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The Japanese manufacturer Panasonic has just unveiled its range of Oled televisions for 2022. It has four references (LZ980, LZ1000, LZ1500 and the most upscale LZ2000), all equipped with a new Oled EX panel from LG Display.
In 2022, Panasonic exclusively uses the latest generation Oled EX panels on all its Oled televisions, but not all models will display the same brightness. The Panasonic LZ980 is content with standard brightness, while the LZ1000 should display a slightly higher value, probably close to the 800 cd/m² equivalent to the LG C2. The LZ1500 and LZ2000 are equipped with the Master Oled Pro panel. In line with the Oled Professional Edition panel of the JZ1500 and JZ2000, this one should tease 1000 cd / m²; a feat that is always expected from competitors.
All models inherit the new HCX Pro AI processor, the new features of which remain unclear. We just know that it is improved compared to 2021, without further details. All televisions are compatible with all HDR formats, including HDR10+ Adaptive formats and Dolby Vision IQ, which adapts the display to ambient lighting using a light sensor. A feature that we found more than convincing, especially in a bright room with the Filmmaker with Intelligent Sensing mode on the JZ1000.
The other big development is the appearance of a specific banner for video games, which displays information on the operating frequency, the activation of the VRR or the sub-sampling of colors. Panasonic also offers a setting to unclog dark areas (Dark Visibility Enhancer) and choose HDR management (HDR Tonemap via TV or source). The 2022 models are still compatible with HDMI 2.1 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, as well as Dolby Vision VRR up to 60Hz.
Panasonic’s range of Oled and LCD TVs for 2022.
main Features
Panasonic LZ2000
- Size: 55, 65 and 77 inches
- Master Oled Pro panel (1000 cd/m²)
- 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound system
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ
- Rotating metal foot (except 77 inches)
- My HomeScreen 7.0
Panasonic LZ1500
- Size: 42, 48, 55 and 65 inches
- Master Oled Pro panel (1000 cd/m²), except for 42 and 48 inch models
- Virtual 2.1 Dolby Atmos sound system
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ
- Rotating metal foot
- My HomeScreen 7.0
Panasonic LZ1000
- Size: 55 and 65 inches
- Master Oled panel (estimated at 800 cd/m²)
- Virtual Dolby Atmos 2.0 sound system
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ
- Rotating metal foot
- My HomeScreen 7.0
Panasonic LZ980
- Size: 42, 48, 55 and 65 inches
- Oled panel (estimated at 700 cd/m²)
- Virtual Dolby Atmos 2.0 sound system
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ
- Fixed plastic foot
- My HomeScreen 7.0
The difference between the 42/48LZ980 and 42/48LZ1000 is in the audio system (the LZ1500 uses a subwoofer), the feet and the higher end finishes on the LZ1500. The slab is identical.
Panasonic continues its momentum and the new features are rather meager on this range of 2022 televisions. It must be said that the 2021 models – JZ2000 and JZ1500 – have very few faults, and there is no reason for Panasonic to change this formula winning. The Panasonic LZ1500 and LZ2000 should therefore not disappoint lovers of beautiful images and gamers with a new dashboard dedicated to more practical video games. We already know that the Panasonic models will be benchmarks for 2022. It remains to be seen whether the competition will now be at the level.