Panasonic unveils 2023 OLED line-up, adds QD Mini LED and Fire TV LED models
We already knew about the high-end MZ2000 OLED, having had a preview of this flagship at CES, but can now confirm it’ll be joined by the MZ1500, MZ980, MZ800, and MZ700.
Panasonic has also unveiled its first Quantum Dot Mini LED model, the MX950, and its first LED 4K offering built around Amazon’s Fire TV OS, the MX800.
New to the higher-end models this year is Nvidia G-Sync compatibility; a True Game Mode which aims to ensure colour accuracy with source-oriented HDR tone mapping; and Game Sound Modes. True Game Mode can be professionally calibrated using Calman Color calibration software, should you feel the need.
The flagship MZ2000 will be available in 55in, 65in and 77in sizes (pictured above), and will use a leading edge Micro Lens Array (MLA) panel on the 55in and 65in models, with a proprietary multi-layer heat management configuration across the board.
Just like its predecessors, the MZ2000 has a fully integrated multi-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system. However, if you already have audio sorted, then the cheaper MZ1500 could be right up your street. This high-end alternative promises a professional-level OLED performance and utilises Dynamic Theatre Surround Pro audio processing, via a new built-in front-firing speaker and subwoofer.
The MZ1500 is built around a Master OLED PRO panel, and employs Panasonic's HCX Pro AI processor. Available in 55in and 65in models, it offers a neat revolutionary 'Swivel Design' to cater for a wide range of ideal viewing angles.
The mid-range MZ980, also with an HCX Pro AI processor, features Theatre Surround Pro audio processing and True Game Mode. The is available in 42in, 48in and 55in screens.
The MZ2000, MZ1500 and MZ980 all run the latest iteration of Panasonic’s smart TV OS, My Home Screen 8.0. They also work with Alexa and Google Assistant. HDR support includes Dolby Vision and HDR10+ (incl. Adaptive).
Shipping in screen sizes from 42in to 65in, the MZ800 and MZ700 provide an on-ramp for Panasonic OLED. The software package is rather different though, as the MZ800 and MZ700 run Android TV, rather than Panasonic’s own system. They also lack the advanced gaming feature set.
We suspect gamers might be most interested in the MX950 (pictured above). Available in 55in and 65in screen sizes, this is Panasonic’s first Quantum Dot Mini LED model. Ultra-bright, with superior HDR control, this HCX Pro AI model supports Dolby Vision IQ and HDR 10+ Adaptive, as well as Panasonic’s Game Mode Extreme platform. Other niceties include 4K 120Hz refresh rate support, with VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. This Mini LED QD debutant also runs My Home Screen 8.0.
Finally, the MX800 sees Panasonic jump behind Amazon’s Fire TV OS for the first time. This 4K LED model comes with an Alexa voice remote, and will ship in a wide variety of screen sizes: 43in, 50in, 55in, 65, 75in and 85in. HDR support covers HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. There’s no 4K/120 gaming support though, as this is a 60Hz panel.
Emphasising the importance of gaming to the 4K flatscreen market, Panasonic has also announced that it is the official TV partner for Diablo IV, the new blockbuster gaming title from Activision.
Home Cinema Choice #351 is on sale now, featuring: Samsung S95D flagship OLED TV; Ascendo loudspeakers; Pioneer VSA-LX805 AV receiver; UST projector roundup; 2024’s summer movies; Conan 4K; and more
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