Katarzyna Petru
The next step in the evolution of displays is on the way. While the first affordable LCD TVs with RGB LED backlighting will debut only in 2026, an even more promising technology is on the horizon – perovskite quantum dots, referred to as the third generation (3rd-gen QD).
According to the latest reports, P-QD can provide coverage of over 95% of the Rec.2020 colour gamut, approaching the ideal defined by contemporary HDR standards like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. This is a significant advancement compared to current solutions.
From Cadmium to Perovskites
The first quantum dots used cadmium, which has since been banned in many countries due to its toxicity. Today's second generation, based on indium, achieve on average 70–75% of the Rec.2020 colour gamut – as seen in tests of “QLEDs” and miniLED televisions published by FlatpanelsHD.
Perovskite QDs, however, are expected to surpass this threshold. If manufacturers' promises hold true, the colours in LCD and QD-OLED televisions could finally match – or even exceed – the current RGB LED and QD-OLED models, which typically achieve 85–90% of Rec.2020. In practice, this means more saturated reds, deeper greens, and an even more realistic image in movies, games, and HDR series.
TCL, Samsung and Chinese laboratories in the race for pure colours
According to industry rumours, TCL may be the first to introduce P-QD to consumer televisions. The flagship model TCL X11L, set to debut in 2026, is expected to utilise the so-called Super Quantum Dot – a solution that the company claims approaches 100% Rec.2020. Interestingly, TCL positions this model higher than its first RGB LED LCD, suggesting that the new technology may offer better colours with lower energy consumption.
The Chinese giant has been collaborating with Zhijing Nanotech since at least 2020. Meanwhile, Samsung is conducting its own research on perovskites, and the Korean company SN Display has already received a CES 2026 Innovation Award for a colour-converting film based on perovskite nanocrystals.
As explained by the trade show organiser, Consumer Technology Association (CTA):
“Our colour conversion film based on perovskite nanocrystals achieves over 95% coverage of Rec.2020 – compared to around 76% in current QD technologies. This is a breakthrough that allows for thinner panels, lower energy consumption, and more vibrant, natural colours.”
When will we see perovskites in televisions?
Although the first consumer products featuring this technology are likely to appear by the end of the decade, progress is evident. If manufacturers can master the issue of colour stability (which has been the biggest challenge for P-QD), perovskite quantum dots could become the next milestone after OLEDs and miniLEDs. Everything indicates that the race for “pure colour” is just beginning – and the P-QD technology may finally make Rec.2020 from the specifications table a reality in our living rooms.
