Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be mistranslations.
https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1767625960
TCL to Adopt 'SQD-miniLED' Instead of RGB LED for Flagship Technology in 2026
While TCL is not completely abandoning RGB LED, the TV manufacturer believes that its miniLED with improved quantum dots will deliver better picture quality through 100% BT.2020 color gamut, 10,000 nits brightness, and up to 20,000 local dimming zones.
We first reported on the TCL X11L, which was unveiled in China last September.
TCL officially announced it at CES 2026. The X11L will be launched as a flagship model in the US and Europe in 2026.
"The industry has been debating for years which compromise is better: OLED's blacks or LED's brightness. With 20,000 dimming zones and 10,000 nits peak brightness, the X11L ends that debate," said Chris Hamdorf, TCL North America Regional Vice President.
What is SQD-miniLED?
SQD-miniLED stands for Super Quantum Dots miniLED. The miniLED backlight uses blue LEDs, which are converted to red and green through improved 'super' quantum dots.
According to TCL, this allows the X11L to achieve 100% BT.2020 color without switching to an RGB LED backlight. The X11L also features TCL CSOT's WHVA Ultra 2.0 LCD panel, which is an evolution of last year's WHVA LCD panel with improved viewing angles. The resolution is 4K.
TCL also states that the X11L offers up to 10,000 nits peak brightness and up to 20,736 dimming zones on a 98-inch model, improving HDR picture quality. All these features are powered by a new TSR AI processor.
"2026 will be the year of amazing colors, and SQD-Mini LED will set the standard by delivering the greatest colors accurately and consistently," said Scott Ramirez, TCL North America Product Marketing and Development Vice President.
Dolby Vision 2 Max, Gemini, B&O Tuning Audio
This year, the TCL X11L will be powered by Google TV, allowing access to streaming apps such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max.
The X11L will be one of the first TVs to support Dolby Vision 2 Max through free firmware updates. This confirms TCL's transition from the Mediatek Pentonic 700 to the Pentonic 800 chip, which also provides additional features such as four HDMI 2.1 ports.
This year, Google TV will feature enhanced voice control and search through Gemini integration. The built-in speaker system is tuned by Bang & Olufsen. The X11L also supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, allowing wireless audio expansion with compatible speakers.
The TCL X11L will be available in 75, 85, and 98-inch sizes, priced at $7,000, $8,000, and $10,000 respectively. Pre-orders are currently open in the US. TCL plans to announce more 2026 models in the future.
▶ Source: https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1767625960
