Panasonic elevates gaming with JZ2000 4k OLED TV champ

Panasonic has announced its first new OLED TV of 2021. The JZ2000 will land in 65- and 55-inch sizes later this year, the builds on the brand’s 2020 flagship. New this year is an improved AI image processor, better support for gaming and an upgraded onboard Dolby Atmos sound system.

The screen will be the first from the brand to offer HDMI 2.1, with variable refresh rate (VRR) and high frame rate 120fps support. A new Game Mode Extreme reduces game latency to around 14ms.

The new HCX Pro AI Processor is the brains behind AI image mode, able to automatically optimise for content, so that users no longer have to manually select image presets.

The JZ2000 uses the same custom modified Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel as last year’s HZ200 model, which boasts higher average brightness levels than rival screens. Final colour tuning has been managed by leading Hollywood colourist Stefan Sonnenfeld.

The set’s HCX Pro AI is able to identify content in real time,comparing it to a varied library of content that it has learned, and able to automatically adjust both picture and sound quality to suit. During sports, the TV AI will detect grass and optimise the picture accordingly, as well as select an appropriate sound mode.

An all new 360° Soundscape Pro audio mode sees the introduction of side-firing speakers to the rear mounted Dolby Atmos elevated height speakers, all tuned by Technics, creating a more immersive soundstage.

Integrators should note that the set will also introduce support for HDMI Signal Power Link, designed to improve operation with CEC non-supported devices, like old TV boxes.

There’s also dual Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the TV to transmit sound to two separate Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

HDR format coverage is extensive, and includes Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision, Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing, HLG Photo and HDR10+ Adaptive, which follows Dolby Vision IQ in dynamically adapting HDR content to the room lighting conditions.

The JZ2000 will also land with the latest iteration of Panasonic’s own smart TV OS, My Home Screen 6.0, which now comes with a My Scenery mode. Users can choose a selection of restful images and videos, to reflect their mood or time of day.

Yasushi Murayama, Executive of Product Strategy for Panasonic’s Visual and Sound Business Unit, says: “The JZ2000 is a symbol of what we at Panasonic want to achieve. Building on the superb accuracy which makes Panasonic’s TVs ideal for watching films, we are further improving the experience in other areas such as gaming too. Through the use of AI, we want our viewers enjoy the best picture and sound settings automatically. Our aim is simply to support our customers to really, truly experience their favourite contents. Whether they are into films, games, sports, or something else, we want them to enjoy heightened visual and aural experiences which leave them feeling happy and satisfied."

Panasonic has also unveiled a special edition of the Sound Slayer, its compact soundbar for gamers, designed in collaboration with Square Enix. This new special edition SC-HTB01 speaker comes adorned with Final Fantasy artwork.