Calibrated by professional colorists, the large, 65” Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 television provides high peak brightness for better viewing of HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content. The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000E incorporates two 4K 120 fps, ALLM, VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium compatible HDMI 2.1 connectors to optimize responsiveness and smoothness with next-generation video games. The Technics Dolby Atmos soundbar integrated under the screen is accompanied by four speakers around the screen for lateral and vertical sound effects.
Priced at €3,990, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000E is, according to the manufacturer, “the best choice for watching movies and TV series in high quality.” Should the competition be concerned?
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: packaging & accessories
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 comes with a swiveling stand plus mounting screws, a remote control, two AAA batteries, user manuals in several languages and a warranty card. The pre-cut cardboard box makes it easy to take out the stand and then the screen. Once mounted, the stand guarantees excellent stability on a TV cabinet. Note that the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is VESA 300 x 300 compatible and can therefore be mounted on the wall with a TV wall mount (not included).
Contents of the box:
- Television
- Stand
- Stand screws
- Back cover for the stand
- Remote control
- User manual (4 languages)
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: presentation
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is a 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) television with a 65” screen. Its professional Master Edition HDR OLED display is calibrated by a professional film colorist to ensure that the image perfectly matches the studio masters. The Luminance Booster technology allows it to deliver higher peak brightness than the Panasonic JZ1500 and Panasonic JZ1000 OLED TVs. All current HDR formats are supported, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, with exceptional contrast levels and plenty of nuance in both dark and light areas of the picture.
HCX: Hollywood Cinema eXperience
For many years, Panasonic has worked closely with film professionals through the Panasonic Hollywood Library, which is responsible for color grading many movies during the pre-mastering phase. Panasonic OLED TVs are used alongside professional monitors because they have excellent color accuracy. The result of this collaboration, the professional OLED screen of the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 benefits from an extremely precise calibration which allows it to display colors of an unequalled realism, in particular through its True Cinema and Filmmaker Mode modes which are ideal for movies.
Dolby Vision IQ / HDR10+ Adaptive
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000’s Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG compatibility allows the viewer to enjoy a very wide dynamic range with video content shot in HDR. This Panasonic OLED TV goes even further by offering HDR upscaling for all sources, including dynamic HDR upscaling (frame by frame contrast and brightness optimization) for “static” HDR sources (HDR10, HLG). The TV’s ambient brightness sensor also allows it to adjust the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision display according to the brightness in the room.
Artificial intelligence
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 incorporates the Panasonic HCX Pro AI Processor which performs, among other things, the upscaling of HD sources to Ultra High Definition and the HDR conversion of content that was not shot in a high dynamic range
Optimized for video games
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000E has four HDMI 2.1 connectors, two of which are 4K 120 FPS compatible for optimal smoothness with a next gen video game console or high-performance graphics card. They are VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium compatible, offering an optimal refresh rate that matches that of the GPU, with no tearing or lag as the screen reacts instantly. ALLM compatible, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000E TV automatically switches to video game mode when a next gen console is detected.
Technics & Dolby Atmos
The Technics audio section includes an integrated soundbar under the screen, two lateral surround speakers on the sides, and two vertical effects drivers at the top for Dolby Atmos (ceiling reflection). A headphone output is also present, switchable to a subwoofer output, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for listening to content with wireless headphones.
Smart TV
In addition to its HDTV, cable and satellite tuners with a USB recording feature, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000E offers several online entertainment services via its Internet connectivity: Deezer, YouTube, Molotov, Rakuten TV, Prime Video and Netflix among others. The Plex Media Player application is also available for playing files shared over the local network.
The interface is intuitive but the range of available apps is rather limited compared to Android TV: Disney+, Apple TV and many others are missing!
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: key specifications
- Professional Master Edition HDR OLED display
- Luminance Booster
- HDR10+ adaptive / HDR10 / HLG / DolbyVision IQ
- HCX Pro AI processor
- Technics 125W Dolby Atmos audio system
- Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube
- 4 x HDMI 2.1
- 4K 120 fps, VRR, FreeSync Premium
- Swiveling stand
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: configuration
For our review, we connected the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 television to a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player using an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable to play HD and 4K HDR Blu-ray movies. We also connected it to the local network using an Ethernet cable to enjoy the highest possible bandwidth while streaming. We also connected an antenna cable to enjoy TV programs. The television was powered using one of the Taga Harmony PF-1000 v2 power strip’s filtered sockets.
Once the TV is turned on, the user is asked to choose the language and country before going through the various installation processes: connecting to the Internet, installing applications, searching for DTT channels and calibrating the audio system. It takes only a few minutes for the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 to be operational.
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: our impressions
Design
Visually speaking, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is similar to its predecessor and differs only with its rounded stand. Its OLED display takes up almost the entire surface of the screen, framed by a thin, very discreet metal border, leaving a maximum of space for the image.
The soundbar integrated under the screen has the same dimensions but is now accompanied by drivers dedicated to lateral and vertical surround sound effects that are integrated on the back of the TV (the lateral drivers on the sides, the vertical drivers on the top). A driver dedicated to low frequencies is also present on the back of the TV.
The connectors are located on the back of the TV. They include three HDMI connectors (two of which are 4K compatible at 120 fps), a powered USB port, a mini-jack AV input, an Ethernet network port, an optical digital audio output and antenna sockets, all facing downwards. A fourth HDMI connector, a headphone jack and a common interface are also present on the side of the TV.
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 introduces a new remote control with more direct access keys for supported streaming services. It is disappointing, however, that it isn’t backlit and that the direct access button for the picture mode is right next to the on/off button: be careful you don’t accidentally turn the TV off when trying to change the picture mode!
4K HDR
The calibration of the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000’s OLED display by movie professionals makes sense when watching 4K UHD movies in HDR. With Ridley Scott’s first Alien movie remastered in 4K HDR10+, the Panasonic TV delivered impressive images. The intensity of the black, the rendering in the highlights and the ability of the screen to offer very rich colors brought a new dimension to this movie that we enjoyed rediscovering. The wide dynamic range allowed us to fully appreciate the work on the lighting, which gave the interior of the Nostromo an increasingly oppressive atmosphere.
The 4K HDR10+ Blu-ray version of The Shining demonstrated once again the ability of this TV to brilliantly serve the greatest classics of cinema. The costumes of the various protagonists and the hotel sets were beautifully reproduced with ideally saturated colors. The extension of the dynamic range and the new 4K scan of the original 35mm film allowed us to fully enjoy Kubrick’s movie and take in all its visual richness, many details and exceptional photography work. We weren’t disappointed!
HD to 4K upscaling
To test the 4K upscaling quality of the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000, we first watched Batman: The Dark Knight (Blu-ray 1080p) with the upscaling and image enhancement functions disabled on the 4K Blu-ray player.
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 performed a very efficient upscaling, increasing the definition while keeping a cinematographic smoothness to the image. We noticed more details without any artifacts in the outlines.
The result was remarkable with TV programs. The Panasonic television had no trouble upscaling programs broadcast in 1080i definition, offering a picture that was precise, detailed and soft, without overemphasizing contours and textures. The images were realistic with natural colors.
Game mode
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 has an input lag of less than 15ms in game mode and supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) technology. It is also VRR compatible and supports AMD FreeSync Premium technology. The refresh rate of the OLED screen is therefore in line with that of the GPU of the video game console or PC, resulting in a very smooth, extremely responsive display without image tearing.
Space Tune sound calibration
In order to offer the most effective immersive surround sound possible, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 TV offers a specific calibration process called Space Tune, which adjusts the sound according to the TV’s location. Two options are available: either you indicate if the television is mounted on the wall or placed on a piece of furniture and placed in a corner. Or you can perform a calibration similar to that of A/V receivers, based on a series of measurements made with the microphone on the remote control.
Immersive sound
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 TV’s Technics audio system is compatible with Dolby Atmos audio tracks and offers three-dimensional spatialized sound that is very effective. With both the Ford v Ferrari and the Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker soundtracks, the sound effects were diffused extensively from both sides of the screen as well as vertically. It wasn’t as precise as the sound offered by in-ceiling Atmos speakers, but the vertical dimension was definitely present. The sound spread out effectively with a nice feeling of immersion as a result.
The lows were very satisfying for a TV, allowing us to enjoy explosive soundtracks without being frustrated. Those who want a more punchy sound can connect a subwoofer to the TV for a more energetic soundstage without the hassle of an A/V receiver and multiple speakers. It’s a shame, however, that this TV doesn’t support DTS audio formats, either via HDMI or USB.
Overall, the audio section of the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is convincing and allows you to avoid buying a soundbar. However, a real Dolby Atmos home theater system connected to the HDMI ARC connector of the TV will provide a wider and more precise spatialization.
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: Smart TV
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 television can access Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube which are present by default in the home menu. You can add Molotov, Rakuten TV and a few dozen applications from the dedicated catalog. It’s a shame that Disney+ and Apple TV+ are missing… The proprietary my Home Screen interface (version 6.0) is simple and intuitive, but it shows its limitations compared to the competition, especially in terms of available applications.
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 can also play content shared by other devices on the network (photos, music and movies) thanks to the DLNA protocol. You can navigate by browsing the shared files of a computer or a NAS connected to the same network. The interface is basic but the navigation is smooth.
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: compared to…
LG OLED65C1
Brighter and more efficiently calibrated, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is more at ease with HDR content, in both the highlights and dark areas of the image. The result is globally more convincing with movies, with cinematographic-like images. The Dolby Atmos-compatible Technics soundbar delivers effective immersive sound with a vertical sound field that gives substance to the listening experience, but a width that is a little less pronounced than with the LG TV. The latter does better in terms of Smart TV functions with more available applications and services.
Samsung QE65QN95A
Mini-LED backlighting and QLED technology allow the Samsung QE65QN95A to display very bright and well contrasted images with rich colors. The brightness peaks are higher than those of the Panasonic, but the blacks, although close to OLED technology, aren’t quite as impressive. Very comfortable with 4K HDR content (HDR10+ and HLG), the Samsung TV also suffers from the absence of Dolby Vision but makes up for it by decoding DTS and DTS:X audio tracks. Always convenient, the remote box containing the connectors is also one of the Samsung QE65QN95A’s assets. Finally, the price is a strong argument in favor of the Korean model, sold for €1,200 less!
Sony XR-65A90J
The Sony XR-65A90J does a little better in terms of upscaling thanks to the Cognitive Processor XR, but we preferred the slightly softer approach of the Panasonic TV whose colorimetry is also more accurate. However, the Google TV interface of the Sony far outperforms that of the Panasonic which, despite the progress made each year, is incredibly dated… As for the sound, although the Sony Acoustic Surface Audio technology is still effective in reproducing voices, we preferred the Panasonic’s spatialization which offers a more immersive sound overall.
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: who is it for?
The Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is designed for movie lovers who want to experience all the emotion of theaters at home with an extremely high-contrast image, vivid and realistic colors, and convincing sound immersion.
Panasonic TX-65JZ2000: conclusion
In our opinion, the Panasonic TX-65JZ2000 is the best television currently available, all technologies considered, to enjoy a truly cinematic result at home. The new professional OLED display outperforms the previous generation in the highlights while maintaining the depth in the blacks. The colors are intense, nuanced and realistic.
The Technics audio system offers a rich sound, an effective Dolby Atmos spatialization and rather convincing lows. It is just a shame that DTS isn’t supported.
Only the Smart TV function can really be criticized, with a pleasant but outdated interface and too few applications and services available compared to the competition. However, the addition of a set top box like the Apple TV 4K can rectify this shortcoming.
We liked
- The exceptional rendering of HDR content
- The accurate colors
- The Technics Dolby Atmos audio section
We would have liked
- A richer app catalog
- For the remote control to have been backlit
- A more modern user interface
