TCL will soon launch upgraded 6-series LCD TVs with 8K resolution and Roku. The TVs will be available in the US in 65 and 75 inches starting at $2200

TCL 6-series 8K TVs
First announced in January at CES, R648 is an extension of TCL's 6-series. Last year's 6-series 4K LCD TVs (TCL R635) will continue to be available as cheaper models.

TCL R648 will be available in 65 and 75 inches with 8K resolution, VA LCD panel, zone-dimming miniLED (up to 240 zones), and HDMI 2.1 (2 ports, plus VRR and eARC support). The TVs support HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) as well as Dolby Atmos. They are powered by TCL's AiPQ video processor.

Is the market ready for 8K? TCL thinks so and with a starting price of $2200 8K LCD is getting more approachable. However, there is still a dearth of 8K content and while TCL's latest 8K Android TVs (Europe) can pull down YouTube's 8K streams, the new 8K Roku TVs (North America) appear to lack AV1 decoding required for YouTube's 8K.

- "We are thrilled to offer TCL’s first 8K resolution sets this year in partnership with Roku. Not only will we be ready for the next stage of 8K content as new game consoles and streaming services roll out, but more importantly, we’re making 8K more accessible to all. As consumers adopt 65”, 75” and even larger screens for their homes, they will naturally choose the greater screen resolution of 8K for those displays and with the advantage of being a vertically integrated company, we can continue bringing premium products like the 6-Series to market at a compelling value," said Chris Larson, SVP, TCL.


 TCL R648

Roku and THX Game Mode
The TVs run Roku, which provides access to streaming services such as Amazon, Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max. Features like Apple AirPlay 2 are included as part of the Roku package.

TCL said that its new 6-series TVs are the first 8K TVs to feature an THX Certified Game Mode to "ensure serious fast-twitch gamers will be thrilled by an impactful image without any compromise in ultra-low-latency gaming display". An input lag figure was not provided.

TCL's 6-Series 8K models will be available starting next month. See the table below for more information.

TCL 6-series 8K R648 – specifications & prices
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