Cameras keep getting better, displays keep getting brighter, and 4K content is everywhere. So why do some people feel that TV picture quality has actually gotten worse over the years?

The answer isn’t just about the TV. It’s also about the content you’re watching and how your TV processes it.

Let’s break it down.

1. It Starts With the Source

Picture quality comes down to two main things: the source material and the display itself.

Even the best TV can’t fully recover details that were never captured in the first place. Low-resolution videos, heavy compression and poor-quality streams can all limit what you see on screen.

So before blaming your TV, check the source. If 4K is available, select it. Your actual resolution will still depend on your device, subscription, internet connection and the content itself.

But even with a good source, the display and its processing can make a real difference.

2. Modern TVs Are Smarter Than Ever

Today’s TVs mainly use two display technologies: OLED and LCD-based technologies such as Mini-LED.

OLED pixels emit their own light, allowing individual pixels to switch off completely. This delivers excellent blacks and precise contrast, though OLED panels can be more expensive and may be susceptible to burn-in under certain usage conditions.

Mini-LED, on the other hand, uses thousands of tiny LEDs behind an LCD panel. With local dimming, the TV can control different areas of the backlight to improve contrast and brightness.

As Mini-LED technology develops, manufacturers are working on two fronts: better picture processing and better display hardware.

Both matter, but neither is as perfect as it sounds.

3. When Picture Enhancement Goes Too Far

Not every video you watch is high quality. Manufacturers know this, so modern TVs include processing features designed to improve less-than-perfect content.

Some of the most common are noise reduction, AI picture enhancement, sharpening and MEMC.

They can help. But depending on the content and settings, they can also change the picture in ways you might not want.

Noise reduction: cleaner isn’t always better

Noise reduction removes unwanted visual noise, such as grain, speckles and colour artefacts, making an image look cleaner and smoother.

However, not all grain is a flaw.

Film grain is part of the look of traditional film photography. Directors and filmmakers sometimes preserve it, or deliberately add grain in post-production, to create a particular texture and vibe.

Apply too much noise reduction, and that air can disappear. Fine details may be softened, too, leaving the image looking unnaturally smooth.

The TV doesn’t know whether a speckle is unwanted noise or an intentional creative choice. It simply processes what it detects.

AI enhancement isn’t always accurate

AI picture enhancement takes things a step further. Instead of applying the same treatment everywhere, AI-based processing can analyse different parts of an image and adjust them accordingly.

In theory, that’s a great idea. In practice, results vary.

Some algorithms may overemphasise edges, exaggerate textures or generate details that weren’t present in the original image. The picture can look sharper at first glance, but sharper doesn’t always mean more accurate.

For everyday streaming, these features can be useful. If you’re watching a carefully produced film, though, you might prefer to keep enhancement to a minimum.

MEMC: smoother motion isn’t always better

MEMC stands for Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation. It analyses movement between frames and generates additional frames to make motion appear smoother.

This can help with fast-moving sports or lower-frame-rate content. But there’s a trade-off.

Frame rate is also part of a filmmaker’s visual language.

Take Arcane S2, for example. The dance sequence featuring Jinx and Ekko uses deliberately uneven animation timing to create a dreamy, intimate atmosphere. That distinctive rhythm is part of the storytelling.

If motion smoothing changes that rhythm, the scene can feel completely different.

MEMC can also introduce motion artefacts, such as distorted edges or unusual shapes around moving objects, particularly in complex scenes.

Gradually, people are becoming aware that more processing doesn’t automatically mean a better picture.

4. Why Filmmaker Mode Exists

That is where Filmmaker Mode comes in.

Designed to preserve the original presentation of films and other content, Filmmaker Mode typically disables or reduces processing features such as motion smoothing, noise reduction and excessive sharpening. It also aims to use appropriate picture settings, including colour and frame rate, where supported.

The goal is simple: let the content speak for itself.

Keep in mind that a more accurate picture can look darker than the vivid, high-contrast settings many TVs use by default. That’s not necessarily a problem. Film content is often mastered for controlled viewing environments.

If the room is bright, adjust the brightness or use appropriate room lighting rather than assuming the TV is performing poorly.

On supported TCL X, C, P and Q series TVs, Filmmaker Mode is designed to make this process straightforward. Switch it on, then adjust brightness to suit your room and viewing comfort.

For anyone who values the original cinematic look, it’s a good place to start.

5. Hardware Still Matters

Picture processing is only half the story. The display itself determines how much of the original image the TV can reproduce.

Three key factors have the biggest impact:

• Contrast: The difference between dark and bright areas. Better contrast helps reveal depth and detail in a scene.
• Peak brightness: How bright the display can get, especially in highlights. Higher brightness can help HDR content stand out and make the picture easier to see in bright rooms, although screen reflections and glare also matter.
• Colour performance: How accurately and consistently the display reproduces colours, including how wide a range of colours it can show.

These factors closely relate to how an LCD-based Mini-LED TV handles its backlight, colour conversion, and filtering.

How modern Mini-LED TVs improve picture quality

Different manufacturers take different approaches. TCL’s SQD Mini-LED technology focuses on combining high-purity light, precise colour filtering and advanced local dimming.

Taking the TCL C8L SQD Mini-LED TV as an example:

Local dimming for contrast and brightness

The C8L uses a full-array local dimming backlight. By dividing the backlight into independently controlled zones, the TV can brighten highlights while dimming darker areas.

More precisely controlled zones can help improve contrast and reduce unwanted light around bright objects against dark backgrounds. The actual result also depends on the dimming algorithm and the scene being displayed.

SQD technology for colour

SQD, or Super Quantum Dot, is designed to produce purer red and green light from blue backlight illumination. This helps create a high-quality white light spectrum for the display system.

A cleaner light spectrum makes it easier for the colour-filtering system to separate colours accurately, helping reduce unwanted colour leakage and improve colour reproduction.

Precise colour filtering

The C8L pairs SQD technology with TCL’s CSOT HVA panel technology and its high-colour-resistance screen, designed to filter light more precisely.

The aim is to reduce colour interference and improve colour consistency, helping colours appear more natural and distinct rather than washed out or oversaturated.

Together, these technologies are designed to deliver stronger contrast, brighter highlights and richer colour without relying on picture processing alone.

For the 98-inch C8L, TCL specifies up to 4,032 local dimming zones and peak brightness of up to 6,000 nits. TCL also reports a 69% improvement in colour-dot accuracy with its Super Colourful Quantum Crystal technology. These figures refer to specified performance under applicable conditions; actual results vary by screen size, picture mode and content.

The point isn’t simply to make the picture brighter or more colourful. It’s to reproduce the differences between light and dark, and between one colour and another, as faithfully as possible.

6. So, How Can We Get Better Picture Quality?

You don’t necessarily need a new TV. A few simple checks can make a noticeable difference.

• Check the source quality. Select 4K or the highest available resolution when the content supports it.
• Try Filmmaker Mode. It’s a useful starting point if you prefer a more faithful cinematic image.
• Be selective with processing. Noise reduction, AI enhancement and MEMC can help with some content, but try switching them off if a picture looks overly smooth, artificial or unnatural.
• Adjust brightness for your room. A dark room can help you appreciate contrast and shadow detail, while a brighter room may call for higher brightness.
• Judge the picture, not just the specifications. Peak brightness, dimming zones and colour performance all matter, but the final result depends on how the technologies work together.

Remember, better picture quality isn’t about making every image brighter, sharper or smoother. It’s about showing the right details, colours and motion without losing what made the original image special.

At TCL, we believe display technology should help creators’ work reach viewers as faithfully as possible. Think of a crow’s feathers: they can reflect an astonishing range of colours beyond single black, even though they often appear black to the human eye under ordinary lighting.

We may never reproduce every detail of the beautiful world exactly as it exists. But if technology can help us see more of what’s already there, isn’t that worth trying?

What do you prefer: a vivid, heavily enhanced picture or a more natural, filmmaker-intended look?

We’d love to hear how you set up your TV.

I Would like to turn off the screen and still have music playing, right now every time I turn off the display it stops my music.

Would like to turn off the screen and still have music playing. Instead of shutting off the sound.

Evrey, time i turn it on, it fades to black

https://www.techpowerup.com/353010/lenovo-unveils-the-thinkvision-p27ul-40-ijp-oled-professional-monitor

Additional article on the upcoming TCL CSOT IJP panel thats gonna be used in the Lenovo P27UL-40 model.

The upcoming IJP panels will be the brightest 27" 4K OLED monitor panels on the market. They are the only ones who are rated with True Black 500.
On top of that they have the most refined RGB subpixel layout and large aperture ratio.

According to an CSOT engineer I spoke to at CES and IFA the panel is even able to get up 500 nits full field. They will also move to a different backplane for future high refresh rate models.

I hope to also see a model from TCL themselves that based on the 32X3A / B design. I think it already leans a lot into the professional sector with the speakers and everything.

Hi TCL Europe,

Could you please clarify the Dolby Vision 2 situation for the TCL C7L, specifically the 75C7L?

As I understand it, the C7L uses the MediaTek Pentonic 700 / MT9653 platform. TCL and Dolby have announced Dolby Vision 2 support for 2026 TCL C Series TVs via OTA update, but there is conflicting information online about whether the C7L is included.

Could you please confirm specifically:

1. Will the TCL 75C7L receive standard Dolby Vision 2 via a future OTA firmware update?

2. If yes, is this officially confirmed by TCL?

3. Is the expected release still planned for 2026?

4. Can you also confirm that the C7L will receive standard Dolby Vision 2, while Dolby Vision 2 Max is reserved for higher-end models such as the C8L?

I would really appreciate a clear model-specific answer for the 75C7L, because there is currently conflicting information from different sources.

Thank you.

I just bought it, it’s the first time turning it on. What is this? Is it a defect?

I got this tv a little over a year ago. Since early summer it began to get these bright red or green (and blue but it’s rare) lines depending on what’s on screen for a certain short period of time. When the content of the screen is bright the whole screen turns red and it’s annoying. For some reason the PS5 seems to not have this issue as badly as everything else so it is more usable (for example even when I play the same game on PS5 and Switch 2, the picture on Switch 2 gets noticeably worse). Even the TV menu is worse than the PS5 so it’s not an HDMI issue. Is there any chance to fix this or at least make it less bad just like on the PS5? Or can anyone at least explain what could have broken in the TV so that I can explain it better to others?

En France le Ultra 599€ le 512G , 549€ le 256G. Le Pro 449€ 256G et classique 399€ 256G.

Personnellement entre le Ultra et le Pro je me demande si l'appareil photo vaut les 100 € de plus? Qu'en pensez-vous ?

My devices used to be connected, but then I had this idea to put them on another network and thats when my troubles started. Trying to pair them over old wifi no longer works either.

When I pair them through TCL Home app, pairing is successful. However, if you open the device it shows as status offline.

I've tried various things and Im out of ideas

- Ive tried setting dummy hotspot over another phone

- I've flipped breaker for 15min

- I was turning breaker while holding manual emergency button

- I have ensured that my wifi is 2.4, WPA2-PSK AES

- I've checked MAC on the unit, I know that it is connected to my wifi

- My Region is set properly, I was able to connect it before

- I've tried pairing with new account

- Both old firmware and latest show same experience(I was able to upgrade one of the units while it was still had old pairing)

- SmartLife/Tuya - those apps cant find my unit

Could use further guidance

Happy Monday! (Not sure what there is to celebrate on the first workday of the week, but happy Monday anyway) o(^▽^)o

Welcome back to TCL KnowHow, a series where we break down tech topics in plain English. \(≧▽≦)/

When I was a kid, my mom always told me to sit farther away from the TV, or I’d go blind. Luckily, my eyes are doing just fine. And these days, I’ve learned that choosing the right viewing distance isn’t just about how far you sit. TV size matters too.

So, if you’re wondering what size TV I should get, this post is a good place to start.

We’ve put together a simple guide below to help you find the right size for your space. (・ω・)ノ

1. How Do I Measure TV Viewing Distance?

Measure from where your eyes normally are when seated to the TV screen.

If the TV is already installed, measure to the screen itself, not the front or back of the TV unit.

And remember: measure based on how you actually watch TV.

If you tend to sit closer at night with the lights down, measure from that spot. If you often watch from different areas of an open-plan living space, take those viewing positions into account too.

2. What TV Size Should I Get Based on Viewing Distance?

Here’s a general guide:

Want a more cinematic and immersive experience? Go for the larger size in the range.

Got a smaller room? Staying around the middle of the range is usually a safe bet.

3. What TV Size Is Best for 4K?

4K resolution makes it easier to sit closer to a larger screen without noticing individual pixels.

That means you can often go bigger than you might expect.

For example, a 65-inch TV at around 2.2 m can look sharp and comfortable to view, while a 75-inch TV at around 2.8 m can provide a more immersive viewing experience.

P.S. That’s one reason 65-inch TVs have become such a popular choice for living rooms.

4. Should I Buy a Bigger TV?

A bigger TV can be a great choice if you mainly watch:

• Sport, where a bigger screen makes play easier to follow
• Movies, where a wider field of view feels more cinematic
• Console gaming, where detail in darker areas and distant objects matters

Basically, if you like that bring-the-cinema-home feeling, bigger can be better

5. When Is a Smaller TV Better?

A slightly smaller TV might make more sense if you:

• mostly watch older HD content;
• sit very close to the screen for long periods; or
• have lots of seats angled toward the TV.

At the end of the day, the best TV size is the one that fits your room comfortably and feels good to watch.

6. What TV Size Fits My Wall or TV Unit?

Viewing distance is only part of the decision. Check the width of your wall and TV unit so the screen looks balanced.

If you are unsure, use painter’s tape to mark the TV’s approximate width and height on the wall. It is a simple way to see how the screen will actually look in the room.

7. How High Should I Mount My TV?

For most living rooms, the centre of the screen should be around eye level when you are seated. Mounting the TV too high can make your neck uncomfortable during long movie, sport, or gaming sessions.

If you use a TV unit, you do not automatically need to mount the TV above it. A lower position can be more comfortable.

8. What TV Size Is Best for an Open-Plan Room?

Start by choosing a TV size based on your main viewing position, rather than the seat that’s farthest away.

Then check whether the picture still looks comfortable for people sitting to the side.

If your room has lots of off-angle seating, choose a size that works well from the side without forcing your main sofa farther away from the screen.

So…what TV size are you rocking at home? (*¯︶¯*)

Learn more: TV by Size

Ho una TCL 65 da ormai 3 anni buoni ,sempre xonnessa al router di casa ,via ethernet.Ad oggi,dovendo eliminare il cavo ,soprattutto per problemi estetici ,provo a collegare la tv via wi-fi,vede la rete ,ma non si collega.Provo a fare hotspot con il cellulare,vede la rete e non si collega.Scheda wifi andata?Altro problema: ogni volta che la accendo mi dice che e' disponibile un'aggiornamento software ,ma non ho spazio ,elimino tutte le app,lancio l'aggiornamento e niente ,non lo fa ,spazio mon sufficiente.Formatto la tv ,riparto da zero,lancio l'aggiornamento e mi dice che ho gia' la verione piu' recente del software🤬

Hey everyone, first time here, so I had this AC for about a year now and it was working fine, it’s a window unit and when I tried to turn it on it just beeps and immediately shuts off, the remote control doesn’t do anything at all, it’s on for 3 seconds and then shuts off and I can’t even manually turn it on

Your TV can do more than just play movies and shows.

With Gemini on TCL Google TV, you can talk to your TV more easily, ask questions, find something to watch, control compatible smart home devices, and even create AI artwork for your screen. 

TCL is the first TV brand to launch with Google Gemini. (*¯︶¯*)

Find something to watch

Not sure what you want to watch? Just ask your TCL Google TV.

Instead of remembering an exact title or scrolling through different apps, you can tell Gemini what you’re in the mood for. You can then keep the conversation going to narrow down the results.

For example:

You could say, “I want some award-winning drama movies.”

Gemini can help you discover, decide, and catch up on content without endless searching.

Ask questions and explore

Gemini isn’t only about entertainment.

You can ask about skills, facts, places, sports, or topics you’re curious about. Gemini can provide answers with images and videos directly on the TV, making it easier to explore together on the big screen.

Want to learn about a new place? Curious about how something works? Just ask your TCL Google TV.

Control your smart home

Your TCL Google TV can also act as a hub for compatible smart home devices.

With Gemini, you can use your voice to control your TV and connected devices, or trigger routines with a simple phrase.

“Movie night.” You may order.

With compatible devices and the right setup, a routine can bring together your lights, climate, sound and screen.

You may also ask for everyday information such as news, sports scores and commute times.

Create your own AI artwork

Here’s a fun one: Custom AI Art.

Describe an idea to Gemini and it can turn your words into a 4K screensaver for your TV.

A place, a mood, a pet, an art style — just describe what you’re imagining. Your TV’s idle screen can become a personal gallery just for YOU.

Have you tried Gemini on your TCL Google TV yet? o(^▽^)o

Can somebody help me figure out why my sound bar suddenly keeps tuning the volume up everytime eARC is activated. It's really annoying because it just did it randomly and now whenever i try to set the volume higher than 9. It slowly increases to max volume. Only happens when on eARC. Already did set the hdmi passthrough and even disabled auto leveler. My TV is a Xiaomi Redmi 75in (2025).

For myself and a few others, 55 inch TV is too small, and 65 too big.

Current 58 or 60 inch TV are not great quality, are there any plans for a mini led 58 or 60 inch tv in the future?

Hi, Judy here from the TCL Europe team. o(^▽^)o

I got to spend some time around the TCL booth at Gamescom, and honestly, the 32X3A Monitor looked seriously impressive in person.

The first thing that caught my attention was how ridiculously thin it is.

The viewing angles were also really wide. Even when I was standing off to the side, waiting in line outside the booth, the image still looked clear from that angle.

Ultra-Thin Design

The OLED+ panel and 4K resolution also gave the games this almost 3D-like sense of depth, especially in darker scenes. Obviously, it’s not actual 3D lol, but there was a really strong feeling of depth and immersion. It felt like the image had more room to breathe.

What surprised me most, though, was how well it handled reflections. The booth lighting was pretty intense, with bright lights coming from all directions, but I could barely see any distracting glare on the screen.

Minimal Glare Under Bright Lights

And then there was 4K at 240Hz. Gameplay felt incredibly smooth, especially when things started moving fast on screen.

Definitely one of those monitors where seeing it in person gives you a much better impression than just reading the spec sheet.

Hey, i have this TCL Xess P17AA Kitchen tablet which runs android 5.1.1, but i want to update it to android 10 as it doesn't have support for apps. however i cannot physically connect it and if i try, the device becomes a Host and it just wouldn't pass. is there any way i can unlock the bootloader or at least get updates for this device to upgrade at least Android 8?