TEST TV TCL C8K (C89K) : Le Roi Soleil du MiniLED (vidéo 4K chapitrée)

Introduction to the QD Mini LED LCD TV

Overview of the Product

• The video begins with an enthusiastic introduction, hinting at a new product that is not an OLED or traditional LED TV but a QD mini LED LCD TV.

• The presenter mentions that this product has been highly anticipated and refers to it as a "game changer" in television technology.

• A promise is made for an in-depth review covering various aspects such as pros and cons, design, technology, and connectivity.

Detailed Review Structure

• The video will include a comprehensive description of the product's dimensions, installation process, design features, and technological advancements.

• Results from real-world testing are promised after spending time with the TV, along with expert measurements from Sylvain.

Product Specifications and Pricing

Model Variants

• The C8K range includes multiple sizes: 55-inch (less highlighted), 65-inch (€1,800), 75-inch (€2,499), 85-inch (€2,990), and a large 98-inch model priced around €4,999.

Price Trends

• Prices for televisions tend to drop quickly post-launch; this trend is noted as beneficial for consumers.

Design Features

Zero Border Design

• The presenter highlights the unique zero border feature where the image reaches the edge of the screen without any black stripe.

• Emphasis on premium design quality; despite being slightly deep due to internal electronics and audio components.

Installation Ease

• Installation options include VESA mounting on walls or using removable feet at two heights.

Technological Insights

Panel Technology Explained

• Introduction of mini LED backlighting paired with an LCD panel manufactured by CSOTI TCL.

Understanding LCD Technology and Viewing Angles

The Importance of Viewing Angles in LCDs

• The necessity for excellent viewing angles in TVs is highlighted, particularly due to the limitations of LCD technology where backlighting can affect image quality at different angles.

• To enhance contrast and reduce reflection, a layer called "Christ Glow" is added to support the LCD panel's performance with White HVA.

Optical Distance and Its Impact on Image Quality

• The concept of optical distance is introduced, which refers to the space between the backlight and the panel; this distance affects image clarity and blooming effects.

• A longer optical distance can lead to undesirable blooming effects, where highlights appear around text on dark backgrounds due to excessive spacing from the backlight.

Innovations in Backlighting Technology

• TCL's C8K model features a micro OD (optical distance) of less than 6 mm, reducing blooming by bringing the backlight closer to the panel.

• Different models have varying numbers of backlighting zones: 1344 for 65 inches, 2160 for 75 inches, up to over 3000 zones for a 98-inch model. This precision aims to minimize blooming effects.

Advancements in Color Fidelity and Processing Power

• TCL emphasizes improvements in color fidelity through Quantum Dots (QD), enhancing color spaces alongside their advancements in light technology.

• The new models are equipped with an AIQ Pro processor that manages upscaling from Full HD to 4K, as well as optimizing contrast and sharpness.

Exploring Google TV Features

User Interface Enhancements

• Google TV integration offers a modified interface compared to competitors like Sony or Philips, providing extensive settings adjustments for users.

HDR Compatibility and Preset Modes

• TCL TVs support all HDR formats including HDR10 Plus, HLG, and Dolby Vision without restrictions.

TCL 2025 TV Features Overview

Gaming Modes and Features

• The TCL 2025 TV offers various modes, including a dynamic mode for optimal brightness during gaming, enhancing the overall experience.

• A Game Bar is included in the menu, providing gamers with essential information such as FPS (frames per second), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and HDR settings.

• The system can automatically detect gaming signals through HDMI ports, optimizing performance by reducing latency.

Audio Capabilities

• The TV features two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 144 Hz and one eARC port, along with two HDMI 2.0 ports for ultra HD 4K at 60 frames per second.

• Collaboration with Bang & Olufsen introduces advanced audio technology to the TV, featuring a total of 90 W across a 6.2.2 channel setup.

• Users can customize sound profiles using different modes like "bright," "energetic," and "relaxed," allowing for tailored audio experiences.

Dolby Atmos Integration

• The partnership with Bang & Olufsen ensures high-quality audio support, including compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS formats.

• Upcoming demonstrations will showcase the effectiveness of Dolby Atmos Flex speakers that adapt to room placement for an immersive sound experience.

• Only select TCL 2025 TVs will support Dolby Atmos Flex; users should be aware of potential limitations regarding speaker purchases.

Smart Features and Connectivity

• The TV supports multiple smart home integrations including Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple Home Kit, AirPlay 2, Miracast, Chromecast, and DLNA networking.

• It features WiFi 6 connectivity and Bluetooth version 5.4 for enhanced wireless performance.

User Experience Insights

• Initial impressions highlight impressive brightness levels; multiple modes are available to manage light output effectively without overwhelming viewers.

Mini LED Technology and Its Impact on Display Quality

Overview of Mini LED Performance

• The speaker discusses the impressive light output of the new Sony Bravia Mini LED, noting its brightness capabilities compared to previous models.

• Emphasizes the ability to push mini LEDs to full brightness while maintaining effective backlighting, raising questions about achieving good contrast ratios alongside high brightness.

Contrast and Black Levels

• Highlights challenges in producing true black levels with mini LED technology, mentioning visible backlight points that can affect image quality.

• Acknowledges blooming effects where bright areas bleed into darker sections, indicating that while advancements have been made, there are still limitations compared to OLED displays.

Advancements Over Time

• Reflects on significant improvements in TCL's mini LED technology over the past five years, showcasing unprecedented results in LCD performance.

• Notes a native contrast ratio of 7000:1 for LCD displays, contrasting it with OLED's infinite contrast due to its lack of backlighting.

Colorimetry and Filmmaker Mode

• Discusses color vibrancy and warmth in images produced by the new model, introducing a filmmaker mode designed to align closely with directors' intentions.

• Mentions various modes available for managing image colorimetry, emphasizing the effectiveness of quantum dot technology in enhancing display quality.

HDR Performance Insights

• Praises HDR Dolby Vision capabilities for delivering bright images without losing detail in dark areas through effective tone mapping.

• Points out potential issues with overexposure during bright scenes but reassures that this is not a constant problem; adjustments can be made via menu settings.

Conclusion on Display Technology Limitations

• Warns about possible overexposure when handling HDR content and suggests careful calibration may be necessary depending on source material.

Processor Performance and Image Quality

Overview of Processor Capabilities

• The processors, including those from TCL, have improved significantly but still lag behind Sony and Panasonic in some aspects.

• Upscaling tests from Full HD to 4K show that the TV's processing capabilities are effective, resulting in a clean image without major issues.

Image Dynamics and Light Management

• The upscaled image is dynamic and vibrant, utilizing light power effectively without creating afterglow or persistence issues.

• Mini LEDs provide quick transitions between states, enhancing the viewing experience by eliminating latency during scene changes.

Visual Quality Assessment

• The television maintains pleasant visuals across different lighting conditions without overexposure or excessive brightness.

• While there are minor flaws such as reflections due to the anti-reflective filter, overall image quality remains impressive.

Audio Quality and Features

Collaboration with Bang & Olufsen

• TCL partnered with Bang & Olufsen to enhance audio quality through advanced speaker technology integrated into the TV design.

Sound Performance Insights

• Audio effects are satisfactory for medium-sized rooms (30 to 35 m²), providing adequate sound depth and clarity for dialogues.

Audio Management and Dynamic Control in TVs

Automatic Power Management and Limiting Features

• The speaker discusses the automatic power management mode in TVs, which is designed to prevent audio saturation from all sides. This feature aims to enhance sound quality by avoiding distortion.

• A power limiter is implemented to ensure that sound does not become unpleasantly distorted, allowing for a controlled listening experience without overwhelming the speakers.

• The speaker mentions a night mode that further reduces dynamic levels, but emphasizes that the standard mode maintains control over dynamic range intentionally.

• Dynamic control is highlighted as a feature that prevents sudden loud sounds when changing channels or sources, ensuring a consistent audio experience across different media.

• The collaboration with Bengal Husen is noted as beneficial for achieving high-quality audio performance, indicating significant effort in sound engineering.

TCL C8K TV Measurements and Performance

Brightness and Color Accuracy

• Initial measurements of the TCL C8K reveal a peak brightness of 3274 candelas per square meter in filming mode, showcasing impressive brightness capabilities compared to previous models.

• A comparison with Highse U8Q shows even higher peak brightness at 3487 candelas per square meter, suggesting advancements in display technology for consumer products.

• The discussion highlights how this level of brightness exceeds typical consumer expectations and pushes boundaries within LED technology.

Filmmaker Mode Insights

• In filmmaker mode for SDR content, the Delta E value measured at 3.58 indicates good color accuracy; values below 3 are ideal for indistinguishable color differences to the human eye.

• Average color temperature was recorded at 6889 Kelvin, slightly above the ideal target of 6500 Kelvin but still within acceptable limits for most viewers.

• Gamma measurement at 2.4 aligns with ideal standards; however, there are noticeable variations in gray scale values which could affect overall picture quality perception.

HDR Mode Performance Analysis

Contrast and Brightness Evaluation

• Measuring contrast proves challenging due to local dimming effects; deep blacks are achieved but complicate accurate assessments during testing phases.

TCL TV Review: Insights on Performance and Features

Backlighting and Brightness

• TCL's focus is on enhancing bright areas rather than the entire screen, resulting in backlights that create vivid highlights.

• The film mode achieves a Delta E of 2.64, indicating good color accuracy, with peak brightness reaching 3281 candelas per square meter.

• Color space coverage is impressive: REC 709 at 98.5% and DCI P3 at 97.04%, though Samsung S95F remains the market reference at 99.8%.

Gaming Performance

• The model does not utilize a 120 Hz panel but maintains excellent input lag below 16 ms, making it competitive for gaming.

• In game mode, color fidelity measures at Delta E of 3.5 with peak brightness hitting 3307 candelas per square meter.

Power Consumption

• Average SDR consumption is measured at 44 WH, which is an improvement over last year's model by about 10 W.

• HDR consumption averages around 168 WH, significantly higher than the previous model (107 WH), raising concerns about efficiency during HDR playback.

Design and Usability

• The design features a stylish remote control and compatibility with various HDR formats including Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos.

• The TV offers remarkable brightness without overwhelming users; it can be adjusted to prevent eye strain while still providing high performance.

Additional Features and Limitations

• A real native refresh rate of 144 Hz enhances viewing experiences; however, some blooming issues persist in high contrast scenes.

• While the C8K belongs to TCL's high-end range for 2025, it has limitations such as only two HDMI ports supporting version 2.1 without QMS mode for seamless media switching.

• Reflections are present despite anti-reflective technology; viewing angles are good but do not match top-tier LED or QD LED TVs.

TCL C8K TV Review Insights

Display Quality and Light Modulation

• The review discusses the potential for overexposure of whites on a black background, leading to a "burnt white" effect that can obscure blacks. Careful light modulation is emphasized.

Connectivity Features

• The TCL C8K lacks a headphone jack and dual Bluetooth streaming capabilities, which may disappoint some users. It has only one USB port and an Ethernet port limited to 100 Mbps.

Stand Design Limitations

• The TV stand offers only two height options (3 cm or 6 cm), with the reviewer noting that 6 cm might be insufficient for accommodating higher soundbars.

Visual Artifacts

• There are mentions of slight posterization and solarization effects observed during testing, particularly with black bars in cinematic content. These issues are described as minor but worth noting.

Audio Performance

• While the audio quality is generally good, there is a perceived compression in dynamics, making it feel less expansive than desired. A mode exists to disconnect this feature but was not successfully utilized by the reviewer.

Power Consumption Concerns

• High power consumption in HDR mode is highlighted as a drawback of the TCL C8K TV, indicating it may be energy-intensive during use.

Testing Process Overview

• The review process involved extensive scrutiny over ten days, aiming to identify both flaws and strengths in the television's performance.

Upcoming Reviews and Content

• The reviewer mentions future tests including the Sony Bravia 82 MK2, indicating ongoing engagement with new products despite summer typically being a slow period for TV releases.

Channel Engagement