Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG will all be supported on every set in this guide, down to the JX800, while Dolby Atmos audio will stop at the JX850. The JX940 is Panasonic's premium LCD TV for 2021. Available in 75-inch, 65-inch, 55-inch, 49-inch sizes, it has the same HCX Pro AI Processor as the new OLED models and includes the full complement of HDR adaptive technologies, as well as Auto AI, Game Mode Extreme and VRR support. Dolby Atmos support delivers room-filling stadium sound from the JX940. In addition, it features an innovative iteration of Panasonic’s flexible pedestal design *² . When the pedestals are placed in the outer position, it raises the TV up slightly to allow for a soundbar (such as Panasonic’s design-matching HTB490 model) to be placed below it, further enhancing the audio performance. Thanks to their Hollywood tuning and superb colour accuracy, Panasonic TVs have always been the best choice for viewing movies and high-quality TV series. In 2021, guided by its See it all. Feel it all concept, Panasonic is using this expertise to further improve the immersive viewing enjoyment of sports, gaming, streaming, and all other content.

Last year Panasonic TVs were missing several key streaming apps at launch, and despite updates, Disney+ still won’t be included in 2021, although Panasonic says it is “in discussions” with Disney to rectify this. The introduction of the new HCX Pro AI processor in Panasonic’s higher-end sets means that Panasonic has now brought its previous generation HCX processor down to core models such as the JX800 series. So now even these sets will have access to the vast wealth of Panasonic colour science expertise. Colour-wise there’s plenty of realism here too. Deadpool’s suit is a convincing dirty red – not too crimson and with plenty of variation. Equally, the skin of the henchman’s forearm is a genuine, though not particularly healthy, pinky-white.

This Dolby Atmos-enabled TV is fitted with a pair of standard 10W speakers, but what comes out is more impressive than most. It’s no match for even an entry-level soundbar, which we would still highly recommend, but Panasonic has tuned this limited audio equipment with a sensible balance. Now up to its fifth iteration, Panasonic’s My Home Screen smart platform has proved remarkably resilient – especially since we had a feeling it might give way to the Android OS early on. But Panasonic has made small incremental tweaks, retaining its inherent simplicity while improving usability, including some new contextual menus to help search and curate content. However, basic functionality is unchanged. The Home screen is easily customised, so you can add a favourite streaming service to the default button trio of Apps, Devices and Live TV, or put a connected physical device front and centre. This fuss-free approach can easily be enjoyed by family members simply looking for an easy life.

Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notification. Internet connection is required with smart functions. As with previous generations of the 2000-series, one of the main features of the JZ2000 is its integrated speaker system with front- and upward-firing drivers as well as a rear-mounted subwoofer. Panasonic has added a pair of side-firing speakers to make the sound even wider and more room-filling. A new On Timer allows users to schedule a time when the TV will automatically switch itself on, while users can also pre-select a favourite channel, or which HDMI input they want to display. Alternatively, the TV can also show the new my Scenery feature. The 65-inch and 55-inch models don’t have a swivel stand to let viewers angle the screen freely, featuring a fixed pedestal instead, and the 48-inch has the same adjustable feet as the JZ1000 version. The JZ980 will be available from June 2021.

Picture presets comprise Dynamic, Normal, Cinema, True Cinema, Custom and Sport. For most content, the Normal mode shows the panel off to best advantage. For movies, we’d suggest True Cinema over the regular Cinema preset, which is just too muted for its own good. Panasonic’s edge-lit LEDs still sometimes leak a bit of light close to the edge of the frame and the whole panel could be a little better shielded from its light source. This is simply the shortcoming of mid-range, edge-lit TVs, though. The only way to get beyond that with Panasonic is to make the significant step up to the company’s OLED range. The fact that this is the only place we notice the compromise is credit to what Panasonic has done here.