How Quantum Dot Displays Impact High-End Home AV

What are quantum dot displays?

Quantum dot displays use thousands of particles known as ‘dots’. Tens of thousands of times smaller than a human hair, these dots emit a vast spectrum of colours when exposed to light. For example, smaller particles emit blue, while larger ones emit red, producing precise, vibrant colours.

A quantum dot smart TV will use this QLED display technology to enhance the backlight of an LCD panel. Colours are not only more varied but brighter, presenting over a billion shades.

Enhanced brightness does not compromise the breadth of shades. It’s also more energy efficient, consuming less power than traditional LCD screens. This reduces the risk of burn-in: damage caused to screens when a bright image has been on display for too long.

Quantum dot vs. OLED: a balanced comparison

When advising customers about quantum dot vs. OLED, integrators should consider:

Brightness and HDR

Quantum dots can be controlled at an individual pixel level, producing brighter colours. However, OLED has higher contrast and black levels, ideal for darker settings. Homeowners may prefer quantum dots for high-brightness gaming, or OLED for cinema screens, for example.

Lifespan

If your client is in it for the long haul, they may prefer quantum dots. Thanks to their energy efficiency and decreased risk of burn-in, QLED technology lasts around 100,000 hours. Meanwhile, OLED lasts around 30,000 hours – fine if your client is likely to upgrade sooner.

Colour accuracy

Your customers may seek perfect visuals, particularly for gaming or movie streaming. While both OLED and QLED offer stunning colour accuracy, QLED is capable of sustaining this, even at peak brightness.

Energy efficiency

While QLED is generally more energy efficient, OLED consumes less power during darker scenes. For low-light environments, clients may opt for OLED’s energy-saving benefits.

During customer consultations, ensure you have a clear understanding of their desired functionality. If they’re looking for brighter visuals in lighter environments, such as gaming, they may prefer QLED. However, darker functions such as home cinemas may lend themselves to OLED.

Cost may also be a factor, particularly if your client likes to upgrade often or prefers a long-lasting product. Be sure to mention all of the above when discussing product choices.

The rise of quantum dot smart TVs

Though Samsung first coined the term ‘quantum dot’ in 2017, it has only entered the mainstream in more recent years. In 2024, QLED TVs passed 10% of all total sales for the first time, making this premium product more accessible.

Their success is largely thanks to:

• Compatibility with smart home ecosystems
• Advanced colour conversions, ideal for scaling screens
• Low input lag and high refresh rates, perfect for seamless gaming.

While they deliver precise visuals for home entertainment, they’re also accessible for smaller screens and day-to-day functionality. With more streaming services turning to HDR or 4K content, quantum dot technology promises cinematic quality for everyday viewing.

Implications for high-end home AV installations

The benefits of QLED display technology go beyond consumers. For integrators, quantum dots promise more reliability, thanks to their long-lasting, energy-efficient particles.

They are also highly compatible with other smart home technology, such as high-output sound systems and room-light control. This makes for more flexible installations, ideal for both dark and brighter environments.

For superior visuals, durability and seamless integration, QLED is the perfect choice. Integrators recommending this technology can stay one step ahead of upgraded streaming – and customer demand.