By: Dipin Sehdev
TCL is rolling out another meaningful software update for its Google TV lineup and this one actually changes the viewing experience in noticeable ways. According to reporting from FlatpanelsHD, TCL’s new v643 firmware update adds Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode, expands Dolby Atmos FlexConnect functionality, and fixes one of the more frustrating audio bugs affecting Disney+ IMAX Enhanced playback. And honestly, this continues something TCL has become surprisingly good at over the last few years:
? Improving TVs after launch instead of abandoning them.
That matters more than people think.
The Big Upgrade: Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode
The headline feature here is clearly Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode. For most users, this effectively replaces Dolby Vision Dark, but the difference goes deeper than a simple rename.
What Actually Changed?
Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode is designed to preserve:
- Accurate color temperature
- Proper motion handling
- Original aspect ratios
- Film grain
- Intended brightness mapping
- Reduced image processing
In simpler terms: It’s designed to make movies look closer to how directors intended them to appear.
That means disabling a lot of the “TV tricks” manufacturers often apply by default, including:
- Artificial sharpening
- Motion smoothing (“soap opera effect”)
- Overprocessed contrast
- Aggressive dynamic enhancements
For enthusiasts and movie lovers, this is a welcome addition because Dolby Vision content can finally be viewed in a more reference-like presentation mode directly from streaming platforms. And importantly: This is not just a cosmetic update. Image accuracy genuinely improves in dark-room viewing environments.
Which TCL TVs Are Getting the Update?
The v643 firmware is rolling out to TCL Google TVs powered by the MediaTek Pentonic 700 chipset.
According to FlatpanelsHD, affected models include:
| TCL Model | Regional Name |
|---|---|
| X11K | Global |
| C8K | QM8K |
| C7K | QM7K |
| C6K | QM6K |
| C805 | Global |
| C845 (X2 revision only) | Global |
| C855 | Global |
| C955 | Global |
| X955 | QM851G |
The update applies to select 2023, 2024, and 2025 TCL Google TVs.
Meanwhile, TCL’s 2026 models already ship with these features enabled out of the box.
TCL Also Fixed Disney+ IMAX Enhanced DTS:X
This is one of the more underrated improvements in the update. Previously, some TCL owners experienced issues when trying to use IMAX Enhanced DTS:X audio through Disney+.
With v643, TCL has reportedly fixed the issue, allowing compatible content to properly switch between:
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS:X IMAX Enhanced audio
That includes titles like:
- Tron: Ares
- Select Marvel films
- Other Disney+ IMAX Enhanced content
For home theater enthusiasts, this matters because DTS:X and Dolby Atmos can sound noticeably different depending on the mix and speaker layout. Until now, TCL users weren’t always getting reliable playback behavior.
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Gets More Serious
Another important addition is expanded Dolby Atmos FlexConnect support. TCL was actually the first TV brand to implement Dolby’s FlexConnect platform, which allows wireless speakers to connect directly to the TV without requiring a traditional AVR or soundbar setup.
Originally, the system supported:
- Up to four wireless speakers
Now TCL is adding support for:
- Wireless subwoofers via the TCL Z100-SW
That’s a surprisingly big deal. Because while FlexConnect isn’t replacing a true enthusiast home theater system anytime soon, it’s becoming a much more legitimate alternative to traditional soundbars.
The addition of a dedicated subwoofer dramatically improves:
- Bass response
- Dynamic impact
- Overall immersion
- Room-filling sound
According to FlatpanelsHD, TCL demonstrated the system using Tron: Ares footage during a recent event in Warsaw, where Dolby Atmos and DTS:X switching reportedly worked correctly alongside FlexConnect.
Why TCL Deserves Some Credit Here
One of the more frustrating things about modern TVs is how many manufacturers treat them like disposable software products. Features promised at launch disappear. Bugs linger for years. Updates stop coming almost immediately. TCL, surprisingly, has started doing the opposite.
Earlier firmware updates already added:
- Android 14 support
- HDMI 2.1 QMS (Quick Media Switching)
- Performance improvements
- Gaming enhancements
And now this update adds entirely new picture modes and expanded audio functionality years after some of these TVs originally shipped. That’s something the industry honestly needs more of.
How to Update Your TCL Google TV
The v643 update is rolling out over-the-air, but availability may vary depending on region and model. To manually check for the update:
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Select About
- Choose System Update
- Select Check for Update
If available:
- Choose Download and Install
- Allow the TV to restart
- Do not unplug the TV during installation
You can also enable automatic updates within the same menu.
The Bigger Picture
This update highlights something important happening in the TV industry: Software is just as important as hardware.
A few years ago, most people bought TVs based almost entirely on panel performance.
Now?
Things like:
- Streaming support
- Audio compatibility
- Gaming features
- Firmware longevity
- Smart TV responsiveness
matter just as much. And TCL seems to understand that better than many expected. The addition of Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode may sound minor on paper, but for enthusiasts chasing accurate image quality, it’s one of the better post-launch TV upgrades we’ve seen recently.
Credit to FlatpanelsHD for first reporting the rollout and confirmed model support.
