Katarzyna Petru
The next step in the evolution of displays is approaching. Although 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 color gamut, getting closer to the ideal defined by contemporary HDR standards such as HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. This is a huge advancement compared to current solutions.
From Cadmium to Perovskites
The first quantum dots used cadmium, which over time has been banned in many countries due to its toxicity. Today's second-generation dots based on indium achieve an average of 70–75% of the Rec.2020 color gamut – as can be seen in the tests of “QLEDs” and miniLED TVs published by FlatpanelsHD.
Perovskite QDs are, however, expected to surpass this threshold. If the manufacturers' promises hold true, the colors in LCD and QD-OLED televisions may 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 series in HDR format.
TCL, Samsung, and Chinese laboratories in the race for pure colors
According to industry rumors, TCL may be the first to introduce P-QD to consumer televisions. The flagship model TCL X11L, which will debut in 2026, is expected to use 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 colors with lower energy consumption.
The Chinese giant has been collaborating with Zhijing Nanotech on this 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 its color-converting film based on perovskite nanocrystals.
As the organizer of the fair, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), explains:
“Our color conversion film based on perovskite nanocrystals achieves over 95% coverage of Rec.2020 – compared to about 76% in current QD technologies. This is a breakthrough that enables thinner panels, lower energy consumption, and more vibrant, natural colors.”
When will we see perovskites in televisions?
Although the first consumer products with this technology will likely appear by the end of the decade, progress is evident. If manufacturers can master the issue of color stability (so far the biggest challenge for P-QD), perovskite quantum dots could become the next significant step after OLEDs and miniLEDs. Everything indicates that the race for "pure color" is just beginning – and P-QD technology may make Rec.2020 from the specification table a reality in our living rooms at last.
