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TCL C89K Mini LED Gen 7 TV: 55", 65", 75", 85" and 98 inches

As you already know, depending on the distribution network, the TCL 2025 TV range adopts distinct names for its series. This is the case, for example, of the TCL C89K, a carbon copy of the TCL C8K. This change of name is most often explained by a minor difference between the models, most often cosmetic. However, the C89K series includes an additional reference equipped with a 55-inch diagonal.

The C89K Mini LED TV series therefore has, like the C8K, five references: the TCL 55C89K (140 cm), TCL 65C89K (165 cm), TCL 75C89K (191 cm), TCL 85C89K (216 cm) and TCL 98C89K (249 cm).

TCL C89K, 7th generation Mini LED backlight system££££ As with the C8K TVs, the Gen 7 Mini LED backlight system that equips the C89K diffusers is OD10. An evolution of the specimens embedded in the 2024 TV series, TCL uses the term Micro OD, specifying that the latter improves image uniformity by unprecedented proportions of 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. In terms of the number of zones, nothing changes with 1,680 zones for the 65" model, 2,176 zones for the 75" model, 2,880 zones for the 85" model and 3,480 zones for the 98-inch model.

These diffusers are equipped with very small diodes measuring 100 microns and 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 C89K'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, eliminating shadows on moving objects thanks to Direct Drive technology. This precise 23-bit brightness control 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 light 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 WHVA Panel process, except on the 55" model equipped with an HVA panel. Already mentioned in our news about the Samsung 2025 TV range, this one offers a wider viewing angle, more or less equivalent to that of IPS LCD panels, combined with a very high-performance anti-reflective coating.

TCL C89K, technical specifications and connectivity££££

The TCL C89K displays a significant peak brightness of 2,600 nits for the 55", 4,500 nits for the 65" and 75", 5,000 nits for the 85" and 98 inches. They also incorporate QLED Pro technology allowing 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut thanks to nanocrystals with a new alloy for a more pronounced reaction to light. TCL is talking about more "vibrant" nanocrystals and increased longevity, 100,000 hours of viewing in the best conditions, that is to say, benefiting from preserved Quantum Dots qualities (before degradation).

The management of HDR10, [abc]HDR10+[/abc], [abc]HDR10+ Adaptive[/abc] and [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] technologies, associated with the Dolby Vision IQ functionality (brightness sensor), is in place. We can also mention the Filmmaker mode, the Imax Enhanced certification, 120 Hz MEMC motion compensation and an anti-blue light mode. All implemented by the AiPQ Pro processor. Namely, a Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode is planned via [abc]Firmware[/abc] update by the end of 2025.

In terms of connectivity, the TCL C89K TVs are equipped with four [abc]HDMI[/abc] ports called [abc]2.1[/abc] (actually one [abc]HFR[/abc] 4K/144, one [abc]HFR[/abc] 4K/120 and two 60 Hz, Pentonic 700 chip) certified [abc]eARC[/abc], [abc]VRR[/abc] and [abc]ALLM[/abc]. 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+[/abc]port.

TCL C89K, 4.2.2 sound section££££ The TCL C89K televisions are equipped with 4.2.2 sound equipment by Bang & Olufsen delivering a total power of 90 W (2.2 and 60 W on the 55"), compatible with [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc], [abc]DTS:X[/abc], [abc]DTS-HD[/abc] and DTS Virtual:X. For clarification, the TCL C8K screens have a [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2, [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2 and [abc]DVB-C[/abc] tuner.

TCL C89K, Smart Google TV££££ As for Smart TV features, the TCL C89K televisions work under 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 C89K televisions are ready for the Gemini voice assistant intended to replace Google Assistant in the coming months (see our news Google Assistant is over).

TCL C89K, Game Master Pro function with DLG 288 Hz££££ TCL has not forgotten video game fans with the new Game Master Pro functionality. In addition to managing the 144 Hz frequency, FreeSync Premium Pro and direct access to various TV settings to optimize the gaming experience via the Game Bar, the TCL C81K TVs have minimal Input Lag, less than 6 ms in the presence of a 120 hertz signal.

Finally, DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology halves the vertical resolution (so in [abc]1 080p[/abc] and not [abc]2 160p[/abc]) for a 288 Hz display for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

TCL C89K, minimalist design££££ Another remarkable point of the TCL C89K TVs is the almost total disappearance of the LCD panel frame (except on the 55"). This is still visible at the bottom of the LCD panel, but it is very thin everywhere else (see photos above and below). If we add to that an image that literally licks the edge of the screen (the black surround of the matrix is now just a memory, the image now occupies 100% of the panel), the final rendering is absolutely splendid. Sober, elegant, statutory! Lastly, the TCL C81K TVs have a central stand except for the 98" model which has a double stand (at each end of the screen).

Immediate availability. Indicative prices: €1,499 for the TCL 55C89K, €1,499 for the TCL 65C89K, €1,899 for the TCL 75C89K, €2,499 for the TCL 85C89K and €3,499 for the TCL 98C89K.

Reminder of the key characteristics of the TCL C89K TVs:

• 10-bit panel

• [abc]LCD[/abc] VA panel

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

• 144 Hz Panel

• CrystGlow WHVA Panel (HVA on the 55")

• 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 [abc]HFR[/abc] 120 Function

• Quantum Dots Function

• UHD Super Resolution Function

• Game Master Pro Function 2.0

• 288 Hz DLG function

• AiPQ Pro function

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

• [abc]HDR10+[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDR10+ Adaptive[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Miracast[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HDR Dolby Vision IQ compatibility

• [abc]HEVC[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]HBBTV[/abc] compatibility

• FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility

• [abc]CEC[/abc] compatibility

• [abc]Canal Ready[/abc]

compatibility

• [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4 compatibility

• DTS Virtual:X compatibility

• [abc]DTS:X[/abc]

compatibility

• [abc]DTS-HD[/abc]

compatibility

• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.2 compatibility

• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax compatibility

• [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc]

compatibility

• Imax Enhanced certification

• Filmmaker Mode certification

• Outputs: 1 [abc]optical[/abc], 1 headphone

• Inputs: 4 [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 inputs (including two 60 Hz), 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]

• Multimedia HomeKit

• Multimedia Google Assistant

• Multimedia Works with Alexa

• Multimedia Google TV

• Multimedia Google Gemini

• MEMC motion compensation

• Mini [abc]LED[/abc] backlight system [abc]Local Diming[/abc]

• Smoothness index PPI 5000 (PPI 4600 for the 55")

• Input Lag: < 6 ms

• Number of zones: 720 on the 65", 1680 on the 65", 2176 on the 75", 2 880 on the 85" and 3,480 on the 98"

• Peak brightness: 2,600 nits for the 55", 4,500 nits for the 65"/75", 5,000 nits for the 85"/98"

• Tuner [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2

• Tuner [abc]DVB-C[/abc]

• Tuner [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2

• Sound section: 4.2.2 (2.2 for the 55")

• Power: 90 W (60 W for the 55")

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