TCL QM9K – the first television with Google TV Gemini and brightness up to 6500 nits!

TCL North America has officially presented the QM9K series – its latest and most advanced miniLED LCD televisions. This is the equivalent of the C9K model, which previously hit the European market, but in a version adapted to the requirements and standards in the USA. Both models utilise a new WHVA panel, which not only provides noticeably wider viewing angles but also slimmer bezels, making the screen look even more modern and elegant. The premiere took place at the CEDIA Expo 2025 – an event that is considered the most important showcase for technological innovations in the home theatre industry.

Record brightness and 6000 dimming zones

The standout feature of the QM9K specification is undoubtedly the miniLED backlighting, developed specifically for 2025. The television achieves up to 6500 nits of peak brightness, placing it at the forefront of LCD televisions and allowing for comfortable viewing even in very sunlit rooms. In the largest 98-inch variant, there are as many as 6000 local dimming zones—57% more than in the previous QM8K model. This results in contrast, black level reproduction, and HDR precision that were unattainable for traditional LCD televisions just a few years ago. TCL emphasises that these parameters allow it to compete not only with OLEDs but even with the latest QD-OLEDs in terms of brightness.

Sound from Bang & Olufsen and a full package of features

QM9K is not just about picture, but also sound. TCL has teamed up with Bang & Olufsen – one of the most prestigious brands in the audio world. As a result, the built-in Dolby Atmos system in the TV aims to provide spatial and powerful sound without the need to immediately invest in a soundbar. Interestingly, the TV also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, allowing users to wirelessly stream content from their smartphone or laptop. On the list, we also find WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which is the new standard for terrestrial television in the USA. This set of features makes the QM9K ready for both 4K HDR streaming and future broadcast solutions.

First TV with Gemini AI and Ambient Display

The biggest innovation of the QM9K is the integration with Gemini – the new AI assistant from Google, which has just debuted in TCL TVs. With a built-in long-range microphone and a presence sensor, the TV can operate in Ambient Display mode: it wakes up when someone enters the room, displays dynamic screen savers, or responds to voice questions. Gemini understands context and can hold more natural conversations than the previous Google Assistant. For example, you can ask about the weather forecast and then follow up with whether it will rain in a specific city tomorrow – without needing to repeat the entire question. This level of interaction has previously been reserved for smartphones or smart speakers.

Competition not until 2026

Interestingly, TCL was the first to introduce Gemini to televisions, beating the competition. Sony and Hisense also plan to bring this technology to their models, but only in 2026. This means that for at least a year, TCL will be the only manufacturer offering a television with Gemini AI included. This gives the brand not only a marketing advantage but also the opportunity to gather user feedback and further refine the AI integration. The market for smart assistants in televisions is rapidly evolving – alongside Gemini, there will be an improved Bixby from Samsung, Alexa+ in Fire TV, and a new Siri for Apple TV – but it is TCL that is opening this race.

Availability and Sizes

The QM9K series will go on sale this September at Best Buy and selected stores in the USA. There will be four options to choose from: 65, 75, 85, and a gigantic 98 inches. For now, the manufacturer hasn't released prices, but it's expected they will be significantly higher than the QM8K – after all, we are dealing with the most advanced LCD television in TCL's history. The launch in the North American market shows that TCL aims to strengthen its position in the premium segment and challenge both LG and Samsung in the competition for customers who expect top quality in a large format.