TCL QM7K Class 65-Inch TV (65QM7K) Review | Features & Specs

The physical design of the QM7K aligns with contemporary midrange to high-end televisions. It features a near-bezel-free design, with a thin metal strip along the top and sides and a narrow metallicbezel at the bottom. A subtle protrusion below the bottom bezel houses a status LED, a multifunction button, a far-field microphone array, and a microphone mute switch. The TV rests on a flat, square base with a black brushed metal finish.

Connectivity Options

The TV offers a comprehensive set of ports located on the right side of the back panel, facing right for easier access:

• HDMI Ports: Four in total, including two supporting 144Hz, and one with eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).8
• USB Ports: Two ports for connecting external storage or peripherals.9
• Ethernet Port: For a wired network connection.
• Optical Audio Output: For digital audio connectivity.
• RF Antenna/Cable Connector: For over-the-air or cable TV signals.

Remote Control

The included remote is a rectangular plastic wand with a brushed black metal finish to match the stand.10 It features:

• Circular Navigation Pad: Located near the top for menu navigation.
• Pinhole Microphone: Situated above the navigation pad for voice commands via the remote.
• Volume and Channel Rockers: Positioned in the center of the remote.11
• Dedicated Service Buttons: Providing quick access to popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Netflix, TCL TV+, and YouTube.
• Backlit Buttons: A notable and convenient feature for use in dimly lit environments.

Smart TV Platform: Google TV

The TCL QM7K utilizes the Google TV smart TV platform, consistent with TCL’s other QM-series TVs.12 This platform offers a robust and feature-rich interface with access to all major streaming services, including:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Disney+
• Netflix
• Twitch
• YouTube

It also supports Apple AirPlay and Google Cast, enabling local media streaming from various devices.13

Voice Assistant: Google Assistant Integration

Google Assistant is deeply integrated into the platform, offering hands-free control thanks to the TV’s far-field microphone array. Users can control the TV, compatible smart home devices, search forcontent, and access general information using voice commands. Forprivacy, the microphones can be disabled, and Google Assistant can still be used by pressing the microphone button on the remote.

Display Technology and HDR Support

The TCL QM7K features a 4K QLED display with a mini-LED backlight system and a 144Hz native refresh rate. It supports a wide range of High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats, including:

• Dolby Vision
• HDR10
• HDR10+
• HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)

It includes an ATSC 1.0 tuner for over-the-air broadcasts but does not support the newer ATSC 3.0 standard.

Brightness Performance Testing

Using professional calibration tools, the reviewer measured the brightness capabilities of the QM7K:

• SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) in Movie Mode:
  • Full-screen white field: 212 nits (default), 582 nits (maximum backlight)
  • 18% white field: 165 nits (default), 452 nits (maximum backlight)
• HDR (High Dynamic Range):
  • Full-screen white field: 578 nits
  • 18% white field: 2,092 nits

Compared to its predecessor, the QM7, the QM7K achieves higher brightness,though it doesn't reach the peak levels of the QM8 or the Hisense U8N.14 The TV exhibits perfectly dark blacks in all modes due to its mini-LED backlight, with minimal light bloom observed.

Color Accuracy Analysis

Color performance was evaluated in Movie mode for both SDR (against Rec.709 standards) and HDR (against DCI-P3 standards). Out of the box, whites showed a slight yellow tint with both signal types, which is unusual for Movie mode. Secondarycolors like cyans and magentas also exhibited slight inaccuracies.However, adjusting the white balance setting from the default "Warm 5" to a slightly cooler "Warm 3"significantly improved the accuracy of whites and reduced the tinting of secondary colors. Despite the initial inaccuracies, the QM7K covers a wide range of the digital cinema color space.15

Real-World Picture Quality Observations

Planet Earth II - "Islands" Episode

The image was described as bright and vivid, with varied and saturated greens and blues. Fine details in both bright and shadowy areas were clearly visible, thanks to the mini-LED backlight's contrast capabilities.

The Great Gatsby

Bright elements like white shirts and lights stood out effectively, whileblack suits appeared properly dark with preserved detail. Skin toneslooked natural, and vibrant colors like orange and blue were prominent.

Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark Disc

Demonstration footage looked very good, with bright and lifelike daytime landscapes and smooth transitions in time-lapse scenes.17 Snowy scenes were satisfyingly bright, with good highlight detail. Individual trees were visible in darker sunset scenes.

Light Bloom Performance

The QM7K impressed with its minimal light bloom when brightly lit objects were displayed against black backgrounds, a common challenge for LED TVs.18 While almost no haze was visible when viewed straight-on, slight aurascould be seen from off-angle. Color desaturation from the sides wasminor, and the TV remained comfortable to watch from most viewingangles.

Gaming Performance

With a 144Hz native refresh rate, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the QM7K is well-suited for gaming.19 Input lag measurements were also impressive:

• 4K60 signal: 13.4 milliseconds
• 1080p120 signal: 4.8 milliseconds
• 1080p144 signal: 4.1 milliseconds

These low input lag figures indicate excellent responsiveness for gaming,falling well below the threshold considered good for gaming.

I hope this more detailed breakdown with subtitles is beneficial! Let me know if you have any other questions.