Panasonic introduces the Z90A series of OLED TVs with a built-in Dynamic Theatre Surround Sound system to address audio quality challenges in smaller TVs. The decision to include the soundbar across all sizes was based on customer feedback and research, aiming to offer superior audio without the need for additional setups.
Panasonic Introduces Dynamic Theatre Surround Sound System to Small OLED TVs
On May 15, 2024, Panasonic unveiled its new line of OLED and Mini LED/LCD TVs, including the Z90A series, during a demo event. The Z90A models, available in 42, 48, 55, and 65 inches, feature Panasonic’s Dynamic Theatre Surround sound system, a built-in soundbar designed to enhance audio quality.
Neil Loyd Meek, Panasonic’s head of digital training, explained that the decision to integrate the soundbar across all Z90A sizes was driven by customer feedback and extensive research. The soundbar, tuned by Technics, includes front-firing drivers and a built-in subwoofer, although it does not support Dolby Atmos or side-firing speakers.
The inclusion aims to address common audio shortcomings in smaller TVs, which typically struggle to offer robust sound quality due to their compact size. Previous models like the LG C3 and Amazon Fire Omni QLED have faced similar audio limitations. By incorporating the Dynamic Theatre Surround system, Panasonic hopes to provide a superior audio experience without requiring additional soundbar setups, catering to customers with limited space or cable management preferences.
The efficacy of this built-in solution compared to dedicated soundbars remains to be seen. Reviewers have historically found that separate soundbars, such as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), tend to outperform built-in audio systems. However, initial impressions from the demo suggest that the Z90A’s sound system could potentially offer a notable improvement in volume and low-end performance for its size category.
Further evaluation and comparative testing are anticipated to determine the true capabilities of Panasonic’s new audio integration in real-world settings.
(Alastair Stevenson, Editor in Chief at What Hi-Fi?, contributed to this report.)
