MonitorsSignage Display
TCL TM98N Monitor Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 97.5 in. 4K signage display, with verified specifications.
- Screen97.5 in.
- Resolution4K UHD
- On-mode power121 W
- Est. yearly cost$89.98
About the TCL TM98N
This guide covers the TCL TM98N, a 97.5 in. 4K signage display listed as ENERGY STAR certified. Its native resolution is 3840 × 2160 pixels (4K UHD), about 45 pixels per inch.
It uses a VA LCD panel with a rated maximum luminance of 400 cd/m² (nits). Listed signal and data interfaces include DisplayPort. Other listed equipment includes built-in speakers and automatic brightness control.
Measured on-mode power is 121 W, with 0.32 W in sleep — 45% below the ENERGY STAR limit for a display of this size and resolution. That power draw is lower than 39% of the 1,270 Signage Display models in our database.
Specifications
| Brand | TCL |
|---|---|
| Model number | TM98N |
| Display type | Signage Display |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 97.5 in. |
| Screen area | 4,063 sq. in. |
| Panel technology | VA LCD |
| Native resolution | 3840 × 2160 |
| Resolution class | 4K UHD |
| Pixel density | 45 ppi |
| Maximum luminance | 400 cd/m² |
| Rated contrast ratio | 5,000:1 |
| Color spaces supported | NTSC |
| Enhanced Performance Display | No |
| Signal and data interfaces | DisplayPort |
| USB-C with Power Delivery | No |
| Built-in speakers | Yes |
| Automatic brightness control | Yes |
| Power source | External AC adapter |
| On-mode power | 120.5 W |
| ENERGY STAR on-mode limit | 218.9 W |
| Sleep-mode power | 0.32 W |
| Below ENERGY STAR limit | 45% |
| ENERGY STAR Most Efficient | No |
Safety information
- Wall, ceiling and video-wall installations must be done by a qualified installer using a mount rated for the display's weight and attached to structural framing or masonry. A display of this size must be lifted and positioned by at least two people.
- Use only the external power adapter supplied with the display (or an identical replacement). An adapter with a different voltage or polarity can damage the monitor.
- Keep the ventilation openings clear and do not place the display near radiators, heaters or in direct sunlight.
- Do not expose the display to rain, moisture or spilled liquids. If liquid gets inside, unplug it immediately and have it checked before further use.
- Unplug the display during lightning storms or when it will be unused for an extended period.
Setup
Plan the installation before mounting: confirm wall structure, power and data cabling locations, and the viewing distance for the content. For a 97.5 in. screen, text intended to be read should be sized for viewers standing roughly 12–33 ft away.
- Mount the display
Attach a VESA-compliant wall, ceiling or floor mount rated for the display's weight. If you plan to run it in portrait orientation, check that the manufacturer permits it and rotate the display in the direction specified so internal heat is vented correctly.
- Connect power and signal
Connect the power cord to a dedicated outlet or surge-protected circuit. Connect the media player or PC to DisplayPort.
- Configure schedules and power settings
Set the on/off schedule to match business hours, and enable the no-signal standby setting. Turn on automatic brightness control so the screen dims in low ambient light.
Using your display
Brightness for the environment
This display is rated for up to 400 cd/m². Indoor signage in normally lit spaces typically runs at 300–500 cd/m²; screens facing windows or in very bright lobbies need considerably more. Running at maximum brightness in a dim space wastes energy and shortens backlight life. Automatic brightness control adjusts output to the ambient light.
Schedules and power states
Program on/off times or use your content-management system to put the display into sleep outside opening hours. In sleep it draws 0.32 W, compared with 121 W when on.
Features
- Automatic brightness control
- Adjusts screen brightness to ambient light, saving energy in dim rooms.
- Adjustable backlight
- Separate control of light output, the main factor in power draw.
- Built-in speakers
- Plays audio from the connected computer or media player without external speakers.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Dust the screen with a dry microfiber cloth using light pressure. |
| When smudged | Power the display off, then wipe with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water. Never spray liquid directly on the screen or use ammonia- or alcohol-based glass cleaners on anti-glare coatings. |
| Every 3 months | Vacuum or brush dust from the ventilation slots and check that cables are fully seated and not pulling on the ports. |
| Every 6 months | Check the manufacturer's support site for firmware updates, especially if you see compatibility issues with new computers or docks. |
| Every year | Inspect the mount, fasteners and cable strain relief; confirm the schedule and clock settings after daylight-saving changes or power outages. |
Troubleshooting
Most display problems trace back to cables, input selection or computer settings. Work through these checks before contacting support; for model-specific messages, consult the manufacturer's manual.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| "No signal" message | Wrong input selected; loose cable; computer asleep or outputting to another screen. | Select the correct input in the OSD, reseat both cable ends, wake the computer, and press Win+P (Windows) or check Displays settings (macOS). |
| Text looks blurry or the picture does not fill the screen | Computer not sending the native resolution; scaling or overscan settings. | Set the resolution to 3840 × 2160 and adjust OS scaling instead; turn off overscan or "aspect" options in the OSD. |
| Flicker, dropouts or black screen at high refresh rates | Cable not rated for the bandwidth; adapter or dock limitation. | Use a certified DisplayPort or Ultra/Premium High Speed HDMI cable, connect directly without adapters, or lower the refresh rate to test. |
| Colors look washed out over HDMI | Limited RGB range sent by the computer or console. | Set the output to full RGB range in the graphics driver, or match the monitor's HDMI range setting. |
| Monitor does not wake from sleep | Deep-sleep option on the input; graphics driver issue. | Press a monitor button or reselect the input; disable deep sleep / auto-input in the OSD; update the graphics driver. |
| No sound from the speakers | Computer outputting audio elsewhere; monitor volume muted. | Select the monitor as the audio output device and raise the monitor's volume in the OSD. |
| Display turns off or on unexpectedly | On/off schedule, no-signal timer or remote-management command. | Review schedules in the display menu and content-management system, and confirm the clock and time zone. |
Energy use and running costs
Signage displays often run long hours. With 121 W on-mode power and 0.32 W in sleep, running the TCL TM98N 12 hours a day and sleeping the other 12 uses about 529 kWh per year, or $89.98 at $0.17 per kWh.
| Operating schedule | Energy per year | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| 8 hours a day | 354 kWh | $60.15 |
| 12 hours a day | 529 kWh | $89.98 |
| 18 hours a day | 793 kWh | $135 |
| 24/7 | 1,056 kWh | $179 |
On-mode power is measured at the factory-default brightness. Turning brightness up increases consumption; enabling automatic brightness control and using short sleep timers reduces it.
Frequently asked questions
What size and resolution is the TCL TM98N?
It has a 97.5 in. screen with a native resolution of 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD), giving a pixel density of about 45 ppi.
How much power does the TCL TM98N use?
It draws 121 W when on and 0.32 W in sleep. Running 12 hours a day works out to about 529 kWh a year, or $89.98 at $0.17/kWh.
What inputs does the TCL TM98N have?
The ENERGY STAR record lists DisplayPort. Port counts and versions (for example HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4) are not included in the certification data; check the manufacturer's specifications.
What panel type does the TCL TM98N use?
It uses a VA LCD panel with a rated maximum luminance of 400 cd/m². VA panels are known for high native contrast.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified monitors dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified August 2, 2026), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with TCL. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact TCL or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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