(Pocket-lint) – Panasonic has announced its first new TV for 2021 – the Panasonic JZ2000 OLED TV.

However, it won’t be available until early summer, so you might want to snap up a bargain on 2020’s models instead. They are still available and often at a discount.

Here then are the Panasonic TV highlights for 2021, including some of the excellent sets already available through numerous retailers.

One thing to note on model numbering if you’re browsing Panasonic TVs: J equals 2021, H equals 2020, G equals 2019 and so on – something to watch out for when you come to buy. Also, model numbers can change depending on region, the TV tends to be the same but the number might be slightly different, so that’s also something to take into account.

Panasonic OLED TVs

Panasonic

Panasonic JZ2000

• Available from summer 2021
• Screen sizes: 65in, 55in
• OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Atmos

The flagship OLED TV for 2021 was announced during the all-digital CES 2021, so we haven’t managed to get our hands on one yet.

However, it is confirmed to come with the same top-end Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel as 2020’s HZ2000 (below), yet with HDR10+ Adaptive added for good measure.

Like Dolby Vision IQ, this is a HDR technology that not only changes the colour signature depending on each scene, it takes into account your ambient lighting to present colours and contrast in exactly the format the director intended.

The JZ2000 also embraces gaming with more vigour than ever before, with 4K 120Hz support over HDMI 2.1 and variable refresh rate (VRR) technology on board.

Panasonic

Panasonic HZ2000

• Available now
• Screen sizes: 65in, 55in
• OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos

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Until the JZ2000 becomes available this summer, the HZ2000 is the flagship OLED TV in Panasonic’s range.

Like the latest model, the 2020 stunner supports Filmmaker Mode to present movies as their directors intended, and Dolby Vision IQ, which adjusts the HDR picture settings automatically, depending on the viewing conditions.

The set is also built around Panasonic’s Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel. That effectively means it is capable of high peak brightness, while retaining the deep black levels OLED tech is well known for.

Audio also gets a big boost at this end of the range, with 360-degree Soundscape Pro surround built into the set itself. This includes five speaker units with two upfiring speakers at the top to give you the extra height channels for Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

• Panasonic HZ2000 TV initial review

Pocket-lint

Panasonic HZ1500

• Available now
• Screen sizes: 65in, 55in
• OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos

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One step down from the HZ2000 and you still get highly impressive specs in this 2020 set, including Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ and the proprietary HCX Pro Intelligent processor.

The panel is slightly different – the Master HDR OLED rather than Pro Edition – and the audio is a little less bombastic. However, you still get upward firing speakers built into the top of the TV for Dolby Atmos height channels, plus front-firing speakers and a central subwoofer at viewer height for some incredible, immersive sound.

In all other respects, this is as near to the flagship model as you like. With Alexa and Google Assistant support thrown in for good measure.

• Panasonic HZ1500 4K OLED TV review: Serious about sound

Pocket-lint

Panasonic HZ1000

• Available now
• Screen sizes: 65in, 55in
• OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos

The HZ1000 retains the Master HDR OLED panel of the HZ1500 but drops the audio to a regular sound system.

You still get the Filmmaker Mode with a dedicated button on the remote that will put your screen into industry-selected picture settings that best suit movie content, while Dolby Vision IQ choose the best images depending on the ambience and light in your viewing room.

The base also features a swivel design, so you can move it to be face-on to multiple viewing positions. But, as its OLED it’ll also have super wide viewing angles anyway.

Panasonic LED TVs

Pocket-lint

Panasonic HX940

• Available now
• Screen sizes: 75in, 65in, 43in
• LED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos

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The current top-end LED TV in Panasonic’s lineup is the HX940 – at least until the J-series sets are announced later this year. It comes with a 100Hz panel and HCX Pro Intelligent processing.

In addition, it supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, plus HLG for TV broadcasts in HDR when available, and can pass through Dolby Atmos when connected to a capable sound system.

The HX940 comes with Local Dimming Pro Intelligent tech that allows for better black levels in dark scenes, thanks to multi-zoned control over the backlight. While the Home Screen 5.0 smart TV platform gives you all the latest streaming apps and customisation options for you to put the ones you use the most front and centre.

• Panasonic HX940 4K TV review: Elevated imagery

Pocket-lint

Panasonic HX800/820

• Available now
• Screen sizes: 65in, 58in, 50in, 40in
• LED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos

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The Panasonic HX820 and HX800 are effectively the same LED TV, except the 820 is available exclusively through John Lewis in the UK. You might find it has a different stand or bezel colour.

It drops the picture processor down to the HCX (not Pro) but you won’t notice much in practice, we feel. You also get the HDR Bright Panel Plus technology and Local Dimming technologies from Panasonic, rather than advanced versions found in the 940.

4K HDR standards are all still supported at this level, with HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG Photo – which was introduced with the 2019 range below.

Dolby Atmos is also supported, although you will need a decent, compatible sound system to get the most from it.

• Panasonic HX800 4K TV review: Hitting that cinematic sweet spot

Writing by Rik Henderson and Chris Hall.