Panasonic TX-65CZ950 could be the most colour-accurate OLED TV yet
Panasonic returns to OLED technology with the TX-65CZ950, which was developed in partnership with Hollywood colourists
After a string of prototypes and concept devices, the closure of its plasma TV division and a commitment to LED backlighting, it looked like Panasonic had all but given up on OLED displays. Anyone that can appreciate picture quality will be pleased to hear that this is no longer the case; Panasonic just revealed the TX-65CZ950, a 4K OLED TV that it says has the best colour accuracy of any OLED display.
The curved 65in display has a 3,840×2,160 resolution 4K OLED panel, which was developed in partnership with Hollywood colourist Mike Sowa to ensure colours remained as accurate as Panasonic’s top-end plasma and LCD panels. Using a modified version of the 4K Studio Master Processor found in current LCD 4K TVs, the levels of colour and black gradation are apparently much higher than in competing sets. A 3D Colour Lookup Table takes magenta, cyan and yellow into account as well as red, green and blue, meaning a potential 8000 registery points to adjust colour calibration in the factory.
This accuracy means the CZ950 is the first TV to be certified as THX 4K compliant by the film specialists, and the True Cinema pre-set should mean films look incredible straight out of the box. The set is even compatible with 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) footage, which should mean incredibly bright, lifelike whites but equally deep and dark blacks.
An all-aluminium stand makes the CZ950 look every bit the premium TV it is, and Panasonic clearly thinks it doesn’t deserve to get dumped into the corner of a room. The rear of the set is covered in alcantara, meaning you should be able to put it anywhere and appreciate the design from all angles.
Perhaps most importantly is the fact the TV actually has a release date. Anyone disappointed by Panasonic’s feet dragging over its prototypes a few years ago will be very happy to hear they will be able to buy a CZ950 in October. Unfortunately there’s currently no word on price, however, and with OLED TV prices as they are right now we’re expecting something in the region of £3,000-£5,000 for the 65in model revealed today.
Either way, we’ll be taking a much closer look at the CZ950 later this week once IFA kicks off in earnest.