Panasonic JZ980 OLED

The Panasonic TX-48JZ980B is a 48-inch OLED TV that offers exceptional picture quality and a range of advanced features at a competitive price. It supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, which deliver a filmic and immersive viewing experience. The TV is powered by Panasonic's HCX Pro AI Processor, which enhances the picture quality and ensures accurate color reproduction.

For gamers, the JZ980 is well-equipped with two 4K/120fps HDMI inputs, as well as VRR and ALLM game modes. This makes it an excellent option for gamers looking for a large-screen monitor with smooth and responsive gameplay.

One significant improvement in this model compared to previous versions is the support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. These formats dynamically adjust the picture parameters based on the content and ambient lighting conditions, resulting in a more optimized viewing experience.

The JZ980 has a sleek and minimalistic design with a gun-metal grey micro bezel and slim slot-in feet. It offers a range of connectivity options, including four HDMI ports (two of which support 4K/120fps), three USB ports, a digital optical audio output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

The TV comes with Panasonic's My Home Screen v6.0 smart platform, providing access to popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Rakuten TV. It also includes Freeview Play for catch-up TV and boxsets. The interface is user-friendly and navigation is snappy.

In terms of audio performance, the JZ980 has a standard speaker complement with 2 x 15W amplification, providing good sound quality. However, for a more immersive audio experience, it is recommended to pair the TV with external speakers or a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support.

Overall, the Panasonic TX-48JZ980B is an impressive OLED TV that offers high-end performance in a smaller size. Its advanced features, including support for multiple HDR formats and enhanced gaming capabilities, make it a top-notch choice for both movie enthusiasts and gamers alike. Additionally, its competitive price point makes it an attractive option in the market.

Preview of the official model Panasonic JZ980 OLED

A comprehensive look at the technical specifications of Panasonic JZ980 OLED

Why you should be excited about Panasonic JZ980 OLED

The most important key feature of the Panasonic TX-48JZ980B is its exceptional picture quality and advanced features.

• Support for multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, ensures a filmic and immersive viewing experience.
• The HCX Pro AI Processor enhances picture quality and detail depiction, delivering stunning visuals.
• Two 4K/120fps HDMI inputs, VRR, and ALLM game modes make it well-equipped for next-gen gaming consoles, providing smooth and responsive gameplay.
• Sleek and minimalistic design with a gun-metal grey micro bezel and slim slot-in feet adds a touch of elegance to any room.
• Panasonic's My Home Screen v6.0 smart platform offers easy access to popular streaming services and Freeview Play for catch-up TV, providing a seamless entertainment experience.

A breakdown of what we didn't like

The main downside of purchasing the Panasonic TX-48JZ980B OLED TV is its subpar on-board sound system. While it has Dolby Atmos pass through, it is recommended to pair the TV with an external soundbar or AV system for a more immersive audio experience.

Other potential downsides include:

1. Limited screen size: The TV has a compact 48-inch screen, which may not be large enough for those seeking a more immersive viewing experience or for larger living spaces.

2. Chunky design: The TV has a depth of 67mm, which may make it appear bulkier compared to other slim and sleek OLED TVs available in the market.

3. Limited HDMI ports: Although the TV offers four HDMI ports, only two of them support 4K/120fps. This may be a limitation for users who want to connect multiple devices that require high refresh rates.

4. Standard audio amplification: The TV has a standard speaker complement with 2 x 15W amplification, which may not provide sufficient audio quality for those looking for a more immersive sound experience. External speakers or a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support are recommended.

5. No mention of HDMI 2.1: The review does not mention whether the TV supports HDMI 2.1, which is a key feature for next-gen gaming consoles. This may be a concern for gamers who want to take full advantage of the latest gaming technology.

Overall, while the Panasonic TX-48JZ980B OLED TV offers exceptional picture quality and advanced features at an affordable price, its downsides include a subpar on-board sound system, limited screen size, chunky design, limited HDMI ports, and standard audio amplification.

To TV or Not to TV: Making an Informed Decision

The Panasonic TX-48JZ980B is an impressive OLED TV that offers exceptional picture quality and advanced features at a competitive price. Its support for multiple HDR formats and Panasonic's HCX Pro AI Processor deliver a filmic and immersive viewing experience. The TV's gaming capabilities, including 4K/120fps HDMI inputs and VRR game modes, make it an excellent choice for gamers. However, the on-board sound system may not provide the immersive audio experience some users desire, so pairing the TV with external speakers is recommended. Overall, the TX-48JZ980B offers outstanding value for its price range and is a standout option in the OLED TV market.