4K Is Front and Center in Panasonic's 2015 TV Lineup
UHD and smart features dominate Panasonic's CES docket.
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Panasonic has just divulged the details of its 2015 4K TV lineup—an announcement that includes nine total models, an updated Life+Screen smart platform, and a fully integrated search feature called Xumo Guide.
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Here's how the new series break down:
CX850 Series
The CX850 series is Panasonic's flagship for 2015, and will be available in both 55- and 65-inch models.
The 4K TVs in this series feature local dimming technology, a quad-core Pro chip for updated processing power, and at the time of publication, the series is pending THX 4K and Control4 certification. The 65-inch CX850 variant also covers up to 98% of the DCI P3 color space, while the 55-inch model covers 90% of the gamut.
Panasonic's best 4K TVs feature greatly expanded color and better color mapping fidelity.
Though all of Panasonic's 2015 4K TVs come with voice command remotes, the CX850 is the only series that includes Voice Assistant Pro. This upgraded version lets you speak to the TV itself, no remote control required.
CX800 Series
Next up is the CX800 series, which will be available in 55-, 60-, and 65-inch variants. These high-end UHD TVs also feature local dimming, though not as robust a system as their flagship CX850 counterparts. The CX800 series covers up to 90% of the DCI P3 color space and is also backed by a quad-core Pro chip.
Panasonic isn't giving up on 3D just yet, either. The CX800 Series supports 3D viewing, but it's worth noting that the CX850 flagship models do not support 3D.
CX650 Series & CX600 Series
Shoppers interested in the Panasonic CX650 Series will have their pick of 55-, 60-, and 65-inch screen sizes. This mid-range series is also powered by a quad-core chip, and the 65-inch model will cover 98% of the DCI color space.
Slotting in below the CX650 is the CX600 series, which will only be available in a 50-inch model. Though the CX600 lacks some of the bells and whistles of the higher-end TVs in Panasonic's 2015 lineup, it's still a 4K panel running on a quad-core chip, and it covers 90% of the DCI color space. Could be a great choice for users looking for a no-frills display.
2015 Life+Screen platform and Xumo Guide
Every 4K TV in Panasonic's 2015 lineup features an updated Life+Screen platform, powered by Firefox OS. Panasonic is promising a streamlined, easy-to-navigate interface that focuses on simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
The centerpiece of the improved platform is Xumo Guide, a service that allows users to browse and search for content across multiple apps and services. Xumo Guide also provides content recommendations based on a user's programming history, like many competing services. Time will tell if it improves on them in any notable way.
Panasonic announced one of the first ever native 4K/High Dynamic Range capable Blu-ray players.
Panasonic also unveiled a new Native 4K/HDR (High Dynamic Range) capable Blu-ray disc player, one of the first of its kind in the world. Check back to Reviewed.com for more coverage on Panasonic's 2015 4K TV lineup, and all the TV news from CES 2015.