Having introduced its new flagship OLED, the JZ2000, at CES again in January, Panasonic has now launched the small print of the remainder of its 2021 TV line-up. It contains 4 OLED fashions and three LCD TVs and contains the model’s first-ever 48-inch OLEDs – in truth, there are three of them!
The JZ OLED collection replaces the combined success of 2020’s HZ fashions. We have been impressed by the overall image high quality and movement dealing with of the HZ1000, awarding it 5 stars, however whereas the HZ2000 proved much more achieved within the image division, its costly speaker system proved a disappointment. Correctly, this yr’s JZ2000 has a revamped sound system. What’s extra, in contrast to in 2021, this yr you will get Panasonic’s enhanced Skilled Version panel with out going proper as much as the flagship 2000-series TV.
Panasonic has additionally sought to handle the dearth of next-gen HDMI options proper throughout the vary, which ought to prick up the ears of avid gamers who’s been postpone Panasonic TVs previously.
For the LCDs, the JX fashions exchange the profitable HX vary. On the prime is a flagship mannequin that will get the identical processing remedy as its OLED sibling, whereas on the backside is an entry-level mannequin that utilises the Android TV working system.
Need to know the whole lot there’s to find out about Panasonic’s 2021 TV vary? Permit us to run down the entire tech highlights earlier than breaking down the person fashions in full.
Extra inexpensive ‘Skilled Version’ OLED TVs
In earlier years Panasonic’s customized Skilled Version OLED panels have been the protect of flagship 2000-series fashions (the HZ2000 in 2020 and GZ2000 in 2019). Nonetheless, Panasonic is now bringing its greatest image high quality to the extra inexpensive 1500-series, which is that this yr known as the JZ1500. That is good news for individuals who have already got a sound system and don’t need to fork out for the JZ2000s price-increasing, bulk-adding in-built Atmos audio system.
Solely the 65-inch and 55-inch JZ1500 get the improve, although; the brand new 48-inch mannequin (extra on which under) has an ordinary, non-Skilled Version panel.
In comparison with customary OLED screens, Panasonic’s Skilled Version OLED panels are brighter, punchier and extra vibrant, providing even higher HDR efficiency. Panasonic can even be the one producer in 2021 to make use of this prime tier panel in multiple vary, which means that, relying on value, the JZ1500 might doubtlessly undercut different manufacturers prime of the road fashions.
Moreover, all of the 2021 OLEDs profit from an enhanced color profile courtesy of Panasonic’s ‘Hollywood’ tuning overseen by Stefan Sonnenfeld, post-production colourist on movies together with Surprise Girl 1984 and Magnificence and the Beast.
Panasonic’s first 48-inch OLEDs
LG (which manufactures the entire OLED panels at present utilized by all TV manufacturers) begun manufacturing 48-inch panels in 2020 and shortly thereafter launched its personal 48-inch OLED TV, the wonderful OLED48CX. Sony and Philips shortly adopted with their very own 48-inch OLED TVs, however Panasonic has held off till now.
Maybe eager to make up for misplaced time, Panasonic is providing not one however three 48-inch OLED fashions – a JZ1500, JZ1000 and JZ980. Whereas the bigger variations of every vary can have Professional, Grasp and customary OLED panels respectively, all three 48-inch TVs can have customary OLED screens.
The opposite most important distinction the 48-inch fashions have in comparison with their larger siblings is mounting. Though the larger variations of the JZ1500 and JZ1000 can have Panasonics common adjustable swivel stand, the 48-inch JZ1500 has a central, fastened pedestal, whereas the 48-inch JZ1000 and JZ980 can have a pair of adjustable toes to permit for the addition of a soundbar.
New HCX Professional AI processor
All of Panasonic’s OLED TVs and the highest LCD mannequin have obtained an improve in processing energy with the brand new HCX Professional AI processor. It helps an Auto AI mode that may analyse the kind of content material being performed and modify the image accordingly. You may nonetheless be capable of make handbook changes, however if you happen to depart the TV in its Auto AI mode, it is going to work to mechanically get the most effective out of the whole lot you watch, from motion pictures to sports activities and video games. The highest of the road JZ2000 is the one mannequin that additionally advantages from Auto AI sound high quality changes.
The JX850 LCD, in the meantime, has a brand new HCX AI Processor – notice the absence of the phrase ‘Professional’ – while the JX800 will get final yr’s customary HCX processor.
Enhanced gaming efficiency and options
Gaming has usually been a decrease precedence for Panasonic than for another producers, however the firm is trying to redress that in 2021. All fashions with the HCX Professional AI processor help a brand new low latency enter setting known as Recreation Mode Excessive. Panasonic claims enter lag will likely be amongst the “very lowest within the trade”, with their very own dwell demo producing an impressively quick lag time of 14.4ms.
Your complete vary, besides the JX850 and JX800, sport 4 HDMI ports, two of that are HDMI 2.1 (although one among these can be eARC), including specs reminiscent of HFR (aka 4K@120Hz), VRR (Variable Refresh Price) and AMD FreeSync Premium on prime of the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) that Panasonic’s units have already got.
Panasonic has brazenly said that at launch, the TVs will solely show half the vertical decision for 4K HFR and 4K@120Hz VRR with a firmware replace to reach later within the yr to revive 4K HFR absolutely. An announcement on an replace for 4K@120Hz VRR will likely be made “in due time”.
Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive
Panasonic has lengthy supported each Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and it is including HDR10+ Adaptive to the 2021 vary.
Like Dolby Vision IQ, this new format adjusts HDR10+ image traits in accordance with each the supply materials metadata and the ambient lighting situations of the room. All 2021 fashions can have Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ Adaptive, and Dolby IQ will likely be supported on fashions all the way down to the JX940. Panasonic is the primary producer to provide TVs with each Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive on board.
Panasonic’s distinctive utility of Filmmaker Mode returns to all fashions within the lineup. Filmmaker Mode overrides the TV’s processing (reminiscent of movement smoothing and element enhancement) to permit content material to be displayed on the side ratio, color and body price meant by the content material’s creator. Panasonic provides an ‘Clever Sensing’ part to the function ’, which dynamically adjusts HDR10+, HDR10, HLG or SDR footage based mostly on the lighting in your room.
We have to date been very unimpressed with the smooth and uninteresting efficiency of Filmmaker Mode on varied TVs, so it’s going to be attention-grabbing to see if Panasonic’s 2021 fashions can convey us round to the format.
My House Display screen 6.0
All fashions all the way down to the JZ850 will function a brand new model of Panasonic’s personal working system, which guarantees to be “way more intuitive and way more usable” than earlier than and features a ‘my Surroundings’ function that permits you to show a collection of restful pictures and movies, or set your individual, to match your temper.
Final yr Panasonic TVs have been lacking a number of key streaming apps at launch, and regardless of updates, Disney+ nonetheless received’t be included in 2021, though Panasonic says it’s “in discussions” with Disney to rectify this.
All fashions all the way down to and together with the JX850 help each Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built-in, whereas the JX800 solely has Google Assistant.
The JX800 can be Panasonic’s first TV with Android TV OS, which it apparently combines with a number of the facets of Panasonic’s personal ‘My House Display screen’ working system. It’s good to see the corporate including Android TV to its lineup. May this be only a toe within the water forward of a broader rollout subsequent yr?
Panasonic 2021 TV vary breakdown
So that is the overview of the know-how and options behind Panasonic’s 2021 TV vary, however what about particular fashions? Whereas pricing is but to be unannounced, you may discover all different particulars under.
Panasonic JZ2000 4K OLED TV
Panasonic’s flagship OLED for 2021 is the JZ2000, which has the identical shiny, punchy Grasp HDR OLED Skilled panel as final yr’s HZ2000, which we described as having “wonderful all-round image high quality”.
New for this yr is an upgraded HCX Professional AI processor, which might analyse what sort of content material is being performed and modify image settings mechanically. Whereas all of the OLEDs within the lineup profit from this AI mode, the JZ2000 is the one mannequin that can even provide AI sound high quality changes.
As with earlier generations of the 2000-series, one of many most important options of the JZ2000 is its built-in speaker system with front- and upward-firing drivers in addition to a rear-mounted subwoofer. Panasonic has added a pair of side-firing audio system to make the sound even wider and extra room-filling.
This setup, which Panasonic calls ‘360° Soundscape Professional’, has as soon as once more been developed with Technics and utilises Dolby Atmos. The speaker system is definitely much less highly effective than final yr, at 125W in comparison with 140W, however energy is not the whole lot and we’ll be curious to see what progress has been made on condition that we discovered the sonic efficiency of the HZ2000 lacked readability and pleasure. The JZ2000 will likely be obtainable from June 2021.
Panasonic JZ2000 specs:
- Show sort: Grasp HDR OLED Skilled Version
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
- Processor: HCX Professional AI
- Sound: 7.1ch, 125W
- HDR Codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient (IQ)
- HDMI 2.1: Sure (x2)
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- Working system: My House Display screen 6.0
Panasonic JZ2000 costs:
- Panasonic TX-55JZ2000B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JZ2000B – £TBC
Panasonic JZ1500 4K OLED TV
The JZ1500 is an thrilling proposition. It options the identical Skilled Version panel because the JZ2000 however does with out the flowery speaker system, doubtlessly making it the proper high-end TV for somebody who already has (or is intending to purchase) a correct residence cinema system or high quality soundbar.
Not solely will the JZ1500 are available cheaper than the JZ2000, it is thinner, too, to the tune of over 5cm.
It is value mentioning that the 48-inch model doesn’t get the Skilled Version OLED panel or swivel stand of its larger brothers, however it does have a central pedestal, in contrast to Panasonic’s different 2021 48-inch fashions. The JZ1500 will likely be obtainable from June 2021.
Panasonic JZ1500 specs:
- Show sort: Grasp HDR OLED Skilled Version (65-inch and 55-inch fashions) Grasp HDR OLED (48-inch mannequin)
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
- Processor: HCX Professional AI
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- HDR codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient (IQ)
- HDMI 2.1: Sure (x2)
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- Working system: My House Display screen 6.0
Panasonic JZ1500 costs:
- Panasonic TX-48JZ1500B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-55JZ1500B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JZ15000 – £TBC
Panasonic JZ1000 4K OLED TV
All sizes of the JZ1000 have the identical Grasp HDR OLED Panel because the 48-inch JZ1500 however in any other case, there’s little or no to distinguish between the JZ1000 and JZ1500; it has the identical HCX Professional AI Processor, Auto AI, Recreation Mode Professional and raft of format help.
The in-built speaker system is a step down in energy, 30W in comparison with the JZ1500’s 50W, and the JZ1000 collection’s 48-inch mannequin will include adjustable toes to accommodate a soundbar.
The JZ1000 will likely be obtainable from June 2021.
Panasonic JZ1000 specs:
- Show sort: Grasp HDR OLED Panel
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
- Processor: HCX Professional AI
- Sound: 2ch, 30W
- HDR codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient (IQ)
- HDMI 2.1: Sure (x2)
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- Working system: My House Display screen 6.0
Panasonic JZ1000 costs:
- Panasonic TX-48JZ1000B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-55JZ1000B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JZ1000B – £TBC
Panasonic JZ980 4K OLED TV
The JZ980-series is the entry-level OLED for Panasonic in 2021, however it maintains the identical HCX Professional AI processor as the remainder of the vary, and its 30W in-built audio system pack the identical punch because the JZ1000 fashions.
The panel is a decrease grade than the JZ1000, described solely as ‘OLED’. It nonetheless guarantees pure color and excessive distinction although we count on it to lack a few of its costlier siblings’ visible punch.
The 65-inch and 55-inch fashions don’t have a swivel stand to let viewers angle the display screen freely, that includes a set pedestal as a substitute, and the 48-inch has the identical adjustable toes because the JZ1000 model. The JZ980 will likely be obtainable from June 2021.
Panasonic JZ980 specs:
- Show sort: OLED
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
- Processor: HCX Professional AI
- Sound: 2ch, 30W
- HDR codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient (IQ)
- HDMI 2.1: Sure (x2)
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- Working system: My House Display screen 6.0
Panasonic JZ980 costs:
- Panasonic TX-48JZ980B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-55JZ980B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JZ980B – £TBC
Panasonic JX940 4K LCD TV
The JX940 is Panasonic’s premium LCD TV for 2021. Accessible in 75-inch, 65-inch, 55-inch, 49-inch sizes, it has the identical HCX Professional AI Processor as the brand new OLED fashions and contains the total complement of HDR adaptive applied sciences, in addition to Auto AI, Recreation Mode Excessive and VRR help.
The 120Hz HDR Cinema Show Professional panel apparently boasts wonderful color replica and distinction in addition to extensive viewing angles and ‘Clever Clear Movement’ to clean out dynamic motion for flicker-free viewing. After all, whether or not it delivers on these guarantees will solely turn into clear as soon as we have had the JX940 in for evaluation.
All options are constant all through the vary besides the mountings, the 75-inch has a versatile pedestal, and the smaller fashions have adjustable toes to permit a soundbar to neatly slot beneath. The JX940 will likely be obtainable from Might 2021.
Panasonic JX940 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 49-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
- Processor: HCX Professional AI
- Sound: 2ch, 30W
- HDR codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient (IQ)
- HDMI 2.1: sure (x2)
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- Working system: My House Display screen 6.0
Panasonic JX940 costs:
- Panasonic TX-49JX940B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-55JX940B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JX940B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-75JX940B – £TBC
Panasonic JX850 (and JX870) 4K LCD TV
The processing chip within the JX850 doesn’t have the Professional options of the OLEDs and the JX940, so there’s no Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, although HDR10+ Adaptive stays, in addition to customary Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HLG, and HDR10.
Recreation Mode Excessive is changed by an ordinary Recreation Mode, and avid gamers received’t have some great benefits of 4K Excessive Body Price (aka 4K@120Hz) or Variable Refresh Price as there aren’t any HDMI 2.1 sockets. The JX850 will likely be obtainable from Might 2021.
There can even be an alternate mannequin, the JX870B, unique to John Lewis & Companions.
Panasonic JX850/JX870 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 40-inch, 55-inch, 58-inch, 65-inch
- Processor: HCX AI
- Sound: 2ch, 20W
- HDR codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- HDMI 2.1: No
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: No
- Working system: My House Display screen 6.0
Panasonic JX850 costs:
- Panasonic TX-40JX850B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-50JX850B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-58JX850B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JX850B – £TBC
Panasonic JX870 costs (unique to John Lewis & Companions):
- Panasonic TX-40JX870B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-50JX870B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-58JX870B – £TBC
- Panasonic TX-65JX850B – £TBC
Panasonic JX800 4K LCD TV
The JX800 is essentially the most budget-friendly TV in Panasonic’s 2021 line-up and can use, for the primary time, the Android TV working system, which Panasonic says will embody ‘a really big selection’ of streaming companies. Dolby Atmos and Alexa are dropped for this mannequin, however Google Assistant and Chromecast are on board.
Panasonic has bequeathed its earlier era HCX chip to the JX800. It will not provide the AI applied sciences of the opposite 2021 fashions, however it nonetheless helps the identical array of HDR codecs and because the JX850, in addition to sharing the equal HDR Vivid Panel Plus.
The JX800 will likely be obtainable from Might 2021.
Panasonic JX800 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 40-inch, 55-inch, 58-inch, 65-inch
- Processor: HCX
- Sound: 2ch, 20W
- HDR codecs: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive), Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- HDMI 2.1: No
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: No
- Working system: Android TV
Panasonic JX800 costs:
Panasonic TX-40JX800B – £TBC
Panasonic TX-50JX800B – £TBC
Panasonic TX-58JX800B – £TBC
Panasonic TX-65JX800B – £TBC
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