TCL is readying a firmware update that brings Android 14 to several of its recent Google TV sets. The rollout focuses on models equipped with the MediaTek Pentonic 700 processor. This upgrade moves these TVs from Android 12 to the newer version, along with specific additions like HDMI 2.1 Quick Media Switching (QMS) support.
Key Models Receiving the Update
The update targets a range of TCL Google TV models, including:
- C8K
- QM8K
- C7K
- QM7K
- C6K
- QM6K
- C855
- C845
- QM851G
- C805
- QM751G
- TCL NXTVISION (frame-style TV)
These sets currently run on Android 12 under the Google TV interface. Newer 2026 models already come with Android 14 installed from the factory.
HDMI QMS Support Added
One main addition is HDMI 2.1 QMS, or Quick Media Switching. This feature helps reduce or eliminate the black screen that often appears when switching frame rates on HDMI sources, such as when an external device like an Apple TV shifts from 60Hz to 24Hz for movie playback.
Users can enable it in the settings menu under Channels and Inputs > External Inputs. It works best on HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 ports directly connected to the source device—no AV receivers or soundbars in between. Note that QMS does not fix black screens during SDR-to-HDR changes.
Similar support has appeared on TVs from LG and Samsung in recent updates.
Other Features in the Update
The firmware introduces Super Resolution upscaling, found in the Picture > Clarity section. This uses AI methods to enhance lower-resolution content by adding detail and sharpness.
Android 14 itself brings platform-level changes, such as better energy management modes and picture-in-picture support (though PiP excludes most video streaming apps). Many Google TV improvements come through server-side updates rather than firmware alone.
The update also includes a patch for IMAX Enhanced DTS:X compatibility with Disney+ content.
Release Details
Firmware version 590 (known as v313 in some regions like the US) has surfaced as a manual download file. It is expected to arrive soon via over-the-air (OTA) delivery through the TV’s built-in update system. Some users have already installed it manually and reported on forums.
TCL has not published official release notes for this version yet. Details come from user reports in TCL Telegram groups, AVForums discussions, and other community sources.
This update gives owners of these TCL Google TVs access to a more current Android base and targeted improvements for smoother HDMI performance and picture quality.
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