Panasonic 2023 TV Lineup: Need to Knows
Another year brings another Panasonic TV lineup, and despite unveiling their flagship MLA OLED, the Panasonic MZ2000 with their new ‘Master OLED Ultimate’ panel, at CES back in January. We’ve been left to wait with baited breath for their announcement of the rest of the lineup.
Thanks to some exclusive behind the scenes access at Panasonic’s 2023 TV lineup launch event in Berlin this June, we’ve been able to get hands-on with some of the model prototypes and put together this range overview to help you find out which is the best Panasonic TV for your space.
Not much of a reader? Check out our Panasonic Full 2023 TV Range Reveal video instead
Along with highlighting the key differences between each model and TV type. We intend to share the key gains and losses you’ll experience as you move up or down within Panasonic’s 2023 TV lineup.
The Japanese tech brand’s TV offerings in 2022 consisted of some great OLED and 4K LED models, and on paper, things look to have been echoed this time around. Featuring a total of five OLED and two LCD models for UK users, there’s plenty to get our teeth into with this one.
Ranging from their brightest OLED yet to their first MiniLED panel, plus upgrades to their HCX Pro AI processor and more. This year’s lineup is a clear indication of the brand's intent to continually innovate, not just in picture quality for movies but also for gaming. Not to mention their clear commitment to providing options for each and every use case.
Know which model/s you're interested in? Skip ahead to a specific model.
| Panasonic MX800 | Panasonic MZ980 |
| Panasonic MX950 | Panasonic MZ1500 |
| Panasonic MZ700 / MZ800 | Panasonic MZ2000 |
Panasonic TV Names Explained
As we’re all aware, TV manufacturers are always trying to bamboozle us with ridiculously long TV model names, making it hard to differentiate which is which.
Unfortunately, Panasonic is no different, so we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide to break down the technical jargon and help you figure out exactly what you’re buying before you bite the bullet.
TX = sale region, with ‘TX’ representing the UK
55 = screen size in inches (measured diagonally)
M = Year, with ‘M’ representing 2023 (L = 2022)
Z = OLED (X = LCD)
1500 = Product series (the higher the number, the more premium the model)
B = Another sale region, ‘B’ representing the UK
What's New This Year?
This year, we welcome upgraded technology like Panasonic's HCX Pro AI processor paired with Hollywood tuning to ensure impressive HDR OLED picture quality that’s better than we’ve ever seen before from Panasonic. Their flagship OLED model, the MZ2000 features Micro Lens Array (MLA) panel technology which is promising some major upgrades in brightness.
There’s also the addition of an improved Filmmaker Mode, which ensures you enjoy your entertainment exactly as it was intended. Along with picture tuned by Hollywood colourist Stefan Sonnenfeld, Panasonic have upgraded the ambient colour temperature sensor in certain TVs, supposedly making it better than previous models at detecting the lighting conditions in your room and adjusting them accordingly. We haven’t been able to fully test these out yet, but from our initial experience with prototypes, they seem to be doing the job.
Gaming was another area of particular focus for Panasonic this year. Along with technical upgrades like NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, the addition of True Game Mode, source-oriented tone mapping, and Game Sound Modes, as well as an exciting partnership with Activision as the official partner of Diablo IV. Panasonic have ensured their cinematic experience doesn’t just stop with films, but encompasses the world of gaming too.
Panasonic MX800
Panel Type: LED
Available Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”
Panasonic's entry-level LED TV is available in a wide range of sizes and seems like it’s going to be the ideal option for those secondary spaces throughout the home. The MX800 is the only TV in the range to feature built-in Fire TV, and it features direct Alexa voice control accessible via the TV’s remote.
From what we’ve seen, you can expect pretty decent and natural picture quality with the HDR Cinema Display, but the 43” and 50” models do miss out on this feature. There’s support for both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as Dolby Atmos for the audio. There’s HDMI 2.1 & ALLM capabilities too, but no VRR. It’s a pretty standard LED model, but sounds like it will do the job nonetheless.
Panasonic MX950
Panel Type: Mini LED
Available Sizes: 55”, 65”
Available in only two sizes, Panasonic’s flagship LED model the MX950 lacks the variety of other models in the range, but this TV does step up in terms of performance and utilises the latest mini-LED technology with a quantum dot layer for more precise control over the panel's backlighting system.
This supposedly ensures superior picture quality, brightness, and colour reproduction compared to the LED models that have come before it.
This TV is also set up to effectively combat the blooming that we tend to see in a lot of LCD TVs, making it a worthwhile step up in this section of the range.
Powered by Panasonic’s HCX Pro AI processor found in the premium OLED models and featuring the improved Filmmaker Mode, picture quality really is the priority with this TV.
There’s HDR support for a variety of formats, including both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, to really take full advantage of its higher peak picture performance. We see it as an ideal choice for those with bright and airy spaces who are still looking for an impressive LED viewing experience across a variety of content types..
In terms of audio, there’s Dolby Atmos support and Dynamic Theatre Surround, and this is the only LED in the range to feature a built-in subwoofer for immersive audio with dynamic bass.
This is the first model in the range to feature Panasonic's Game Mode Extreme with HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, AMD FreeSync Premium technology, and more.
This is the first TV in the lineup to feature the latest version of Panasonic’s Smart TV OS, My Home Screen 8.0. However, despite being easy to use, from what we’ve seen, this system does continue in the same vein as previous Panasonic models and fails to really compete with some of the other competitors within the TV space visually.
Panasonic MZ700 / MZ800
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 42”, 48”, 55”, 65”
Panasonic’s entry-level OLED TV features a minimalist frameless design and is available in a variety of sizes ranging between 42” - 65”. These will most likely be Panasonic's lowest priced OLED models and naturally feature a downgraded spec list in comparison to the TVs at the top end of the range.
They use the standard OLED panel with 4K Colour Engine Pro rather than the HCX Pro AI processor, meaning they won’t go quite as bright as the premium OLEDs.
They also lack the Filmmaker and True Game Mode, so although we can’t guarantee pricing just yet, based on what we've seen historically, we think these will be the choice for those looking to dip their toes into new heights of immersion with the benefits of OLED screen technology without the burden of a premium price tag.
In terms of audio, both the MZ700 and MZ800 feature Panasonic's Dynamic Surround Sound and support for Dolby Atmos, but again, this is a step down in comparison to the rest of the OLEDs in the range. The MZ800 does boast a built in subwoofer, so you can expect better bass output from this model.
Interestingly, these TVs feature an Android OS rather than the My Home Screen 8.0 system. Having spoken with some Panasonic staff regarding this in Berlin, the general consensus was that this is to give customers freedom of choice when it comes to their TV OS.
This TV only features Panasonic's standard Game Mode with HDMI 2.1, and ALLM support. It also appears that these entry-level OLED models won’t provide 4K/120Hz gaming support with any of the AMD Freesync, NVIDIA G-Sync or True Game capabilities found further up in the lineup.
Panasonic MZ980
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 42”, 48”, 55”
Available in 42, 48, and 55-inch size options, the MZ980 caters for those looking for a smaller OLED screen. We see this being the go-to for anyone looking to experience next-level gaming immersion from a Panasonic OLED TV.
This TV is a step up across the board in terms of audio, picture quality and gaming capabilities in comparison to the MZ800 as it features the same HCX Pro AI processor, HDR format support as the premium OLED models in the range, as well as Theatre Surround Pro audio technology.
Why is it primed for gaming? Well, as the first OLED in the range to feature the Game Mode Extreme, you will have Panasonic's premium gaming features at a more accessible price point. There’s support for HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, AMD Freesync Premium, and it’s also NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible for PC gamers, provided you have a Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series graphics card or later.
We saw the newly released Diablo IV demoed on this model, and we were left pretty impressed with what we'd seen. The benefits of OLED technology complemented the natural darkness of the scenery in Diablo IV, and definitely enhanced the player experience. Obviously, it’s tough to judge from a demo, but this is definitely something we’re planning on deep diving into in a future review.
Panasonic MZ1500
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 55”, 65”
Unlike last year's equivalent model, Panasonic has ensured there’s a clear sense of linear progression as you move up within the 2023 range. Therefore, the MZ1500 is set to be a step down from the flagship MZ2000 when it comes to picture quality, as it won't feature the Master OLED Ultimate panel with MLA technology.
Instead, the MZ1500 will get the Master OLED Pro panel, which is set to feature OLED EX technology to still deliver a boost in brightness over the conventional OLED models.
This TV will have the same HCX AI Processor as the MZ2000 but will step down from the multi-channel 360 array and instead offer a new forward-firing speaker attached at the bottom of the TV and a built-in subwoofer for dynamic audio and wide soundstage.
The gaming features will replicate what’s seen in the MZ2000 and MZ980 with Game Mode Extreme, including HDMI 2.1 with support for 4K/120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync, VRR, and the True Game calibrated gaming preset.
We were impressed when we saw this TV for the first time, if the price is right we definitely see this as a viable option if you're not looking to spend flagship price. Obviously, if you've got the option we would recommend the step up to the MZ2000 to really immerse yourself in a cinematic audio visual experience but if you're a more casual viewer, you may not notice these differences.
Panasonic MZ2000
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 55” 65” 77”
Announced in Las Vegas at CES, Panasonic’s flagship OLED model is set to follow in the footsteps of its impressive predecessor and boasts their Master OLED Ultimate panel, which is capable of delivering what the brand describes as their “best and brightest picture,” making this one to watch in 2023.
Despite looking nearly identical to last year’s LZ2000, the MZ2000 can go nearly 50% brighter than its predecessor as it welcomes the upgraded HCX AI Processor with the addition of innovative Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology in the 55” and 65” versions, which we have seen in LG’s flagship G3 TV this year.
Note: If you’re new to the world of TVs, MLA technology essentially adds a layer of microscopic lenses to force light towards the user for a brighter and more enjoyable OLED performance while simultaneously reducing the risk of the dreaded OLED burn-in.
There’s also a bespoke multi-layer heat management configuration to help deliver a step up in terms of brightness and reduce the potential of permanent image retention.
Following the boost in brightness, you’ll also notice an improvement in HDR this year with support for HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ and HLG Photo. From our initial experiences with this one, we’ve been really impressed by the visual quality, and we can’t wait to test it out fully in the future.
We were thoroughly impressed by the audio performance of last year’s LZ2000 and the new iteration lives up to the billing. Featuring the Technics-tuned speaker bar with multiple built-in upward-firing, side-firing and front-firing speakers housed in the lower section of the bezel, this TV can deliver a wide and immersive soundstage that’s capable of delivering Dolby Atmos audio that will give most TV brands a serious run for their money.
Panasonic has also upgraded the Bass Booster Algorithm to really kick the bass output up a notch via their 360-degree Soundscape all-in-one TV audio package. While the MZ2000 also comes with additional audio features like Pinpoint, Area, and Spot Mode, which all help to direct sound towards the user more efficiently.
Once again, we see Panasonic's Smart TV OS, My Home Screen 8.0, and all of the bells and whistles that come with that functionality.
There’s also Game Mode Extreme that we mentioned earlier, meaning there’s support for HDMI 2.1, unfortunately, this is only in 2/4 HDMI ports, which is disappointing for a flagship model. It supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, AMD Freesync Premium, and it’s also NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible.
Naturally, as the flagship of the range, this one will have a price tag to match. However, considering this TV offers the very best sound and picture quality that the brand has to offer, we think it will be a worthwhile investment if you’re set on Panasonic this year.
Want to learn more about the technology behind the TVs? Check out our blog article MLA vs. QD-OLED: The Differences That Actually Matter
Verdict
There's no doubt the addition of MLA technology is set to be a great sign of things to come for Panasonic's OLED models and the benefit of having options throughout the range whether it's OLED or LED is another box ticked.
Of course, our limited time with Panasonic's brand new TV range means we are still in need of some in-depth, real-world testing to truly share how these models performed but from first impressions, the brand are certainly looking to push ahead and compete with the very best this year.
We'll just have to wait and see how they fare when we get them back into our studio for proper testing. Keep an eye out!
