This guide breaks down Panasonic’s 2021 TV range from its top of the line OLEDs to its more affordable LCD LEDs.

Panasonic scored our Best TV award in 2020, and we’re hoping they can emulate that level of performance again with their latest TVs. We’ll update this page as we get more information and prices for every model that is announced. At the bottom of the page you can read information about the 2020 range, which is still available at reduced prices.

What to expect from Panasonic TV in 2021

At CES 2021 Panasonic introduced its JZ2000 flagship OLED. At its March AV event it revealed its four-strong OLED line-up, while also spilling details about its 4K LCD JX940, JX850 and JX800 TVs. It’s also bringing three new 48-inch OLED models to the market for those after an OLED in a smaller form factor.

Expect a focus on gaming as Panasonic sets its sights on matching the class-leading brands. There will be additional support for new HDR formats and with its new AI processor, picture and sound can be automatically enhanced on the fly.

Smart features are getting a spruce up, while Panasonic has recognised the current ‘mood’ of the world with its focus on work from home and lifestyle features.

When pressed as to when details about the TVs below the JX800 would be revealed, Panasonic said to Trusted Reviews that it will release more details “in due course”.

HCX Pro AI processor tunes images with Auto AI

The new HCX Pro AI processor is supported all the way down to the JX940. It identifies the type of content displayed – movies, sports, music, news etc – and automatically optimises the picture and sound for the best performance without viewer input.

Auto AI is a separate mode, so those who want to calibrate the picture on their own terms can still do so.

Not one, not two, but three 48-inch OLEDs

While other brands have opted for just one 48-inch OLED, Panasonic has decided the more the merrier.

The JZ1500, JZ1000 and JZ980 OLEDs each gets their own 48-inch model. They all appear to have the same standard OLED panel and are aimed at the gaming audience. Neither the JZ1500 or JZ1000 receive the respective Professional Edition or Master HDR panels seen in the bigger sizes, and there are no 77- or 83-inch OLED displays for this year either.

Other than the 48-inch JZ1000 and JZ980 models getting adjustable stands, we’re hard pressed at the moment to say how else they’ll differ. All the OLEDs have been colour tuned by Hollywood colourist Stefan Sonnenfeld, continuing his collaboration with Panasonic for another year.

Adaptive HDR tailors images to your room, whatever the conditions

HDR support extends to Dolby Vision (IQ), HDR10, HLG, HLG Photo and HDR10+, as well as the new HDR10+ Adaptive format.

HDR10+ Adaptive performs the same role as Dolby Vision IQ, optimising the TV’s display so detail and contrast are retained in the image regardless of how bright or dark a room is. IQ will be supported on sets down to the JX940, with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Adaptive supported down to the JX800.

Filmmaker Mode returns and will once again team up with Panasonic’s Intelligent Sensing feature to adjust the brightness of the display in reaction to ambient light levels. Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing is available down to the JX800 model.

Game Mode Extreme takes PC/consoles to the next level

Gaming has been an area where Panasonic has lagged behind their counterparts. The JZ2000 rectifies this with its Game Mode Extreme. The OLEDs incorporate HDMI 2.1 features such as VRR and HFR for a lower latency performance.

Also onboard is AMD’s FreeSync Premium VRR technology. It reduces screen tear and artifacts by synchronising the frame rate of a game with the refresh rate of the TV. Panasonic demonstrated that with its gaming features engaged, latency could be as low as 2.5ms – which sounds insane.

Panasonic also said that its AMD-toting TVs would benefit from improved HDR. We’re trying to get clarity on those details, as our understanding is HDR support is only with the Pro version of FreeSync. We’re also waiting to hear whether Panasonic will support the HGiG HDR gaming format.

Panasonic did say that in the case of 4K HFR and 4K@120Hz VRR, their TVs will only display half the vertical resolution at launch. A firmware update will arrive later in the year to fix this. Resolutions such as 1080p and 4K@60Hz VRR, will be supported without issue.

My Home Screen, Android TV and redesigned remote

We’re up to version 6.0 of Panasonic’s My Home Screen interface. The ‘my Scenery’ feature plays a selection of restful images and videos, while the interface has been improved for quicker access to commonly used settings. Also onboard is the Dual Bluetooth Connection, so two headphones can be connected to the TV for private listening.

Android TV OS is coming to the JX800, picking up from last year’s Android based HX700. No word yet on whether it’ll get the Google TV upgrade. Panasonic has said its in ‘active’ discussions with Disney about Disney+. We imagine this is a similar situation to Philips whereby if you’re not in the US market the gears turn somewhat slower.

Other new features include HDMI Signal Power Link, which enables automatic power on from standby and input switching. It will do so for devices that are not CEC compatible, such as a PC. This is available down to the JX850.

Panasonic also revealed that Google Assistant and built-in Alexa will be supported down to the JX850. Panasonic has also (finally) re-designed its remote control to be more ergonomic and easier to hold.

Panasonic TV 2021

Panasonic TV 4K OLED

JZ2000

  • TX-65JZ1500B
  • TX-55JZ1500B

The JZ2000’s Master HDR OLED Professional panel is reportedly the same as the HZ2000, sporting high levels of peak and average brightness for brighter and punchier HDR. Stefan Sonnenfeld, the colourist behind films such as Wonder Woman 1984, has again tuned the colour profile of the OLEDs. The new Auto AI mode works for both picture and sound, and the JZ2000 is the only TV in the range to have this functionality.

The upfiring speakers are back but in a new configuration. As well as speakers that fire upwards, the TV has side-firing speakers. Tuned by Technics, Panasonic claims that its 360° Soundscape Pro system can deliver a Dolby Atmos experience “with a spatial soundstage and powerful bass”. If true, that could mitigate the need to pair this TV with a separate sound system. The system is down on power with its 125W compared to the HZ2000’s 140W.

  • HCX Processor AI Pro
  • Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel (55-, 65-inch models)
  • 360° Soundscape Pro
  • Auto AI
  • Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing
  • Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG, HLG Photo
  • Dolby Atmos
  • HFR, ALLM, VRR, eARC
  • Game Mode Extreme
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • my Home Screen 6.0

JZ1500

  • TX-65JZ1500B
  • TX-55JZ1500B
  • TX-48JZ1500B

Like the JZ2000, the JZ1500 benefits from the Master HDR OLED Professional panel. Panasonic says performance is similar to the JZ2000, but haven’t revealed how. We assume the step-down OLED won’t have quite as high a peak brightness, but that’s a guess on our part.

The sound system looks to have been downgraded too, serving 50W of audio compared to the HZ2000’s 80W. It marks the JZ1500 as a cheaper alternative to the JZ2000 for those who already have an existing sound system but still want the brighter OLED panel.

The JZ1500’s 48-inch OLED misses out on the Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel seen in the 55- and 65-inch sizes. The design also differs from the other 48-inch models with its central stand, which will likely help placement on more restricted surfaces.

  • HCX Processor AI Pro
  • Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel (55-, 65-inch models)
  • Auto AI
  • Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing
  • Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG, HLG Photo
  • Dolby Atmos
  • HFR, ALLM, VRR, eARC
  • Game Mode Extreme
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • my Home Screen 6.0

JZ1000

  • TX-65JZ1000B
  • TX-55JZ1000B
  • TX-48JZ1000B

The third OLED looks similar to the JZ1500, but gets the Master HDR OLED panel. That will likely mean a less emphatic HDR performance than the above models.

This series also gets a 48-inch model. The design differs from the JZ1500 in utilising feet that can be adjusted to narrow or wide configurations. We’re intrigued as to what it will offer, especially in terms of pricing.

Audio support includes Atmos with the audio system outputting 30W. It’s a safe bet you’ll want a sound system to beef up its performance.

  • HCX Processor AI Pro
  • Master HDR OLED panel (55-, 65-inch models)
  • Auto AI
  • Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing
  • Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG, HLG Photo
  • Dolby Atmos
  • HFR, ALLM, VRR, eARC
  • Game Mode Extreme
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • my Home Screen 6.0

 

JZ980

  • TX-65JZ980B
  • TX-55JZ980B
  • TX-48JZ980B

The JZ980 is the entry-level OLED. The HCX Processor AI Pro chip is supported, as are the AI skills and gaming performance.

The panel is simply described as ‘OLED’, indicating there have been no adjustments to boost performance. Unlike the JZ1500 and JZ1000, this design does not have a swivel stand so the screen can’t be tweaked to avoid glare and reflections.

Like the JZ1500’s 48-inch OLED, the feet can be adjusted to narrow and wide positions, with the wider stance extending the TV’s height. It matches JZ1000’s 30W audio, and with its adjustable feet a compact soundbar can be paired with the 48-inch model.

  • HCX Processor AI Pro
  • Auto AI mode
  • Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing
  • Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG, HLG Photo
  • Dolby Atmos
  • HFR, ALLM, VRR, eARC
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • Game Mode Extreme
  • my Home Screen 6.0

Panasonic TV 4K LCD LED (premium range)

 

JX940

  • TX-75JX940B
  • TX-65JX940B
  • TX-55JX940B
  • TX-49JX940B

We arrive at Panasonic’s LCD LED range of TVs – or its ‘Premium’ range. Features are similar to the OLEDs above with the AI processor and Auto AI picture mode. The wide ranging HDR support is also intact with adaptive technologies in Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive onboard.

49-inches is the smallest size so if you’re after an even smaller TV, the JX850 series will serve you better. All the gaming technologies are present, so a fast gaming performance is on the table if you own a top-end PC (with AMD graphics card) or PS5/Xbox Series X.

We presume both the ‘Premium’ LCD LEDs will be edge-lit panels but are still waiting on confirmation. If so they’ll benefit from good colour reproduction, contrast and wide angles but slightly less enthusiastic black levels. The 120Hz panel marks itself out as good option for sports, with Panasonic’s Intelligent Clear Motion smoothing the image for a flicker-free experience.

The flagship 75-inch model features a central pedestal stand, while the other sizes utilise feet that in their wide positions raise the TV higher for a soundbar to be placed below. Panasonic’s own SC-HTB490 seems tailor made for that purpose.

  • HCX Processor AI Pro
  • HDR Cinema Display Pro
  • Auto AI
  • Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG
  • Dolby Atmos
  • HFR, ALLM, VRR, eARC
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • Game Mode Extreme
  • my Home Screen 6.0

JX850

  • TX-65JX850B
  • TX-58JX850B
  • TX-50JX850B
  • TX-40JX850B

The JX850 looks like it bears more in common with the 2020 HX800, with its thin design indication wall-mounting as an option. We imagine the lack of any mention of full-array local dimming means this too is an edge-lit panel. The HDR Bright Panel Plus is designed to stand up well to bright rooms, said to deliver crisp colours and images full of contrast.

Dolby Vision IQ is dropped, though HDR10+ Adaptive hangs on. The JX850 also loses the Game Extreme Mode so expect its performance to be less zippy and not quite as smooth, especially with its lack of VRR support.

AI skills are retained but its the HCX AI chip rather than the advanced HCX AI Pro version. There is a variant in the JX870B model and that’s exclusive to John Lewis & Partners.

  • HCX AI Processor
  • HDR Bright Panel Plus
  • Auto AI
  • Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG
  • Dolby Atmos
  • ALLM, eARC
  • Game Mode
  • my Home Screen 6.0

Exclusive to John Lewis & Partners

  • TX-65JX870B
  • TX-58JX870B
  • TX-50JX870B
  • TX-40JX870B

Panasonic TV 4K LCD LED (core models)

JX800

  • TX-65JX800B
  • TX-58JX800B
  • TX-50JX800B
  • TX-40JX800B

For the time being, the JX800 is the last stop on Panasonic’s 2021 TV range. It doesn’t get the HCX AI processor seen in the above models, but that means there’s room for last year’s HCX processor to make its way to the core models, bringing Panasonic’s expertise in colour science to its affordable sets.

The JX800 gets the JX850”s HDR Bright Panel Plus and also gets a “very wide range” of streaming services that Panasonic says will make it an “ideal budget-friendly TV” for the family. Presumably this is in reference to its Android OS support. Speaking of, this model will have built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant, with Android OS working on tandem with Panasonic’s my Home Screen operating system.

Audio is described as “Surround Sound” for a wider, spacious presentation. We’re certain this translates to “buy a soundbar”.

  • HCX Processor
  • HDR Bright Panel Plus
  • Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG
  • Surround Sound
  • ALLM, eARC
  • Game Mode
  • Android TV

That’s all the info we have on the upcoming range. Here’s information about Panasonic’s 2020 TVs, which are still on sale.

Panasonic TV 2020

Panasonic 4K OLED

HZ2000

  • TX-65HZ2000
  • TX-55HZ2000

The HZ2000 is the ultimate home cinema TV. Its Pro Edition OLED panel delivers fabulously filmic images, while its Dolby Atmos, Technics-tuned, sound system is so good you won’t need to purchase a soundbar to go with this TV. It’s not a set suited to gamers, but home cinema aficionados will absolutely love this one-stop TV. Because of the reasons listed, it won our Best TV of 2020 award.

  • read our Panasonic TX-55HZ2000 review

HZ1500

  • TX-65HZ1500 – £2,499
  • TX-55HZ1500 – £1,699

While this Panasonic is expensive compared to its closest competition, the HZ1500 is capable of some remarkably accomplished images from any source and with an audio performance that’s better realised than most other TVs. It’s another fabulous five-star effort from the brand.

  • read our Panasonic TX-55HZ1500 review

HZ1000

  • TX-65HZ1000
  • TX-55HZ1000

The HZ1000 delivers fantastic images from any source. The multi-HDR support is a boon for home cinema aficionados and while it’s missing the integrated up-firing drivers seen on Panasonic’s premium OLEDs, the sound performance is better than expected. There aren’t many concessions made for next-gen consoles though, and it is more expensive than the competition. As good as the sound quality, it’s worth pairing this model with a soundbar for extra oomph.

  • read our Panasonic TX-65HZ1000 review

HZ980

  • TX-65HZ980 – £1,999
  • TX-55HZ980 – £1,499

The newest addition to Panasonic’s 2020 OLED range. While at first glance it is remarkably similar to the HZ1000, Panasonic’s most affordable OLED for 2020 drops the HZ1000’s swivel stand, as well as a simplified version of the Smooth Motion Drive Pro called Smooth Motion Drive.

Panasonic 4K LED LCD

HX940

  • TX-75HX940B – £2,199
  • TX-65HX940B – £1,499
  • TX-43HX940B – £799

The 75-inch model in this series receives an 100Hz panel. The rest of the range gets most of the goodies from the OLED TVs, including the HCX Pro Intelligent Processor which controls motion, clarity and contrast, plus Local Dimming Intelligent Pro for better backlight control. There are no models in the 50 to 60-inch sizes, with the 43-inch model exclusive to John Lewis.

Panasonic HX800

HX800

  • TX-65HX800B
  • TX-58HX800B
  • TX-50HX800B
  • TX-40HX800B

With the HX800 Panasonic has struck gold yet again with its mid-range offering, with a picture performance best described as cinematic, fine smarts and a good gaming performance. The HX820 is effectively the same set but with the some silver flourishes and exclusivity to John Lewis. Regardless.

  • read our Panasonic TX-58HX800 review

HX700

  • TX-65HX700B
  • TX-55HX700B
  • TX-50HX700B
  • TX-43HX700B

Panasonic’s HX700 looks to do something different with its smart features. It’s left out its My Home Screen 5.0 and opted for Android. Choosing Android means this set comes with built-in Google Assistant, Chromecast and apps via the Google Play Store, which we’d assume brings with it access to Disney+. Otherwise, the set also supports Dolby Vision + Atmos

HX600

  • TX-55HX600B
  • TX-50HX600B
  • TX-43HX600B

You don’t get My Home Screen 5 with this model (you still get smart features and access to catch-up TV apps). What you do get is Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos passthrough and Freeview Play.

We’ve reviewed this model and found that while The HX600 comes up a little short in terms of smarts, it’s minimum-fuss TV that offers a solid enough picture performance for the money.

  • read our review of the Panasonic TX-50HX600B

HX585

  • TX-65HX585B – £679
  • TX-55HX585B – £449
  • TX-50HX585B – £449
  • TX-43HX585B – £369

With the HX585 you get Dolby Vision support, smart apps and Freeview Play. The entire range is exclusive to John Lewis stores.

HX580

  • TX-65HX580B
  • TX-55HX580B
  • TX-50HX580B
  • TX-43HX580B

The HX580 is the cheapest model in Panasonic’s 4K TV range for 2020, and it is effectively the same as the HX585 model above, except it’s not exclusive to John Lewis and doesn’t have a silver trim to its screen.

The post Panasonic TV 2021: Every 4K OLED and LCD TV announced so far appeared first on Trusted Reviews.

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