Panasonic has made a triumphant return to the US TV market with its latest flagship OLED TV, the Z95B, which has left a lasting impression at CES 2025. The company, known for its high-quality plasma sets in the past, has proven that it can still hang with the likes of Sony, LG, and Samsung in the premium TV category.

The Z95B boasts a top-tier OLED panel from LG Display, featuring a new four-layer tandem structure that surpasses the brightness of last year's LG G4 without the need for micro-lens array technology. This new approach not only achieves better results but is also cheaper to produce. The TV will be available in three sizes: 55 inches, 65 inches, and 77 inches.

In addition to its impressive panel, the Z95B also offers support for gaming at up to 144Hz, making it a strong contender in the gaming space. Although LG and Samsung have stepped up their game to 165Hz this year, the Panasonic TV still holds its own. The audio tuning of the Z95B has been handled by Technics, another Panasonic brand, which has resulted in a built-in Dolby Atmos speaker array that is sure to impress.

The TV's design is also noteworthy, with fabric sides that conceal the side-firing and upward-firing speakers, giving it a classy and sleek look. However, the inclusion of the audio hardware does make the TV slightly thicker than its competitors. Nevertheless, the built-in sound system is likely to be so good that many users won't need to bother with a separate soundbar.

One potential drawback of the Z95B is that it runs on Amazon's Fire TV OS, which has been criticized for its ad-heavy interface. However, for those who primarily use an external streaming device, such as an Apple TV or Nvidia Shield, this may not be a significant issue. Additionally, the TV's cooling system has been reworked with a new heat dissipation technique to ensure the longevity of the OLED panel.

In a crowded market dominated by Sony, LG, and Samsung, Panasonic's return to the premium TV category is a welcome development. The company's focus on delivering a high-quality home theater experience, with both excellent picture and sound, is sure to resonate with consumers. With more competition in the market, consumers can expect to see further innovations and improvements in TV technology.

As the TV market continues to evolve, with companies like TCL and Hisense setting new expectations for budget-friendly options, Panasonic's return is a reminder that there is still room for premium brands to shine. The Z95B is a testament to the company's commitment to delivering high-end products that cater to those willing to invest in their next big upgrade.