After a significant hiatus from the U.S. market, Panasonic has made a strong comeback, unveiling not just one, but three new TV models at CES 2025. Among these, the highlight is their premium Z95B OLED model, which integrates spatial audio and a cutting-edge four-layer panel technology designed to enhance color depth and brightness, all without relying on Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology.
Panasonic Z95B Series OLED TV
Last year, Panasonic made a notable re-entry into the American market after a decade-long absence, launching two exceptional models: the Z95A OLED and the W95A mini-LED. Experts hailed them as two of the top televisions available. The Z95B OLED is expected to build on its predecessor's success, and preview samples displayed at CES confirm its stunning visual capabilities.
Panasonic has provided insight into the Z95B's advanced technology, highlighting its "Primary RGB Tandem Panel and ThermalFlow Cooling System." What makes this TV unique is its four-layer emission architecture, featuring distinct layers of red, green, and two blue components. This design enhances light efficiency by 40 percent, improving brightness and color volume significantly and resulting in lifelike, vibrant images.
In addition to the impressive panel technology, Panasonic has developed an innovative cooling mechanism, known as the ThermalFlow system, inspired by racecar aerodynamics. This technology strategically channels airflow through the TV chassis to maintain optimal performance levels, similar to how a racecar functions.
The Z95B is powered by Panasonic's new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II and includes Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail. This feature enhances contrast in darker scenes, delivering that renowned OLED deep black while also providing more vivid detail in Dolby Vision content.
For gamers, the Z95B offers compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-SYNC, and features a True Game Mode to ensure optimal gameplay visual fidelity. With HDMI 2.1 support and a 144Hz refresh rate, gaming performance is remarkably smooth.
On the audio front, the Z95B has seen significant improvements. Its redesigned speaker setup includes new line-array, side, and up-firing speakers, along with a new 30-watt subwoofer. Panasonic claims that this audio system, supporting Dolby Atmos and 360 Soundscape Pro, will create a sound experience comparable to that of high-end theaters, with robust low frequencies.
The Z95B operates on the Fire TV OS, incorporating a Prime Video Calibrated Mode to enhance the viewing experience specifically for Prime Video. Additionally, it supports Apple AirPlay 2 for effortless integration with Apple devices and complies with the ATSC 3.0 digital broadcast standard for superior picture quality over-the-air.
This OLED TV series will be available in sizes of 55-, 65-, and 77-inches, with pricing and availability to be announced soon.
Panasonic W95B Mini-LED and W70B LED TV
The second generation of Panasonic’s successful W95A mini-LED has arrived with notable enhancements. The W95B features advanced panel upgrades aimed at boosting contrast, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Panasonic has increased the number of backlighting zones by over 2.5 times compared to the previous model, resulting in sharper contrast and more detailed images.
This model, also powered by Fire TV, benefits from the powerful HCX Pro AI Processor MK II and Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail, ensuring impressive contrast and excellent black levels for viewing movies and shows.
Gamers will appreciate the W95B’s support for AMD FreeSync Premium and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience. The model also incorporates Game Mode Extreme and HDMI 2.1 for optimized console and PC gaming.
The W95B offers a Prime Video Calibrated Mode, allowing for enhanced viewing experiences tailored for Prime Video content and integrates well with voice-controlled Alexa features through its Alexa Voice Remote for easy navigation.
It also supports AirPlay and ATSC 3.0, rounding out a solid set of features. Available sizes include 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inches, with pricing and availability details forthcoming.
Panasonic has also introduced a more economical option with the W70B Series—a 4K LED television built on the Fire TV platform. Featuring a refreshed design with a slim bezel and premium metal stand, this model improves brightness and overall performance through MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation) technology, providing smoother motion quality, particularly during sports or action-packed sequences.
While the W70B may not support Dolby Vision, it does offer HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG options, along with Dolby Audio for a solid audio experience. Four HDMI ports and Bluetooth connectivity for easy headphone pairing are also part of this model.
Alexa voice control and integration are included, allowing the W70B to easily connect to smart home devices for additional functionalities.
The W70B will be available in various sizes, including 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 70-, 75-, and 85-inch models, with details on pricing and availability to be announced.