Following Panasonic’s flagship JZ2000 establishing itself as the new reference OLED at senses.se, we now turn our attention to its sibling, the JZ1500(E), for an in-depth examination. This panel, sharing several characteristics with the JZ2000, has been engineered with a focus on gaming, image quality, and affordability. It’s available in 65-inch, 55-inch, and 48-inch sizes, with reports suggesting the smallest variant exhibits slightly reduced brightness compared to its larger counterparts. This review will concentrate on the 55–inch model.
The sheer size of the box upon a new TV’s arrival is consistently striking, a fact immediately understood upon unboxing. The screen boasts a remarkably slim profile, measuring a mere 5 mm at its thinnest point and extending to a maximum of 65 mm in the lower section, which houses the speakers and inputs.
The immediate impression is one of a High End product. Lifting the TV from its packaging requires careful handling. Mounting options include wall installation (bracket sold separately) or using the included stand. Opting for the stand, the JZ1500 was easily positioned. Attaching the stand involved a cover plate which initially presented a minor puzzle, quickly resolved by consulting the detailed instructions. The stand offers rotation, enabling optimal viewing angles.
A closer look at the rear panel reveals recessed inputs, facilitating flush wall mounting without cable obstruction. However, accessibility to these connections is limited once mounted, emphasizing the importance of pre-planning. The unit features four HDMI inputs, two of which (1 and 2) support high-speed HDMI 2.1. Additional connectivity includes a network port and two CI+ slots for TV-box integration. For audio output, an HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port allows connection to a home theater amplifier for surround sound from all sources. Alternatively, the amplifier can serve as a switch, a common workaround due to current limitations in comprehensive HDMI 2.1 support. Optical and subwoofer outputs are also provided.
Powering on the unit reveals a substantial and well-designed remote control. Dedicated shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime video are welcome additions, reflecting common usage patterns. A shortcut to Japanese Rakuten TV is also included, though its relevance for the Swedish market seems limited. A Disney+ shortcut would have been a more practical choice for this region. An “app” button grants access to the TV’s native smart platform (refer to the JZ2000 review for further details), providing relatively quick access to Disney+.
Image and sound settings
The JZ1500E allows for independent configuration of sound output, image, and color settings for each input. Connecting the Xbox Series S to one HDMI 2.1 port and a UHD player to the other facilitated swift image calibration. For the Xbox, Game Mode was selected, enabling ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for minimal latency, albeit with a slight compromise in image processing. The color palette shifts towards a somewhat more pastel/vivid rendering, a minor trade-off outweighed by the enhanced responsiveness crucial for gaming.
For UHD content, Filmmaker mode naturally takes precedence, delivering optimal color accuracy and contrast while disabling potentially detrimental “image enhancement” features. Noise reduction and Intelligent Frame Creation were also disabled, preserving the intended cinematic experience.
Having largely abandoned traditional television broadcasting in 2002, revisiting channel setup felt somewhat anachronistic. Nevertheless, the JZ1500 streamlines this process, enabling effortless channel organization. Integration of a TV box provides seamless access to conventional television and pay channels.
The primary focus of evaluation centers on two key areas: movie playback quality and the performance of high-resolution gaming at high frame rates. With the previous reference display lacking Dolby Vision support, its inclusion here is of particular interest.
Dolby Vision, Dolby’s dynamic HDR technology, enhances contrast and color reproduction, adding further refinement to an already exceptional picture. Achieving a superior image quality is difficult to envision. The near-bezel-less design maximizes screen real estate, with the image extending virtually to the edges. The TV supports the HDR formats HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+. Dolby Atmos support and surprisingly capable integrated speakers contribute to a clear and nuanced audio experience. While lacking deep bass response due to the JZ1500’s slim profile, the inclusion of a dedicated Subwoofer output addresses this limitation. This provides a cost-effective alternative to dedicated surround sound systems. Subwoofer levels are easily adjustable within the menus, and audio settings, like image settings, can be customized for each input.
Gaming at 120 Hz
Beyond Dolby Vision, the JZ1500 boasts full 120Hz support, unlocking the potential of current-generation consoles capable of 120fps (120 frames per second) output. Xbox Series and PS5 consoles benefit from this capability without requiring specific TV configuration; the Xbox automatically configures optimal settings. While Game Mode remains the preferred setting, a convenient quick menu provides access to essential settings without navigating the full menu system.
Experiencing 120fps gaming proved to be transformative. The fluidity of motion is remarkable. Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 served as initial test titles, and the enhanced responsiveness and visual clarity are immediately apparent. The absence of lag and flicker, combined with a crystal-clear, high-resolution image, elevates the gaming experience significantly.
After what felt like a brief session, a notification appeared indicating 30 minutes of gameplay. The Panasonic JZ1500 includes a built-in Game Mode function that tracks play time. While this feature can be disabled, its usefulness in monitoring gaming sessions is undeniable.
A window situated directly behind the viewing position presents a challenging lighting scenario. Despite direct sunlight impacting the panel, image visibility on the JZ1500 remains unaffected. OLED technology, with its self-emissive pixels, mitigates the impact of ambient light more effectively than traditional LED displays. Panasonic’s proprietary control chips and cooling further enhance brightness compared to other OLED panels sourced from LG Displays. This translates to vibrant colors and strong contrast even in brightly lit environments. Conversely, in complete darkness, the ability to fully extinguish individual pixels results in exceptional black levels. LED screens, with their constant backlight, often render dark areas as grayish.
To prevent image retention from static elements, the Panasonic JZ1500E incorporates an effective pixel shifting system, minimizing the risk of permanent burn-in.
Further solidifying its gaming credentials, the JZ1500E includes features designed to optimize 4K gaming. AMD FreeSync™ Premium certification ensures optimal performance with AMD hardware. Game Mode Extreme automatically optimizes settings and is recommended for games utilizing HFR (High Frame Rates) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
VRR dynamically adjusts the display’s refresh rate to match the incoming frame rate. While imperceptible during consistent frame rate video playback (e.g., 24 or 25 fps movies), VRR becomes crucial during gaming. Fluctuations in frame rates are common due to varying game optimization and hardware demands. VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing and judder often perceived as lag, particularly when frame rates drop below the target.
Other features JZ1500
The JZ1500E integrates Google Assistant, enabling voice control via a straightforward setup process. Activating voice control via the remote’s dedicated button and microphone initiates a somewhat surreal experience. Beyond basic functions like internet searches, app launching, and volume adjustment, Google Assistant can also provide information and humor. While its essentiality is debatable, it serves as a functional and potentially entertaining feature.
Improvements to streaming media buffering are also evident on the JZ1500. Despite intermittent internet connectivity, streaming content played more consistently with fewer resolution drops. Instead of fluctuating resolution, the image occasionally cut out completely while audio and subtitles continued, a less disruptive compromise.
Bluetooth support facilitates direct connection of headphones, enabling compatibility with any Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones, circumventing platform-specific limitations.
A customizable screensaver feature is also available, accessible via a dedicated remote button or through scheduled activation.
JZ1500 – Summary
Beyond its elegant design, the JZ1500E stands out as one of the top-performing televisions evaluated. The picture quality is exceptional, and extensive customization options allow for precise tailoring of the viewing experience. The JZ1500E will serve as a reference display for future color correction and grading work. Its seamless integration and performance also make it ideal for both console and PC gaming. The 55-inch screen size does not feel significantly smaller than the 65-inch display in another room. The combination of 120 Hz/fps, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos provides an immersive experience, with all features functioning immediately upon setup. While the Ok Google voice control may be considered a non-essential feature, it adds a degree of functionality. Panasonic’s intuitive menus and customizable settings for each input, combined with two HDMI 2.1 ports, further enhance usability. In conclusion, the Panasonic JZ1500E is an outstanding OLED TV for both gaming and movie enthusiasts.
The initial cost may appear to be the only drawback. The 55-inch model carries a recommended price of approximately 23,000 SEK, with the 65-inch version priced 6,000 SEK higher (though both can be found at lower prices, with the 55-inch currently available for around 16,000 SEK). Competing OLED TVs may be available at lower prices, or in larger sizes, but the overall quality does not match that of the JZ1500E. This represents OLED technology without compromise, making it a worthwhile long-term investment. The features and image quality ensure years of performance, even amidst technological advancements. Therefore, the JZ1500E earns a resounding recommendation.
Panasonic provided the unit for this review. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence.
