At the top of the Japanese manufacturer’s Premium OLED TV range, the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E television aims to challenge the competition. To do so, it is equipped with a next-gen HDR 4K OLED panel (OLED Meta) calibrated by professional colorists from the film industry. It also appeals to gamers with its G-Sync and FreeSync compatible 120Hz 4K HDMI ports. How does it stack up against the best LG and Samsung OLED TVs?
The arrival of a new generation of high-end Panasonic OLED TVs always sparks excitement among lovers of beautiful images. This is especially true of the new Panasonic MZ2000 range, with its state-of-the-art Meta OLED panel, the same model that is used in the LG OLED G3 ranges. This series also has boosted brightness thanks to the billions of micro lenses. With the help of professional colorists working for leading film studios, Panasonic engineers have carefully calibrated it for optimal display of 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content.
Launched at €2,990 and currently available for €2,290, is the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E the best 55” TV available right now? Does its performance match that of its main rivals, the LG OLED55G3 and Samsung TQ55S95C?
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: accessories
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 television comes with its pivoting base and mounting screws. The box also contains the remote control with its two AAA batteries, user guides in several languages and a warranty card. Once mounted, the base ensures perfect stability on a TV cabinet and lets you swivel the screen 20° to the left and right. Note that the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 TV is VESA 300 x 300 compatible and can therefore be wall-mounted using a TV bracket (not included).
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: presentation
The Panasonic MZ2000 TV range is the Japanese manufacturer’s premium offer in which it combines all its image and audio expertise. Panasonic promises an “unparalleled immersive experience” thanks to “strikingly realistic images with improved brightness, a new generation of speakers and 120Hz 4K gaming via the HDMI 2.1 ports.”
OLED Meta panel, professional calibration
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E television measures 55”/139cm across and is equipped with an OLED Meta panel. The latter features billions of micro lenses that increase the brightness to optimize the display of HDR content.
A hallmark of Panasonic Premium TVs, the calibration of the panel is carried out in collaboration with professional colorists from Hollywood film studios. As a result, the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E offers exceptional picture quality, especially with the True Cinema and Filmmaker modes, which perfectly reproduce the filmmakers’ intentions.
It is also possible to calibrate this TV very precisely via a comprehensive settings menu. This Panasonic model also has a picture mode that is specifically calibrated for Netflix.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that the panels of the latest generation of TVs are sometimes like mirrors, but this Panasonic TV features a highly effective anti-glare filter that we found to be just as effective as that of the LG OLED65G3 and Samsung TQ-55S95C.
HCX video processor
The artificial intelligence-boosted Panasonic HCX Pro AI processor is tasked with the display of images on this television. The latter performs 4K upscaling of all lower definition sources to increase their precision and level of detail to achieve a result similar to native UHD. The HCX processor also converts SDR (standard dynamic range) images to HDR (high dynamic range) to produce more gradation in the darkest and lightest areas of the picture.
Year after year, Panasonic fine-tunes the image processing provided by its HCX Pro AI processor to obtain the most accurate and natural picture, whatever the source. Naturally, these parameters can be adjusted or deactivated to suit individual tastes.
Almost all HDR formats
When you subscribe to multiple streaming services and regularly watch films and series on 4K UHD Blu-ray, you want to be able to enjoy all 4K HDR image formats. The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E makes this possible, as it handles HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. This TV also uses its ambient light sensor to adapt HDR rendering according to room lighting, thanks to HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Vision IQ technologies.
Only gamers could possibly be disappointed by the lack of Dolby Vision Gaming support available on the Xbox Series X.
120Hz 4K, G-Sync, FreeSync Premium, Game Control Board
The Panasonic MZ2000 range should allow the Japanese manufacturer to catch up to the competition regarding gaming features. The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E is equipped with two 120Hz 4K compatible HDMI 2.1 ports to game with a high frame rate. They also support the VRR, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium functions that adjust the screen’s refresh rate in real time to match that of the GPU. Moreover, the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E is ALLM compatible and automatically switches to gaming mode when a recent games console is detected.
However, it is a shame that Panasonic has only equipped the TV with two HDMI 2.1 ports for 120Hz 4K gaming, when other models often have four. Some manufacturers, such as Hisense, TCL and Samsung go even further, with 144Hz 4K on their high-end televisions.
That said, this OLED TV stands out from competitors in a domain that has shaped the brand’s reputation for many years: image calibration. Panasonic is the first manufacturer to provide a picture mode specifically calibrated for video games (True Game mode). It promises to reproduce the visual atmosphere of your favorite titles as accurately as possible, while respecting their artistic aspects.
Last but not least, this 2023 Panasonic OLED television also offers a specific gaming settings interface. Named Game Control Board, it is similar to the LG TV Game Optimizer menu and the Samsung TV Game Bar 3.0. All the useful settings for players are superimposed on the image.
Dolby Atmos audio system by Technics
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000E TV can diffuse Dolby Atmos soundtracks with genuine 3D spatialization. To do so, it is equipped with a very effective 4.1.2-channel audio system designed by Technics, the high fidelity branch of the Panasonic Corporation group. As a result, you’ll find a true soundbar integrated under the screen, accompanied by two drivers placed on the sides for the surround effects and two upward-firing drivers for the vertical effects. Behind the screen, a woofer and two passive radiators reproduce the low frequencies.
Audio processing uses artificial intelligence to automatically adapt the sound to the type of content being viewed. Users can also perform an acoustic calibration to optimize spatialization and equalization according to room acoustics.
This TV also features several audio presets (standard / music / speech / stadium / FPS games / RPG games) as well as a customizable user mode.
Smart TV interface
The Panasonic MZ2000 OLED TVs feature the proprietary My Home Screen interface. The uncluttered interface features a simple row of icons at the bottom of the home screen to access the main online services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, YouTube and Molotov TV. The interface is hampered by the limited number of apps it offers, but it does win you over with its responsiveness and smoothness.
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: key specifications
- Master OLED Ultimate panel
- Luminance Booster
- HDR10+ Adaptive / Dolby Vision IQ
- Filmmaker mode
- Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube
- 120Hz 4K / G-Sync / FreeSync Premium
- 150-watt Dolby Atmos soundbar
- Swivel base
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: configuration
Once the base was mounted and the television placed on a TV cabinet, we connected the antenna to receive DTTV channels. We also connected the Magnetar UDP800 UHD 4K Blu-ray player using an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable to play 4K Blu-ray movies. Moreover, we connected the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 to the internet with a network cable and the Netgear Orbi RBK852 system. We also added a PlayStation 5 console and an AV streamer. Finally, the Taga Harmony PF-2000 power filter powered the TV and various sources via its filtered sockets.
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: impressions
Premium design
From the outset, this television impressed us with its all-black finish (including the stand). This gives it a premium look that sets it apart from many competing models, almost all of which have a silver frame.
Framed by very slim metal edges, the OLED panel occupies almost the entire screen surface, allowing the image to take up as much space as possible. The practical chassis is supported by a pivoting base that allows the TV to be turned 20° to the left and right. Panasonic is one of the few TV manufacturers to offer this option.
Remote control
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000’s remote control is identical to that of last year’s Panasonic LZ2000 TVs. We liked its high-quality brushed aluminum casing and the intelligent key layout. The top half features the direct access buttons for Netflix, Rakuten TV, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube, as well as the app store button.
Below these are the buttons for accessing the TV’s home interface and for navigation. To the right of the button for activating the microphone for voice control is the MyApp button. This can be set to launch any application of your choice.
The lower half of the remote contains controls for multimedia playback and TV recording, volume control and TV channel selection.
We only regret that Panasonic does not follow Sony’s example, who offers backlighting on the remote controls of its top-of-the-range TVs.
Connectors
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000’s connectors are all situated on the rear right-hand side of the TV. There are three HDMI ports, a powered USB port (for multimedia playback and TV recording), a mini-jack audio-video input, an Ethernet network port, an optical digital audio output and antenna sockets, all facing downwards. The fourth HDMI input, along with two USB ports, a mini-jack headphone/subwoofer jack and a Common Interface connector are located on the side.
Lastly, there is a clever clip-on cable management system: simple and effective.
Gaming
With the PlayStation 5 connected to one of the television’s HDMI 2.1 ports, we enjoyed a beautiful 4K picture and extremely smooth gameplay without latency or image tearing thanks to VRR. When racing, vehicle control is highly responsive. In adventure games, combat also benefits from the screen’s excellent responsiveness.
Panasonic has announced the presence of a new interface for managing settings dedicated to gaming, called the Game Control Board, on this TV. However, this interface is not immediately accessible, and there’s no dedicated button on the remote control by default. You have to look for it in the app catalog to activate it! You can then assign it to the My App button on the remote control for easy access.
The Game Control Board displays information on the content being played, such as definition, the color space and HDR data (MaxDML, MaxCLL and MaxFALL). It also controls image and sound modes, and activates several functions (ALLM, VRR, night vision enhancement, etc.).
Smart TV and USB playback
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 TV can access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, YouTube Music and Apple TV+. They are present on the home menu by default. It is also possible to add Arte, Molotov, Rakuten TV and several dozen apps from the dedicated portal. Unfortunately, some are missing, notably OCS and myCanal.
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 can also read multimedia content (photos, music, videos) saved on a USB stick or external hard drive. Note that external portable hard drives must be connected to the USB-1 port. This is the only port with a sufficient power supply (5V/900mA). The other two USB ports can be used with any USB flash drive. Folders are browsed via a basic interface offering smooth navigation.
The media player supports the most common video formats (MKV, H.264, H.265) as well as Dolby and AAC audio tracks, but not DTS.
4K HDR images
Support for all HDR formats ensures that you can enjoy the best possible image quality in 4K HDR streaming, whatever service you choose, as well as with all 4K HDR Blu-rays.
We also enjoyed Dolby Vision with The Rings of Power and HDR10+ with The Continental, two series streamed on Prime Video. We also treated ourselves to 4K Blu-rays of Gladiator (Dolby Vision) and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (HDR10).
With Dolby Vision content, pressing the Picture button on the remote control lets you easily switch between three picture presets: Dolby Vision Bright, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Vision Dark. The first is ideal during the day in a bright room, the second adapts the brightness and contrast of the picture depending on the ambient light, and the third is designed for viewing in the dark.
The image offered by the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 was rich and extremely nuanced, with excellent management of very bright areas. The extra brightness offered by the Meta OLED panel was superbly harnessed to reveal the richness of HDR images, without overdoing it. These images also benefited from the OLED TV’s ability to display absolute blacks, with a very wide range of nuances in the darkest areas. The result was an extremely accurate picture with natural, realistic colors.
4K upscaling
With the movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey on HD Blu-ray, the upscaling of this Panasonic television was very impressive. We enjoyed very detailed images with magnificent close-ups of the character’s faces.
With native HD TV programs, the results were also very good. We enjoyed a detailed and natural picture with recent shows and series.
On older low-definition feature films, the TV also managed to enhance image quality without the result appearing artificial. For example, we were impressed by the upscaling of Blake Edwards’ Operation Petticoat (1959) (Arte channel), which emphasized the smoothness of the image, without noise or exaggerated contours.
Immersive and customizable sound
While the image displayed by the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 impressed us, we were truly blown away by its audio section. With Dolby Atmos soundtracks, this television was able to provide very convincing spatialization. The effects were diffused both horizontally and in depth, as well as vertically. Without matching the performance of a true home theater system, the sound immersion was still excellent.
In addition, the low frequencies had a superb presence. The opening scene of Top Gun: Maverick on the aircraft carrier was incredible. The lows were formidably intense and impactful when required. Although the TV has a subwoofer output, at no point during this test did we feel the need to connect one.
The other advantage of this Panasonic TV’s audio section is its ability to focus sound on a particular listening area if desired. In fact, it can deliver most of the soundtrack in a sound beam that is more or less wide and that the user can direct as they wish. This can be very useful for watching a program when there’s noise in the room, without having to turn the TV volume up too high.
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: compared to…
Samsung TQ55S95C
This Samsung TV impressed us with its extremely slim design, which is made possible by its separate connector box. The image precision and color intensity also impressed us. The Panasonic’s more conventional design doesn’t take advantage of the slimness of its OLED panel: its profile is weighed down by its built-in audio system. Nevertheless, it makes up for it in terms of both image and sound, with a more nuanced and realistic 4K HDR picture, thanks to its optimal calibration, and incomparable sound energy.
The Samsung TV is still the one to beat when it comes to gaming with its four 144Hz 4K compatible HDMI ports, gaming hub and direct access to cloud gaming services.
LG OLED55G3
Equipped with the same OLED Meta panel as the LG TV, the Panasonic TX-55MZ000 offers more convincing results with 4K HDR content. Its very precise calibration offers a true cinematographic effect, with a remarkably accurate and realistic image. Unlike the LG, which sometimes seems a little excessive in terms of contrast and brightness, the Panasonic skillfully harnesses the qualities of its micro-lens panel and uses its very high brightness to good effect.
In terms of sound, Panasonic’s audio system is immersive, with impressive low-frequency performance.
However, the LG TV stands out with its more comprehensive gaming features (four 120Hz 4K HDMI ports, cloud gaming), support for DTS/DTS:X, Smart TV features (more apps) and extremely slim design.
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: who is it for?
The Panasonic TX-55MZ2000 will delight movie lovers looking to relive the experience offered by movie theaters with perfect contrast, vivid and realistic colors, as well as impressive sound immersion.
Panasonic TX-55MZ2000: conclusion
With the Panasonic TX-55MZ2000, the Japanese manufacturer has produced one of the best televisions currently available. A must-have for true cinematographic viewing at home, this TV perfectly harnesses the capabilities of the new OLED Meta panel. The result is superb picture quality characterized by ideally calibrated colors, extremely well-managed highlights and consistently high contrast and deep blacks.
The audio section is even more impressive than previous generations. The spatialization is highly effective and the Panasonic TV outperforms the competition in terms of energy and impact, with incredible bass. It is a shame that the manufacturer has once again omitted DTS.
As for gaming, the manufacturer’s efforts are commendable, and gamers will find this TV an ideal companion for their latest-generation video game console, or even their PC. However, Panasonic lags a little behind the competition, making do with two HDMI ports for 120Hz 4K video games, and offering no access to cloud gaming.
Last but not least, even if the Smart TV features are still not up to par with the competition, with too few available apps and services, it has the advantage of always being smooth and responsive. Those who want to can easily remedy this by connecting an Apple TV 4K or a Xiaomi Mi Tv Box S 2nd Gen.
We liked
- The superb 4K HDR picture quality
- The depth of the blacks and the high brightness
- The accurate and realistic colors
- The very effective soundbar
- The intense and deep bass
We would have liked
- More HDMI 2.1 ports for 120Hz 4K gaming
- Android TV (like the Panasonic MZ800 TVs)
- Backlighting on the remote control
