Katarzyna Petru
TCL North America officially showcased 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 tailored to the requirements and standards in the USA. Both models utilize the 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 venue for showcasing technological innovations in the home theater industry.
Record Brightness and 6000 Dimming Zones
The strongest point of the QM9K specifications is undoubtedly the miniLED backlighting, developed specifically for 2025. The television reaches up to 6500 nits of peak brightness, placing it at the forefront among LCD TVs and allowing comfortable viewing even in very sunlit rooms. The largest, 98-inch variant features as many as 6000 local dimming zones – 57% more than the previous model, QM8K. This results in contrast, black reproduction, and HDR precision at a level that just a few years ago was unattainable for traditional LCD TVs. TCL emphasizes that such parameters allow competition 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 the picture, but also the sound. TCL has decided to collaborate with Bang & Olufsen – one of the most prestigious brands in the audio world. Thanks to this, the built-in Dolby Atmos system in the television is supposed to offer spatial and powerful sound without the need to invest in a soundbar right away. Interestingly, the TV also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, so users can wirelessly stream content from their smartphone or laptop. The list also includes 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 QM9K ready for both 4K HDR streaming and future broadcasting solutions.
The First TV with Gemini AI and Ambient Display
The biggest novelty of the QM9K is the integration with Gemini – the new AI assistant from Google, which has just debuted in TCL TVs. Thanks to the built-in far-field microphone and presence sensor, the TV can operate in Ambient Display mode: it wakes up when someone enters the room, shows dynamic screensavers, or answers 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 by asking whether it will rain in a specific city tomorrow – without having to repeat the entire question. This is a level of interaction that has so far been reserved for smartphones or smart speakers.
Competition Only in 2026
Interestingly, TCL was the first to introduce Gemini to televisions, outpacing the competition. Sony and Hisense also plan to introduce this technology to their models, but not until 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 improve the AI integration. The market for smart assistants in televisions is rapidly evolving – alongside Gemini, there will be an improved Bixby from Samsung, Alexa+ on 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 the gigantic 98 inches. So far, the manufacturer has not announced prices, but one can expect them to 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 wants to strengthen its position in the premium segment and challenge both LG and Samsung in the fight for the customer who demands top-quality in a large format.
