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TCL Q8C Mini LED Gen 7 TV: 4 models from 65" to 98 inches

For those who don't know yet, depending on the distribution network, some TV series adopt distinct names while keeping almost all of the same technical specifications modulo, most often, a minor cosmetic difference. A common mechanism for all brands, or almost. For TCL, many of you have been asking us in recent weeks about the Q8C references available from online retailers. To be clear, the TCL Q8C TV series is none other than the C8K (or C81K, or C89K already mentioned in our columns).

The Q8C Mini LED TV series therefore has, like the C8K, four references: the TCL 65Q8C (165 cm), TCL 75Q8C (191 cm), TCL 85Q8C (216 cm) and TCL 98Q8C (249 cm).

TCL Q8C, 7th generation Mini LED backlight system££££ As with the Q8C TVs, the Gen 7 Mini LED backlight system that equips the C89K/C81K and C8K 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 Q8C'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 Q8C, technical specifications and connectivity££££

The TCL Q8C 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 Q8C 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 Q8C, 4.2.2 sound section££££ TCL Q8C 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. Note that the TCL Q8C screens have a [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2, [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2 and [abc]DVB-C[/abc] tuner.

TCL Q8C, Smart Google TV££££ As for Smart TV features, the TCL Q8C 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, TCL Q8C 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 Q8C, Game Master Pro function with DLG 288 Hz££££ TCL has not forgotten video game enthusiasts with the new Game Master Pro feature. 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, TCL TVs Q8C has 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 Q8C, minimalist design££££ Another remarkable point of the TCL Q8C 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, TCL Q8C 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 65Q8C, €1,699 for the TCL 75Q8C, €2,499 for the TCL 85Q8C and €3,499 for the TCL 98Q8C.

Reminder of the key characteristics of TCL Q8C TVs:

• 10-bit panel

• [abc]LCD[/abc] VA panel

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

• 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

• Media 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 2.0 Function

• DLG 288 Hz Function

• AiPQ Pro Function

• Compatibility [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[/abc]

• 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

• 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", 2880 on the 85" and 3480 on the 98 inch

• 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

• Power: 90 W (60 W for the 55")

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