Panasonic: New premium TV with Tandem OLED
Panasonic presents its new OLED top model, which, with two OLED stacks arranged one above the other, shines significantly brighter than conventional organic TVs.
(Image: heise online / Nico Jurran)
With the announcement of its latest OLED TVs in the Z95B series, Panasonic claims to be setting new standards in display technology even before the official start of this year's CES. In fact, the model features a primary RGB tandem panel in combination with the ThermalFlow cooling system developed in-house for the first time for the manufacturer. The stacked OLED stacks (Panasonic refers to four layers) are said to deliver unprecedented brightness (up to a 40 percent increase), high contrast and exceptional colour volume. In fact, the new TV model showed a very bright, high-contrast and colourful picture during the demo.
According to the company, the cooling system was inspired by aerodynamic techniques from racing car design and has a completely redesigned structure for thermal airflow. The position of the ventilation openings is said to have been optimized and the subwoofers and other components repositioned. According to the manufacturer, the Z95B thus ensures fast heat dissipation for long-lasting peak performance of the OLED panel.
(Image:Â heise online / Nico Jurran)
Optimized picture
At the heart of the Z95B is the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II with 4K Remaster Engine, which is designed to improve the clarity of streaming images by combining AI and mathematical models for sharp, natural images and excellent noise reduction. Gradation has also been optimized to reduce banding. The HCX Pro AI Processor MK II supports Dolby Vision at up to 144 Hz, including Precision Detail. Game Mode Extreme (including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync), HDMI 2.1 and support for VRR at up to 144 Hz should ensure smooth, responsive gameplay on the Z95B.
The Z95B series supports Dolby Atmos and a revised sound system called “360 Soundscape Pro”, which, according to the manufacturer, was tuned by the audio department of the Technics Group. New line array, side and active speakers ensure a deep, rich sound. A new woofer increases the bass output from 20 to 30 watts.
(Image:Â heise online / Nico Jurran)
Fire TV included
The Z95B uses Amazon's own – Fire OS operating system, which has been expanded to include a USB recording function for live TV –. It also has the “Prime Video Calibrated Mode”, which, according to Panasonic, automatically optimizes picture settings depending on the type of content and adjusts parameters such as brightness, colour temperature and motion smoothing accordingly and tailors them to different display types. The function also uses the TV's light sensors to adapt the picture to the ambient light. The function supports both standard and High Dynamic Range content. Finally, Calman and ISFccc calibration returns to the Z95B, providing professional tools to fine-tune colour accuracy and optimize display performance to industry standards.
The Z95B series in 55", 65" and 77" is expected to be available in stores from early summer 2025. The recommended retail prices have not yet been set. However, it has been reported that the new models will not be priced higher than their predecessors. The 55-inch model would therefore be around 3500 euros.
Heise Medien is the official media partner of CES 2025.
(nij)
