Reviewing Panasonic MZ2000 TV . Panasonic’s OLED TV lineup consistently delivers exceptional picture quality, boasting impressive black levels, intricate contrast, and vibrant colors. Their high-end OLED models even excel in sound quality, making them an all-encompassing choice. Recently, I had the chance to evaluate a 2023 Panasonic OLED.
In my review of the Panasonic MZ2000, I was truly impressed by its picture quality. It stood out with its incredible detail and captured the dark, gritty essence of movies like The Batman flawlessly. The built-in sound of the MZ2000 was equally remarkable, delivering power, directness, and immersive audio.
As I continued to explore the MZ2000, I began to wonder if it might be the OLED TV of the year, or perhaps even the ultimate TV. However, my excitement waned when I delved into the smart TV software, revealing a significant letdown.
Significance of intuition is unmistakable
My Home Screen 8.0, the embedded smart TV platform in the Panasonic MZ2000, starkly contrasted with its premium features. Navigation proved clunky and often exasperatingly slow. The delay between input and on-screen response was conspicuous.
Furthermore, the settings menus, albeit abundant in options for fine-tuning, appeared outdated. While the versatility was appreciated, the aesthetics were less so. Adjusting settings for extended periods should be a visually pleasing experience, not off-putting.
Diving deeper into the menus beyond picture and sound exacerbated the issue. The network settings and connections menus seemed reminiscent of Windows XP, perhaps even Windows 98. It felt out of place for a premium OLED TV, out of touch with its standing among the best TVs available.
Panasonic MZ2000 TV: Draw lessons from others
While no smart TV platform is flawless, some do shine. Take webOS 23 on LG TVs, including the LG G3, a Panasonic MZ2000 competitor. During my test, webOS 23 proved user-friendly, with live menus for on-the-fly settings changes. Quick Cards help you organize apps by type, ensuring effortless navigation and swift command processing.
Another noteworthy platform is Roku TV, lauded even on a budget set in our Roku Plus Series review. It excels at putting everything upfront and accessible, a crucial trait for a smart TV. The Panasonic MZ2000 prioritizes customization, but it must avoid becoming overly cumbersome to realize its potential.
Smart TV platforms like Tizen, Google TV, and others have their merits and flaws. However, based on my experience at NewForTech and prior AV retail work, Panasonic’s consistently ranks as the least impressive.
In conclusion
The Panasonic MZ2000 remains an exceptional TV. Its picture, sound quality, and gaming performance are truly remarkable. It comes tantalizingly close to being the perfect TV, yet the bothersome smart TV platform hinders its full potential.
As of now, the 55-inch Panasonic MZ2000 is priced at £2,699. While it might have justified this cost if flawless, competitors like the LG G3 at $1,899/£1,899/AU$3,695 or the Samsung S95C at $1,599/£1,599/AU$3,995 for the same size offer stiff competition. The MZ2000 must excel in every aspect, including its smart TV software, to justify its higher price tag.
If Panasonic addresses the smart TV software in future OLED models, it could become a formidable contender, offering the complete package. For now, the Panasonic MZ2000 is an excellent choice for those who enjoy tweaking settings, provided they possess ample patience.
