TECHWEEK
During the European press event held in Dusseldorf, Germany, Panasonic unveiled three new OLED TVs with model numbers Z90A, Z85A, and Z80. It’s worth mentioning that the top-tier Z95A and Z93A models were initially showcased in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Therefore, the TVs introduced in Dusseldorf have broadened the company’s existing range of OLED models.
The Panasonic Z90A model will replace the Panasonic MZ1500B in the company’s product range. Apparently, TVs in this series will be a direct competitor to OLED TVs LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8, which should appear later this year. The Panasonic Z90A TV will be offered in 65-, 55-, 48- and 42-inch screen sizes. Unfortunately, like its rival LG C4, the new TV doesn’t come with the Micro Lens Array (MLA) brightness boosting technology found on the older Z95A and flagship TVs from other manufacturers like the LG G4 and Philips OLED+959.
The Panasonic Z90A TV is equipped with a Master OLED Pro panel (except for options with 48 and 42-inch screens) and the company’s latest HCX Pro AI MKII processor. Panasonic says the new chipset and improved Master OLED Pro tuning allow the TV to achieve even greater brightness and performance. Panasonic Z90A is equipped with a Dynamic Theater Surround sound system with a built-in subwoofer and front speakers.
Unlike last year’s model, the new Panasonic Z90A TV will run Amazon Fire OS with a richer library of apps and content than the My Home Screen found on previous Panasonic OLED TVs. The switching arsenal includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC . Support for 144 Hz scanning with VRR, Dolby Vision Gaming and True Game Mode is declared.
The younger models of Panasonic OLED TVs with the indexes Z85A and Z80A are limited in comparison with the Z90A and Z95A both in functionality and characteristics. The Panasonic Z85A TV will only be offered in 65-inch and 55-inch screen sizes, while the Z80A will only be available in 65-inch, 55-inch, and 48-inch screen sizes. Younger models are equipped with conventional OLED panels and support a lower refresh rate of 120 Hz. Like the Panasonic Z90A, Z85A TVs are equipped with the new HCX Pro AI MKII processors, and the Panasonic Z80A is equipped with the previous generation HCX processor. All this makes these two models competitors to the cheaper LG B4 series OLED TVs.
The availability of Panasonic Z90A, Z85A and Z80A OLED TVs , as well as recommended retail prices, will be announced later.
