Homogeneous Tl1.8Ba2CaCu2O8 ceramics were synthesized by a novel route, starting from Tl2Ba2O5 precursors and using high gas pressures. This method allows tight control of thallium losses, resulting in dense, large-grained samples with sharp superconducting transitions above 105 K. Results of a characterization by X-ray diffraction, optical micrographs and micro-probe analysis are presented, together with selected physical properties.