Shenzhen-based TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co. Ltd. (TCL-CSOT), a dominant player in the global TV and display industry, unveiled for the first time its next-generation display technology, Vidrian Mini-LED technology, at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which opened in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
Vidrian Mini-LED is the world’s first TV backlight with driving semi-conductor circuitry and thousands of micro-meter class mini-LEDs directly infused in a crystal-clear glass substrate. The technology is the next stage in pushing LCD LED TV picture performance to unrivaled levels of sharp contrast, brilliant luminance and highly stable long-life performance.
The TCL 8-Series is the first TV to use mini-LED technology, challenging the supremacy of OLED at a cheaper price. When combined with TCL’s big-screen 8K LCD panels, this high-performance backlight technology will enable consumers to enjoy an immersive experience in all lighting conditions.
Compared to OLED, Mini-LED is an evolution in LED technology. Since 2019, TCL, Apple, Hisense, ASUS, Innolux, AU Optronics and BOE Technology Group have introduced TV, display and VR products powered by Mini-LED backlight technology.
Apple plans to release a Mini-LED backed 10-12 inch iPad and 15-17 inch MacBook at the end of 2020 or early 2021.
According to a report by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily quoting researchers with TCL, the company invested 3.89 billion yuan (US$561.61 million) between January and September 2019, in Mini-LED development and submitted 1,527 patents for international PCT protection.
The number of Shenzhen exhibitors at CES makes up 10 percent of the total exhibitors. Huawei, TCL, Skyworth, Konka, DJI, Ubtech and Royole are attending the electronics show.
“Every year, Shenzhen brings wind vane technologies to CES. The AI, smartphone and drone technologies attract a lot of attention. This year, the Mini-LED by TCL-CSOT, the largest industrial project in Shenzhen, is a highlight of the 2020 CES,” the report said, quoting an official from Shenzhen Industry and Information Technology Bureau.
This is the 12th year that TCL has participated in the CES. Founded in 1981, TCL Electronics is now a fast-growing consumer electronics company and leading player in the global TV industry. It now operates in over 160 markets globally.
CES organizers have been impressed by Shenzhen’s technologies, and Shenzhen enterprises have become major CES customers.
Shenzhen now has a total of 17,000 high-tech enterprises, including 2,700 new enterprises that were added to the list in 2019.