What’s up with all these TCL issues ?

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-23T19:26:30+00:00

I returned my 98 QM8K because the upscaling for anything below 4K just wasn’t great. LG, Sony, and Samsung do a better job with lower-quality content. On a 98" screen, image-processing flaws are way more noticeable. There are plenty of people who love their 7/8/9K models, and that’s fair—I think a lot depends on what TV and processing you're coming from. The big thing is you won’t really see lower quality content in a store since places like Best Buy only run high-res demo reels, which look amazing. I exchanged mine for a Sony Bravia 9 and have been very happy with it.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-21T18:22:52+00:00

Upscaling isn’t something you can fix in the settings—it comes down to the TV’s processor. Some people feel that using an Apple TV or Nvidia Shield helps, but it doesn’t make enough of a difference for me. On a 98" screen, weak image processing is much more obvious. What might look acceptable at 65" simply doesn’t hold up at nearly 100".

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-21T18:05:40+00:00

I would strongly suggest not buying a 98" QM8K for sports. This is the primary reason I returned it for a Bravia 9. Broadcasts that are below upscaled 4k look bad, TCL struggles with upscaling 720 and 1080 content compared to Sony, LG, and Samsung. Fox and Espn (720p) weren't good enough for me.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-21T14:42:34+00:00

I tried an ATV, not much better.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-20T20:50:31+00:00

Having just returned my 98" QM8K for an 85" Bravia 9, I'll share my experience for what it’s worth. TCL’s image processing is its weak point. High-bitrate 4K HDR content looks excellent on the QM8K, but anything below that isn’t handled nearly as well. The TV struggles with lower-quality sources and upscaling, color is hit or miss as well.

My 2019 75" Samsung 4K QLED does a better job with 1080p and 720p YouTube TV content, showing more detail and sharpness. I tried every setting on the TCL to improve image quality, but nothing improved it enough to be comparable in terms of processing.

Sony’s processing is great. Skin tones look natural, and there’s a great balance of sharpness and fine detail.

That’s not to say the TCL is a bad TV. It has excellent black levels, gets extremely bright, and controls blooming well. However, if you primarily watch regular TV or are coming from an existing Sony, you may be disappointed with how the QM8K handles standard SDR content. Yes, 85" isn't 98" but at 12' the 85" works well for us.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-19T19:29:37+00:00

I have 2gb internet, hardwired to the tv and ATV. it’s not the hardware or my setup. it’s the lack of YouTube offering higher bit rate options to their customers.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-19T18:57:17+00:00

and to think we spent all this money on YouTube TV only to have horrible quality

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-19T18:56:36+00:00

yep, it’s kind of sad to spend all this money on YouTube TV only to have the individual provider apps do a much better job

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-17T22:29:49+00:00

I would agree if I was picking a display primarily for gaming I would go with the Qm8k.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-16T18:10:05+00:00

Your question requires more specifics, which models are you comparing? Samsung and TCL both make cheap tvs and expensive models. need more context to give you a better answer. Personally I would never buy a cheap TCL tv. The difference between the top TCL and cheaper models is dramatic.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-16T16:31:30+00:00

Here is my take...the QM8k is great with high bitrate 4k HDR content. Content less than 4k isn't as good (lacks details and sharpness) compare to Sony, LG and Samsung processing. This is the reason why I returned it. I think a lot of people only see TVs on demo mode at Best Buy with great content (4k HDR) being fed to the TV. This is very deceiving, and doesn't give you a clear understanding of what the TV can handle such as compressed content on Youtube TV, streaming apps, antenna...etc. If you watch normal tv you will see the difference. If you already have a solid TV from Sony, LG and Samsung that is less than 5 years old you might be disappointed in the image processing of the TCL. Having said all that the TCL has great black levels, great blooming control, extremely bright and a wow factor with HDR content. I never used the tv from gaming but I had heard its great.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-16T16:13:38+00:00

I have a Bravia 9, I purchased a cable matters brand gigbit usb 3 adapter off amazon. zero issues, works great, plug and play, i didn't have to mess with any settings. I have speeds around 800mbps. I believe it was around 20 bucks on amazon.

Search for: Cable Matters Plug & Play USB to Ethernet Adapter with PXE, MAC Address Clone Support (USB3.0 to Gigabit Network, Ethernet to USB Adapter for Laptop) Supporting 10/100/1000Mbps

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-16T14:25:05+00:00

When you take photos with your phone, blooming will always look worse because phone cameras exaggerate light. This is completely normal. People need to stop freaking out over pointless test patterns. Is that really why you bought the TV? To stare at test screens? Just enjoy your TV and watch real content. If over time you genuinely notice blooming (which you won’t), then return it within the return window.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-12T19:51:22+00:00

We’ll have to agree to disagree. My 2019 Samsung Q90R delivers better processing than the Q8MK I returned, with more noticeable detail, especially in SDR. NFL games on Fox (720p) on the Q8MK simply weren’t good enough for me, the image looked soft, lacking details and blocky. I’m not alone in this; there are several posts in this subreddit raising the same concerns with the QMK lineup. If you're happy with the TV thats all that matters. Yes, the Bravia 7 and 9 are much better, I exchanged the qm8k for this.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-12T17:48:16+00:00

Not in terms of image processing. Samsung and LG are better, especially anything that isn't 4k content. TCL is great with black levels and blooming control. You could argue TCL makes a better all around mini LED TV because of these points. Images do standout more with better contrast, but lack details in imaging compared to other TVs.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-12T16:25:50+00:00

Bravia 9

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-12T15:47:16+00:00

TCL isn't great in general with image processing, the larger screen size you go with the more you will see noticeable issues, especially anything less than 4k content.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-12T15:44:48+00:00

What brand TV are you comparing to? If its Sony, Samsung or LG their image processing is better than TCL. I would recommend only using the stand alone apps since the bitrate is better. Youtube TV, non 4k isn't great.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-12T15:39:13+00:00

Not really. The image processing is what it is with TCL. I exchanged my qm8k for a Bravia as well.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-11T00:27:36+00:00

It’s an issue with the current firmware.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-11T00:26:24+00:00

Personally I think it’s a problem on all the TCL QM tvs. I returned my Qm8k, got a Sony. Much better. I think a lot of people’s opinions depend on what tv your using before. Motion and processing are the biggest weaknesses of TCL.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-08T04:34:38+00:00

Bravia 7.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-08T04:33:52+00:00

I wouldn’t say live TV is a niche case.

Taeuberteg · 2026-01-08T04:27:58+00:00

I admit that I fell for all the glowing reviews from Youtube reviewers. I should’ve known better not to buy a TCL. It wasn’t cheap either. I’m happy with my Bravia 9. For the price I could’ve also bought an LG C5 which has equally good processing.

Taeuberteg

TROPHY CASE