CES 2021 | TCL announces its new form of OD Zero mini-LED alongside upcoming Google TVs at CES 2021

Given that it sells itself as a display specialist, TCL's showcase at CES 2021 inevitably includes its latest development in TV technology. Its headline act is OD Zero, which the OEM touts as a major breakthrough for its upcoming mini-LED panels.

OD Zero is so called as it brings the gap between the backlight and diffuser plates (termed optical distance, or the OD of the new spec's name) of such panels down to nearly 151 microns (μm; the thickness of the actual miniature LEDS in question), whereas the average QLED panel needs an OD of about 12mm (or so TCL reckons, at least).

This breakthrough (obviously) has the potential to make particularly ultra-thin TVs. TCL also asserts that OD Zero can confer greater and more consistent luminance on the panels in question - although they will still be rated for "thousands" of local-dimming zones.

In addition, the new technology can also apparently benefit colors in terms of richness and accuracy, boost dynamic range and enhance detail. OD Zero also incorporates "smaller" LEDs, although TCL never did actually divulge their exact size.

These new OD Zero TVs may appear alongside TCL's 2021 smart TVs in time. The OEM has confirmed that they will ship with Google TV, the Mountain View's new take on the Android TV interface. They will emerge in mini-LED forms themselves, as well as in 8K and/or QLED forms.