Katarzyna Petru
Hisense and Samsung have already boasted their first LCD TVs with RGB LED backlighting, but it looks like this is just the beginning of the race. According to forecasts from Omdia, Sony and TCL are set to enter the game next year – and with a much broader offering.
Omdia: Sony and TCL will debut in 2026
David Hsieh, the director of display market research at Omdia, predicts that in 2026 we will see more brands focusing on RGB LED. Sony, during a closed presentation that FlatpanelsHD attended, indicated that it is working on implementing new technology.
In the case of TCL, there are fewer details – although the first prototypes of "RGB miniLED" were shown to the world at CES 2025. More specifics are expected to be revealed at CES 2026 in January.
Bravia 9 II – flagship with panels from TCL
Omdia claims that Sony plans to introduce RGB LED in its flagship series Bravia 9 II. Models are expected to be available in sizes 65, 75, 85, and even 115 inches, based on VA LCD panels supplied by TCL. This lineup would immediately be broader than the one showcased by Hisense and Samsung, suggesting that Sony wants to quickly build an advantage.
Bravia 7 II – a cheaper series with RGB LED
Interestingly, Sony intends to use RGB LED not only in its top-end televisions. According to Omdia, the technology will also be included in the Bravia 7 II series – thus placing it in the mid-range price category. The plans include models ranging from 50 to 100 inches, this time based on VA LCD panels from AUO. If this happens, it would mean that Sony is indeed changing its priorities – opting for RGB LED instead of miniLED as the future of its LCD televisions.
OLED still available
Despite changes in LCD, Sony does not intend to abandon OLEDs. The company continues to sell two lines – models with QD-OLED and WOLED panels, which are meant to complement the portfolio alongside the new generation of Bravia with RGB LED.
Source: flatpanelshd
