Panasonic’s TVs are returning to the US, starting with a small lineup that includes both OLED and Mini LED models.
The company stopped selling its TVs in the US in 2016, three years after ending production of its well-regarded plasma screens.
Panasonic already sells them internationally with “minor regional differences,” but in the US, they will continue to run Amazon’s Fire TV OS.
The flagship model is the Panasonic Z95A OLED 4K TV, and it’s only available in a 65-inch size for $3,199.99.
It features an OLED panel from LG that’s been upgraded by Panasonic with a Micro Lens Array and a “multi-layer heat management configuration” to boost its brightness.
The Panasonic Z85A OLED 4K TV is a step down from the Z95A.
It lacks the flagship’s elaborate speaker array and Technics audio tuning, as well as the Micro Lens Array to boost panel brightness.
The Panasonic W95A Mini LED 4K TV is available in four sizes that range in price from $1,299.99 for a 55-inch model to $2,999.99 for 85 inches.
It offers all the same HDR picture modes as Panasonic’s OLED offerings with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and the company’s Local Dimming Ultra technology to maximize contrast.
It features the same speaker configuration as the Z85A OLED TV, with access to Alexa voice commands only available through a button press on the remote.
TVs from Panasonic are making a comeback to the US market. A limited selection of OLED and Mini LED models are available initially. Three years after discontinuing production of its highly regarded plasma screens, the company stopped selling TVs in the US. In order to satisfy “consumers seeking the highest possible picture quality,” the company is now reintroducing its televisions. “.
In the US, there are currently three models available: a 55- and 65-inch OLED model, as well as a Mini LED TV that can reach up to 85 inches for larger screens. They are already sold internationally by Panasonic with “minor regional differences,” but in the US, the Fire TV OS from Amazon will still be installed.
The flagship model, the Panasonic Z95A OLED 4K TV, costs $3,199.99 and is limited to 65-inch sizes. Utilizing a Micro Lens Array and a “multi-layer heat management configuration” to increase brightness, Panasonic has enhanced the OLED panel originally made by LG. Refresh rates up to 144 Hz are supported, along with a variety of HDR video formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and HDR10 Plus Adaptive, which adjust the picture quality according to the brightness of the surrounding area.
Those without surround sound systems or dedicated sound bars might find the Z95A most appealing. Using its Technics audio brand, the company adjusted the TV’s speakers, which include an integrated subwoofer and speakers that shoot forward, upward, and to the sides. You can even target the TV’s audio to a particular area of the room by using clever software.
When it comes to color accuracy, shadow detailing, and broad compatibility with the most popular HDR formats, Vincent Teoh of the YouTube channel HDTVTest recently reviewed the Z95A, which made its debut at CES 2024 in January. He calls it one of the best OLED TVs available for purchase in 2024.
From the Z95A, the Panasonic Z85A OLED 4K TV is a step down. It is devoid of the complex speaker array, Technics audio adjustment, and Micro Lens Array for increasing panel brightness found on the flagship. The same HDR modes as the Z95A are available, including automatic picture adjustment and stereo speakers with a single subwoofer, despite its refresh rate limitation of 120 Hz.
Now available in two sizes for $1,599.99 for the 55-inch model and $1,799.99 for the 65-inch model, the Z85A is $1,400 less expensive than the 65-inch Z95A. Since the Z85A lacks an always-listening microphone for Alexa and Fire TV, as Wired notes, it might be a good choice for budget-conscious Panasonic enthusiasts or those who value privacy.
There are four sizes of the Panasonic W95A Mini LED 4K TV, with prices ranging from $1,299.99 for a 55-inch model to $2,999.99 for an 85-inch model. It features a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and the company’s Local Dimming Ultra technology to maximize contrast, offering all the same HDR picture modes as Panasonic’s OLED offerings. It has the same speaker arrangement as the Z85A OLED TV, but the only way to use Alexa voice commands is to press a button on the remote.
