Panasonic X-55LZ1500

John Archer rates Panasonic's step-down OLED TV as an unmissable bargain for anyone who already has an immersive sound system

- John Archer

WWW.PANASONIC.CO.UK/£1,799

RIVAL OLED MANUFACTURERS are really getting started with new types of high-brightness panel designs, but Panasonic has been at it for years with consistently great results. A catch has been that the brand's hardware-enhanced OLED TVs have tended to pile on the (Great British) pounds.

The previously reviewed (and adored) LZ2000 model (55in reviewed in HCC #334), remains near the top of the price ladder, yet there's a more affordable option for AV fans who want the same cutting-edge picture quality for way less money.

To be clear, the LZ1500 series again represented here by a 55in model - carries exactly the same picture bells and whistles as the LZ2000s, meaning one of the latest high-brightness 'EX' OLED panels; a heat sink so the screen can run more brightly without increased risk of permanent image retention; support for both dynamic HDR formats; and the newest iteration of Panasonic's HCX Pro Al processor, which includes a new tweak to unlock more peak brightness.