If the Panasonic MZ2000 series, as announced at the CES show in Las Vegas 2023, has three references (the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000, Panasonic TX-65MZ2000 and Panasonic TX-77MZ2000), the MZ1500 series has four, the Panasonic TX -42MZ1500, Panasonic TX-48MZ1500, Panasonic TX-55MZ1500 and Panasonic TX-65MZ1500.
Panasonic MZ1500: Master Oled Professional Edition 4K panel
As in 2022, the Panasonic MZ1500 series, devoid of the sophisticated sound section implemented on the MZ2000, will also benefit from a Master Oled Professional Edition panel with Panasonic sauce (except for the TX-42LZ1500 and TX-48LZ1500 models ), but not Oled Meta/MLA. This will allow, thanks to more attractive prices, a wider target group to access the Panasonic cinema image.
As a reminder, while the Oled EX 2023 vintage panel still comes from the manufacturer LG Display (a company belonging to LG Group, such as LG Electronics), it has also been optimized by Panasonic teams in partnership with a renowned and famous Hollywood colorist Stefen Sonnefeld, who has worked with top movie directors and box office hits such as A Star is Born, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, Jurassic World, 300, Star Wars: The Rise of the Force, Beauty and the Beast… Panasonic also calls this Oled panel under the name Professional Edition 4K Oled.
Panasonic MZ1500: HCX Pro AI Processor
Similarly, we find in the Panasonic MZ1500 OLED TVs most of the equipment of the MZ2000 models, i.e. HDR10+ Adaptive technology, the Game Control function (see photo below) to directly access the parameters related to the game , HDMI 2.1 compatibility or the renowned HCX Pro AI Processor. The algorithm of the latter is based on Machine Learning technology in order to adapt in real time (analysis of the image every second) the best parameters according to the content displayed. Namely, this Machine Learning process is coupled with a huge image database of more than a million video clips. Of course, the HCX Pro AI Processor chip acts on the sound, again by finely adapting the settings to the nature of the program displayed, film, sport…
Panasonic MZ1500: HDR Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker Mode
The Dolby Vision IQ process proposed by Dolby Laboratories is present. Its purpose in the presence of HDR Dolby Vision content is to always provide optimum image quality regardless of the ambient light conditions, without having to use the remote control.
But also to better adapt the TV image settings based on real-time analysis of the content displayed. Thus, on a snow landscape, the HDR Dolby Vision IQ influences the color temperature to approach the whiteness of the powder (see video below in English).
The Filmmaker Mode option of the Panasonic MZ1500 TVs is associated with the brightness sensor of the televisions to adjust the HDR rendering according to the light environment.
Panasonic MZ1500: HDR10+, HDR HLG, HDR Dolby Vision and HDR Photo
Panasonic MZ1500 televisions, in addition to the already mentioned Adaptive HDR10+, are of course compatible with HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision, not to mention HDR Photo, the HDR format for digital photos that appeared in 2019.
Panasonic MZ1500: True Game Mode
Video gaming is another of the aspects particularly taken care of by Panasonic on its 2023 vintage Oled TVs. In addition to a minimum Input Lag of 1.5 ms with 60 Hz games (10.5 ms otherwise), we notice two HDMI 2.1 connectors (plus two HDMI 2.0) compatible with VRR, ALLM and HFR 4K/120. Note, the management of the eARC function is required. Plus AMD FreeSync Premium and G-Sync certifications.
Smart TV My Home Screen 8.0, Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
The new Smart TV My Home Screen 8.0 function offers the possibility of personalizing the home screen (My Scenary option) with the choice of photos or a video. Panasonic has partnered with LoungV Studio to deliver quality relaxation videos. Access to VOD and content is also made easier thanks to a redesigned graphical interface based on icons representing the devices connected to the television. The same goes for the Netflix, Amazon and YouTube apps. Users can even add frequently watched TV channels directly to the home screen.
New, the dual Bluetooth connection allows the simultaneous connection of two appropriate devices. Thus, for example, it is possible to enjoy TV sound on two separate wireless headphones.
Finally, Panasonic MZ1500 televisions allow voice control of the TV for essential functions, via Google Assistant (Google Home speaker required) or Amazon Alexa (integrated) and they have a swivel stand.
HDMI 2.1 connector
In terms of connections, there are two HDMI 2.1 40 Gbps inputs (plus two obedience 2.0) compatible with VRR (up to 4K/120), ALLM (up to 60 Hz) and HFR 4K/120 .
More details on each of the Panasonic Oled series later.