Are you excited? We can’t stop smiling about this new development which we didn’t believe would actually happen after the venerable Japanese TV maker left the U.S. market. Panasonic’s TVs are available for purchase now from a number of sources including Amazon and Costco.
Panasonic has announced its return to the United States with its industry-leading TVs after a decade-long absence. The new line-up includes OLED (Z95A and Z85A) and Mini-LED (W95A) 4K TVs ranging from 55 to 85 inches, all designed and developed in Japan.
LG Display are the source for the OLED panels.
Yasunari Anan, Executive Vice President of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd., explained: “The United States is crucially important to us, and ever since we left ten years ago, it has been my mission to find a way to return. Today is the end of that long journey and the beginning of a new one to bring new choice to US consumers. From this year, we have started a global collaboration with Amazon so that new Panasonic smart TVs will have Fire TV built-in. These TVs have already been launched in Japan, Asia, Oceania, and Europe and the response from consumers has absolutely exceeded our expectations. We are confident US consumers are also going to be thrilled with them.”
“We’re excited to expand our collaboration with Panasonic—combining their outstanding picture quality together with Fire TV’s content-forward streaming experience—to U.S. customers,” said Daniel Rausch, VP of Alexa and Fire TV at Amazon.
“This new lineup offers OLED and Mini LED displays—firsts for Fire TV built in—as well as the immersive Fire TV Ambient Experience. Customers in other countries have been loving the brilliant display, seamless Alexa integration, and impressive audio these smart TVs offer. We look forward to bringing this premium viewing experience to even more customers.”
Why is Panasonic Suddenly Returning?
10 years is a long time to be out of any market — but almost an eternity when it comes to the U.S. market where demand for high-end smart TVs has never been higher.
A number of us still own last-generation Panasonic Plasma TVs and we were rather stunned to see the company give up on the U.S. customer base.
Panasonic might have left this market, but they didn’t stop them from offering high-end TVs abroad and after more than a decade, the company feels that its products can compete with anything on the market and that its new partnership with Amazon allows it to offer a streaming experience that is second to none.
Panasonic also worked with some of the “golden eyes” in Hollywood to tweak their TVs over the past decade and it is their belief that their products deliver outstandingly accurate picture quality that consumers desperately want.
LG, Sony, and Samsung might have something to say about that but there is no question that Panasonic knows how to engineer great looking TVs.
Why Select Panasonic?
At the heart of Panasonic’s picture quality is the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II processor, which serves as the brain of the operation. The processor is crucial in delivering accuracy in color, contrast, and clarity, ensuring that Panasonic TVs provide optimal picture quality right out of the box.
- Color: Panasonic’s dynamic 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) enable precisely detailed color reproduction, with thousands of registry points ensuring true-to-life colors.
- Contrast: Supporting major HDR formats, Panasonic’s unique tone-mapping technology optimizes for natural contrast reproduction, delivering stunning images regardless of brightness levels.
- Clarity: The processor enhances gradation, motion images, and detail through advanced analysis functions, including 4K Fine Remaster and Smooth Motion Drive Pro, ensuring a sharp and clear viewing experience.
Panasonic Lineup for the United States
Panasonic has announced that it will initially sell three series of TVs in the United States. The flagship Z95A OLED TV, available in 65”; the Z85A OLED TV, available in 65” and 55” sizes. In addition, Panasonic will also sell the W95 mini-LED series, available in 55”, 65”, 75”, and 85” sizes.
The new Z95A OLED TV represents the combination of a brand-new chipset and bright panel, the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, with the Master OLED Ultimate panel, with Panasonic’s technical accuracy made possible by its engineering, merged with the color-tuning skills of Stefan Sonnenfeld. Sonnenfeld, Founder and CEO of Company 3 is a trusted collaborator of some of the world’s best filmmakers.
Described by NPR as the “da Vinci of the movies,” Sonnenfeld has applied his skills as a colorist to many of the most acclaimed and popular features of the past decade: Top Gun: Maverick, A Star is Born, Wonder Woman, HBO’s White Lotus, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jurassic World, 300 and many more. Like many other leading colorists, studios, and postproduction houses, he uses Panasonic OLED screens as large-format client reference monitors in his daily workflow.
Panasonic’s Z95A utilizes a Master OLED Ultimate panel module which is equipped with state-of-the-art Micro Lens Array and a multi-layer heat management configuration developed by Panasonic engineers.
The panel delivers unprecedented brightness thanks to improvements in the driving technology and this heat management.
The 2024 global brand new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II in all models powers the new 4K Remaster Engine which elevates streaming picture clarity, by combining AI and mathematical models for crisp, natural images, and superior streaming noise reduction. Gradation has also been improved to reduce banding.
Both sets also support Dolby Vision IQ Precision detail, a picture enhancement system that aims to reveal extra details. It is an advancement on Dolby Vision IQT and operates by adjusting the light levels in each area of the screen to draw out more detail, without boosting the brightness to a point where the image looks washed out.
This technology works in tandem with a TV’s embedded ambient light sensors to perceive how bright it is in the living room and then adjust the on-screen picture to ensure that every detail can be seen, even the darkest of scenes. The new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II also enables Dolby Vision support up to 144Hz.
Technics engineers have also meticulously tuned the Z95A displays to ensure content is viewed and heard as intended by its creators. With 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics, featuring multidirectional speakers and Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive 3D surround sound.
The latest Mini LED panel technology featured in the W95A brings enhanced backlight control with Local Dimming Ultra for the tightest reproduction of image brightness and darkness.
This Panasonic engineering minimizes the “halo effect” found on many LCD TVs, and a Quantum Dot Sheet brings further superior color reproduction and contrast enhancements.
Amazon Fire TV Support?
We like the collaboration with Amazon because it brings Fire TV support and Alexa voice support straight out of the box.
These TVs are also not just entertainment devices, but also hubs for smart home management. Fully compatible with Alexa-enabled devices such as Ring Doorbells, they feature a smart home dashboard, enabling users to monitor and control their connected home ecosystem seamlessly.
You can also transform into dynamic displays when content is not streaming with the Fire TV Ambient Experience. The Ambient Experience turns the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders that keep you updated throughout the day through customizable Alexa widgets.
Gaming Support?
Can these new TVs keep up with the demands of gaming consoles and computers in 2024?
In a ground-breaking development for gaming enthusiasts, the Z95A are some of the world’s first OLED TVs to deliver a 144Hz refresh rate.
Panasonic is unveiling improved “Game Mode Extreme,” which equips the TVs with cutting-edge gaming functionalities, making them ready for the latest consoles and PCs.
Notably, the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 High Frame Rate and VRR up to 144Hz means more frames per second, resulting in faster, smoother gameplay. Another significant enhancement is the improved Dolby Vision Gaming, now also compatible with frame rates up to 144Hz.
In addition to visual enhancements, these TVs also feature specialized Game Sound Modes for RPG (Role-Playing Games) and FPS (First-Person Shooter) genres. The RPG mode creates a 3D soundscape with clear dialogues, essential for immersive storytelling and strategic gameplay. Conversely, the FPS mode is finely tuned to accentuate crucial sound cues, like footsteps, providing a tactical advantage in shooter games.
Furthermore, HDR Picture Adjustment with Tone Mapping OFF is another notable feature. It allows for perfect adjustment of HDR games right at the source, rather than the TV. This ensures high brightness levels and detailed visibility, without overblowing the highlights.
These TVs are also NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible (OLED series TVs) and AMD FreeSync Premium certified televisions. Owners of the latest consoles and AMD Radeon graphics cards can plug in and play without a care in the world thanks to AMD FreeSync technology, which puts an end to choppy gameplay and broken frames for a smooth gaming experience.
G-SYNC also means that when a TV is connected to a PC using a NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card, it automatically optimizes input lag and VRR settings, ensuring fluid, tear-free gaming experience that is validated by NVIDIA.
Comparison
| W95A | Z85A | Z95A | |
| MSRP (65-inch) | $1,799 | $1,799 | $3,199 |
| Panel Technology | 4K LCD/Mini LED | 4K OLED | 4K OLED/Master OLED Ultimate |
| Resolution (W x H) | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Refresh Rate | Up to 144Hz | Up to 120Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| Multi HDR Support | HDR10+ Adaptive/HDR10/HLG/Dolby Vision IQ | HDR10+ Adaptive/HDR10/HLG/Dolby Vision IQ | HDR10+ Adaptive/HDR10/HLG/Dolby Vision IQ |
| Picture Mode | Auto AI/ Dynamic/ Normal/ Cinema/ True Cinema/ FILMMAKER/ Custom /Professional1/ Professional2/ Sport/ Game/ True Game/ Dolby Vision (Vivid/IQ/Dark/Game) | Auto AI/ Dynamic/ Normal/ Cinema/ True Cinema/ FILMMAKER/ Custom /Professional1/ Professional2/ Sport/ Game/ True Game/ Dolby Vision (Vivid/IQ/Dark/Game) | Auto AI/ Dynamic/ Normal/ Cinema/ True Cinema/ FILMMAKER/ Custom /Professional1/ Professional2/ Sport/ Game/ True Game/ Dolby Vision (Vivid/IQ/Dark/Game) |
| Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode | – | Y | Y |
| Dolby Atmos | Y | Y | Y |
| Surround | Dynamic Theater Surround | Theater Surround Pro | 360° Soundscape Pro |
| Speaker Output | 50 W (15 W x 2 + 20 W) 2ch + Mono Woofer | 50 W (15 W x 2 + 20 W) 2ch + Mono Woofer | 160 W (Front Line Array: 80 W + Side: 15 W x 2 + Upward: 15 W x 2 + Woofer: 20 W) 7ch + Mono Woofer w/Passive Radiator x 2 |
| Smart TV | Fire TV | Fire TV | Fire TV |
| Alexa Built-in | Y (with Remote) | Y (with Remote) | Y (Hands-free) |
| Wireless LAN Built-in*9 | Y | Y | Y |
| HDMI Inputs | 4 (side: 4) | 4 (side: 4) | 4 (side: 4) |
| HDMI 2.1 Support Feature | Y | Y | Y |
| eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) | Y | Y | Y |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode ) | Y | Y | Y |
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | Y | Y | Y |
| 4K HFR (High Frame Rate ) | Y | Y | Y |
| AMD Freesync Premium | Y | Y | Y |
| G-Sync Compatible | SPD Auto Game Mode | Y | Y |
| USB | 2 (2 side; USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 1) | 2 (2 side; USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 1) | 2 (2 side; USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 1) |
| Ethernet | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Digital Audio Output (Optical) | 1 (rear) | 1 (bottom) | 1 (bottom) |
| Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Rated Power Consumption | 450 W | 300 W | 624 W |
The Bottom Line
Panasonic’s exit from the TV business with the demise of plasma left many fans of their high quality TVs disappointed. With the acquisition of senior engineers from Pioneer’s Kuro TV line, the company has continued to refine its picture processing capabilities over the years and returned to some TV markets with OLED and LED/LCD offerings which have garnered some acclaim.
Integrating Amazon’s Fire TV, an established smart TV and streaming platform, is probably a good choice as it allows them to focus on image and sound quality and not worry about resurrecting and maintaining their own native platform. Now with their reentry into the North American TV market, it will be interesting to see how they compete with the established market leaders: Sony, Samsung, TCL and LG. Is there room at the top or even somewhere in the middle? We shall soon see.
Price & Availability
Panasonic’s new line of 2024 4K TVs will be available September 18, 2024 at Amazon at the following prices:
- Panasonic Z95 Series 65-inch OLED TV – $3,199 at Amazon
- Panasonic Z85 Series 65-inch OLED TV – $1,799 at Amazon
- Panasonic W95 Series 55-inch Mini LED TV – $1,299 at Amazon
- Panasonic W95 Series 65-inch Mini LED TV – $1,799 at Amazon
- Panasonic W95 Series 75-inch Mini LED TV – $2,299 at Amazon
- Panasonic W95 Series 85-inch Mini LED TV – $2,999 at Amazon
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Asa
September 10, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Had two of their plasmas back in the day…eventually one died with a color shadow, and the other I gave away. Both developed decent screen burn-in that wouldn’t fully go away with the rotating b/w bars (remember those?).
I guess like some car companies/models, they flee the U.S. market and some folks may never return to them, but competition is always a good thing. Sony’s been my goto, but I’d look at them again after reviews start coming in…assuming you’ll have a look?
Ian White
September 10, 2024 at 5:52 pm
Asa,
My last generation Panasonic plasma is still working just fine. I recalibrate it every year. It’s probably the most reliable TV I’ve ever owned. I’ve seen the Panasonic OLED in a store abroad and it looked rather great. Better than some of the Samsungs on the same wall.
The issue is that Panasonic now has to deal with Hisense, TCL, Sony, Samsung, and LG. And those who think TCL and Hisense don’t make good TVs…need to readjust their vision. Their top models are good TVs and worth buying.
Best,
Ian “ReggieVision” White
Asa
September 10, 2024 at 9:08 pm
Thanks for the reply. They were built like tanks with a large bezel surround (per the era). I almost forgot about his advertising career…lol.
https://youtu.be/O_7b0Tikb_I?si=ddba2LFxv-Cje4W4
Ian White
September 12, 2024 at 9:58 am
Asa,
A portable Panasonic “ReggieVision” B/W with a screen enlarger lens was my first TV. Bar Mitzvah gift in the early 1980s. Nothing like watching HNIC (Hockey Night in Canada) under the covers with it inches from my face.
My Panasonic plasma is 12 or 13 years old and still works just fine. The large Bezel makes it a tight squeeze in my office wall unit.
IW
Asa
September 12, 2024 at 8:50 pm
Nice story, Ian.
When we first moved to the PNW, we were just a few hours from the border of HNIC and the Canucks, and had fond memories of that. Never went to a game (tickets were always sold out and expensive), but local WA TV often played them. That was during better times. We’ve since moved from that area to greener (higher?) pastures.
The Pany Plasmas also make great heaters in the winter. Combine one of those with nice, high wattage amp, and you’re really cooking with fire. 😉
Brian King
September 12, 2024 at 3:04 am
I loved my Panasonic plasma and was really disappointed they left the US market. Glad to see they’ve returned. But the US market is suffering from a dearth of 4K programming. Cable TV can’t carry 4K. The only way to get it is via streaming or blue ray disc.