I missed the timing on this one, but Panasonic released details of its 2023 TV line-up a few days ago.
Starting with the MZ2000, its new flagship OLED television, first seen at CES 2023, with a peak brightness 150% higher than the company’s 2022 OLED TVs. The MZ2000 also has a multi-layer heat management system and micro lens array (MLA) technology on the 55 and 65 inch models, and also features an upgraded ambient color temperature sensor that adjusts the color and contrast based on the room’s lighting conditions. Panasonic likes to show off this feature and talk it up as part of the company’s partnership with Hollywood colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld.
For the gaming audience, the MZ2000 introduces a True Game Mode alongside improved HDR tone mapping to optimize the gaming experience. The TV continues to support auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR), with compatibility for G-Sync and Freesync. However, it only offers two HDMI 2.1 ports instead of the expected four. Also, its Dolby Vision game mode caps the refresh rate at 60Hz.
The MZ1500 does not have sizes smaller than the 55-inch model. It features a high brightness OLED panel without an advanced sound system like the MZ2000. Its screen can be swiveled for various viewing angles. It houses the Dynamic Theatre Sound Pro audio system that supports Dolby Atmos sound via new built-in front-firing speakers and an integrated subwoofer. Its smart interface is the updated HomeScreen 8.0, which supports all main video streaming apps. Voice control is also possible via built-in Alexa or Google Assistant with connected devices.
The MZ980 is the replacement for the 1000 series. It possesses a less advanced audio system, the Theatre Surround Pro configuration, but still supports Dolby Atmos audio. This is an ideal model for film fans, gamers and casual viewers seeking an affordable OLED screen, especially for those who already have their own sound system.
The MX950 is Panasonic’s premier LCD TV for 2023, with new features like MiniLED and quantum dot color technology for the backlight. This technology is anticipated to yield higher peak brightness for HDR, enhanced black levels, and improved color performance over previous models.
In terms of features, the MX950 aligns closely with the high-end OLEDs. This includes AI-assisted picture, premium gaming features, and comprehensive HDR support. In comparison to the MZ1500 OLED TV, the sound system and smart features are similar. However, the MX950 lacks Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and does not support the True Game Mode.
The MZ800 is a new entry, with no equivalent in the 2022 range. It offers sizes from 42- to 65-inches, but does not use the HCX Pro AI processor found in other models, instead featuring Panasonic’s 4K Color Engine Pro. The implications for picture quality are not yet clear, but it may not reach the fine color handling and brightness of the other models. It also swaps Panasonic’s My HomeScreen interface for Android TV, adding all movie/music streaming apps along with Chromecast and Google Assistant support. It doesn’t have adaptive versions of Dolby Vision or HDR10+, sticking to the standard versions instead.
| odel | Sizes | Display Type | Resolution | Processor | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic MZ2000 | 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch | -Master OLED Ultimate -MLA, OLED EX, multi-layer heatsink (55 and 65 inch only) | 4K | HCX Processor Pro AI | Panasonic’ MyHomeScreen |
| Panasonic MZ1500 | 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch | Master OLED (customized OLED EX) | 4K | HCX Processor Pro AI | Panasonic’ MyHomeScreen |
| Panasonic MZ980 | 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch | OLED | 4K | HCX Processor Pro AI | Panasonic’ MyHomeScreen |
| Panasonic MX950 | 55-inch, 65-inch, | -LCD -MiniLED Backlight | 4K | HCX Processor Pro AI | Panasonic’ MyHomeScreen |
| Panasonic MX800 | 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, | LED | 4K | 4K Color Engine | Fire TV |
