Like much on the surface of this TV, Panasonic’s user-interface is more a case of evolution, not revolution. The latest version, My Home Screen 5.0, features some changes, such as content highlights as we hover over video streaming services and a pop-up version of the home screen options, but it’s still largely the same as before. It won’t be a candidate for any design awards, but it is clear and easy enough to understand. Panasonic’s edge-lit LEDs still sometimes leak a bit of light close to the edge of the frame and the whole panel could be a little better shielded from its light source. This is simply the shortcoming of mid-range, edge-lit TVs, though. The only way to get beyond that with Panasonic is to make the significant step up to the company’s OLED range. The fact that this is the only place we notice the compromise is credit to what Panasonic has done here.

The UK gets fewer sizes for the MZ1500 compared to the 2022 JZ1500, with the 55-inch model the entry point. The OLED panel is not the same as the MZ2000 (designed as the Master OLED Pro), and it doesn’t make use of an advanced sound system either. The Panasonic will also have to compete a little harder this year in a more competitive sector of the market The MZ2000 features the next level of picture tech in the Micro Lens Array OLED panel, which aims to offer high amounts of HDR peak brightness when combined with Panasonic’s own bespoke multi-layer heat management solution. The step up in peak brightness is said to be up to 150% more compared to the 2022 OLEDs. The 77-inch model does not feature the same OLED panel as the other sizes. Want to switch from watching TV to gaming? No problem, just select Game Mode* using the TV remote. It reduces input lag - so the on-screen action reacts instantly to your commands. Taking you from the sofa into the world of the game.

FAQs

Panasonic’s Streaming 4K Remaster algorithm claims to improve the quality of streamed content by identifying the resolution and analysing the textures by area for a more detailed, crisper, and cleaner image. The HX800 is available in 40in, 50in, 58in and 65in sizes. You may also spot a Panasonic HX820 making the rounds online. This model appears to be exclusive to John Lewis but it is actually identical to the HX800 in terms of its specifications and performance. The HX820 may have small cosmetic differences (i.e. the colour of the stand) but, whatever they are, they aren’t listed. We spend our first couple of hours with the GX800 with the Spider-Man: Homecoming 4K Blu-ray spinning, switching the TV’s Dolby Vision feature on and off to compare the picture performance. Having it switched on clearly produces the subtler, more nuanced image. There are various panel technologies. Each has its own specific features - viewing angles, color reproduction, response time, brightness/contrast, production cost, etc. The image quality depends directly on the type of the display panel used. The maximum number of colors, which the display is able to reproduce, depends on the type of the panel in use and color enhancing technologies like FRC.

HID (Human Interface Device Profile) compliant keyboards are available. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) compliant audio devices are available. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Because none of the above models are actually available just yet, let’s also take a look at the options from 2021 that are still on sale and for considerably cheaper than they were last year. Did you know that you can easily cast Netflix shows from your smartphones to your Panasonic TV? Just connect both devices to Wi-Fi. Tap on the Cast icon, and ready to go. Why don’t you give it a try with Netflix’s latest series?The LZ980 will be available in a new 42in screen size, while the LZ800 shares the same 42in, 48in, 55in and 65in options as the model above it. Only the LZ1000 remains unchanged, with just 55in and 65in screen sizes available.