Appearance
Even when switched off, the new Panasonic OLED TV is a real eye-catcher. The display – typical for OLED – is only a few millimeters deep, and the delicate frame is almost negligible in the best sense. The elegant stand solution extends across the entire width of the TV, and there's a good reason for that – a powerful soundbar has been integrated, which we will come back to later. Unfortunately, the back doesn't quite keep up visually, but this only matters if the TV is intended for free-standing placement in a room. The cable management from the central part of the base is well designed.
Reference Picture Quality
We have already discussed the basic functionality (self-illuminating pixels) and advantages (rich color reproduction, perfect black) of OLED technology elsewhere on several occasions. So here we want to focus on the technological special features that the Panasonic TX-65EZW1004 boasts. First, the "Master HDR" OLED panel is worth mentioning, which is capable of producing an impressive brightness of up to 800 nits. A reminder: A common criticism of OLED panels is that while they produce rich colors and perfect black, they cannot keep up with current LED TVs in terms of maximum brightness – for example, in bright environments or when playing HDR material, which is not an entirely irrelevant factor. Such an argument inevitably falls flat with the TX-65EZW1004.
Furthermore, progress has been made at the lower end of the brightness scale. Due to the ability to switch off pixels completely, OLED TVs have always had an advantage in terms of black levels. However, displaying brightness levels just above complete black has been a challenge until now. Panasonic has addressed this with the so-called "Absolute Black Filter," which allows for better gradation in the lower brightness range and also makes the overall image display less susceptible to negative influences from ambient light.
The other features also underline the apparently high standard: The TX-65EZW1004 covers an impressive 98 percent of the DCI P3 color space and offers both ISF calibration settings and THX certification. For professional applications, special 3D Look-Up Tables can be used, and compatibility with SpectraCal's CalMan calibration system is also provided. Last but not least, the HCX2 processor processes both HDR standards HDR10 and HGL (Hybrid Log Gamma). Unfortunately, Dolby Vision is not supported, and we currently have no information about a future update.
Sound
We have already mentioned the soundbar integrated into the stand. Panasonic relies on the decades of experience of its subsidiary Technics, which is responsible for the "Dynamic Blade" sound system. A total of 14 drivers – eight woofers, four mid-range drivers, and two tweeters – ensure balanced and comparatively impressive TV sound. If desired, the soundbar can also simulate surround sound using corresponding algorithms. If sound output is via external components, the soundbar seamlessly integrates into the overall design of the Panasonic TV as a silent part of the stand. If the TV is to be wall-mounted, the stand construction can be completely removed.
Additional Features
The connections of the TX-65EZW1004 should also leave nothing to be desired. In addition to the four HDMI interfaces (4K 60/50p with HDCP 2.2, 2x side, 2x rear), there are three USB inputs (1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0), an Ethernet jack, two CI (Common Interface) and an SD slot, as well as a composite/component connection, an optical audio out, and a headphone output. The Panasonic Quattro Tuner allows for the reception of two signals via satellite, cable, or DVB-T2 HD, and also offers TV>IP, so that TV signals can be streamed wirelessly via the home Wi-Fi network to the Panasonic TV and other compatible devices using an appropriate TV>IP server. Furthermore, the TX-65EZW1004 supports the DLNA standard for transferring various media content to the device.
Access to all functions is via the intuitive "my Home Screen 2.0" operating system. Of course, the obligatory video-on-demand providers Netflix and Amazon Video as well as YouTube are available here. There are several options for navigating through the menus: Two remote controls are included (one with a classic button layout and a compact touch remote), which feel very high-quality and comfortable to hold. Furthermore, the Panasonic Remote App for iOS and Android is still available and turns a smartphone or tablet into a TV control center.
Final Thoughts
With the TX-65EZW1004, Panasonic has created an impressive OLED TV that is beyond doubt in terms of picture quality, offers a wide range of settings – including in-depth customization options for professional applications – and is absolutely convincing in terms of its other features. Also interesting are the two models without a soundbar, the Panasonic TX-55EZW954 and TX-65EZW954.
By the way: For our customers, we currently calibrate the Panasonic TX-65EZW1004 free of charge and also offer a 5-year warranty.
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