Panasonic’s resurgence in the US television market, marked by the unveiling of their flagship OLED, the Z95B, at CES 2025, signifies a compelling return to form for the once-dominant plasma TV manufacturer. This new model positions Panasonic as a direct competitor to industry giants Sony, LG, and Samsung in the premium television segment. The Z95B leverages cutting-edge display technology, incorporating LG Display’s latest four-layer tandem OLED panel, which surpasses the brightness of previous generations, even without the micro-lens array technology employed in predecessors like the LG G4 and Panasonic’s own Z95A. This advancement promises a visually stunning experience, rivaling even the highly acclaimed QD-OLED technology found in Samsung’s flagship S95F. The Z95B offers impressive brightness, vivid colors, and an overall dazzling display, establishing a new benchmark for OLED picture quality.
Beyond its visual prowess, the Z95B boasts a robust audio system meticulously tuned by Panasonic’s audio subsidiary, Technics. The integrated Dolby Atmos speaker array, including side-firing and upward-firing drivers, promises immersive sound quality. The TV’s design incorporates fabric sides, elegantly concealing the speaker system while adding a touch of sophistication. While the inclusion of this comprehensive sound system adds to the TV’s overall thickness, it potentially eliminates the need for a separate soundbar, further simplifying the home theater setup. Panasonic has also implemented a redesigned cooling system to manage the heat generated by the powerful four-layer OLED panel, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
A key differentiator for Panasonic’s Z95B is its focus on gaming performance. With support for 144Hz refresh rates, it offers smooth and responsive gameplay, though it falls slightly short of the 165Hz offered by competing models from LG and Samsung. However, the combination of the advanced OLED panel and powerful audio system create a compelling entertainment experience that caters to both movie enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Z95B’s design, while thicker than some competing OLEDs, prioritizes performance and integrated audio quality, offering a potentially all-in-one home theater solution.
However, the Z95B’s integration of Amazon’s Fire TV OS presents a potential drawback. While Fire TV offers features like ambient mode widgets, its overall user experience and the prominence of advertisements remain points of contention. This reliance on Fire TV OS might deter some users, especially those who prefer alternative platforms like Google TV or those found on competing high-end televisions. While the option to utilize external streaming devices like Apple TV or Nvidia Shield mitigates this issue somewhat, it adds another layer of complexity and cost to the overall setup.
Despite the Fire TV OS concern, the Z95B’s impressive picture and sound quality, coupled with its robust gaming capabilities, make it a compelling contender in the premium TV market. Panasonic’s focus on delivering a comprehensive home theater experience, integrating high-fidelity visuals and audio, sets the Z95B apart. The redesigned cooling system further strengthens its appeal, promising long-term performance and reliability for this powerful OLED display.
Ultimately, the Z95B’s success hinges on consumer preference and tolerance for the Fire TV operating system. While some may find the OS limiting, the outstanding visual and audio performance, combined with the integrated Dolby Atmos sound system, position the Z95B as a strong contender. Panasonic’s re-entry into the premium TV segment offers consumers a welcome alternative, pushing the boundaries of home entertainment technology and driving competition in the market. This competition benefits consumers, offering a wider range of choices and driving innovation across the industry, from budget-friendly options to premium, high-end experiences.
