Panasonic OLED sets picture benchmark
PANASONIC’S newest OLED TV may not be as future-proofed as rival brands but it sets the benchmark for picture quality.
There are two 2018 models, in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes.
The flagship FZ1000U range is being marketed as the Premium 4K Pro display but the step-down FZ950U has the same video specifications – it just lacks the builtin Technics soundbar.
However, given the FZ1000U TVs cost up to $1000 more, the FZ950U is the better option if you already have a surround sound system or want to invest the spare change in a stand-alone soundbar.
It also looks smarter, with minimalist, no-frills styling and a flat, heavy, metal pedestal base that’s incredibly sturdy while minimising its footprint for easy placement. The FZ950U may not be as chic as other premium TVs but it’s solidly built and refreshingly simple to assemble on its stand.
The biggest bugbear is the positioning of the HDMI terminals, two of which poke out from the rear of the TV.
This limits how close it can be mounted to the wall, which is frustrating given the amazing slimness of the OLED panel.
It also renders useless the plastic panel Panasonic provides to cover the rear terminals if the TV sits out in the open.
The panel will conceal cable clutter only if you use the two HDMI ports that face out to the side – and that’s too few to accommodate what most people will want to plug in unless they hook up the TV to a soundbar or audio-video receiver via the ARC-capable HDMI port, which will expand connection options.
Panasonic is no longer shipping its awkward touchscreen remote control with its OLED TVs. Far superior is the upgraded conventional remote control, which feels luxurious, is well laid out with sensibly placed keys and a scroll wheel, and has a backlight for operating in the dark.
Other FZ950U features include my Home Screen 3.0, which isn’t as sophisticated as other operating systems but is easy to use and doesn’t crash; Bluetooth connectivity for digital devices and compatible speakers; Panasonic’s unique TV Anytime for accessing the FZ950U on a smartphone or tablet; and built-in Freeview OnDemand and Plex (for organising video, music and photo libraries).
However, there are two significant omissions: Dolby Vision, a superior colour format to the industry standard HDR 10, and Dolby Atmos, which projects audio overhead.
Neither is a deal-breaker but both are becoming more common on Netflix streams and 4K-UHD discs.
However, any future-proofing concerns are blown away by the FZ950U’s spectacular picture quality.
It uses a new processor that Panasonic claims delivers images that accurately convey what programme - and filmmakers intend - and it’s hard to argue this when viewing HD or 4K-UHD content (so long as you use the numerous Cinema, THX or Professional pre-sets).
While the TV capably upscales standard definition DVDs and TV broadcasts, it dazzles in the higher resolutions with a depth and saturation that’s out of this world yet resoundingly natural looking.
Skin tones are extraordinarily true to life, colours are rich but not exaggerated, and the exceptional contrast that only OLED can deliver is sublimely realised.
There’s none of the noise that can mar other displays, so the dense grain that characterises older movies on 4K-UHD is softened without sacrificing the original cinematic texture.
Motion and clarity also stand out when viewing one of the toughest sports to televise, golf: the ball never tears in flight and smearing of the greens when being putted on is minimised.
Panning shots across fairways and galleries also reveals the TV’s astonishingly ‘clean’ screen and motion handling excellence. There’s scant sign of uneven panel lighting, so no transparent vertical streaks to irk picture purists, and while judder’s not eliminated, it’s kept remarkably in check.
There’s slightly more banding than you’d expect in some blue-sky and deepocean footage but it’s subtle and sparing while the built-in 10-watt speakers sound surprisingly robust.
When the FZ950U was released, the 55-inch display cost $5500 and the 65-inch, $6500. But now they’re typically selling from about $4000 and $5300 respectively, which makes the FZ950U the best-value premium TV you can buy.