Panasonic TV

Panasonic has been manufacturing high-quality televisions for decades and is considered one of the leaders in the TV industry. Founded in 1918, the Japanese company originally started by producing bicycle lamps and attachments. In 1927, Panasonic produced its first radio, and in 1952 the company began manufacturing TVs.

Over the years, Panasonic continued to innovate and release new technologies in the television space. In 1959, they released their first fully transistorized 10-inch black and white TV. In the 1960s, Panasonic was the first company to enable automatic channel selection and fine tuning control in their TVs. The company began producing color televisions in 1960 and introduced their "Quintrix" technology in 1971, which allowed for more vivid and brighter colors.

In the 1990s, Panasonic was at the forefront of plasma display panel (PDP) and high-definition television (HDTV) development. The company produced the world's first mass-produced 103-inch PDP in 1997. Panasonic also established the world’s first HDTV research lab and manufactured the first flat-screen and widescreen HDTVs.

Today, Panasonic continues to be a leader in TV technology and produces a wide range of 4K and smart TVs. Their current lineup includes OLED, LED-LCD, and LED TV models with innovative features and top-of-the-line picture and sound quality. Panasonic engineers its televisions to produce lifelike colors, deep blacks, and immersive audio.

Panasonic's Current TV Lineup

Panasonic currently offers a wide range of TV models across various display technologies and resolutions.

For OLED TVs, Panasonic has its flagship JZ2000 model available in 48, 55, and 65-inch sizes. This 4K OLED TV uses Panasonic's latest HCX Pro AI processor to deliver outstanding picture quality. Panasonic is one of the few brands that develops its own OLED panels.

In LED/LCD TVs, Panasonic has both 4K and 8K options. The JX940 series offers 4K resolution in a slim design with local dimming technology. For 8K, Panasonic's JZ1500 series packs in 33 million pixels for incredibly sharp images.

Panasonic caters to a range of budgets as well. Entry-level models like the HS550 feature basic HD resolution and smart TV capabilities. Mid-range options like the JX800 bring 4K resolution, HDR support, and improved color performance.

Regardless of price point, Panasonic TVs emphasize color accuracy and picture quality. They use high-end panels and advanced video processing to deliver stunning images, making them great for movies and TV shows. Panasonic also has models designed for gaming with HDMI 2.1 and low input lag.

Picture Quality

Panasonic's TVs are known for their excellent picture quality, consistently ranking among the best when it comes to color accuracy, contrast, black levels and high dynamic range (HDR) performance.

The latest models utilize Panasonic's proprietary HCX Pro AI processor which helps optimize and enhance the picture. It uses machine learning to analyze the content and make adjustments on-the-fly to deliver the best image quality possible.

In tests, Panasonic TVs showcase extremely accurate colors right out of the box, covering over 95% of the DCI-P3 color space used in cinema and high-end HDR content. Blacks are deep and inky thanks to the local dimming technology which allows individual zones of the screen to dim or boost brightness as needed.

Contrast is also excellent. Panasonic TVs can achieve nearly infinite contrast between the darkest blacks and brightest whites. This helps make images pop with depth and dimension.

HDR performance is top-notch as well. Panasonic's TVs support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision and can get bright enough to make HDR content really shine. Details are preserved in the highlights and shadows.

The panels have wide viewing angles too so the picture retains its quality even when viewing from the sides. Overall, Panasonic TVs deliver stellar picture quality that rivals or beats competitors. The accurate, cinematic images will please both video enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Sound Quality

Panasonic TVs are known for having impressive sound quality straight out of the box. The built-in speakers produce clear and detailed audio that enhances the viewing experience.

Many of their TVs utilize Technics tuning to optimize the sound. The speakers are able to produce strong bass and clear treble without sounding tinny or distorted even at high volumes. Voices are crisp and dialogue is easy to understand.

The higher-end models like the JZ2000 OLED TV have a multi-speaker system with upward-firing speakers. This creates a more immersive cinematic sound experience.

Even their more affordable TV lines have good sound quality. The JX800 series uses a 2-way speaker system to provide better bass response.

Overall, the sound quality of Panasonic TVs matches their excellent picture quality. For most everyday TV watching and movie nights, the built-in speakers will suffice without the need for a separate sound system. Of course, enthusiasts can always pair the TV with a soundbar or speakers for an even more powerful audio experience.

Smart TV Features

Panasonic's smart TV platform is called My Home Screen. It provides quick access to popular streaming apps and services. Some key features include:

• Intuitive interface - The home screen can be customized with favorite apps and inputs for quick access. Apps are presented in a clean, easy to navigate design.

• Voice control - Panasonic TVs work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice control. You can change channels, launch apps, search for content and more using just your voice.

• Popular apps - My Home Screen provides access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu and many more. New apps are frequently added.

• Web browser - The built-in web browser makes it easy to access websites directly on the TV.

• Casting capabilities - You can cast or mirror content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV screen using Chromecast or Miracast.

• Music services - Streaming music apps like Spotify, Pandora and TuneIn can be accessed on Panasonic smart TVs.

• Gaming features - The platform supports gaming with minimal input lag. Popular apps like Twitch can be installed.

The My Home Screen platform provides an intuitive smart TV experience with voice control, a customizable interface and access to all the most popular streaming apps. It's designed to make finding and enjoying content quick and easy.

Design and Build Quality

Panasonic TVs are known for their sleek, minimalist designs with thin bezels and sturdy build quality. Recent models feature nearly bezel-less screens that maximize the viewing area and create an immersive watching experience.

The stands are designed to keep the TV stable while taking up minimal space. Many models have stands with a small footprint that can fit on most TV stands or tables. Higher-end OLED models come with central stands that add stability and help enable the super thin displays.

In terms of durability, Panasonic TVs are solidly built and made to last. The plastics and metals feel rigid and premium, with no flimsiness. The panels and screens themselves are also well constructed and resistant to damage. Many models now feature anti-reflective and anti-glare layers on the displays for enhanced durability and improved viewing in bright rooms.

Overall, Panasonic focuses on elegant, minimalist designs that look great in any living room. The TVs feel very sturdy and durable thanks to high build quality using rigid plastics and metals. They are designed to provide an immersive viewing experience while standing the test of time.

Inputs and Connectivity

Panasonic TVs come with a great selection of ports and inputs for connecting external devices. Most mid-range and high-end models have 4 HDMI ports, with some premium sets featuring up to 5 HDMI inputs. Many Panasonic TVs support the latest HDMI 2.1 specification, enabling features like 4K 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for gaming, and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for higher quality audio pass-through.

For wired connectivity, Panasonic TVs typically include 3 USB ports for plugging in external storage devices, memory sticks, or webcams. There are also composite video inputs, component video, Ethernet LAN ports, and digital optical audio outputs on most sets. For wireless connectivity, Panasonic Smart TVs come with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth support. The WiFi can handle the high bandwidth demands of 4K streaming and gaming. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair wireless headphones, speakers, or other accessories with the TV.

Overall, Panasonic TVs are very well equipped when it comes to inputs and connectivity options. There are plentiful HDMI ports with support for the latest specs, as well as ample USB, wired, and wireless connection capabilities. This makes it easy to connect soundbars, consoles, streaming devices, and other equipment to a Panasonic television.

Gaming Performance

Panasonic's TVs offer excellent gaming performance that will appeal to casual and serious gamers alike. They have low input lag and fast response times to minimize delay between controller input and on-screen actions.

Many Panasonic TVs support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). VRR matches the TV's refresh rate with the frame rate output of a compatible gaming console or PC. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for smoother gameplay. ALLM automatically switches the TV into a low latency gaming mode when a console is detected.

Input lag on Panasonic TVs is very low, ranging from 10-20ms on most models. This quick response time ensures your button presses register without noticeable delay. Fast moving action games feel extremely responsive.

Panasonic's higher-end OLED TVs boast an impressively fast response time of just 0.1ms. This eliminates motion blur and ghosting effects when objects move rapidly across the screen. Fast paced FPS games will look crisp and fluid.

Overall, Panasonic TVs provide a great experience for gaming. Their advanced gaming features and fast performance allow you to immerse yourself fully when playing. Both casual and hardcore gamers will appreciate the smooth, responsive gameplay these TVs deliver.

Pricing and Value

Panasonic TVs tend to be competitively priced compared to other major brands like Samsung and LG. They aim to provide a good balance of features and performance at each price point.

At the entry-level, Panasonic's HD and 4K LCD TVs start at very affordable prices. For example, you can find 43-inch and 50-inch 4K models for under £400. This makes them a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want decent picture quality and smart features.

In the mid-range, Panasonic competes well with its OLED TVs. The 65-inch Panasonic TX-65HZ1000 OLED TV has an MSRP of £2,499, compared to £2,799 for the LG OLED65C1. So you can get exceptional OLED picture quality for less with Panasonic.

At the high-end, Panasonic's flagship OLED TVs and LCD TVs with HCX Pro AI processors provide premium performance and features that rival more expensive Samsung QLED and LG OLED models. For instance, the 65-inch Panasonic TX-65HZ2000 OLED is £500 cheaper than the equivalent LG G1 model.

Overall, Panasonic manages to undercut competitors on price while still delivering very good performance and features at each tier. So you get excellent value for money across their lineup of LED/LCD and OLED televisions.

Conclusion

Panasonic TVs offer some compelling strengths while also having a few weaknesses to consider.

On the plus side, Panasonic TVs are known for their excellent picture quality. Their panels produce vibrant, accurate colors and deep blacks thanks to Panasonic's proprietary processing technology. They also handle motion very well, making them a great choice for sports, movies and gaming. Panasonic's smart TV platform is also intuitive and responsive, with a good selection of streaming apps.

In terms of weaknesses, Panasonic TVs tend to be more expensive than competitors like LG and Samsung. Their designs are also not as sleek and minimalist. Gamers may be disappointed by the lack of HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K 120Hz gaming.

Overall, Panasonic TVs are best suited for home theater enthusiasts who want top-notch picture quality for movies and TV shows. The added cost is justified by their superior panels and processing. For more casual viewers looking for a balance of performance, features and value, other brands like TCL and Hisense may be a better choice. But for excellent, cinema-like image quality, Panasonic remains a top contender.