Verdict
A superb OLED TV , the Panasonic MZ1500 dazzles with a smart , vivacious HDR performance , its audio organisation provides heft to soundtrack , and its gaming features rival that of LG . There are areas where rival television receiver inch it , but overall , the Panasonic TX-65MZ1500 puts in a marvellous performance .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
2023 is Panasonic ’s most aggressive ravishment on the TV grocery store in several years with five OLED boob tube that offer up a range of options for viewing audience to tuck into .
The Panasonic MZ1500 is the step - down OLED from the flagshipMZ2000 Micro Lens Array example . Unlike previous long time , there ’s no performance parity in terms of the cover , but fundamentally the MZ1500 packs the fantabulous CRT screen from theLZ2000 , and unlike the MZ2000 it ’s easier to mate this TV with a levelheaded arrangement of your own pick .
Given Panasonic ’s apparent aggressiveness , does the MZ1500 ’s public presentation prognosticate well for the rest of the chain ?
Design
When it follow to aesthetics , you may bank on a Panasonic OLED looking the same yr in and class out . The bezel that encase the TV is passing thin and barely seeable from a seat stance .
Assembly is quick and easy , a case of make out the stand in with the four ply screws . It took me about 90 second to put the TV together .
The sales booth can swivel , which is useful for avoiding limelight , and the fundamental pedestal does n’t require a big piece of Ab furniture to sit on , though the width of this 65 - inch television will ultimately dictate where it ’s come in .
The Panasonic MZ1500 can be wall - mounted though the bulk at the bottom of the rear control board means it would n’t ride flush against a wall .
At the bottom of the front screen is a strip that point the TV ’s talker , but more on that in the ‘ Sound Quality ’ section .
There ’s an accessory to avail filter cables through that attache to the tie-up . It feels slight at first and fiddly to put together but once affix it does n’t move – or at least it did n’t over the path of testing .
My Home Screen 8.0
Panasonic has introduced Android video and Fire telly to its UK models , but for its OLED orbit it has stick around with the tried and tested My nursing home Screen , now in its 8thversion .
It ’s exceedingly uncomplicated to use . Press the ‘ Home ’ clitoris and up come a double - stacked row of apps – pay - for apps on the bottom , UK catch - up and on - demand on top . contract ‘ Apps ’ and that launch the main screen for access code to more apps .
The selection is n’t as swell in turn as Samsung Tizen or LG webOS , but Panasonic seems contentedness with its smaller program library , focusing on home entertainment with the like ofNetflix , Disney+ , Prime Video , Apple TV+ , YouTube , and Rakuten TV . Sports and medicine are n’t as thorough with a few notable apps in DAZN , YouTube Music , andDeezer .
Freeview Playintegration ( for UK customers ) brings a hub that ’s home to an electronic programme usher ( EPG ) , loge sets , ‘ recommend ’ pick , and an area for programming you ’ve ‘ favourited ’ .
Press the ‘ Menu ’ release and up springs a customisable row of setting ( picture , sound , vigour rescue , vox ascendency , etc ) . Head to ‘ Main Menu and that opens the full menu experience , and I ’ve always like that the verbal description of each setting is clearly explained .
The ’ my Scenery ’ routine is accessible via the app section . It work out likewise to Samsung ’s Ambient Mode , providing a relaxing soundscape replete with idyllic images or videos , some of which support Dolby Atmos audio recording . you’re able to lend your own pictures and video from a USB control stick .
The remote control is unchanged from the redesign of a twosome years back . Panasonic only supplies one and it is bountiful and hefty – it ’s unlikely to get lose between the cushions – but it ’s easy to use with clicky buttons responses and nimble access buttons to Netflix , Prime Video , Disney+ , Freeview Play and more .
Features
Panasonic ’s made big steps to woo the play crowd and there are more features than before .
gambling latent period has n’t changed since theJZ1000model I review a few year ago . I mensurate stimulus stave on the 65MZ1500 at 14.3ms , which is quick than theSony A80Lbut slower than the LG C3 andSamsung S95C.
Its support for 4K/120Hz andVariable Refresh Rates(VRR ) does mean input lag can be slim down further for quick gameplay . microcomputer gamers are catered for with financial support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G - Sync , which improves colour performance , latency , and image stability . Auto scummy response time mode recognize when a console or play microcomputer is connected and cast the 65MZ1500 into its low-pitched latency .
The Game Control Board is a series of customisable setting approachable during gameplay , showing HDR and VRR preferences among other details . There ’s also a Game Sound mode that optimize the idiot box ’s output for RPG or FPS game , and a True Game modality that playact like film producer mode to pop the question the most exact colour reproduction .
There ’s built - inAmazon Alexaand ‘ Works with ’ Google representative control when a speaker system such as theNest Audiois connected . A lineament that ’s gone under the radar is the Multi Window function where you could check two sources simultaneously ( just like Samsung ’s Multi View ) .
Connectivity consists of fourHDMI input – HDMI 1 & 2 are rated to the 2.1 touchstone , but one is thehigh caliber audio eARCport for sound systems . That means customers involve to choose between either ingest both inputs for a gambling console / PC ; or using it to stop up in a sound system .
Three USB port , Ethernet , CI+ 1.4 slot , analogue video stimulation , digital audio outturn , aerial and satellite ports , plus a headphone output ( switchable to subwoofer ) are provide . Wirelessly there ’s Wi - Fi and Bluetooth , and with the latter you may air audio to tv set via Bluetooth or link the Panasonic MZ1500 to a healthy system via the Audio Link function . Chromecast is not hold up .
Picture Quality
All the main HDR formats are patronage , from HLG and HDR10 toHDR10 + Adaptiveand Dolby Vision IQ . The latter two adapt the MZ1500 ’s performance in sorry and brilliantly lit rooms , so the looker can see all the detail they ’re mean to .
Peak smartness is in high spirits . I measured theFilmmaker modepreset at 1153 nits on a 5 % window and 1140 nits on a 10 % windowpane . Other modes hit around 1000 nits , with Normal and Game mode range from 860 to 960 nits .
catch series 2 of Foundation on Apple TV+ and the first few episodes show a wide variety of both saturated and elusive semblance . With HDR content , the Panasonic MZ1500 takes a balanced access to applying luminosity – highlights such as candles burning and firework exploding have great impact , bring about an excellent sense of contrast when coiffe against the TV ’s rich black level .
The high levels of luminance help the set ’s colour volume functioning , account colours with more assortment and hues . compare to a ( 55 - column inch ) Sony A80L , the two are evenly pit in picture terms , but the reds of the gown bear by the Foundation priest are brighter , while the blue of a sky contain on paler spectre , although snowy tones are managed with more brightness on the Sony .
Skin tones are handled with a plenteous , warm look , though I tend to favour the A80L ’s more natural look . That said , the two television are evenly equalise but for the higher brightness on the Panasonic .
It ’s the inclusion ofDolby Vision IQthat widens the public presentation between the two TVs . keep an eye on in a brilliantly lit test room , the Sony often edges out the Panasonic with more seeable dark detail in the shots of the silo from the Apple TV+ series of the same name .
change by reversal the lights off and the MZ1500 depicts black-market levels with more depth and impressiveness – the Sony look moisten out by comparison – and there ’s an abundance of point in dark scenes that slips past the A80L. A dark scene towards the end of Silo ’s 2d episode and I can see much more of the space Juliet is in , as well as the outline of her human face and her facial features . On the Sony it ’s tough to see .
The HDR10 + Adaptive performance is just as dynamical as Dolby Vision with Wonder Woman 1984 . There ’s a wonderful sense of line in the July 4thfireworks conniption , the coloration of Wonder Woman ’s costume is rich and bold , highlights are intensely portray ( such as Diana ’s Lasso of Truth ) . Whichever HDR is on show , it ’s often a gorgeous depend 4 green HDR image .
Stepping down to HD and received definition , and there ’s slew of clarity in an upscaled Blu - ray of Independence Day . It looks sharp and fix but never to the item of being overly processed . Colours are natural - looking , skin pure tone are varied – the impression the Panasonic MZ1500 give is one that ’s rightful to the source . all right detail is excellent , direct contrast is adorable – the film simply look great .
Another interesting note is how similar the colour performance is across several manner ( at least with SDR subject matter ) . Colour temperature and brightness vary , of course , the nerveless temperature of ‘ Normal ’ and ‘ Dynamic ’ modes is noticeable , but the TV does n’t basically alter the flavor . It ’s a very consistent image .
With a DVD of X - Men 2 , the first impression is that it ’s not spoiled for a 576i persona on a 65 - inch 4 K screen . There ’s noise but it ’s managed well – whatever processing is hold is gentle enough . people of color are wide - ranging and confidently described ; complexions are overnice – perhaps a petty too fond but varied so it does n’t palpate like Panasonic is applying a affectionate filter to everything .
Fine detail is plain miss – I can see it ( or lack thereof ) in the Strand of masses ’s hair but the motion-picture show , in Filmmaker mode especially , looks good than I expected .
As usual , Panasonic offers a range of options within its IFC ( Intelligent Frame Creation ) feature when use gesture processing . I ’d recommend skipping ‘ Max ’ and ‘ Mid ’ option .
Viewing the scene in The Northman where a village comes under Viking attack , there ’s judder as presently as the Vikings commence running with some illustrious jitter and flickering . ‘ Mid ’ is less excessive but it ’s the ‘ Min ’ alternative that ’s the smooth and most natural .
It ’s the same close drawn from a 4 potassium Blu - electron beam of 1917 . The ‘ Max ’ setting features too much judder as the soldiers take the air through the oceanic abyss and across No Man ’s Land , and there ’s noise as the television camera passes nigh - field physical object . ‘ Taiwanese ’ smooths out the 24fps ‘ stutter ’ of film just enough without incurring any disturbance or judder . I find it the most stable , smoothest , and clearest of all the options .
Sound Quality
Panasonic read it ’s yield the MZ1500 ’s 50W Dynamic Theatre Surround Pro audio system a bass boost over the LZ1500 , and while it wo n’t rival a subwoofer for depth or a soundbar in term of size of it , it tally a actual thud and heft to soundtrack .
The beats of the tympan in The Northman ’s Atmos soundtrack are thunderously tacky , while with Elvis ( 4 K Blu - ray ) , there ’s genuine biff and system of weights to the percussion of the photographic film ’s melodious performances that gives them life , dynamism , and energy that ’s sorely missing with the Samsung S95C andLG G3 OLED .
When a bomb go off in 1917 and a oceanic abyss break down , the TV does well to describe the massiveness and great power of the view without skimping on particular or clearness .
The Sony A80L ’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound organisation is sharper , crisper , and visualize phonation from the filmdom better , however . The MZ1500 does n’t get as loud as the Sony can but is still loud for a goggle box . Around or above volume level 60 and it catch a little too lively ; the TV emphasises baron at the disbursement of subtlety .
Though this system of rules support Dolby Atmos , do n’t expect sound to surround your viewing emplacement . duologue and sound effects match their placement on screen , and it is a roomy soundstage . A soundbar could ameliorate things but I do n’t call back you ’ll postulate to rush out for one . Compared to the flagship MZ2000 , it ’s easier to add an external audio frequency system .
Dialogue is warmly conveyed though it ’s not the sharpest . Viewing the Gom Jabbar sequence from Dune , the MZ1500 could use an extra troy ounce of clarity to report dialogue . When Jessica recount the Litany Against Fear , there are a few sentences I could not charm no matter what sound mode the TV was in .
Curiously , when watching The English on iPlayer in the TV ’s ‘ stock ’ audio modality , it ’s much crisper in note . negotiation slides towards being edgy , heavily , and at meter sibilant . It ’s likely more to do with the series ’ stereoscopic picture track , but it ’s odd that it only occurred in iPlayer .
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Should you buy it?
Impressive upscaling , a better play functioning than the Sony A80L , and a terrific HDR characterisation . The MZ1500 edges out its closest rival for motion-picture show character .
Shopping in this region of the food market is n’t chintzy , but theLG C3,Sony A80LandSamsung S90Ccost less , and Panasonic OLED TVs do n’t often leave out in Mary Leontyne Price as much as their competitors .
Final Thoughts
There ’s something ‘ unquestionable ’ about the Panasonic MZ1500 ’s image performance . It ’s an completed organic light-emitting diode in every regard . The HDR image is terrific , the speech sound system brings superpower and bass to soundtracks , while the design and voguish interface are both simple and approachable .
Yes , the selection of apps is limited but if you ’re into house cinema all the independent ones are covered . TheLG OLED65C3offers a ( slenderly ) quick input meantime and tout more premium gambling feature , but the MZ1500 traverse most if not all the bases . The support for only two 4K/120Hz may be deadening to those with more than two HDMI 2.1 sources , but 4K/120Hz is still rarely supported in play .
A fly in the ointment is the Panasonic launched later than its competition and receive a higher asking price . So even though the Sony XR-65A80L ( £ 2899 / $ 2299),Samsung QE65S90C(£2799 / $ 2599 ) , and LG OLED65C3 ( £ 2899 / $ 2600 ) launched at exchangeable prices , they are a few hundred pounds brassy at the time of review .
You may feel you ’d not require to gamble on the Panasonic , though for its all - round performance , the Panasonic TX-65MZ1500 is deserving cash in in your chip for . Check out ourBest TVlist for more options .
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We prove every television we review thoroughly over an extended period of clock time . We utilise industry received mental testing to compare feature properly . We ’ll always tell you what we find . We never , ever , accept money to review a mathematical product .
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FAQs
The MZ1500 organic light-emitting diode supports Dolby Vision Gaming , but only up 4K/60Hz compared to the LG C3 OLED that back it up to 4K/120Hz .
