One of the highlights of CES every year is the announcement of Panasonic’s latest flagship OLED TVs. These sets have always had cutting-edge hardware (Panasonic had developed advanced heat sinks while other brands were still using low-intensity diapers), modern Hollywood-influenced software and tuning, and true multi-channel Dolby Atmos audio playback.
This trend continues with the announcement of Panasonic’s new Z95A and Z93A OLED TVs at 2024 CES TV. But this time there’s an unexpected twist to the formula in the form of a switch from the brand’s usual My Home Screen smart interface to Fire TV.
But before we dive into how the Fire TV works, let’s first examine what excites AV fans the most about the Z95A and Z93A TVs: picture quality.
The most important news here is that the 65-inch and 55-inch models that make up the Z95A series feature a new “Master OLED Ultimate” panel that combines the latest micro-lens array WRGB OLED panel with a multi-layer thermal management configuration. It’s about being there. Importantly, it was developed by Panasonic’s own engineers. This is not a “built-in” technology.
The Z93A “series” actually only includes one 77-inch model, and it doesn’t feature Master OLED Ultimate technology. It seems a shame that Panasonic did not extend the use of MLA technology to its 77-inch screens this year. Especially since this technology is now available elsewhere up to 83 inches. But Panasonic said last year that it would not include MLA in its 77-inch flagship TVs because it didn’t think it could be installed at a price that would garner enough consumer interest. So I think the same argument applies to his 2024.
However, both new products feature Panasonic’s new chipset and the latest improvements to Panasonic’s HCX Pro AI processor, cleverly called the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II.
A key part of this new processor is an improved 4K remastering engine that combines AI and “mathematical models” to deliver crisper, noiseless, and overall more natural streaming quality. It’s probably a reflection of how Fire TV is being brought in with today’s popular viewing habits. This influenced the focus of Panasonic’s image quality engineers.
The new processor also claims to improve color gradations and eliminate the appearance of banding in HDR footage (also particularly useful for streaming content).
Both new models support the Dolby Vision IQ Precision detail engine. This goes a step further than the original Dolby Vision IQ feature (which adjusts the image based on the room’s ambient light levels) and allows you to adjust the light levels of different areas of the screen/image individually to Bring out more details without increasing brightness. Adjust to a level where the image may look washed out or forced.
As you would expect from Panasonic’s premium OLED TVs, the Z95A and Z93A continue to feature color tuning developed with Stefan Sonnenfeld, founder and CEO of renowned color grading studio Company 3. Whether Z95A or Z93A, its appearance matches as closely as possible the look the creators wanted when working in the mastering studio.
On the other hand, it’s good news for gamers. Both the Z95A and Z93A were the first Panasonic OLED TVs to introduce support for 144Hz gaming refresh rate. This includes support for variable refresh rates up to 144 Hz through the new TV’s HDMI 2.1 port, and surprisingly, 144 Hz rates are also supported for Dolby Vision games.
Panasonic says the new TVs will also continue to support the ultra-low input lag features seen in the past few flagship OLED generations, and will feature True Game Mode images for color accuracy, white balance, and optimized grayscale settings. It also claims to offer presets. For game sources.
If you want to optimize your gaming source’s HDR settings without a TV, there’s also a Tone Mapping Off setting that gamers can select, which applies their own tone mapping on top of the settings you’ve already optimized.
Gaming support extends to Z95A and Z93A audio, with dedicated RPG and FPS game sound modes specifically optimized for the different play styles and environments associated with these two game types. Masu. These game sound modes are produced through the latest improvements to the Technics 360 Soundscape Pro sound system, a multidirectional Dolby Atmos-enabled sound system developed in collaboration with the audio brand that has been associated with Panasonic’s flagship OLED . tv set.
Finally, let’s move on to Fire TV Smart integration on the Z95A and Z93A. Personally, I didn’t have many major issues with Panasonic’s previous My Home Screen system, but from a content access perspective it makes sense to move to a well-known third-party smart system like this one. (You no longer have to negotiate and create an app on Panasonic’s proprietary platform) and a familiar user interface. With the move to Fire TV, the Z95A and Z93A become Panasonic’s first TVs with integrated support for far-field voice control with Alexa, as well as the Fire TV Ambient Experience on set, which lets you create your own artwork. Now you can play it. When you’re not actively looking, you can display digital photos and at-a-glance information (customizable via Alexa widgets) on the screen.
smart home support
Fire TV OS is also fully compatible with Alexa-enabled devices and features a smart home dashboard that allows users to monitor and control their connected home ecosystem. Apple Home and Airplay are also supported, so you can use Siri to control your TV and stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Although the Z95A and Z93A are all about Fire TV now, Panasonic retains some of the most useful features from its own OS. For example, the Penta tuner is still included and supports reception via the Internet (IPTV) and home network (TV>IP), allowing the TV to be placed independently of the antenna socket and without having to install the TV. You can enjoy the program in every room. Additional TV connection. The two new TV series still feature his MyApp button on the remote control, which can be programmed to directly open your favorite apps, channels or favorite voice control commands.
Panasonic has yet to confirm the official release date and price of its 2024 flagship OLED TV, so stay tuned to my Forbes channel for updates on this in the coming weeks.
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