XXL TEST: Panasonic TV-42Z90A – Visually stronger OLED television with top features in 42 inches?

September 27, 2024 (Philip Kind)

Panasonic surprised us this year with a reorientation of its OLED TV range. All premium models in 2024 will no longer rely on Panasonic My Home Screen for their operating system, although many convenience functions of the specially developed software will still be used in the televisions, but on Fire TV. The manufacturer will combine the extensive variety of apps and intuitive operation with the first-class image quality that Panasonic has stood for for many years.

In addition to the flagships Z95A and Z93A, these premium models also include the new Z90A. The OLED TV is available in 42, 48, 55 and 65 inches and comes with a lavish equipment package. Flexible streaming entertainment and easy handling are covered by Fire TV and complemented by Panasonic’s proven Penta Tuner and the HbbTV Operator app for convenient live TV reception. Gaming is also a focus. Extremely low latency, True Game Mode and the Game Control Board are worth mentioning here. Of course also the 144Hz refresh rate, VRR as well as G-Sync compatibility and the AMD FreeSync Premium certificate. Gaming in HDR including Dolby Vision Gaming is also supported.

High computing power is required for both graphically demanding gaming and generally high-quality audiovisual representation. The new chipset HCX Pro AI Processor MK II is intended to provide the current Panasonic top models with the best colors, the best contrast and the best image sharpness. If you want, you can use AI-based technology to automatically recognize the television and have the picture and sound automatically adjusted accordingly. An ambient light sensor checks the brightness and also the current color temperature in the room to ensure the most natural image possible in every situation.

The compatible HDR formats are excellent. Multi HDR format again ensures versatility. The Z90A easily handles both HLG and HDR10 as well as the current dynamic formats HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Vision with Precision Detail. There is also Filmmaker Mode and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode.

Sound quality is also a focus at Panasonic: Dynamic Theater Surround Pro is intended to provide immersive sound in the living room and offers various sound modes and Dolby Atmos support. A total of 30 watts of power is available here.

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The Panasonic TV-42Z90AE9 is available at a price of 1,999 euros (RRP).

processing

Excellent detail processing in the lower area

Smart integrated speaker system

Here is the left area

Visual disadvantage: The Panasonic is too deep

Here you can clearly see the “belly approach”.

Lower area

Finish the back in detail

Frame

High quality stand

Stand viewed from behind

The smallest representative of Panasonic’s Z90 series is impeccably manufactured. The device is characterized by a narrower frame, even small gaps all around and a generously sized metal stand. The back of the panel is also made of metal, but is almost completely covered by the plastic cover that monitors all of the Panasonic TV’s electronics. The plastic has a structured surface and feels quite nice. The panel is of course extremely narrow, but overall it has a fairly impressive overall depth of almost 7cm. When set up freely, the TV doesn’t look quite as elegant and even if you plan to place the compact TV on your desk for gaming, for example, you’ll have to bring a correspondingly large table or allow for more distance from the wall – the overall depth is around 13.5cm stand for this.

The back is of course also monitored by the connections. These are neatly integrated and also appear robust. The cover at the back of the stand might give the impression that there is a cable management option. However, that is not the case, at least here with the 42-inch device. The television is clearly better viewed from the front, but Panasonic isn’t breaking any new ground when it comes to its appearance. No unnecessary edge around the panel makes it appear beautifully simple; the audio system is added in the lower area in the form of a soundbar-like bar. The drivers are covered by a metal grille in anthracite gray.

The remote control also sticks with the tried and tested. A large, classic remote control has numerous direct access keys, the navigation cross is not missing and there is also space for the number keys at the bottom due to their size. The remote control is made of plastic with a silver surface with a polished aluminum look. In terms of feel, this is completely fine, the buttons actually appear to be of quite high quality thanks to their light rubber coating and the pressure point also impresses with clear feedback. Two AAA batteries are required for operation.

Connections

Connections in general view

Impeccable equipment

Practically and typically, the Z90A is equipped with a total of four HDMI ports. All are designed as HDMI 2.1 and are mounted on the side or downwards. Gamers should use inputs 1 & 2 for PC or game console, as only here is the maximum possible refresh rate of 144Hz at 4K and VRR available. There are also three side-mounted USB interfaces, 1x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0. A headphone output and an optical digital output are also integrated and of course there are connections for the flexible tuner from Panasonic. An Ethernet slot is a must, but the television can also be integrated into the network via WLAN and Bluetooth is available for wireless audio signal transmission.

• On page 2 we continue with the setup and handling of the Fire TV operating system in the Panasonic TV-42Z90A with many menu screenshots

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Tags: 4K OLED TV • TV • OLED Ultra HD TV • Panasonic