IFA 2015: Panasonic's first 4K OLED TV promises Absolute Black

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The TX-65CZ950 promises "deeper blacks" than Panasonic plasmas, boasts HDR compatibility and THX certification - and it has been tuned and approved by a Hollywood colourist.

Panasonic has come sprinting out of the blocks at IFA this year, announcing its first 4K OLED TV, the 65-inch TX-65CZ950.

Following in the footsteps of the LG 55EG960V, Panasonic is promising a class-leading level of performance from its latest addition to the 4K Pro premium TV range, which joins the CX800 and CR850 sets.

While 4K resolution screen and OLED technology are the headline-grabbers, there's support for HDR technology, too - a type of 4K content, driven by the likes of Netflix, that looks set to become increasingly popular.

It's the first 4K OLED to be THX certified, having been through "over 400 laboratory tests" to receive the THX badge.

MORE: Panasonic TX-65CZ950 hands-on review

It also has the Hollywood seal of approval, the picture having been tuned and approved by Hollywood colourist Mike Sowa.

The TX-65CZ950 will include a True Cinema picture setting mode should you want to get the Hollywood treatment (Sowa's settings) at the touch of a button.

Panasonic has long stressed its ties with Hollywood and the people behind the movies, thanks in part to the long-running Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

Panasonic is promising "even deeper blacks than Panasonic's legendary plasma TVs, while also avoiding the picture noise associated with plasma technology."

Absolute Black is the name Panasonic applies to its deeper-than-ever black levels, which it says will master the tricky step from complete darkness to a level of just above.

Seeing "just what the director intended" is again a theme, with Panasonic claiming that only its new 4K OLED will deliver all of the necessary low-light detail.

MORE: 4K TV - everything you need to know

Inside the 4K OLED is the 4K Studio Master Processor engine, plus Accurate Colour Drive and Absolute Black Gradation Drive picture technology, to help deliver on that promise.

Last but not least, the Panasonic CZ950 features a design inspired by high-end furniture. It comes with an aluminium pedestal stand, slim profile and gently curved back cover that's upholstered with Alcantara (an artificial suede substitute).

The Panasonic TX-65CZ950 4K OLED TV is set for release this October and will cost, wait for it, around 10,000 euro (£7350).

We expect to hear more from Panasonic, and about 4K TV, as the rest of IFA 2015 unfolds...

MORE: OLED TV - everything you need to know

See all our Panasonic news and reviews

Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).