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- TCL's new Google TV update brings new audio and visual features
- Upgrade is for 2023, 2024 and 2025 TCL TVs, matching 2026 model features
- Requires Google TV and MediaTek Pentonic 700 chip
TCL is rolling out an upgrade to older TVs that adds Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode and wireless subwoofer support. It also fixes an irritating sound bug in the Disney+ app and delivers the usual performance improvements and bug fixes too.
As FlatpanelsHD reports, the upgrade is coming to 2023, 2024 and 2025 TCL Google TVs powered by MediaTek's Pentonic 700 chip and it's already began rolling out.
The firmware version number is v643 and it's an over-the-air update.
TCL is pretty good at keeping its existing TVs up to date; earlier this year it provided a firmware update that boosted the Android version from 12 to 14 and added support for HDMI 2.1 Quick Media Switching.
What's new in the TCL Google TV update?
Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode is the replacement for Dolby Vision Dark, and it's designed to deliver movies just as the filmmakers intended; it's the most accurate of all the picture modes for serious cinema fans, but limits the brightness in order to achieve this, so is better for dark room viewing.
The upgrade also fixes an issue in the Disney+ app with IMAX Enhanced DTS:X audio, which should now work properly; you should now be able to switch between Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on supported movies without any issues. Those movies include the likes of Tron: Ares and Marvel movies.
The third important change is an upgrade to the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect support. That's Dolby's wireless system for TV and home theater, and when it launched last year it enabled you to use up to four TCL wireless speakers with your compatible TV.
That's now been upgraded and you can now add a wireless subwoofer, the TCL Z100-SW, for extra low-end thump. That makes FlexConnect a more compelling alternative to a soundbar setup for those of us who like a lot of impact.
The upgrade will be coming to TVs including the X11K; C8K and QM8K; C7K and QM7K; C6K and QM6K; C855; C805; C955; and X955 and QM851G. You can check if the upgrade is coming to your own TV in FlatpanelHD's TV database.
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