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CES 24 > Panasonic Z93A Oled TV: HDR Dolby Vision 144 Hz, HCX Pro AI Processor MKII, Game Control Bard…

After our presentation of the Panasonic Z95A Oled TV series (see our CES 24 news > Panasonic Z95A Oled TV: MLA panel, HDR Dolby Vision 144 Hz, HCX Pro AI Processor MKII, Game Control Bard, etc.), it's time for the series Panasonic Z93A.

The Panasonic Z93A Oled TV series has a single reference, the Panasonic TX-77Z93A (196 cm). Namely, the Oled TV series Panasonic MZ2000 vintage 2023 was split in two by the manufacturer in 2024 with the Panasonic Z95A and Panasonic Z93A. Why that ? To mark the difference in Oled panels between the 55''/65'' diagonals on one side, and 77'' on the other. Last year, the same three diagonals coexisted in the MZ2000 series, the two smallest already equipped with an MLA panel, the largest with an Oled EX panel. Hence some confusion on the part of consumers but also resellers. In 2024, with more clarity, Panasonic has therefore decided to offer two series instead of one, without a mix of specifications.

Panasonic TX-77Z93A, Master Oled Pro Cinema panel

Because, you will have understood, the only difference between the Panasonic TX-55Z95A and Panasonic TX-65Z95A references on one side, and the Panasonic TX-77Z93A on the other lies in the presence within the latter of 'an Oled EX panel and not Oled MLA. If this situation appeared curious in 2023 but could be explained by a constrained schedule for the 77'' model whose design was finalized at the time of the announcement of the existence of an MLA panel from their supplier, that's it quite surprising in 2024 to still not find an MLA panel (called Master Oled Ultimate by the brand) on the 77'' Oled television signed Panasonic...

TV Panasonic 77Z93A, specifications

For the rest, we find all the technical characteristics of the Z95A screens, namely an Oled EX panel with performances optimized by the Panasonic teams, in partnership with a renowned and famous Hollywood colorist, Stefen Sonnefeld, who collaborated with the greatest cinema directors and the biggest box office hits such as A Star is Born, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, Jurassic World, 300, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Beauty and the Beast…

The Panasonic TX-77Z93A television also benefits from sophisticated video game features: Game Control Board function, Input Lag optimization for 60 Hz games, Dolby Vision HDR management up to 144 Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium certification in Gaming mode and automatic detection of nVidia processors (G-Sync compatibility).

We find on the Panasonic Z93A TV the sound section of the MZ2000 and Z95A, i.e. a soundbar with 16 networked front speakers (in line and grouped), associated with the side speakers and those in Up-configuration Firing. Of course, the audio system of the Panasonic Z93A TV, called 360 Soundscape Pro, was developed and configured by engineers from the famous Hi-Fi Technics firm, owned by Panasonic. Appearing in 2023, the Bass Boost function to reinforce the impact of bass is still required.

TV Panasonic 77Z93A, HCX Pro AI Processor MKII

The Panasonic 77Z93A TV integrates the latest version of the HCX Pro AI Processor chip, in its MKII version. It is for example thanks to the increased power of the latter that HDR Dolby Vision gaming compatibility is supported up to 144 hertz. For its part, the new 4K Remaster Engine algorithm, still based on Machine Learning technology in order to adapt in real time (per-second image analysis) the best parameters according to the content displayed, is announced to be even more efficient. For example, it gives pride of place to noise reduction for content coming from a streaming service, and to that of the Banding phenomenon inherent to Oled technology. Namely, the Machine Learning process is associated with a huge image database with over a million video clips. Of course, the HCX Pro AI Processor MKII chip also automatically acts on the sound delivered by the Panasonic Z93A screen, again by finely adapting the settings to the nature of the program displayed, film, sport, etc.

TV Panasonic 77Z935A, Game Control Board

As already mentioned, video games are another of the aspects particularly taken care of by Panasonic on the Oled TV Z93A. In addition to a minimum Input Lag of 1.5 ms with 60 Hz games (10.5 ms otherwise), we of course always notice the presence of two HDMI 2.1 connectors (plus two HDMI 2.0) compatible with VRR, ALLM and HFR 4K/144. Please note, management of the eARC function is also required.

Also in the video game chapter, we can also mention the specific True Game Mode setting, equivalent to Filmmaker Mode for game developers. Once activated, the image displayed sticks as closely as possible to the intentions of the development studio. Likewise, there are sound settings dedicated to certain game categories: RPG or FPS for example. The first favors a balanced sound environment with excellent clarity of dialogue, the second will highlight sound effects that can serve as clues to the player (footstep sounds to anticipate enemy movements, etc.).

Panasonic 77Z935A TV, HDR Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker Mode

As a reminder, the Dolby Vision IQ process offered by Dolby Laboratories aims, in the presence of HDR Dolby Vision content, to offer always optimum image quality whatever the ambient light conditions, without having to play of the remote control.

But also to best adapt the TV's image settings based on real-time analysis of the content displayed. Thus, on a snowy landscape, HDR Dolby Vision IQ influences the color temperature to approximate the whiteness of powder snow.

Namely, the Filmmaker Mode option on the Panasonic 77Z93A TV is associated with the Intelligent Sensing process. The latter uses the televisions' brightness sensor to adjust the HDR rendering depending on the light environment. More generally, and with the aim of always improving displayed image quality, the TV Z93A integrates an RGB sensor capable of adapting the color temperature displayed on the screen according to that of the environment, not no longer just influence the brightness alone.

Panasonic Z93A TV, HDR10+, HDR HLG, HDR Dolby Vision and HDR Photo

The Panasonic 77Z93A television, in addition to HDR10+ Adaptive, is of course compatible with HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision, without forgetting HDR Photo, the HDR format for digital photos also appeared in 2019.

Similarly, appeared on Panasonic 2020 Oled TVs, the option to deactivate Tone Mapping (conversion of colors between an image with a greater dynamic range than that of the broadcaster in order to avoid Clipping or clipping), and specifying the TV Clipping level via the menu is always appropriate. Thus, content producers will be able to fully use all the performance of the TV in this area, so that Clipping really intervenes at the maximum of the TV's capabilities, and not before. Result, an image richer in color and more natural. It is also particularly interesting with a gaming PC or a game console connected, so it is better to deactivate the TV's Tone Mapping and let the game display its HDR values as best as possible for an image that maximizes the broadcaster's potential.

Panasonic Z93A TV, Dolby Atmos compatibility

As already mentioned, the Panasonic 77Z93A still benefits from the audio system with Up-Firing speakers called 360° Soundscape Pro to effectively reproduce Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Likewise, as already mentioned above, these TVs always accommodate side speakers to perfect the audio scene, in particular the 3D sound bubble.

Panasonic Z93A TV, Smart Fire TV, Amazon Alexa integrated

The new Smart Fire TV function offers access to all the best streaming services and Smart Home applications of the moment (Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Apple TV+ and YouTube, etc.). Fully compatible with the Alexa ecosystem, the Panasonic 77Z93A allows complete control of Alexa devices via its integrated Dashboard. Precisely, the TV can also be “controlled” by voice thanks to its integrated “Far-Field” microphone, without using the remote control.

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Namely, Apple HomeKit and AirPlay 2 compatibility are also included. It is therefore possible to control the television by voice (Siri), or from an Apple device (iPad, iPhone, Mac computer). Also worth mentioning is the Fire TV Ambient Experience function (see photo below) to transform the TV into a giant photo frame or to display certain information provided by a multitude of available Alexa widgets.

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In addition to a DVB-T2, DVB-C and DVB-S2 tuner, the Panasonic Z93A includes a Penta tuner allowing the reception of TV channels via IPTV. All you need is an RJ-45 socket not far from the TV or to connect it to the home Wi-Fi network, and that's it. It is therefore possible to receive DTT channels (through a dedicated application, Molotov for example) on a television without a box and without being connected to an antenna socket.

Finally, we must mention the presence on the Panasonic Z93A TV remote control of a button entitled MyApp. This, programmable, allows access via a simple press directly to a channel or application of your choice, or even to a specific voice command. Of course, there is the dual Bluetooth connection for simultaneous connection of two suitable devices. For example, it is possible to enjoy TV sound on two separate wireless headphones.

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A word to Akira Toyoshima, CEO of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd

“With such vast options, the real challenge is identifying exactly what you want to watch. Therefore, our new mission goes beyond simply providing quality picture and sound. This is about simplifying the content discovery process, ensuring that it is not only easy but also enjoyable,” said Mr. Akira Toyoshima, Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.

Expected availability of the Panasonic Z93A Oled TV for spring. Indicative prices still unknown.

Reminder of the key characteristics of Panasonic Z95A TVs:

• 10-bit panel

• Oled panel

• Ultra HD 4K panel

• 144 Hz panel

• Oled 4K Ultimate Edition panel

• Oled Meta/MLA panel

• Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MKII

• Wide Color Gamut function

• UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway function

• Amazon Alexa function

• CalMan Calibration function

• eARC function

• VRR function

• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function

• Oled Superb Motion function Drive

• 360° Soundscape Pro function

• Intelligent Sensing function

• Game Control Board function

• HDR10 and HDR HLG compatibility

• Bluetooth compatibility

• HDR10+ Compatibility

• Dolby Vision HDR Compatibility

• Wi-Fi Compatibility

• HEVC Compatibility

• Dolby Atmos Compatibility

• Dolby Vision IQ Compatibility

• Compatibility HDCP 2.3

• Adaptive HDR10+ compatibility

• Outputs: 1 optical, 1 headphone

• Inputs: 2 HDMI 2.1, 2 HDMI 2.0, 3 USB (including 1 3.0 port), 1 Ethernet port, 2 CI+ ports

• Smart Fire TV multimedia

• Input Lag: 1.5 ms with 60 Hz games, 10.5 ms for others

• Dual DVB-T2 tuner

• DVB-S2 Double Tuner

• DVB-C Double Tuner

• Sound section: 4.1.2

• Power: 150 W