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Q651G, one of the product lines that caused TCL to be sued in the US. Photo: Rtings . |
According to consumer electronics magazine CE Pro , TCL and Hisense are facing separate class action lawsuits, but both are aimed at allegations that TV models advertised as QLED by the companies do not actually use QLED technology.
QLED TVs use Quantum Dot (QD) technology to improve picture quality. Quantum dots are nano-crystal particles that emit light with very precise colors when stimulated by blue light from LED backlights. As a result, QLED TVs can theoretically display more vibrant colors, higher brightness, and better contrast than conventional LED TVs.
The TCL lawsuit, filed in California, alleges that a series of models such as the Q651G, Q672G, and A300W, advertised as TVs equipped with QLED technology, "do not contain quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) technology, or the technology is only minimal and does not make a significant difference in display performance," according to the lawsuit.
The plaintiff cites research by Korean chemical company Hansol Chemical, which confirmed that TCL's TVs do not contain enough quantum dots like indium and cadmium to qualify as QLED. As a result, the plaintiff claims TCL's claims of more accurate color rendering and brighter backlighting are misleading.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit against Hisense filed in the Southern District of New York alleges that several of its models, including the QD5, QD6, QD65, QD7, U7, and U7N, were falsely advertised. Plaintiff Robert Macioce said he purchased a Hisense QD5 in November 2024 based on the company’s advertising, and found that the performance was not as expected. Macioce wants compensation and a court order to stop Hisense’s advertising practices.
In response to the allegations, TCL released its own test results, confirming that its TVs contain QD materials, specifically 4 mg of cadmium per kilogram. However, experts say this amount of cadmium is too small to make a significant difference in image quality.
Meanwhile, Hisense's Communications Director in the US, Ken Hong, only affirmed that the company is "confident in the quality of its products."
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Early QLED technology, with a quantum dot panel placed on top of a blue LED panel. Photo: Samsung. |
Hansol Chemical, a supplier to two Korean companies, Samsung and LG, filed a complaint with the Korea Fair Trade Commission in November 2024 following the discoveries.
"About 80% of TVs sold globally are LCD TVs. Only a small number contain much more expensive quantum dot materials. Labeling LCD TVs without QD as 'QD TV' could seriously damage consumer confidence in the QLED market," Korea Herald quoted a Hansol Chemical spokesperson as saying at the time.
According to market research firm Omdia, more than 10% of TVs sold globally in 2024 will use QLED technology. Samsung, the world's leading TV market share leader, is also the brand with the highest revenue from QLED technology. The South Korean conglomerate sold 8.34 million QLED TVs last year, accounting for 46.8% of the market, according to information released in February.
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QLED technology is gradually becoming more popular in mid-range to high-end TV models of many brands. Photo: Samsung. |
However, lawsuits like this can shake consumer confidence in QLED technology in general, and affect the reputation of manufacturers.
If the allegations are proven, TCL and Hisense could face serious legal consequences, including having to compensate affected customers, change the way they market their products, and possibly even be fined.
Source: https://znews.vn/hai-hang-tv-bi-kien-vi-quang-cao-khong-dung-ve-cong-nghe-qled-post1539247.html
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