Panasonic are looking to knock competitors LG off their OLED TV pedestal with a recent announcement detailing the release of four new models.
At the CES in January, Panasonic modelled their 65-inch 65EZ1000 that wowed the audience with outstanding picture quality so much so that its said to be ordered by professional content creation facilities to use as a master monitor. This model was only the second-generation of Panasonic’s OLED set after the rather substantially priced TX-65CZ952B. At a European convention more recently, the company revealed that the EZ1000 is set to be upgraded and released as a 77 inch model as well as two new models in another OLED series: the 65 inch 65EZ950 and the 55 inch 55EZ950 (65EZ952 and 55EZ952 in the UK).
With each of these new releases, Panasonic has attempted to create a viewing experience that matches exactly that which the filmmaker intended. Each of these new models demonstrates the cutting-edge technology of both Panasonic’s new Studio Color HCX2 processor and the 4k Pro HDR status which bring accurate colours and details directly into the viewer’s home. After the $5000+ price of the EZ1000, a hefty price tag is expected, with the 55 inch EZ950s starting at €2499 although US and AUS prices yet to be announced.
Unlike the EZ1000, these cheaper EZ950 models don’t use the same “Master OLED” panel technology that delivers more accurate colour management and enhanced “granularity” thanks to the addition of an Absolute Black filter. The EZ950, whether you opt for the 55 or 65 inch size, also deliver slightly less sound quality through built-in speakers rather than the external sound bar that accompanies the EZ1000. The EZ950s also fail to include the facility that allows content creators to upload their own 3D Look Up tables.
Nonetheless, for non-content creator consumers looking for the ultimate home-movie viewing experience, the EZ950 proves to be a fantastic option. Although, like previous models, no support is offered for either Dolby Vision HDR or 3D, the latest Panasonic smart engine My Home Screen 2 is incorporated alongside the Hybrid Log Gamma broadcast HDR format as seen in the EZ1000.