Introduction: The Challenge of Crafting the Perfect TV Screen
How difficult is it to create a perfect television screen?
For TVs, achieving perfection in screen quality is a formidable task. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles and faster response times, but their contrast ratio is often lacking, typically only reaching 1500:1, making it challenging to display excellent HDR images.
On the other hand, VA panels boast outstanding contrast ratios, up to 5000:1, but their response time and viewing angles may not meet expectations.
OLED comes close to perfection. It excels in both viewing angles and response time, with unparalleled contrast ratios. However, it's not without its fatal flaws.
Due to the risk of burn-in, OLED screens cannot achieve very high brightness levels (as higher brightness shortens their lifespan). Additionally, price is a significant concern. An 86-inch OLED TV often costs upwards of six figures, making it unaffordable for the average household.
Back in 2022, Hisense launched the Black Crystal Screen customized with Mini LED panels, doubling the static contrast ratio from 3000:1 to 6000:1.
In March 2024, Hisense unveiled the upgraded Black Crystal Screen Pro, boosting the LCD's static contrast ratio to over 10,000:1. Indeed, the only competitor to Hisense seems to be Hisense itself, as evidenced by the industry's first TV product featuring the Black Crystal Screen Pro: the Hisense TV U8N Pro, priced at 29,999 CNY.
The Hisense TV U8N Pro integrates all of Hisense's advanced technologies into one, delivering picture performance comparable to OLED. Here's a rundown:
3000nits Peak Brightness: Brightness is undeniably one of the core parameters of a TV. To achieve perfect HDR effects, high brightness and contrast are indispensable. For instance, to display high-brightness outdoor scenes like sunlight reflection, a peak brightness of 3000nits is essential. The U8N Pro boasts 3000nits peak brightness and can achieve 900nits full-screen brightness even in SDR mode. In comparison, OLED TVs with peak brightness exceeding 2000nits are scarce, and under full-screen scenarios, their HDR brightness can drop below 300nits.
5376 Backlight Zones: To enhance HDR image quality, a sufficient number of backlight zones are required. However, the more zones there are, the more complex the dimming algorithm becomes. Hisense has independently developed a complete chain chip architecture, with the core being the SinCore AI perception chip. This includes the SinCore backlight control chip and 672 SinCore drive chips. Each drive chip controls 8 channels, precisely managing 8 Mini LED lamps. Coupled with a 16-bit hybrid dimming algorithm, it achieves more efficient, precise, and uniform dimming effects.
10 Speakers 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos Sound System: The sound system is one of the main highlights of the U8N Pro. Hisense U8N Pro utilizes a 10-unit sound source matrix speaker system comprising 7 speaker units (2 main channels, 2 side surrounds, 1 subwoofer, 2 overhead speakers), forming a 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound system. Particularly noteworthy is the semi-external dual-unit independent subwoofer designed by Hisense, achieving a bass dive down to 50Hz without the need for an external subwoofer to deliver powerful bass effects. For gamers, the Hisense TV U8N Pro offers deep compatibility with the three major gaming consoles. Two of the four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1, capable of displaying 4K 144Hz and 2K 240Hz images. Moreover, it is certified with FreeSync Premium Pro, effectively preventing screen tearing in gaming visuals.
Image Showcase: 10-speaker unit + Octagonal matrix central pedestal
The Hisense TV U8N Pro features a design inspired by the traditional Chinese scroll painting, with a sleek golden frame resembling the elegant landscapes depicted in such artworks. This fusion of artistry and technology not only embodies the essence of scroll paintings but also resonates with the aesthetic preferences of Eastern culture.
On both sides of the fuselage, there are design elements reminiscent of metallic guitar strings, giving it an air of luxury and gravitas.
The TV has a thickness of 42mm, which may not seem very slim at first glance. However, what sets it apart is that the entire back is uniform in thickness without any protrusions, unlike other TVs where the screen is thin but there's a noticeable bulge in the middle of the back, resembling a small backpack.
The overall design allows for wall-mounting with a thickness of approximately 30mm, surpassing even the ultra-thin OLED TVs in wall-hugging capabilities.
The rear panel features seven sets of speakers, comprising 2 main channels, 2 side surrounds, 1 subwoofer, and 2 overhead speakers, totaling 10 sound-emitting units. Together, they form a 4.1.2 multi-channel audio system, incorporating 2 overhead channels at the top.
In an octagonal matrix, the pedestal can be adjusted in height according to personal preferences and furniture style. Many large-screen TVs have bases that are too large to fit on small to medium-sized TV stands, but the advantage of a central pedestal is that it can be compatible with the vast majority of TV cabinets.
The I/O ports are located on the bottom left side, with each port clearly labeled.
From top to bottom, they include:
The battery also features a thoughtful hidden USB port on the side, eliminating the need to constantly reach behind the TV to plug and unplug USB devices. This design is particularly convenient for users who have their TVs mounted on the wall.
The remote control supports NFC for one-touch screen mirroring.
Screen test: 915 nits SDR full-screen brightness, 10ms screen latency.
Under default settings, the peak brightness reaches 909 nits, with a slightly cooler white point color temperature of 11300.
With a 140-degree viewing angle, it boasts excellent performance in both brightness and color rendition.
Vertical orientation at 150 degrees also provides a pleasing visual experience.
4. Latency Testing
In standard mode, the display latency is approximately 50 milliseconds.
In gaming mode, the latency has dropped to around 10ms.
Furthermore, the HDR image quality experience is comparable to OLED's black level control.
The following are straight-out-of-camera photos with no post-processing applied.
With the screen brightness cranked up so high, the black displayed on the screen hardly emits any light, showcasing a level of black control that rivals OLED and falls just short of it.
Some of the sample shots may appear overexposed, which is actually due to the high brightness of the television. During shooting, the camera experienced overexposure, not the television screen itself.
"Avatar 2: The City of Water" cannot truly showcase the picture quality of the U8N Pro, especially when viewing sample shots on a low-brightness display, the impact of the visuals becomes even less apparent.
To truly experience the HDR effects of the U8N Pro, it is recommended to visit a physical store for a firsthand experience.
In summary: The pinnacle of Mini LED TVs.
Other Mini LED TVs, such as the Xiaomi S Pro Mini LED, have a contrast ratio of around 3000:1, while the TCL 85X11G, priced at 20,000, boasts a contrast ratio of approximately 5000:1.
When it comes to non-OLED TVs achieving a static contrast ratio of 10,000:1, there is no other option besides the Hisense Black Crystal Screen Pro.
Coupled with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, 5376 backlight zones, and the Sensing Core AI perception chip, the Hisense U8N Pro indisputably stands at the pinnacle of Mini LED TV picture quality.
From certain perspectives, the picture quality of the Black Crystal Screen Pro surpasses that of most OLEDs! After all, the difference in contrast ratio is not significant, but the brightness far exceeds.
Especially when playing "Avatar 2: The City of Water," the U8N Pro's performance in dark detail, highlight brightness, depth of field, and transparency of the picture brings about tremendous awe, an experience that cannot be felt on other TVs.
In terms of color, the U8N Pro supports 10-bit color depth, boasting a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, which rivals OLED screens in color performance. While offering ultra-high contrast, it also retains the inherent advantages of IPS panels: wide viewing angles and low response times. Based on real shooting, the U8N Pro still delivers a good viewing experience at angles of up to 140 degrees horizontally and 150 degrees vertically.
Its input lag is impressively low, almost hitting the "foul" territory. For instance, while gaming TVs like the Sony A9G typically have input lags of around 20ms, the Hisense U8N Pro's input lag is only 10ms, nearly on par with desktop LCD monitors.
Moreover, this TV has undergone extensive optimization for gaming, supporting VRR adaptive frame rate, FreeSync Premium Pro, 144/240Hz high refresh rates, and even directly displaying game frame rates. It's clear that the U8N Pro was designed with the needs of professional gamers in mind from the outset.
Of course, the U8N Pro's 10-unit 3.1.2 channel sound system is equally impressive. This aspect is difficult to convey accurately through text and images; interested individuals should visit physical stores to experience it firsthand.
