TCL 98T8C: A Cinematic Experience at an Unbeatable Price

A television with a diagonal of almost 2.5 meters for the price you normally buy a 65″ model from a premium brand? It sounds like a mistake, but it’s not. The TCL 98T8C is currently available for CZK 33,790 instead of the original CZK 44,990 – a discount of CZK 11,200 (24%). This is over CZK 41,000 less than its launch price last year.

Quick Summary

• ✅ Makes sense if you want a true cinema experience at home and have a sufficiently large room – 98 inches transforms your living space into a home cinema.
• ⚠️ Consider if you don’t have a viewing distance of at least 3.5–4 meters or lack assistance for installation – the TV weighs over 40 kg.
• 💡 For CZK 33,790, you get a 98″ QLED with 144 Hz, Dolby Vision, ONKYO speakers and an extended warranty – a price point where you’d typically identify a 65″ television with similar features.

Why is this TV Interesting?

A 249 cm (98 inch) diagonal television is often associated with commercial spaces or high-end home theaters. TCL has managed to bring this size into a realistically accessible price range. And it’s not just about the size – the TV offers features that would compete with smaller screen sizes at a higher cost.

Key Features: QLED with Quantum Dot

The core of the TCL 98T8C is its QLED panel with Quantum Dot technology, covering 93% of the DCI-P3 color space. Alza.cz highlights this feature as delivering exceptionally vibrant colors. Combined with a contrast ratio of 6000:1 and an anti-reflective surface treatment, the image quality remains excellent even in well-lit rooms. The AiPQ Pro processor automatically optimizes the image at the pixel level.

Image and Gaming Features: 144 Hz and Dolby Vision

A resolution of 3840 × 2160 px (4K Ultra HD) on a 98″ diagonal means individual pixels are virtually invisible even at a relatively close distance. The panel supports a native 144 Hz refresh rate in game mode (compared to the more common 100/120 Hz), which is exceptional for a TV of this size. Support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG ensures compatibility with virtually all HDR content.

For gamers, the Game Master features, including HDMI 2.1, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and VRR (variable refresh rate), are crucial. The game bar provides quick access to image settings during gameplay. Filmmaker Mode disables all post-processing, presenting movies as the director intended.

Sound: ONKYO Speakers with Dolby Atmos

TCL has integrated a 2.1 system from ONKYO with a power of 40 W, including a built-in subwoofer, to complement the large screen size. Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X delivers immersive surround sound directly from the TV. Datart.cz notes that the integrated sound system is sufficient for normal viewing of films and series, unlike many televisions in this price category.

The MultiSound feature allows simultaneous audio output from the TV speakers and wireless headphones with individual volume control – ideal when some viewers prefer a quiet experience.

Practical Considerations: Google TV, Ports, and Installation

The Google TV system provides access to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and thousands of other apps. Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 are supported for streaming from mobile devices. Voice control via Google Assistant is integrated into the remote control, and Google Meet video calls are possible with a compatible camera.

Connectivity includes 4× HDMI (including HDMI 2.1), 1× USB port, and a complete DVB-T2/S2/C tuner. The standard VESA 600×500 mount enables wall mounting. Important note: the TV weighs over 40 kg, and installation ideally requires at least two, preferably three people. Several users have noted that getting the TV into their homes was a challenge.

Extra Value

You receive two bonuses with the TV, totaling CZK 5,490 in value: a TCL extended warranty (valued at CZK 3,990) for 5 years of peace of mind, and a 6-month subscription to SledovaniTV (valued at CZK 1,500). The extended warranty is particularly valuable for a TV of this size.

What Users are Saying

On Alza, the TCL 98T8C has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars (17 reviews), with 94% of customers recommending the product. Complaints are minimal. Users frequently praise the price/performance ratio, image quality, and impressive size.

Some users mention the limited number of USB ports. One user experienced a malfunction after a month, highlighting the value of the extended warranty. Installation challenges are also frequently mentioned.

When Might This TV Not Be For You?

A 98″ TV isn’t suitable if you don’t have a large enough room. The recommended viewing distance for 4K content is a minimum of 3.5-4 meters. If you live on an upper floor without an elevator or have narrow doorways and corridors, delivery and installation can be problematic.

For those seeking absolutely top-tier image quality, it’s worth noting that QLED is not OLED – you won’t achieve perfect blacks or infinite contrast. However, an OLED TV of this size is significantly more expensive, and the TCL offers an excellent price/performance ratio.

Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For CZK 33,790, you get a 98″ QLED TV with 144 Hz, Dolby Vision, ONKYO speakers, and a 5-year extended warranty. This is the price you’d typically pay for a 65″ model with similar features from competitors. If you have the space and want a true cinematic experience without extensive home modifications, this is one of the most compelling offers on the market.