After an eight-year absence, Panasonic is re-entering the U.S. television market with a new lineup of OLED and Mini LED TVs. This marks the company’s return since it ceased selling TVs in the United States in 2016, following the decline of its once-popular plasma TVs. Now, Panasonic is aiming to capture the attention of American consumers once again with its latest offerings, which include advanced display technologies and integration with Amazon’s Fire TV platform.
Panasonic exited the U.S. TV market in 2016, three years after ending production of its highly-regarded plasma screens due to increased competition from more affordable and efficient LED displays. However, the company has continued to be a strong player in the global market, particularly in Europe, where it has been selling well-reviewed OLED TVs.
The decision to return to the U.S. was bolstered by Panasonic’s new global partnership with Amazon, announced at CES 2024, which integrates Amazon's Fire TV smart interface into Panasonic’s new line of TVs.
Panasonic is launching three models in the U.S., each offering different features and price points to appeal to a wide range of consumers. These include the flagship Z95A OLED, the mid-range Z85A OLED, and the W95A Mini LED TV.
The Z95A is the flagship model in Panasonic’s new lineup, available only in a 65-inch size with a retail price of $3,199.99. This model features an OLED panel supplied by LG, enhanced by Panasonic's in-house processing and proprietary Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, which optimizes brightness and energy efficiency by directing more light toward the viewer. This technology is similar to what is used in LG’s latest flagship OLED TVs.
The Z95A supports refresh rates up to 144Hz and multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision IQ, which automatically adjusts picture settings based on ambient light conditions. It also caters to gamers with features such as a dedicated gaming mode, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low-latency mode (ALLM), providing a smooth gaming experience.
Panasonic has leveraged its Technics audio brand to enhance the Z95A’s sound system, which includes multiple embedded speakers designed to deliver a more immersive audio experience. This model is the only one in the lineup with an onboard microphone for hands-free Alexa voice control, integrating fully with Amazon’s Fire TV platform for smart home management and streaming.
The Z85A is a step down from the flagship model but still offers many of the same core features at a lower price point. Available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, priced at $1,599.99 and $1,799.99 respectively, the Z85A lacks the advanced MLA technology and the premium sound system found in the Z95A. However, it retains the same HDR support and the HCX Pro AI Mark II processor, which enhances clarity and color reproduction.
While the Z85A supports gaming features similar to the Z95A, its refresh rate is capped at 120Hz. It also provides the same Fire TV smart interface with integrated Alexa voice control, though it does not have the always-listening microphone feature (as noted by Wired), which may appeal to those concerned about privacy.
The W95A series is Panasonic’s flagship Mini LED offering, available in multiple sizes ranging from 55 inches to 85 inches, with prices starting at $1,299.99 for the smallest model and going up to $2,999.99 for the 85-inch variant. The W95A utilizes Mini LED backlighting with Local Dimming Ultra technology, which allows for improved brightness, contrast, and black levels compared to traditional LED TVs.
This model supports refresh rates up to 144Hz and includes similar gaming features as the OLED models, making it a versatile choice for gamers. The W95A also shares the same speaker configuration as the Z85A, with stereo speakers and a subwoofer, but lacks the advanced sound features of the flagship Z95A.
Panasonic’s new TVs are available for purchase at select U.S. retailers, including Amazon and Costco.
