Panasonic Revives TV Dominance at CES 2025: Next-Gen Innovation Unleashed
Panasonic’s Z95B: The Best TV of CES 2025?
Panasonic’s return to the US TV market has been a welcome one, and their latest flagship OLED, the Z95B, has left a lasting impression on me. This TV is a formidable contender in the very premium and very pricey TV category, squaring off against Sony, LG, and Samsung.
The Panel
The Z95B uses the latest and greatest OLED panel from LG Display, featuring a new four-layer tandem structure that outshines last year’s LG G4 without the need for micro-lens array technology. This approach not only improves brightness but also reduces production costs.
Gaming and Sound
The Z95B offers support for gaming at up to 144Hz, making it a strong contender in this department. Additionally, it features a built-in Dolby Atmos speaker array, tuned by Technics, which results in a thick set of TV speakers. While this may not be ideal for those who prefer a sleek design, the audio hardware is sure to impress.
Design and Features
The Z95B boasts a classy design, with fabric sides concealing the side-firing and upward-firing speakers. It also features a revamped heat dissipation system, which should help keep the four-layer OLED panel in top shape over the long term.
Software
While the Z95B runs Amazon’s Fire TV OS, which may be a drawback for some, it’s not enough to sink this high-end set. Many users will likely opt for a separate streaming player, such as an Apple TV or Nvidia Shield, to access their preferred entertainment interface.
The Verdict
To me, the "best TV" of CES comes down to what kind of home theater experience it will provide. And Panasonic is already doing an impressive job keeping pace with Sony when it comes to delivering a living room centerpiece that nails both picture and sound. The Z95B is a must-see for anyone in the market for a premium TV.
Key Specifications:
- 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch sizes available
- OLED panel with four-layer tandem structure
- Support for gaming at up to 144Hz
- Built-in Dolby Atmos speaker array
- Revamped heat dissipation system
- Fire TV OS
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge