An expansion of its Ambilight ecosystem, a shift to ever larger screen sizes, and the evolution of OLED and RGB Mini LED screens are the key talking points at this year’s Philips trade show, which opened in Berlin this week, reports Steve May.
The message for retail was clear: immersive lighting, AI-led picture processing and broader technology choice will continue to drive premium sales.
ERT attended the event and had early access to the new models, alongside a detailed look at the incoming, and impressive, Dolby Vision 2 platform that will underpin much of the range.
Leading Philips announcements was AmbiScape, an extension of the brand’s long-standing Ambilight system. Ambilight has long been a key differentiator for Philips on the shop floor. Now AmbiScape is set to extend that appeal beyond the screen.
The platform enables Ambilight TVs to control up to four external smart bulbs from a variety of suppliers, including WiZ, Nanoleaf, Philips Hue and Ikea, synchronising them with on-screen content with sub-0.5 second latency. Utilising the Matter smart OS system, wider AmbiScape interoperability is expected as more smart lighting brands release Matter-capable bulbs.
AmbiScape will be standard across models from its 8 Series upwards, including all OLEDs and new RGB Mini LED range, as well as Evnia gaming monitors.
When it comes to TV, the brand’s flagship OLED+951 model, shown at the event in prototype form, promises to set a new technical benchmark.
Utilising a META 4.0 Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 WOLED panel running at 165Hz, the OLED+951 combines a four-layer stacked RGB structure with peak brightness quoted at up to 4500 nits and full-screen brightness of 400 nits.
Anti-reflection performance rejects more than 99% of ambient reflections. Processing is handled by the latest 10th Gen P5 AI Dual Engine, capable of more precise HDR tone mapping and a new AI HDR restore function that dynamically matches content to panel capability.
Support for Dolby Vision 2 Max comes with AI-driven content intelligence, including features such as Precision Black, Light Sense and a new Authentic Motion mode designed to retain cinematic intent on a scene-by-scene basis – no more judder or soap opera effect!
The OLED+951 also integrates a 70W 2.2-channel sound system with redesigned bass drivers to maintain performance in a slimmer chassis. Gamers benefit from HDMI 2.1 connectivity across all four ports, a 165Hz refresh rate and a customisable game bar with profile auto-detection.
The set runs the latest Titan smart TV platform, offering access to all major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and YouTube. Significantly, Philips has dropped Google TV from its TV range, majoring instead on the Titan OS, which in the UK, will also feature Freely integration. Price and availability are TBC.
Positioned just below the flagship 951 model, the OLED+911 shares the same META 4.0 WOLED panel technology and 10th Gen P5 AI processing, as well as Dolby Vision 2 Max support. Its key point of difference is audio, with an integrated Bowers & Wilkins 3.1-channel frontal sound system. This includes dedicated left, centre and right channels with glass-fibre midrange drivers and Nautilus tube-loaded tweeters, complemented by a rear-mounted subwoofer with passive radiators.
Total system audio power is rated at 81W. Available in 48, 55, 65 and 77-inch sizes, it’s looking like a strong proposition for customers keen to avoid a separate soundbar while still achieving room-filling audio.
In the mid-range, the OLED811 (800 Series) continues to be a volume driver. It uses OLED EX panel technology, with a peak brightness up to 2500 nits on larger screen sizes (42-, 48-, 55-, 65- and 77-inches), alongside 10th Gen P5 AI processing and Dolby Vision 2 Max compatibility.
Gaming features include 165Hz screen refresh, HDR10+ gaming, and both FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. Audio is handled by a 70W 2.2 system (50W on the 42-inch).
At the more accessible end of the brand’s 2026 OLED range, the OLED761 (700 Series) uses an OLED SE panel, with peak brightness around 1000 nits, paired with 7th Gen P5 AI processing. Available in 55-, 65- and 77-inch sizes, it retains three-sided Ambilight with AmbiScape. The set supports HDR10+ gaming alongside FreeSync Premium and G-Sync, making it a credible step-up option for customers entering the OLED category.
OLED wasn’t the only screen tech in town. Philips also used the event to preview its first RGB Mini LED model, the MLED981, from its Xtra series. This 85-incher boasts an RGB Mini LED backlight with 11,520 zones, delivering peak brightness of around 2500 nits and a wide colour gamut of 97% DCI. Running at up to 165Hz (or 330Hz in DLG mode with reduced resolution), it’s aimed at those who want high brightness, for uncompromised daytime viewing, plus strong HDR performance, without moving to OLED. The inclusion of the 10th Gen P5 processor and Dolby Vision 2 Max ensures consistency with the OLED range, while a 70W 4.1-channel audio system and Ambilight with AmbiScape complete the package.
Finally, the PQS9001 QLED series continues the ‘The One’ proposition, designed to simplify the buying decision for mainstream customers. Using a WCG LCD QD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, and combines Dolby Vision 2 support with 7th Gen P5 processing across a wide range of sizes, stretching from a modest 43-, to a mammoth 100-inches.
Ambilight with AmbiScape is standard. Audio output varies by size, ranging from 20W 2.0 systems on smaller models to 50W 2.1 on the largest screens.
Across the range, the themes are clear: AmbiScape builds on Ambilight’s retail appeal, OLED continues to anchor the premium offering with advances in panel technology and brightness, and RGB Mini LED provides an alternative for high-brightness environments. With Dolby Vision 2 Max and the latest P5 AI processing running throughout much of the line-up, Philips is clearly focusing on incremental, demonstrable improvements, which given the turmoil that has engulfed rival TV brands of late, is reassuringly consistent.
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