected environment. Finally, the TCL C8K TVs are ready for the Gemini voice assistant intended to replace Google Assistant in the coming months (see our news Google Assistant is over).

TCL C8K, Game Master Pro function with DLG 288 Hz££££ TCL has not forgotten video game fans with the new Game Master Pro feature. In addition to managing the 144 Hz frequency, FreeSync and direct access to various TV settings to optimize the gaming experience, the TCL C8K TVs have minimal Input Lag, less than 6 ms in the presence of a 120 hertz signal.

Finally, DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology is present. The latter, by halving the vertical resolution (so in [abc]1080p[/abc] and not [abc]2160p[/abc]), offers a 288 Hz display for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

TCL C8K, minimalist design££££ Another remarkable point of the TCL C8K TVs is the almost total disappearance of the LCD panel frame. This is still visible at the bottom of the LCD panel but it is very fine everywhere else (see photos above and below). If we add to this an image that literally licks the edge of the screen (the black surround of the matrix is now just a memory, the image now occupying 100% of the panel), the final rendering is absolutely splendid. Sober, elegant, statutory! Lastly, the TCL C8K TVs have a central stand except for the 98" model which has a double stand (at each end of the screen).

Availability expected between April and early May. Indicative prices: €1,299 for the TCL 55C8K, €1,899 for the TCL 65C8K, €2,499 for the TCL 75C8K, €2,999 for the TCL 85C8K and €4,999 for the TCL 98C8K. Price still unknown for the TCL 55C8K.

Reminder of the key characteristics of the TCL C8K TVs:

• 10-bit panel

• [abc]LCD[/abc] VA panel

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

• Crystglow HVA Panel

• 144 Hz Panel

• Processor: Quad Core

• Mega Contrast Enhancement Function

• Wide Color Gamut Function

• UHD Color Extender Function

• UPnP[/abc] (DLNA[/abc]) Media Gateway Function

• DVR Function

• eARC[/abc] Function

• VRR[/abc] Function

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

• 4K [abc]HFR[/abc] 120 Function

• Quantum Dots Function

• UHD Super Resolution Function

• Game Master Pro Function

• DLG 288 Hz

• AiPQ Pro function

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

• [abc]HDR10+[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDR10+ Adaptive compatibility

• [abc]Miracast[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDR Dolby Vision IQ compatibility

• [abc]HEVC[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Dolby Atmos compatibility

• [abc]HBBTV[/abc] compatibility

• FreeSync compatibility

• [abc]CEC[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Canal compatibility Ready[/abc]

• [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4 compatibility

• DTS Virtual:X compatibility

• [abc]DTS-HD[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.2 compatibility

• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax compatibility

• [abc]Chromecast (built-in) compatibility

• Filmmaker mode

• Imax Enhanced certification

• Outputs: 1 optical, 1 headphone

• Inputs: 4 [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 inputs, 1 USB Host 3.0 port, 1 USB Host 2.0 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 Gemini Multimedia

• MEMC Motion Compensation

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

• Input Lag: < 6 ms

• Number of Zones: 720 on the 55", 1,344 on the 65", 2,160 on the 75", 2,880 on the 85" and 3,000 on the 98"

• Peak Brightness: 2,600 nits for the 55", 5,000 nits for the 65", 75", 85" and 98"

• Tuner [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2

• Tuner [abc]DVB-C[/abc]

• Tuner [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2

• Sound section: 4.2.2

• Power: 90 W

• Energy label: G