TCL used IFA 2020’s virtual stage to announce its latest audiovisual TV processor, which it says will extract even better performance from its premium QLED and Mini-LED televisions.
The Chinese company said in a video presentation the new AiPQ Engine Gen 2 chip relies heavily on machine learning algorithms that help to optimise both image and audio quality in real-time. TCL said the new chip will be able to deliver enhanced, frame-by-frame picture improvements related to clarity, colour and contrast with both native 4K high dynamic range and upscaled, standard-definition content. The chip works by recognising whatever scene is on display, such as a lush, green landscape or animated content, then automatically adjusting its settings to optimise the picture. TCL said it can optimise the settings for both background and facial content. It’s also capable of identifying and optimising for different genres of content too, such as live sports, movies, cartoons and so on.
The processor also works to optimise the sound via its audio engine. TCL said this works by using the TVs built in microphones to detect the ambient environment, before enhancing the audio to ensure a perfect listening experience.
TCL didn’t reveal the specifics of how its chip works, and it hasn’t said anything yet about which TVs will feature the new processor. But the news does seem to confirm TCL’s plans to continue launching new, premium QLED and Mini-LED TVs powered by its new AiPQ Engine Gen 2 chip. Hopefully, the company will continue to with its policy of making its high-end TVs more affordable, too.
TCL has enjoyed a lot of success as a global TV manufacturer. It’s currently ranked as the number two TV brand in the U.S., and has seen sales increase across much of Europe too. The company is particularly focused on QLED and Mini-LED, which are the two main display technologies rivaling OLED at the moment. Though, TCL is also said to be working with JOLED Inc. on a joint project to develop inkjet-printed QD-OLED displays.
TCL’s current flagship TVs are its IMAX Enhanced-supporting X915 8K QLED and its X10 Mini-LED models. However, the company also sells more affordable but still very competitive QLED TVs in the shape of its C71 and C81 models.
Also at IFA, TCL announced that it’s bringing 3D immersive sound to more consumers with its new TS8111 Dolby Atmos soundbar (pictured, below), which it says will be more affordable than its current flagship soundbar, the Ray.Danz technology-based TS9030.
TCL said the TS8111 soundbar also features Ray.Danz technologies, virtualising Dolby Atmos and the wide sound stage in a more lifestyle-friendly package that also integrates dual subwoofers. In addition, the company said it’s renewing its cheaper TS61 series soundbars, with fresh new designs, better sound quality and more user-friendly features.
