Unlike the MZ2000 series from 2023, the Panasonic Z95A has only two references, the Panasonic TX-55Z95A (140 cm) and Panasonic TX-65Z95A (165 cm).
Panasonic Z95A TV, Master Oled Ultimate panels with MLA technology
The Panasonic TX-55Z95A and Panasonic TX-65Z95A benefit from Master Oled Ultimate panels equipped with the MLA process (Micro Lenses Array for microlenses, see photo above and below) developed by LG Display, also announced on the diagonals LG G4 and LG M4 year 2024.
Contrary to last year, like LG, Panasonic does not highlight a peak light value. Same comment for LG which is content to announce a percentage increase, but nothing concrete. No doubt the announcements in this area from Samsung and especially TCL (up to 5,000 nits) with their Mini LED diffusers, discourage Oled supporters and their marketing division from entering this field. Indeed, regardless of the considerable progress made by the Oled process, the impossibility for the latter to compete on brightness appears more obvious each year. When the Oled progresses in absolute value by a few hundred nits, a few thousand at most, the Mini LED makes leaps of several thousand nits (see the announcement of the Hisense 110UXN specimen at 10,000 nits). The comparison for Oled becomes ridiculous and an asset then turns into a flaw... That being written, we will nevertheless dig deeper to try to obtain a numerical value for the peak light of premium Oled TVs 2024.
As usual, if the panels still come from the manufacturer LG Display (a company belonging to LG Group, like LG Electronics), they have been optimized by the Panasonic teams in partnership with a renowned and famous Hollywood colorist , Stefen Sonnefeld, who has 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, The beauty and the Beast…
Panasonic Z95A Oled TV, main specifications
The Panasonic Z95A televisions of course offer all the equipment of last year's MZ2000 models in addition to recent technical improvements from in-house engineers to display an ever more beautiful image, including a focus on video games: Game function Control Board, 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 Z95A TVs the sound section of the MZ2000, i.e. a soundbar with 16 networked front speakers (in line and grouped), associated with the side speakers and those in Up-Firing configuration. Of course, the Panasonic Z95A TV audio system, 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 Z95A, HCX Pro AI Processor MKII
We find on Panasonic Z95A TVs 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 acts automatically on the sound delivered by Panasonic Z95A televisions, again by finely adapting the settings to the nature of the program displayed, film, sport, etc.
TV Panasonic Z95A, Game Control Board
As already mentioned, video games are another aspect that Panasonic takes particular care of on the Oled Z95A TVs. 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 Z95A 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 Dolby Vision HDR 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 Panasonic Z95A TVs 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, Z95A TVs integrate 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 Z95A TV, HDR10+, HDR HLG, HDR Dolby Vision and HDR Photo
Panasonic Z95A televisions, in addition to HDR10+ Adaptive, are 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 Z95A TV, Dolby Atmos compatibility
As already mentioned, Panasonic Z95A TVs still include an 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.
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Panasonic Z95A 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, Panasonic Z95A TVs allow complete control of Alexa devices via their 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, Panasonic Z95A televisions include 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 Z95A 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 Panasonic Z95A Oled TVs 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
• Double Tuner DVB-S2
• Double Tuner DVB-C
• Sound section: 4.1.2
• Power: 150 W
