CES 2022

TCL, unlike several other major TV brands, is actually displaying its latest and greatest TVs at CES 2022. While remaining true to its Roku TV roots, with forthcoming TVs featuring the built-in streaming platform, the company will also sell TVs with built-in Google TV in 2022. TCL also continues to push the bigscreen TV envelope with its XL Collection, having just launched a new 98-inch 4K-resolution Mini-LED-backlit QLED model that can be purchased now for under $8,000.

Along with the XL 98-incher, TCL is showing its just-launched 85-inch X925pro at CES. This 8K set represents the 3rd generation of its Mini-LED tech, which the company calls OD Zero. What’s different here is that the backlight has been sufficiently flattened to allow for an ultra-thin profile of just under 10 millimeters. Beyond that, the new set features Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Imax Enhanced support, plus the Google TV interface.

As for the rest of 2022, TCL plans to introduce new TVs with a 144Hz panel refresh rate for ultra-smooth gaming. This addition comes on top of the already sizeable list of gaming-friendly features in the company’s new models such as Auto Game and HGiG modes and Variable Refresh Rate.

Images in Motion

At CES, I was also shown a demo of TrueCut Motion, a new technology from the company Pixelworks that TCL plans to incorporate in future TVs. TrueCut Motion allows for filmmakers to perform “motion grading” during post-production by varying image motion within a 48Hz high-frame-rate (HFR) container on a scene-by-scene basis. Essentially, it’s a tool for directors to cut down on the judder artifacts endemic to the 24fps film rate historically used for movie production. As an end-to-end solution, a compatible TV would automatically display the image motion exactly as the director intended. TCL’s demo used The Hobbit, a movie originally shot in HFR, and the “graded” image I saw looked substantially more natural than the original, while still retaining the HFR version’s full motion resolution.

Soundbars

TCL plans to ship a number of new soundbars in 2022, including its X937U, a 7.1.4-channel model featuring both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing. The system includes wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer, and it also features TCL’s proprietary RayDanz processing, which expands the soundfield and makes use of side-firing radiators on the bar. The X937U will be available this summer at a very affordable $599.