TCL smart TVs use Google Gemini to help users pick horror movies

Solving the movie night dilemma

Choosing a film for a group often leads to long debates over different tastes. One person might want a classic slasher, while another prefers a lighthearted spooky comedy. These disagreements can lead to endless scrolling through streaming menus while the snacks sit untouched.

TCL is attempting to solve this friction by using Google Gemini, an artificial intelligence built into their latest smart TV sets. The technology acts as a movie discovery tool that can handle specific requests like "something scary" or "spooky but not too spooky."

This functionality is particularly useful for families with mixed age groups. The AI can filter suggestions based on the age of the children in the room or the desired intensity of the scares. Richard Falzon from TCL says Halloween is a perfect time to test the TV's Gemini assistant as a discovery tool.

Automating the home theater

The integration of Gemini goes beyond just picking a title on the screen. Because it works with Google Home gear, the TV can coordinate with other smart devices in the house. This allows for a more immersive experience where the environment reacts to the content being watched.

Users can theoretically ask the TV to start a movie and have the house respond accordingly. For example, smart lights can dim automatically to create a dark atmosphere, and smart plugs or split-system air conditioners can adjust the room temperature. These actions happen before the opening credits even begin.

The goal is to create a cohesive environment where the room cooperates with the film. Falzon explained that jump scares land better when the room is dark and the temperature is adjusted. By syncing the lights and cooling, the TV helps set the stage for a more cinematic experience without manual input from the viewer.

Hardware built for the dark

Watching horror movies presents specific technical challenges for television hardware. Because the genre relies heavily on shadows and low-light scenes, a screen must be able to show deep blacks while maintaining visible detail. A washed-out screen can ruin the tension of a scene where a character is hiding in the dark.

TCL's SQD-Mini LED sets are designed to handle these high-contrast moments. The hardware must manage sudden transitions, such as a bright flashlight cutting through a pitch-black hallway. The TV needs to shift from near-black to a bright shot in a split second without losing image quality or causing visual artifacts.

Audio also plays a critical role in the horror experience. Subtle sounds like a creaking door or a distant whisper are essential for building tension. To address this, TCL's SQD-Mini LED sets feature speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen to ensure the audio pulls the viewer into the scene effectively.

New models and availability

TCL was the first TV brand to launch with the Gemini assistant preinstalled on its hardware. The technology is specifically featured in the SQD-Mini LED and QD-Mini LED ranges. These models are designed to provide the high performance required for modern streaming and high-quality home cinema.

For those looking to upgrade their home setup, these specific ranges are expected to go on sale at major retailers. These deals are typically timed to coincide with the lead-up to Black Friday. This provides a window for consumers to purchase new screens with integrated AI features.

One specific model highlighted is the 75-inch C7L. This set features 1,352 dimming zones, which helps the TV manage the complex lighting requirements of dark movies. These details are available on the TCL Australia website for those looking for specific technical specifications before purchasing.