Panasonic TVs are back in the USA and better than ever!
A Product Overview
After an eight-year absence, Panasonic has just relaunched its televisions to the US market with three new models which include the flagship Z95A OLED ($3,199), the Z85A ($1,799) OLED, and the W95A ($1,799) mini-LED TVs. The Z95A is only available in a 65” model, whereas the Z85A is available in 65” and 85” sizes and the W95A is available in 55”, 65”, 75” and 85” screen sizes.
This article focuses on the flagship Z95A OLED display.
The Z95A OLED display uses an LG WOLED panel and MLA display technology. MLA or Micro Lens Array is a layer of microscopic lenses layered on top of the OLED pixels, boosting panel brightness. The Z95A will compete with high-end OLED Samsung, Sony, and LG TVs.
Z95A Features:
Master OLED Ultimate: Next-gen panel delivers superior brightness. We set our sights on the pinnacle of panel performance and the result is the new Master OLED Ultimate. Our next-generation panel configuration combines a micro-lens array for improved brightness that truly shines.
*HDR peak brightness: 10% window 1,751 nits
HCX Pro AI Processor MKII: Professional picture performance in your home. The HCX Pro AI Processor MK II inside our premium TVs delivers truly accurate color, contrast, and pin-sharp clarity, great for fast-moving action, sports, games, etc. Using AI, the TV knows when you’re watching sports, and adjusts the picture and sound for you.
Auto AI: Auto AI delivers optimal picture and sound. Using AI, Panasonic TVs analyze the incoming signal, instantly adjusting picture and sound settings. Auto AI knows the settings for sports, live music, film scenes, and more.
Filmmaker Mode: Filmmaker Mode with intelligent sensing. Enjoy your favorite movies as the director intended. Next-generation Filmmaker Mode applies our intelligent sensing technology to adjust color temperature and ambient brightness to ensure every movie is faithful to the director’s vision, even under bright lights.
Multi HDR format with Optimized Picture: All HDR formats, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, are supported. With advanced intelligent sensing, HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Vision IQ deliver an optimized natural picture that adjusts to room brightness.
Dolby Vision IQ: Experience a new dimension in HDR viewing with Dolby Vision IQ. It adds a new dimension to viewing HDR thanks to the TV’s advanced ambient light sensor. Whether your living room is completely dark or brightly lit, the HDR picture is dynamically perfected for the best color and contrast.
360 Soundscape Pro: Enjoy a 360-degree sound experience. Our unique 360ﾟSoundscape Pro integrated audio system transports you sonically into the on-screen action using integrated front firing, side-firing, and up-firing speakers in addition to a woofer and a passive radiator for bass boost, and tuned by Technics. The audio output is then processed with Dolby Atmos object-based audio for immersive surround sound.
Array Speaker System: Our Array Speaker system delivers accurate sound and enables users to take advantage of our unique beam-forming function. These small speakers can be used to achieve pinpoint sound control and create zones of different sound levels. Users can experience a more precise sound quality while minimizing potential distractions to others.
Game Mode Extreme: Big screen, epic speed, resolution, and clarity for every game. Thanks to Game Mode Extreme our 4K OLED and Mini LED TVs with HCX Pro AI MK II processing are ready for action. The latest revolutionary 144Hz panel delivers both HFR (High Frame Rates) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rates) bringing you beautiful, high-resolution tear-free graphics that redefine cinematic brilliance and the gaming experience. Game Mode Extreme supports the latest gaming features like HDMI 2.1, 144Hz refresh rate, VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium, and NVIDIA G-SYNC.
Game Control Board: Smooth and intuitive setup for gaming devices. Enjoy easier and more intuitive game settings when connecting gaming devices to the TV via HDMI. Our new Game Control Board displays detailed game-related information, allowing you to easily check the setting’s status. To make your gaming experience even smoother, this can be accessed by one action if assigned to the My APP button.
Gaming Sound Mode: Great sound whatever your play style. Game Sound Mode allows for switching between 2 modes that optimize sound for the game you are playing. RPG mode creates a sense of reality for a gaming experience filled with intensity. FPS mode focuses on audio location allowing players to hear the subtle sounds of their enemies and take the upper hand.
Amazon Fire TV OS: The Fire TV interface puts your favorite apps front and center on one main home screen. So you can quickly find shows, movies, and live TV without endless scrolling.
Alexa built-in: Use Alexa on the Voice Remote to find your favorite shows and movies in a snap; no endless scrolling is needed. Launch apps, change channels, control your smart home, and more.
Picture Modes: Auto AI/ Dynamic/ Normal/ Cinema/ True Cinema/ FILMMAKER/ Custom /Professional1/ Professional2/ Sport/ Game/ True Game/ Dolby Vision (Vivid/IQ/Dark/Game)/ Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode
Side View
NEXTGEN ATSC 3.0 Tunner with a feature update
2 USB inputs (one 3.0)
4 HDMI inputs: two support HDMI 2.1 @ 48Gbps
HDMI 2.1 inputs support:
- eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- 4K HFR (High Frame Rate)
- AMD Freesync Premium
- G-Sync Compatible
Note: The Z85A OLED has most of the features listed above for the Z95A except “Master OLED Ultimate”, “360 Soundscape Pro” and “Array Speaker System”, The Z85A has a 120Hz refresh rate and Alexa built-in via the voice remote, not hands-free.
It is welcome news that Panasonic TVs are returning to the US market. I still own one of their excellent plasma TVs from years past which is still going strong. The three Panasonic TVs in this article are available now or for preorder at US retailers.
I’ve found info on the internet praising the performance of the Z95A and how it provides similar performance to LG’s G4, Samsung’s S95D, and Sony’s A95L
The Panasonic Z95A is a very promising 4K OLED TV and I look forward to seeing how well it competes with Sony, Samsung, and LG high-end OLED TVs while giving consumers more options within the OLED and mini-LED TV markets.
Welcome back Panasonic!
Check out HDTVs and More’ YouTube video for the Panasonic Z95A, Z85A, and W95A TVs here.
All images credited to Panasonic
*PCMag.com