TCL QM8 Assessment: TV Worth Champ Will get Larger, Brighter and Higher

8.9 TCL QM8 collection (2023) Like
Slightly reasonably priced

Superb total symbol high quality

Perfect-in-class brightness and distinction

Succesful Google TV device
Do not like
No longer as correct as some competition

Handiest to be had in 65-inch measurement and bigger
If you need a large TV with a very good image however you do not need to lay our a fortune, the TCL QM8 belongs on the most sensible of your checklist. This TV is even higher than the splendid TV for the cash I examined closing 12 months, the TCL 6-series. It delivered awesome brightness and distinction, and it manages to stay the cost just about the similar. So long as your measurement bracket is “65-inch or larger” and your value vary is “no longer an OLED,” that is my select for you.Then again, if you wish to have a 55-inch measurement as an alternative, you must opt for the Hisense U8K. Like this TCL, it is usually a Google TV that gives excellent symbol high quality and mini-LED generation for a worth that is a lot less than you’ll pay for an an identical constancy on a Samsung or Sony. I when compared the TCL QM8 and the Hisense U8K aspect by means of aspect within the TV lab at CNET and even though each appeared excellent, I give the slight edge total to the brighter, extra contrasty TCL. With two TVs this shut in image high quality and lines, the tiebreaker for me comes down to value. If the Hisense U8K is to be had for considerably not up to the TCL QM8 on the time you might be studying this, I would counsel getting the Hisense as an alternative. The 2 are simply that shut. And if you are questioning how a lot more you’ll wish to spend to get a good higher image, take a look at the pricing at the LG C3 OLED TV. It carried out higher than the TCL in my comparisons, nevertheless it additionally prices much more. David Katzmaier/CNETTCL QM8 collection TV sizesI carried out a hands-on analysis of the 65-inch TCL QM8, however this evaluate additionally applies to the opposite display sizes within the collection. All sizes have identical specs and must supply identical image high quality. The QM8 sits on the most sensible of TCL’s 2023 TV lineup. The more economical Q7 and Q6 collection lack mini-LED backlights and do not get as brilliant because the QM8 collection. I have not reviewed the ones fashions but, however in keeping with their specs I be expecting they are going to have worse symbol high quality total than the QM8.And if you happen to occur to be available in the market for a 100(ish)-inch TV, it is price noting that the 98-inch TCL QM8 prices greater than $10,000 on the time of this writing whilst the 100-inch Hisense U8K prices round $4,000. Merit: Hisense. Observed right here in its decrease place, the central pedestal stand may also be raised a few inches to make extra space for a soundbar. David Katzmaier/CNETStepped-up design and a sleeker remoteThe TCL QM8 is not as graceful as a high-end Samsung, however I most well-liked its feel and appear to that of the Hisense. The very first thing I recognize is the central pedestal stand, which I love higher than the two-legs-to-either-side glance. TCL will provide you with two other top possible choices with the stand as nicely so you’ll be able to higher are compatible a soundbar underneath the display if you would like. Observe that in contrast to the LG C3 OLED, this TV is slightly heavy, as standard for an LED LCD with a posh backlight.The far flung is an extended, skinny wand that appears nicer than you can see on maximum price range TVs, and I favored the backlit keys. That stated, it suffers from a degree of button litter that makes it extra complicated than Samsung or Roku TV clickers. There are two other menu buttons (one gear-shaped and any other “hamburger”), a devoted profile key for some explanation why, and no fewer than seven shortcut keys to streaming products and services, together with the TCL channel that I needed to Google simply now to determine what it used to be. I am prepared to wager that key may not put on out. David Katzmaier/CNETTCL went with Google TV over Roku TV (sadly)Do not get me unsuitable, the Google TV running device is just right, it simply is not as just right as Roku. And up till 2023, TCL has been the usage of Roku TV in its flagship mini-LED fashions just like the 6-Sequence. The corporate made the transfer to Google within the QM8 and different 2023 units to have “extra regulate” over options and updates, consistent with a TCL rep I spoke with.Google TV provides very good voice effects because of Google Assistant, at the side of a well-implemented youngsters profile mode and parental controls; tight integration with Google apps (particularly YouTube and YouTube TV); and extra apps total than proprietary techniques like Samsung and LG, because of the Google Play retailer. Roku is more effective to make use of in my revel in, alternatively, and its seek effects are higher than Google TV’s.  David Katzmaier/CNETIn my assessments at the QM8 Google TV’s device, the responses have been fast sufficient, simply as rapid as at the Hisense U8K. As standard with Google, I did not love the huge chew of area on the most sensible dedicated to promotions of displays and films on more than a few products and services. I additionally want the “proceed observing” row used to be upper up, slightly than positioned underneath the “most sensible choices for you” and apps rows. There have been a lot of tips throughout more than a few apps however nonetheless numerous content material I did not care about.  David Katzmaier/CNETUltimately TCL’s collection of Google over Roku is not a deal-breaker, partially as a result of there may be a very simple and reasonably priced answer if you wish to use Roku’s device at the QM8 anyway. Simply connect a Roku streaming instrument and use it as an alternative of Google TV.TCL QM8 options: Mini-LED maxes brightness and dimmingThe giant distinction between the QM8 and less expensive LCD-based TVs is its mini-LED backlight. Mini-LEDs are (marvel!) smaller than same old LEDs, letting them be grouped into extra native dimming zones. Complete-array native dimming, in flip, is one of the best ways to reinforce image high quality on LCD TVs. It lets in the display to dim and brighten other spaces concurrently. Smaller spaces, or extra dimming zones, imply more-precise illumination — which in the end will increase distinction, crucial factor in a just right image — however they are no longer the one issue. The QM8 has a real 120Hz refresh charge, which results in higher movement efficiency than 60Hz TVs. Like maximum TVs in its category nowadays, the 6-Sequence makes use of quantum dots that assist reinforce colour when compared with non-QD-equipped TVs. And naturally it helps each Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10 excessive dynamic vary (HDR) codecs (nowadays, mainly the one producer that does not is Samsung). The QM8 additionally provides Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, which goes with an ambient gentle sensor to mechanically modify the image.Different options:4 HDMI inputs (one with 4K/144Hz, one with 4K/120Hz, one with eARC).Analog (composite) AV enter.USB port (2.0).Ethernet (stressed out web).Headphone jack.Optical virtual audio output.RF (antenna) enter. David Katzmaier/CNETThe greatest step-up in connections when compared with the sooner TCL 6-Sequence Roku TVs is the facility to simply accept 4K/120Hz enter alerts, from an Xbox Sequence X or PlayStation 5, for instance. The TV is if truth be told able to 144Hz enter, consistent with TCL, however that additional little bit of refresh is not a large deal in my ebook, and is to be had handiest on make a selection PC playing cards. Different gaming extras are par for the midrange TV path, specifically VRR, or variable refresh charge, and ALLM (auto recreation mode). Some of the inputs additionally helps eARC.Yet one more characteristic to report below “no longer a large deal” is the QM8’s loss of a integrated ATSC 3.0 over-the-air tuner for NextGen TV pronounces, one thing discovered on competing TVs, together with the Hisense U8K. The ones pronounces are taking awhile to if truth be told arrive and when they do, you are able to connect an exterior tuner to look at them if you need. TCL QM8 vs. Hisense U8K and others: Image high quality comparedFor this comparability I coated up 3 65-inch TVs aspect by means of aspect: the Hisense UK8 and the TCL QM8, which value about the similar, and the LG OLED C3, which prices considerably extra. I did not come with different fashions within the lineup this time, however from previous critiques I will say the picture high quality of the QM8 is a lot better — brighter, with higher colour and distinction — than the Roku TV Plus Sequence, Amazon’s Hearth TV Omni QLED and the Vizio MQX (all of which value much less) and a little higher than closing 12 months’s TCL 6-Sequence and Hisense U8H. Let’s dive in. David Katzmaier/CNETTV and films: Distinction is the adaptation between the brightest whites and darkest blacks, and it is crucial contributor to TV symbol high quality. This TCL TV is an absolute distinction beast. Staring at my same old demo montage from the Spears & Munsil 4K Blu-ray, the QM8 delivered visibly brighter highlights than even the Hisense – in spite of their identical gentle output measurements – and paired it with a intensity of black that used to be as as regards to OLED perfection as I have observed on any LED LCD-based TV.At the turn aspect, I were given the affect that the TCLQM8 appeared a little too sensible in some scenes. The side-by-side photographs between it and the Hisense gave the TCL the brightness benefit time after time (it used to be round 200 to 400 nits brighter within the brightest highlights I measured with an LS-100 gentle meter) however the Hisense and LG C3 OLED each appeared just a little extra herbal to my eye. Either one of the ones TVs measured extra correct as nicely, hewing nearer to the objective EOTF for HDR than the QM8. That stated, my eye saved getting drawn again to the TCL’s brighter, extra robust image.The QM8 appeared extremely just right in my Netflix comparability too. Staring at the very good Our Cosmos documentary printed its excellent distinction as soon as once more. Its black ranges and shadow element have been 2d handiest to the C3 OLED, with minimum blooming, and a step darker than the Hisense, for extra visual punch. The photographs of deep area, stars and planets appeared just about as spectacular as at the OLED, and scenes of the darkish jungle have been wealthy with element and existence.Its brightness used to be additionally higher, as soon as once more. I measured a place of daylight peeking during the bushes (episode 2, 36:37) and the QM8 outshone the Hisense by means of just about 300 nits (1,300 when compared with 1,000), and it greater than doubled the brightness of the OLED. Different highlights at the TCL have been constantly brighter as nicely. From time to time its brightness once more gave the impression a little extra intense than herbal, and total I believed the balanced symbol of the OLED nonetheless appeared higher, however the QM8 indubitably has its enchantment. A recreation bar shows very important knowledge, together with refresh charge and HDR standing. David Katzmaier/CNETGaming: TCL has progressed a few of its gaming options, even though the QM8’s stage of extras is not slightly as complete as what you to find with Samsung or LG. Within the settings menu (Settings > device) there is something referred to as Sport Grasp that activates VRR and Auto Low Lag Mode and lets in get entry to to a recreation bar and 3 other gaming explicit image modes. The sport bar (available by means of keeping down the three-line menu button below the House key at the far flung) displays present gaming standing, together with real-time frames in step with 2d, HDR and different options, and lets you transfer between the 3 modes. Taking part in Starfield, I most well-liked the glance of the Unique mode to the opposite two (FPS and RGB), either one of which appeared very blue and unnatural. A toggle for “shadow enhancement,” with 4 ranges, uncovered gradually for shadow element. Audience taking part in darkish shooters would possibly favor that, however to my eye it simply washed out the already pale-looking recreation much more. As with some TVs, you’ll be able to even upload a crosshair (referred to as “Aiming Support” by means of TCL) and modify the way. As anticipated, the TCL checked the entire bins on my Xbox Sequence X’s compatibility menu, together with Dolby Imaginative and prescient for gaming. Enter lag in HDR used to be very good, at 13.9 milliseconds (for some explanation why my gadgets did not sign in in SDR, so I could not take a look at lag there). Evaluating the sport mode symbol high quality between the Hisense, TCL and LG C3, the tale used to be very similar to what I noticed with TV and films. The C3 appeared the most productive total after I performed Starfield, and the TCL had the brightness benefit, however the symbol of the Hisense appeared a little extra balanced to my eye, with extra herbal colour, than did the TCL’s. Total, alternatively I most well-liked the extra dynamic image of the TCL over the Hisense for video games in my side-by-side comparability.Vivid lighting fixtures: With its prodigious gentle output, the QM8 is a wonderful bright-room performer as nicely. It is some of the brightest TVs I have ever measured, and handiest fell wanting the Samsung QN90B since the Samsung “cheats” by means of no longer with the ability to maintain its brightness over the years.Mild output in nits TV Brightest mode (HDR)Correct mode (HDR)Brightest mode (SDR)Correct mode (SDR)Samsung QN65Q90B 3,3161,9812,625974TCL 65QM850G 1,9751,9751,7391,448Hisense 65U8K 1,9661,9661,7201,240TCL 65R655 1,3871,1941,292624LG OLED65C3 861817501464Vizio M65QXM-K03 939742958608Roku TV Plus 514455579404 I favored that for HDR, the TCL’s most-accurate image modes also are its brightest (IMAX and Film). With HDR assets excluding video games, I would counsel merely leaving the TV in both a kind of modes irrespective of lighting fixtures situation. For SDR (same old dynamic vary), the brightest mode is Sports activities, however it isn’t very correct. Thankfully, Film remains to be lots brilliant for nearly any lighting fixtures situation, and slightly correct.The TV’s display end did a high quality task dealing with reflections, about in addition to the Hisense U8K, nevertheless it did not maintain darkish spaces in addition to the C3 OLED. David Katzmaier/CNETTCL QM8 settings and film mode notesThe maximum correct image mode for HDR used to be IMAX, which measured rather higher than the next-best (Film) in my assessments. Each have been rather purple in grayscale and did not observe the EOTF as carefully as some comeditors, however the complicated colour assessments (Colormatch HDR and Colour Checker) nonetheless certified as Excellent within the Geek Field (see underneath). Observe that handiest Film permits you to tweak such things as brightness and colour (IMAX has no image adjustment choices). For SDR mode, Film used to be the most productive, however in its default settings it used to be nonetheless reasonably misguided, so I tweaked it rather to reach a greater symbol (specifically converting the colour temperature atmosphere to -4 and gamma to two.2). The ones tweaks are mirrored within the effects underneath.Geek field Check ResultScoreBlack luminance (0%) 0.017GoodPeak white luminance (SDR) 1739GoodAvg. gamma (10-100%) 2.13GoodAvg. grayscale error (10-100%) 3.68AverageDark grey error (30%) 2.59GoodBright grey error (80%) 4.60AverageAvg. colour checker error 3.37AverageAvg. saturation sweeps error 2.60GoodAvg. colour error 1.82Good1080p/24 Cadence (IAL) PassGoodInput lag (Sport mode) [No result]N/A

HDR10

Black luminance (0%) 0.023GoodPeak white luminance (10% win) 1975GoodGamut % UHDA/P3 (CIE 1976) 97.29GoodColorMatch HDR error 2.89GoodAvg. colour checker error 2.93GoodInput lag (Sport mode, 4K HDR) 13.90Good Take a look at how we take a look at TVs for extra main points at the Geek field and our TV trying out technique.Portrait Shows Calman calibration device used to be used on this evaluate. 

Author: OpenAI