TCL has a well earned reputation for rolling out timely software updates to its TVs, and it has once again shown that it’s well deserved.
This week, the company introduced a major new firmware upgrade for its high-end 2023, 2024 and 2025 Google TVs. It introduces support for Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode, wireless subwoofer support and also fixes an irritating audio problem reported by hundreds of Disney+ streaming app users.
FlatpanelsHD broke the news, saying that the firmware will be applied to any TCL TV that runs MediaTek’s Pentonic 700 chipset. Firmware version v643 has been rolling out globally since the start of the week as an over-the-air update, so if you don’t see it yet, know that it will likely arrive very soon.
The update is the second major improvement made to TCL’s older TVs this year, following an earlier one that replaced the underlying Android 12 operating system with Android 14 and added support for Quick Media Switching over HDMI 2.1.
With this week’s upgrade, the headline feature for many will be the arrival of Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode, which replaces Dolby Vision Dark. As the name suggests, it’s meant to showcase content exactly as the creator intended, and delivers the most accurate picture for cinema buffs who want their viewing experience to be as authentic as possible. However, users should note that the mode does limit the TVs’ brightness to ensure this level of accuracy, so it’s best to apply this setting in darker rooms rather than when the TV’s soaked in blazing sunshine.
With respect to Disney+, the popular streaming app has been plagued by an annoying problem with IMAX Enhanced DTS:X audio. This should now work as it’s supposed to, so users will be able to switch between Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound on any supported content, without issues.
The third major update also has to do with audio, pertaining to Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. This is Dolby’s wireless sound technology for home theatre setups, which launched last year. It first arrived last year, allowing users to connect up to four wireless TCL speakers to their TVs to enjoy more immersive surround sound. The system has now been improved so that users can add a wireless subwoofer into the mix. For now, there’s only one compatible product, namely the TCL Z100-SW, which provides some extra low-end thump. Despite only having that single hardware option, it should make FlexConnect a much more superior option to only having a soundbar.
TCL said the upgrade is coming to TVs including the X11K, C8K and QM8K, the C7K and QM7K, the C6K and QM6K, plus the C805, C955, X955 and QM851G.
