Panasonic MZ2000 (TX-65MZ2000) OLED TV Review

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Panasonic's latest OLED TV flagship, the MZ2000, builds on the accomplishments of its predecessors with a powerful custom panel, designated Master OLED Ultimate. This module, featuring a Micro Lens Array (MLA) panel and innovative luminance-boosting technologies, ushers in a new era of image brilliance for the brand without sacrificing energy efficiency. If you’re looking for best in class picture performance, then clearly you’ve come to the right place.

Panasonic TX-65MZ2000 OLED TV: Design and Features

At first glance, the MZ2000 appears almost indistinguishable from its recent forebears. But while the design is familiar, behind the glass are a host of new cutting-edge features.

The MLA panel is the star of the show, leveraging tiny lenses to efficiently direct light from the panel, resulting in a remarkable leap in brightness without guzzling power. The numbers speak for themselves: the MZ2000 achieves peak HDR brightness of nearly 1700 nits with a 10% patch in Dynamic mode. This brightness soars even higher with a 5% window.

The key takeaway here is that the MZ2000 offers substantially more peak brightness than its predecessor, making it adept at handling a wide array of HDR content. Most streaming content is graded with a 1000 nit ceiling, so  the MZ2000 provides ample headroom to make every detail pop.

Additionally, Panasonic's HCX AI picture processor, known for its prowess in colour fidelity and shadow detail, ensures that this TV produces stunning visuals. Subtle near-shadow details and vivid HDR highlights come to life, creating an immersive and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

The screen, which sits on a swivelling centre pedestal, is available in three screen sizes, 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes.

Connectivity comprises four HDMI inputs, two of which are 4K 120Hz enabled. One of these is also the eARC connection. There’s also an optical digital audio output, AV mini Jack input, three USB ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a Common Interface slot.

In the UK, the set has a Freeview Play terrestrial tuner, as well as a twin satellite option.

When it comes to smart TV, the MZ2000 runs the latest iteration of Panasonic’s own My Home Screen OS. There’s also a more specific Game Control Board, for use when gaming. It displays frame rate, VRR, resolution and HDR status. You can assign this to the ‘my app’ button on the remote control, for quick access.

Panasonic TX-65MZ2000 OLED TV: Picture Quality

The MZ2000's picture quality is nothing short of exceptional. Its ability to handle intricate near-shadow details and HDR highlights is class leading.

Panasonic's innovative processing options, including a Streaming 4K Remaster algorithm, further enhance the viewing experience by automatically detecting streaming content resolution and improving noise and subjective detail. Visual artefacts, including banding, are noticeably reduced while watching various streaming services.

As expected from Panasonic, universal HDR support is on full display, including Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG, and HDR Photo. Both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive work seamlessly with the TV's colour-sensing light sensor to dynamically manage image parameters. The Filmmaker mode also receives an upgrade with ambient colour temperature sensing to match room lighting.

Panasonic TX-65MZ2000 OLED TV: Sound Quality

The MZ2000 boasts a 360°Soundscape Pro Dolby Atmos system, including an array of front, side-firing, and up-firing speakers tuned by sister brand Technics. The result is a combined power output of 150W, making it a match for any Dolby Atmos soundbar. This makes it an ideal choice for media room duties, or living spaces where home entertainment technology is best heard and not seen.

In addition to Dolby Atmos immersive audio, there are also sonic presets to make the most of different game genres, which is a welcome embellishment.

During setup, the MZ2000 will run through a Space Tune adjustment routine to EQ its output for your listening space. It’s worth noting that if you’re coupling it to an external subwoofer Space Tune does not affect that unit, so any corresponding adjustment needs to be made manually via the subwoofer adjustment menu.

The audio system also features beam steering, allowing you to direct audio from the front array for a more personal listening experience. While it's useful for news or chat shows, keep in mind that the sound becomes monophonic when this feature is engaged.

Panasonic TX-65MZ2000 OLED TV: Verdict

The Panasonic MZ2000 boldly sticks to a tried-and-true formula, but is still able to surprise. Its classic exterior might be indistinguishable from its predecessors, but inside, it's a whole new beast.

The MZ2000's Master OLED Ultimate panel, coupled with its powerful image processing, achieves a level of brightness and picture quality that's certain to impress even the most discerning viewers. But this isn’t brightness for brightness sake, there’s nuance and balance to its images too.

The inclusion of advanced features like the Streaming 4K Remaster algorithm, universal HDR support, and innovative audio technologies only solidifies its place as Panasonic's flagship OLED TV.

While some may lament the lack of radical design changes, it's hard to argue with the MZ2000's stellar performance. This is a superb OLED TV for movies and gaming.