When you have a home cinema speaker package that is centred around some five-star stereo standmounts, it makes sense to make as much use of them as possible.

That is why, for this premium cinema set-up, we have married the KEF Q Concerto Meta speaker package with Arcam’s AVR5 AV amplifier.

The system

• Projector: Epson EH-LS9000 (£2999 / $3999 / AU$7299)
• Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB820 (£349 / $550 / AU$849)
• Streaming box: Apple TV 4K (£199 / $150 / AU$299)
• AV amplifier: Arcam AVR5 (£1499 / $1999 / AU$3995)
• Speaker system: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 (£2549 / $4050 / AU$5650)
• Total system price: £7595 / $10,748 / AU$18,092

The AV receiver

Arcam puts sound performance as the main selling point of all its amplifiers, not merely bunging as many features into the box as possible to appeal to its buyer. More features means the potential for more issues with sound, and that is not an acceptable compromise for the brand.

That single-minded insistence on sonic ability is also why the Arcam will power only seven channels of amplification. It will process up to 12 channels of Dolby Atmos, but you’ll need to add external amplification to drive those extra channels, should you want to do so.

What it will do here, though, is provide a brilliant 5.1 experience – and should you want to take advantage of those Dolby Atmos capabilities (which we would urge you to consider) you can invest in a pair of KEF’s Q8 Meta Atmos toppers. Then you would be using the Arcam amp to drive a 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos system, without the need for extra external amplification.

Importantly, you would also have an impressively musical two-channel option as well, removing the need for a separate stereo set-up. If space is at a premium, this is a neat solution that should suit most people really well.

A glimpse at the images at the top of this page reveals that this is a substantial set-up, though. And more than seven grand is quite the outlay, of course. But consider that this is a system that can cover both stereo and home cinema – and perform both with aplomb – and things don’t seem quite so eye-watering.

It is, however, a set-up that requires a dedicated space. This is serious home cinema, after all, so a permanently plumbed-in projector and screen, and a room that can be made dark, should be your first aim.

Assuming you have the appropriate space to accommodate it though, this set-up is simply stunning value for money.

The nimble, surefooted Arcam can handle movie scores and sound effects with impressive ability. This really is an impeccable musical performance, and it’s one that can go really very loud without seeming to feel the strain.

The speaker package

An impeccable musical performance can apply equally as well to the KEF speaker package, of course – no great surprise with the five-star stereo abilities of the Q Concerto Meta standmounts that perform the front left and right channel duties.

It’s not all about that pairing, though. The KEF Kube subwoofer holds its own, with a powerful and dynamic low-end kick, and the Q1 Meta surrounds, despite being smaller than their front-channel siblings, certainly don’t let up on a movie as far as sonic scale goes.

No, this package puts in a truly impressive surround-sound display, putting us squarely in the centre of any movie action, while also revealing the subtle abilities of its centre channel by making dialogue pin-sharp and clear.

The projector

While the sound is a massive part of any home cinema experience, it would all be for naught, of course, without a brilliant 4K picture to do it justice.

Which is where the projector comes in. A Best Buy in the What Hi-Fi? 2025 Awards, the Epson EH-LS9000 is, for us, the top performer in its category.

It may not have a native 4K resolution, rather getting to its 4K image via pixel-shifting, but that technology, far from being the red flag it might once have been, has proved time and time again to be capable of producing brilliantly sharp and detailed picture quality. And so it proves here.

The Vivid preset (perhaps surprisingly – certainly unusually) is the setting that, for us, makes the most of the LS9000’s specification and processing. It produces a picture with quite exceptional vibrancy and three-dimensionality without making things look forced or veering drastically away from cinematic intent.

As we say in our review: “Playing Thunderbolts on 4K Blu-ray… we’re instantly struck by the sharpness and detail of the image. There’s an awesome solidity and depth to the picture, which is particularly impressive at the 100-inch scale of our screen, and you almost feel as if you could reach into the image and poke the little figures in the distance.

“Colours are both vivid and natural, and the shading is excellent: the sky over the desert fills the top third of the image and blends beautifully from very light blue on one side to a deeper, more vibrant blue on the other.”

The Blu-ray player

Talking of blue, we would urge you to invest in physical media for a home cinema of this quality. There are fewer and fewer 4K Blu-ray players available to buy these days, with the prevalence of video streaming, but there is no doubt, in our eyes, that the format is the best way to get a top-notch 4K image.

The Panasonic DP-UB820 is our current Award winner, and has been claiming What Hi-Fi? Awards since 2019.

And, as we say in our review verdict, “If you’ve bought into the 4K Blu-ray format and have a suitable home cinema set-up, you need a dedicated player that can deliver on multiple fronts. The Panasonic DP-UB820 is just that, supporting all major HDR formats, delivering a hugely immersive and impactful picture, backed up by a strong audio performance.”

The streamer

While a Blu-ray disc is perfect for those full-on movie nights, we are not obsessive or unrealistic enough to say that everything we watch should be via that somewhat restrictive medium.

Video streaming has come on leaps and bounds over the past decade and more – and the quality of the 4K images on offer is now extremely impressive. The very best option, though, for a home cinema such as this is undoubtedly Apple’s brilliant TV 4K.

Suffice to say that its predecessor romped away with Awards aplenty, and this superb little box is better than it in every department. For us, this is a no-brainer.

Surround sound systems come in practically every shape and size these days, but there's one modern alternative that we've seen sweep the world of home cinema.

We are, of course, talking about wireless soundbar systems. Bose has just unveiled its Ultra Lifestyle soundbar, subwoofer and wireless speakers, and it joins the likes of Sonos, LG, Sony, Yamaha and Samsung in offering an ecosystem of home audio products that can work together to essentially create a proper surround sound experience.

While they vary in quality – we've recently raved about Samsung's superb HW-Q990H, while LG's Sound Suite system didn't quite hit the mark – there's no doubting they are super popular, convenient, and effective ways to achieve surround sound without filling your living room with bulky floorstanding speakers.

We're even seeing companies get creative with their soundbar systems. Majority recently impressed us with its pint-sized Bowfell Halo Atmos system, and Hisense scored a coveted What Hi-Fi? Award with its superbly affordable AX5125H package.

While they won't suit everyone, and a true surround sound speaker package will always win in terms of delivering proper cinematic sound, there are plenty of great options around, and it's reminding us of a previous home cinema audio trend.

A full surround sound system in a box isn't a new phenomenon; in fact, they were all the rage in the early 2010s. Samsung, Panasonic, LG and many more used to sell a whole home cinema in a box, combining a DVD or Blu-ray player alongside a compact wired 5.1 speaker set, unlocking surround sound for the masses without the need for an AV receiver.

Our review of the Panasonic SC-BTT590 from back in 2012 highlights how capable these systems once were. We complimented this system, saying "the handover between speakers is smooth, making for a convincing surround sound".

Stretching even further back to 2010 with the Award-winning Sony BDV-E370, which featured an "easy, idiot-proof set-up" and speakers that "deliver surprising scale and power".

These nifty, streamlined systems were made to combine cinematic sound with plug-and-play convenience, which sounds like a very similar objective to the soundbar systems we're seeing today.

The biggest difference between the home cinema in a box systems of old and the current soundbar packages is the inclusion of a Blu-ray player that once acted as a hub to drive these speakers.

That's to be expected in a world dominated by streaming and massively improved wireless audio protocols, but being the physical media advocates that we are, it's a shame nonetheless.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Sonos, Bose, LG and Sony all take a modular approach, allowing you to connect surround speakers and subwoofers as you see fit, and most of these companies offer components at different price points.

More customisation and different speaker configurations mean you can essentially build a surround sound package that better suits your needs and budgets, which is always a plus.

Sony, in particular, has welcomed this approach with open arms, as it now offers five different optional subwoofers and three different types of wireless sound speakers.

So, are soundbar systems secretly just a revival of one of the 2010s ' best home cinema trends? We think they're more of a spiritual successor with the same mission statement in mind: save people from their TV speakers by bringing simple, effective cinematic sound to the masses.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

As well as the best surround sound systems

And find the best soundbar deals here

Where have all the Panasonic OLEDs gone? If you’re asking that question, you’re not alone.

We have had a wave of emails flood in from you, our eagle-eyed cinephile readers, pointing out that it’s pretty much impossible to buy most models, unless you’re willing to go second-hand.

And, blow us down, you are right. Richer Sounds, Peter Tyson, John Lewis, Sevenoaks Sound and Vision, Amazon and more all seem to have run out of stock of most of them. This is certainly strange, as Panasonic TVs usually remain on sale for at least a year, sometimes two, after launch.

In fact, going through all the usual suspects, we found it next to impossible to find many sizes of the firm’s current-generation Panasonic Z95B and Z90B OLEDs in stock. The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B, which not only impressed our reviewers enough to earn a five-star rating when we reviewed it less than a year ago, but also went on to win a What Hi-Fi? Award, is particularly hard to find.

We reached out to our contacts at the big AV retailers as well as Panasonic itself to find out what’s going on with its current-generation OLEDs. Sadly, the news isn’t great.

Commenting off the record, every store spokesperson we spoke to had pretty much the same response when we asked when and if the TVs will go back on sale: “We don’t know.”

When we went to get information straight from the horse’s mouth, Panasonic was similarly wary to give any concrete information, simply telling us that it has nothing to share about the OLED drought.

We haven’t, then, had any official word on the cause. It could be they are just really popular and sold out fast. Or, possibly more likely, it could be to do with the supply chain, and imminent deal with Skyworth. This will see the Chinese brand take over production, research and development, and sales of Panasonic TVs in numerous territories, including the UK and Europe.

We have chased for further information and will update this page when we hear back, but whatever the answer, the loss of two great TVs so soon is undeniably a bummer, especially the smaller Z90B.

While the 42-inch LG C5 is still a good alternative, there’s a reason we recommended the Z90B over it: the Panasonic set offers better picture quality. Losing it so soon after launch is more than a little disappointing, especially with the football World Cup, which will have many of us glued to our sets, coming up.

Fingers crossed we get good news about Panasonic stocks soon. If not, you can check out our picks of the best OLED TVs we have fully reviewed, recommend and can confirm are still on sale, using the attached guide.

We also expect to get a number of this year’s new sets, including the smaller LG C6, Samsung S90H and Samsung S95H, in for testing soon. So the gap left by the Z90B may well get plugged in the not-too-distant future.

MORE:

These are the best small TVs we have tested

We rank the best soundbars money can buy

Our picks of the best TVs money can buy

We're almost a third of the way through 2026, and if there's one takeaway from the world of TVs, it's that maybe too much is happening.

I'm deeply immersed in the release schedules and latest technologies tied to the likes of Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, Hisense and TCL, and yet even I'm finding 2026 to be one of the most confusing years for TVs to date.

Part of that is a good thing, as we're getting lots of exciting innovations this year, which are sure to define generations of TVs to come, but they're ultimately meaningless if the messaging is unclear.

I've been catching up with the brands mentioned above since January, getting behind-the-scenes access to some of the more exciting TVs to launch this year. But, despite my extensive access to TV experts from said brands, I still have plenty of unanswered questions...

RGB Mini LED: mid-range marvel or premium panel tech?

The biggest TV news of 2026 is that practically every TV manufacturer is launching new backlit TVs with this state-of-the-art panel technology.

RGB Mini LED looks to be the successor to Quantum Dot Mini LED, as it strips away the QLED layer and swaps a white backlight for individual red, green and blue LEDs in the pursuit of greater colour accuracy and backlight control.

On paper, this sounds great, and we've even seen a few impressive sets, including the Hisense UR8 and TCL RM9L, in action. We've also just been treated to a demo of Sony's True RGB system.

The issue is that these companies can't decide where to position RGB Mini LED. And this lack of clarity on its place in the pecking order is already causing confusion.

Samsung and Hisense seem to be championing it as flagship technology, meaning it's reserved for premium models that sit alongside (or, in some cases, above) OLED TVs. Samsung's R95H appears to sit alongside the brand's S95H QD-OLED this year, which can only signify that the Korean AV giant sees it as a top-of-the-line technology.

Philips and LG, on the other hand, maintain that it sits below their respective OLEDs. Philips has been more open about this, as it claims "OLED is still the reference", and the company's mid-range MLED981 sits below even the entry-level OLED761.

So, which one is it? Is this new panel tech best suited to flagships? Or is it not capable of challenging even some of the most affordable OLEDs on the market?

Is OLED in trouble?

We were blindsided by two prominent OLED TV manufacturers, Sony and Panasonic, essentially selling off their TV businesses to Chinese firms, TCL and Skyworth. The latter is only handling Panasonic's European TV division.

Both Japanese giants are known for producing high-quality, and often fairly pricey, OLED TVs, but that may be about to change. While we can't speak entirely for Sony, we do know TCL's firm anti-OLED stance (specifically for TVs, the company uses OLED for mobile and automotive displays), so we don't have high hopes.

What we can presume is that Sony likely won't launch a premium OLED TV this year, as it now employs an unconventional release schedule, where each model is only refreshed every two or three years – or in the case of the A90K, possibly longer. The Bravia 8 II launched last year, so we expect this to stick around until 2027.

Speaking of not launching a new premium OLED, Panasonic confirmed that the Z95B will continue as its flagship offering in 2026. As it stands, the entry-level Z86C will be the only new OLED from the legendary Japanese AV company this year.

Pair that with the LG G6 being the first in the series to not score five stars (you can read our full LG G6 65-inch review here), things are already looking interesting for this year's What Hi-Fi? Awards judging process.

All we'll say is that it's a good job that the LG C6 is a simply superb OLED TV, as it might be among a modest cohort of new models this year.

Is Dolby Vision 2 really coming this year?

The final slightly baffling hot topic in the TV world is Dolby Vision 2. Now, I've seen it in action a couple of times, and I have to say that it looks superb, but there are so many unanswered questions.

Hisense and TCL were announced as launch partners at IFA 2026, and yet neither referenced it at their respective launch events in Europe last month. Furthermore, when questioned about it, Hisense confirmed that it should be coming to its 2026 TVs, but possibly not at launch. Instead, it'll likely be added via a software update down the line.

Philips, on the other hand, made no qualms about Dolby Vision 2 Max being supported on its 2026 OLEDs, including the OLED911. This feels more promising, especially when LG and Sony have remained especially tight-lipped about the new HDR format for quite some time.

There is, of course, the issue of Dolby Vision 2 content. To our knowledge, the only services that will support Dolby Vision 2 are Canal+ and NBC's Peacock service, neither of which really has the mainstream draw of Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.

It is, of course, early days, so we could see more services pick the format up, but the creation of Dolby Vision 2 content is still a mystery right now.

Looking to a buy a TV now? Here's my advice...

If you're in the market for a TV now, my honest advice would be to hold out until we gain a little more clarity.

The best TV that we've tested this year (so far) is the LG C6, and while it is brilliant, it's also expensive right now. We expect this price to drop steadily throughout the year, as the C5 and C4 did, so your patience should be rewarded.

We're also yet to review any of the new RGB Mini-LED models, so if you can wait until we make a judgment on these upcoming TVs, we'd recommend doing so. It's entirely possible that RGB Mini LED could surpass OLED in terms of picture performance, but we won't know until we try them ourselves.

And if you're confused by the state of the TV world in 2026, then don't worry – we live and breathe TVs here, and even we're feeling a bit overwhelmed.

MORE:

Read our full LG C6 65-inch review

The LG C series is a bit of a mess right now, and it's all the better for it

Check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

April is usually when practically every TV manufacturer has officially unveiled its lineup of TVs for the year, and I've had the pleasure of seeing almost every new model in the flesh.

From new Primary RGB Tandem OLED flagships, to game-changing RGB Mini LED sets, and even affordable mid-range models (both Mini LED and OLED), the 2026 TV market is officially in full swing after a busy string of launches.

I started my year at CES, where Samsung and LG stole the spotlight with flagship OLED TVs, and from there I've attended hands-on events with Panasonic, Philips, Hisense and TCL to see each company's respective new TV ranges.

While we're still yet to hear from Sony about what it has up its sleeve (especially in the wake of its partnership with TCL), it's looking like a majority of the big players in the TV world have locked in their lineups.

I've selected the five that have caught my eye most at these events, and even included a bonus option which boasts some major improvements over its disappointing predecessor.

1. Philips OLED911

Kicking things off with Philips, the OLED911 is a sequel to one of my favourite TVs of 2025. The OLED910 offered up a picture experience that truly rivalled the Award-winning Sony Bravia 8 II, and there was no competition when it came to sound performance.

Its sequel, the OLED911, was unveiled at Philips' Unboxed Event in Berlin last month, and it stole the spotlight at the showcase.

It sports a second-generation Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel with an even higher claimed brightness figure than its predecessor and improved anti-reflective qualities to combat glare from ambient light.

Furthermore, it features a major upgrade for gamers: four HDMI 2.1 sockets (all of which support up to 4K/165Hz with VRR and ALLM), and it is also the first OLED TV in the world to support Dolby Vision 2 Max.

Rounding things off with the improved 81W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which includes a slimmer rear-mounted subwoofer with four passive radiators, and dedicated left, right and centre channels, all of which feature dual 45mm midrange glass-fibre drivers alongside a 19mm titanium-dome tweeter.

This TV is feature-packed, and it comes in a slick new design as well, which makes it one of my top TVs to watch out for in 2026.

Read our Philips OLED911 hands on review

2. TCL C7L

While the pricey OLEDs are unquestionably the more eye-catching sets I've seen at these events, I've also been on the lookout for some of the more affordable options, which are guaranteed to shake up the mid-range TV market in 2026.

Case in point, the TCL C7L, which is a follow-up to the Award-winning C7K. Spotted at the company's Nxt Home launch in Paris last month, the C7L stood out thanks to its new Super Quantum Dot Mini LED (SQD-Mini LED) display, which promises more dimming zones, higher brightness figures, and better colour accuracy.

It's got big shoes to fill, but the TCL C7L promises to make some big picture upgrades over its five-star predecessor, which was enough to get me excited during my brief hands-on time with the new Mini LED set.

Read our TCL C7L hands on review

3. Samsung S99H/S95H

If we were giving out an Award for the luxurious TV of 2026, then Samsung's new S99H (S95H in the US) would have already won.

This new flagship OLED TV sports a brighter QD-OLED panel (Samsung claims there's a 700 nit upgrade in the TV's movie picture mode), and there have also been reported improvements to colour reproduction and banding visibility in lower-quality content.

Samsung has also made some changes to the One Connect system. The TV sports four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets housed within the main chassis. However, there is also an optional wireless One Connect box, which expands this to a whopping eight HDMI 2.1 sockets.

These upgrades sit inside a new, premium chassis that incorporates a Frame-style metal bezel, on which the QD-OLED panel sits to create a floating effect. I've seen this TV wall-mounted, and paired with the matte display finish, it really does look like a work of art.

I was treated to an early sighting of this TV at Samsung's headquarters in Suwon, South Korea, and was there to see its official unveiling at CES 2026. Despite being severely jet-lagged in both instances, this TV was an absolute showstopper at both events.

Read our Samsung S95H hands on review

4. Hisense UR8

2026 is a big year for backlit TVs, as the next generation of Mini LED panel technology is here.

RGB Mini LED was introduced on a handful of 2025 TVs, namely a 115-inch Samsung model and a 116-inch Hisense. It should come as no surprise that these gargantuan TVs with their first-generation panel technology are wildly expensive.

Thankfully, that's all about to change in 2026. Hisense isn't the only company to welcome the new panel technology into its line up this year; however, it wants to be known as the RGB Mini LED brand, and the UR8 is just one of its new models.

With promises of high brightness figures and rich, pure colours, Hisense is really going all-in on the new panel technology, which hopes to succeed Quantum Dot Mini LED.

Interestingly, I've opted for the cheapest RGB Mini LED in the range, which I came face-to-face with in Munich, Germany, last month.

This is mostly because I, and many others, presumed that a new panel technology would equal huge introductory price tags, and yet Hisense claims that this step-down model – which comes in 55-, 65- and 75-inches – will hit the market at a "competitive" price.

Read our Hisense UR8 hands on review

5. Panasonic Z86C/Z85C

Speaking of step-down TVs, Panasonic has only announced one new OLED TV this year, and it's unfortunately not a successor to the excellent Z95B from 2025. Instead, Panasonic (which is now producing its European TVs in collaboration with Chinese AV brand Skyworth) unveiled the Z86C (Z85C in Europe) at its event (also in Munich) earlier this year.

This entry-level OLED TV sports LG Display's new OLED SE panel technology, which removes the polariser to cut back on costs. This will, of course, reduce the TV's ability to combat glare and reflections, but for dark-room viewing, the Z85C should be just fine.

With its 120Hz refresh rate, supported by two HDMI 2.1 sockets, the Z86C is also a solid choice for gamers. In my brief experience with the TV, I found that even at this entry-level point with a stripped-back panel, the contrast and black depths that OLED brings to the table were unquestionably great, even if this TV didn't quite rival its Award-winning Z90B counterpart.

Read our Panasonic Z86C hands on review

Bonus: Sony Bravia 3 II

I'm sneaking in this TV as a bonus option, and I'm even breaking my own rules here as it's not a TV I've seen in the flesh. It's no secret that the Sony Bravia 3, which I reviewed last year, was a bit disappointing, especially by Sony's usually excellent TV standards.

It ultimately came down to the hardware limitation; the Bravia 3 featured a 60Hz direct-lit LED panel with no QLED layer, which made it feel quite expensive, especially considering it outpriced the Award-winning TCL C7K (which featured a 120Hz QD-Mini LED display).

I have to give credit where credit is due though; Sony has come back with a MKII refresh which directly addresses my gaming-focused concerns, and it even brings something new to the table for Sony TVs.

While we don't get Mini LED or even QLED here, it does now feature a 120Hz panel and four, yes four, HDMI 2.1 sockets to support gaming features.

Better yet, the Bravia 3 II now comes with Sony's XR processor, which has worked wonders in its more expensive TVs, especially when it comes to enhancing the sharpness and solidity of the image.

While I feel as though Sony could (and probably should) have crammed in another upgrade or two, these are certainly steps in the right direction. Unfortunately, this TV isn't currently slated to come to the UK yet, meaning we'll have to wait to see if this TV is an improvement over its predecessor.

Find out more about the Sony Bravia 3 II here

MORE:

Read our full LG C6 65-inch review

Check out our picks for the best OLED TV

As well as the best Mini LED TV

Soundbars and soundbar systems with subwoofers and surround speakers are pretty great home cinema sound solutions. But, however well they perform, they aren’t the real deal.

To get serious home cinema sound, in a dedicated space, it is still very much the case that a full separates system has to be the way to go.

By that, we mean a (necessarily) expensive true 4K projector, backed up by a top Blu-ray player and video streamer, and a sound system comprising a hefty AV amplifier and separate loudspeakers.

Which – who would have thought it? – is what we have for you here. This is a premium home cinema system intended for the serious enthusiast and housed as a permanent fixture in a dedicated screening room.

The one we have all been secretly yearning for, in other words.

The system

• Projector: Sony Bravia Projector 8 (£15,999)
• Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB9000 (£999)
• Streaming box: Apple TV 4K (£149)
• AV amplifier: Marantz Cinema 30 (£3499)
• Speaker system: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 (£2549)
• Total system price: £23,995

The projector

We lead things off with the magnificent Sony Bravia Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES). This native 4K laser projector is a worthy successor to the Award-winning XW7000ES.

Sony’s strength with its projectors has always been contrast, and the Bravia 8 is exceptional in this regard.

It delivers stunning black depth – a rarity in the projector world – and ensures that dark scenes, such as the night sky of Gotham in The Batman, are deep and imposing, and refrain from straying into the murky grey seen on many rivals – even some at this price.

The new XR Processor, a version modified from Sony’s high-end OLED TVs, brings features such as XR Dynamic Tone Mapping and XR Deep Black to further enhance light control and detail.

Detail levels are a standout, presenting complex patterns and textures with remarkable fidelity. Colour rendition, too, is superb.

As we say in our review: “skin tones are balanced and well-judged, resulting in a lively yet not overcooked presentation across a range of pigments.

"They’re exceptionally balanced and realistic, too, while also having the necessary punch to draw the eye.

"Speaking of which, the eye at the beginning of Blade Runner 2049 features a stunning array of blues and greens, with a rich presentation that blends the colours in a smooth gradient.”

This projector is great for gamers too, with an improved 2.1 specification on both HDMI sockets. It supports 4K/120Hz signals with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and it has an impressively low input lag of 12ms.

This is truly a projector that delivers on the promise of a premium, large-screen experience.

The AV amplifier

At the heart of any great home cinema is an AV receiver capable of both refinement and brute force, and the Marantz Cinema 30 delivers in spades. This is a premium unit that justifies its price with an equally premium performance.

The amp’s ability to place sounds precisely in three-dimensional space combines with a knack for producing an absolutely huge and enveloping soundscape.

Detailed sound effects – crumbling plaster, dripping water, an electrical short and a high-pitched alarm – appear from all around you and together fill the room. Importantly, you hear the sounds, not the speakers.

Marantz has tuned this 11-channel amplifier to work beautifully with music as well as movies. A switch to Pure Direct means we can listen to just the front stereo channels, and the delivery is far superior to most AV amplifiers.

It’s quite likely that in a set-up such as this, the amplifier will be hidden away, to do its thing out of sight. If it does find itself out on display, however, this is a rather attractive unit by AV amp standards, with its small ‘porthole’ display.

More importantly, it is very well specified, with a whopping seven HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K/120Hz. It would be nigh-on impossible for even the most ardent enthusiast to run out of sockets to plug things into.

The speaker system

And making the most of the Marantz amplifier’s impressive abilities, we have the Award-winning KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System.

This stylish package is headlined by a pair of five-star Q Concerto Meta standmounts, with support from the Q1 Meta surrounds, the Q6 Meta centre channel, and the formidable Kube 12 MIE subwoofer.

For the full Dolby Atmos experience, a couple of pairs of KEF Q8 Meta Dolby ‘toppers’ will set you back an additional £599 a pair. And in this system, that is certainly a worthwhile investment.

We’re treated to a muscular and rich, yet agile presentation from the Q Concerto Meta system.

This system sounds big and bold, enveloping us in engaging sound from all angles, but it refrains from losing focus and becoming sluggish as a result.

There is plenty of low-end punch, with the subwoofer delivering its gut-punch of low end while remaining in total control. And there’s no flab or waffle here; the KEF Kube 12 MIE delivers a powerful and dynamic low-end kick.

Voices are conveyed with clarity and texture, underpinned by an impressive handling of low-level dynamics. This results in a truly natural and realistic representation of voices with excellent projection, which is aided by how forthright and crisp this centre channel sounds.

It manages to remain well integrated into the system as a whole while it does it, which is impressive indeed. The left, right and centre speakers mesh seamlessly, and these in turn gel with the surrounds, leaving no noticeable gaps in between the channels.

The system’s brilliance, then, lies in its stunning sonic cohesion.

The Blu-ray player

To make the best of the superb projector and the powerhouse (yet subtle when appropriate) sonic package, you will need the best when it comes to sources to feed it.

As ever, we recommend physical media for this whenever possible – a wired connection will pretty much always provide a more stable connection than anything being passed through the air.

That means 4K Blu-ray. Enter the Panasonic DP-UB9000.

The Blu-ray player market has struggled over the past five years or so, with the dominance of video streaming. New players into the market are few and far between. So it’s a good job that the old-timers that are still hanging around are such stunning performers.

The UB9000 offers supreme picture quality, and is a machine that will give sterling service for many years.

The streaming box

It is unrealistic to expect any home cinema to rely on physical media alone, though. Video streaming is here to stay, and picture quality is improving all the time.

The very best, most consistent quality, though, comes from Apple’s remarkably good Apple TV 4K.

We find it to be clearly the best performer compared with its many rivals – which is why it so merits its place in this brilliant home-cinema set-up.

These are the best projectors and best AV receivers you can buy right now

We rank the best surround sound systems

There has been a revelation in the ongoing decline of physical media – and, as someone who treasures their 4K Blu-ray library, it was the update I’ve been waiting for.

A recent report from the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) confirmed that after an extensive period of decline, 4K Blu-ray sales returned to growth in the United States, with a 12 per cent rise in 2025 compared with 2024.

While physical media sales fell overall, this was only by 9.3 per cent. That's undoubtedly still a drop, but it’s much less severe than expected; and it could well be a sign that optical media is coming back into fashion.

With streaming fatigue setting in from the abundance of available services, all of which offer various tiers that lock features behind pay walls and slowly increasing subscription costs overall, the renewed uptake of physical media seems to be a natural step.

Furthermore, more people are striving to get the best picture and sound performance out of their TVs, projectors, soundbars and surround sound speaker systems – and 4K Blu-ray is the best way to accomplish this.

There is, however, one slight issue, and it's one I've drawn attention to before. It’s undeniably great to see sales figures rise for 4K Blu-rays; but what will people play them on?

There are very few manufacturers still producing dedicated 4K Blu-ray players. Sony and Panasonic are the only remaining brands in the mainstream space, while Magnetar is one of the only options for enthusiasts who don’t want to scour eBay and pay above the odds for a discontinued Oppo or Pioneer player.

We’re willing to bet that most people are feeding their UHD Blu-rays into a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. They are the most readily available and current 4K Blu-ray players on the market – and, of course, they have the dual-purpose appeal of also being game consoles.

Unfortunately, from our testing, we have found that these consoles don't perform to the same level as a dedicated Blu-ray player – though they certainly aren’t bad options.

All the entries on our best 4K Blu-ray players list launched in either 2018 or 2019, apart from the Sony UBP-X700, which had an incremental update last year to remove the streaming features. There has been no official word from Panasonic on whether it will update its 4K players any time soon.

Pair that with prices that have actually increased rather than decreased since launch (Panasonic's entire range has gone up in price since our initial reviews), and I can see why 4K Blu-rays haven't been the most compelling option for consumers in recent years.

I've done my bit to promote the format to anyone who will listen, but these manufacturers also need to show their commitment to ensure the format continues this reported growth.

While we’re at it, I’d be thrilled to see the likes of Samsung and LG return to the optical disc player market. They pulled out years ago despite offering some seriously impressive disc players.

The likelihood of this happening is, of course, quite slim, but I shall continue my campaign for new players regardless.

MORE:

Read our full Panasonic DP-UB820EB review

As well as our Sony UBP-X700 review

And check out our picks for the best streaming devices

The premium 48-inch TV used to be the domain of the LG C-series alone, with other manufacturers focusing their OLED efforts on 55-inches and up (yes, 48 inches is now considered “small”).

These days, though, rival brands such as Panasonic and Samsung are in on the 48-inch OLED act.

The Panasonic Z90B and Samsung S90F are actually both better than the 48-inch C5 – but which is the better of the two, and therefore the ultimate compact living room TV?

We’ve pitted them against each other to find out.

48-inch Panasonic Z90B vs Samsung S90F: price

The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B is not available in the US or Australia, but arrived on UK shores at £1499. That puts it exactly on par with the Samsung S90F, which launched at £1499 / $1500 / AU$2499.

However, both models have seen discounts since then – the Panasonic has gone as low as £1099, but the Samsung has seen some incredible savings, dropping as low as £819 at one point.

Despite having the same launch price, the Samsung S90F is consistently available for less than the Panasonic Z90B, so it wins this round.

**Winner: Samsung S90F**

48-inch Panasonic Z90B vs Samsung S90F: build

Both TVs are sleek and thin, making them easy to mount flush on a wall. For standing, both TVs come with a rectangular pedestal with no swivel option.

However, the Panasonic comes with a notably larger pedestal. We’d prefer a smaller footprint, but the pedestal is well-made and sturdy, with no sway or flex during testing – and may well be a selling point for those with toddlers or large pets.

As is customary for Panasonic’s premium TVs, a speaker bar is prominent on the bottom of the Z90B. While this speaker bar should result in better sound quality (we’ll get to that in the sound section), it’s going to be a bit annoying for those who already have or are planning to get a dedicated sound system, particularly a soundbar.

The Samsung features a smaller pedestal that sets the screen higher than the Z90B, allowing room for a small soundbar to be placed underneath without blocking the view.

There are also gaps in the pedestal’s top and sides that make it easy to pass cables through – a small quality-of-life optimisation that we think makes a huge difference.

It’s also worth noting how easy it is to connect the pedestal to the Samsung, with the screw-free design meaning assembly takes less than a minute.

When it comes to remotes, the Z90B receives the same large, clunky remote that all Panasonic OLEDs have. It has all the app shortcuts you’ll need, but there’s no backlight, solar or USB charging.

The Samsung, on the other hand, actually comes with two remotes – a traditional, retro slab and a streamlined modern handset with USB charging and a rear-facing solar panel.

The win has to go to Samsung for this one – from a design perspective the Panasonic is held back slightly by old-school looks, the bolted-on soundbar and outmoded remote, while the Samsung is more stylish and offers a thoughtful cable management solution.

**Winner: Samsung S90F**

48-inch Panasonic Z90B vs Samsung S90F: features

Pound-for-pound, the Panasonic Z90B and Samsung S90F (and LG C5, for that matter) are quite similar when it comes to features.

Both TVs feature a WOLED panel, despite larger versions of the Samsung S90F featuring a brightness-boosting QD-OLED panel in some regions.

One of the Panasonic Z90B’s big advantages, however, is a heatsink, which should let Panasonic push the panel harder for a brighter performance, all while reducing the risk of burn-in and panel degradation.

The Panasonic features the HCX Pro AI Processor MKII chipset, the same silicon seen in the flagship Z95B, which has an AI processing focus like all the other TV chips we have seen this year.

A perk of the HCX Pro AI Processor MKII includes Panasonic’s 4K Remaster Engine upscaling and a new Amazon Prime Video Calibrated picture setting, similar to the mode Sony added to its 2024 range.

Panasonic’s partnership with TV calibration specialists Portrait Displays continues, which means the Z90B can be Calman calibrated with relative ease (providing you have the equipment and technical know-how).

The S90F sports the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, which is again the same as its step-up sibling, the S95F. The AI focus of the silicon includes Samsung’s 4K AI Upscaling Pro, AI Motion Enhancer Pro and AI Colour Booster Pro services, all catered for.

These all do pretty much what they say on their respective tins – to improve contrast, boost colour accuracy and intelligently upscale content to 4K as required.

The Panasonic features Amazon’s Fire OS. This provides strong app support, including the big international streamers as well as specialist services and local catch-ups. Our only quibble is that it’s a little ad-heavy, and it’s not immediately clear which content is free and which is paid for.

The Samsung naturally uses the company’s own Tizen OS, which also has solid app support with all the usual suspects, whether international, local or specialist. There’s also more AI focus, with curated profiles and recommended shows based on user habits.

The Panasonic offers all-encompassing HDR support, including all four common standards: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. This is in contrast to Samsung, which, as usual, lacks support for Dolby Vision, though the other three standards are supported.

However, the Panasonic loses points for having only two full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which doubles as its eARC.

That will be fine for people who have just one current-generation games console and a Dolby Atmos soundbar, but those with multiple consoles and a soundbar will have to do some cable swapping if they want their games to run at full speed.

The Samsung, on the other hand, offers four full-fat HDMI inputs – ideal for those with an Atmos soundbar and a mixture of PS5, Xbox Series X or gaming PC.

Those HDMI 2.1 ports even go up to 4K/144Hz on both TVs, and there’s VRR and ALLM on both sets, too. Both feature dedicated gaming menus too, though only the Panasonic supports Dolby Vision gaming.

All in all, the Panasonic Z90B and Samsung S90F are pretty even-stevens when it comes to features. The Panasonic’s biggest flaw is the two HDMI 2.1 ports, but it makes up for it with Dolby Vision support, which is the S90F’s most glaring omission. So we’re going to call this round a draw.

**Winner: draw**

48-inch Panasonic Z90B vs Samsung S90F: picture

Both companies have legacies – Samsung TVs tend to push their panels for a fun, blow-your-socks-off experience that can be a little overcooked, while Panasonic has a reputation for wonderfully authentic, as the director intended, movie experiences. And that’s largely what we see here.

Both TVs perform poorly out of the box, but switching to Filmmaker mode on each model improves things immensely.

We find the Samsung requires some additional tweaking to motion and colour settings, but once that’s done, movements lose their artificiality and colours look much more realistic. However, the skyline is still too red for our liking.

The Panasonic’s unchanged Filmmaker Mode, though, rewards us with the best picture we’ve yet seen on a 48-inch TV.

The Z90B excels at retaining warm detail in background dunes and colour volume in dim scenes, details that are lost on the Samsung.

The warmth extends from the darkest parts of characters’ faces to the brightest part of the picture, with wonderful colours, shades and detail, and no loss of authenticity or addition of artificiality.

What is interesting is that the Z90B is generally dimmer than the S90F, but it saves its punchiness for moments that are genuinely meant to go bright.

This is notable during a test viewing of Civil War. Peak highlights are every bit as bright and full of detail as on the S90F, but because the Z90B chooses to focus its efforts on the areas that are meant to be bright, “they hold a much more distinct, realistic place in the picture, adding weight and a true sense of three-dimensionality to the scene”, to quote from our Panasonic Z90B review.

Bright areas such as the chandelier in the White House are a notable example, with every bauble visible and sharp, whereas parts of the ornament just come across as white on the S90F.

However, the drawbacks of this dimmer display start to show in darker scenes. While blacks are nice and inky, and we can see every nook and cranny of an approaching spaceship in Alien: Romulus, we do have to look harder to see the ship in the first place.

The same occurs when we test SDR with the True Grit Blu-ray, as details that are visible on the S90F in the opening night-time scene are completely black on the Z90B. Things improve in brighter scenes, but the SDR performance still lacks dynamic range and definition compared to the S90F.

The Samsung, on the other hand, has plenty of pop, with explosions in a night-time battle in Civil War proving to be dazzlingly bright, while also retaining colour volume and offering solid levels of detail in both the darkest and lightest parts of the picture.

The S90F’s strengths in low light continue in Alien: Romulus, with an immersive picture as the spaceship descends, even if contrast is a touch heavy-handed.

The S90F also boasts one of the best upscaled pictures we’ve seen in quite a while, with True Grit retaining its spaghetti western, grainy feel, but featuring a wonderful sense of depth, with every stitch and dirt stain in the characters’ clothing looking sharp.

There are pros and cons to both sets here, with the Samsung S90F’s higher brightness resulting in more pop, especially during low-light scenes. It’s also the stronger upscaler, with a greater dynamic range and more definition than the Z90B.

However, it does tend to overbake colours, even after fiddling with the settings. And this is where the Z90B comes into its own – once in Filmmaker mode, you’re rewarded with a picture that is wonderfully authentic and weighty. It may come down to “wow” factor versus “as the director intended” here, but for our money, the Z90B gets the win for its startling commitment to cinematic authenticity.

**Winner: Panasonic Z90B**

48-inch Panasonic Z90B vs Samsung S90F: sound

The Samsung S90F’s audio is, bluntly, a mixed bag. The 60-watt, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos-ready sound system is very weak, as we were easily able to hold a conversation with the volume set at 100.

Even more concerning, distortion becomes noticeable when the volume exceeds 60, especially during scenes with gunfire and explosions.

We attempt to remedy this by switching to Amplify, the only other mode available other than Standard.

This does not help, however – rather than offer better separation between different parts of the audio, the low end is pushed down so far that we only hear dialogue and upper frequencies. We soon switch back to Standard, which is far more balanced.

Despite being a tad weedy, the speakers do at least offer some directionality. Top Gun: Maverick is an ideal test for this, and we find the audio does at least match the jet plane’s on-screen movements.

Moving to the Z90B, we have a 60W, 2.1 arrangement that Panasonic markets as offering an audiophile experience. We wouldn’t say it lives up to this description, but it is easily better than the Samsung S90F – and every other 48-inch OLED we’ve tested recently.

Once again, there’s a good sense of directionality during a gunfight in Civil War, but this time, there’s noticeably more low-end heft and volume, with the explosions offering rumble even at moderate volumes.

This doesn’t come at the expense of the dialogue, however, with a reasonable separation between background noises and characters’ voices, even during scenes with heavy, low-end action.

It’s still no match for a moderately capable soundbar, thanks to imprecise bass and underpowered front drivers, but it’s the best audio performance you’ll find on an OLED this size – giving the Z90B another win.

**Winner: Panasonic Z90B**

48-inch Panasonic Z90B vs Samsung S90F: verdict

Both TVs are solid OLEDs for smaller rooms, and among the best TVs we have tested at this size.

The Samsung S90F is noticeably cheaper than the Panasonic Z90B and it also boasts a more modern, user-friendly design. It goes toe-to-toe with the Z90B when it comes to features, and offers a dazzlingly bright, punchy picture, even if it is a little overbaked.

However, it can’t quite trump the Panasonic Z90B when it comes to picture quality. The Z90B may suffer some drawbacks from its less bright screen, but for cinematic authenticity and an “as the director” intended experience, the Z90B easily comes out on top.

Add in a superior, if not perfect, built-in sound system, and the Panasonic Z90B is the top choice out of the two, and indeed out of all the 48-inch OLEDs we have tested.

**Winner: Panasonic Z90B**

This week, Panasonic announced a new “partnership” with Chinese manufacturing giant Skyworth for its TV business.

The news broke at a launch event in Germany attended by What Hi-Fi?, where we also got our first look at Pansonic’s 2026 range of TVs, which includes just one new affordability-focused OLED.

During the event, the two firms revealed that the Shenzhen-based company will handle all sales, marketing, and logistics for most future TVs with Panasonic branding destined for Europe and the UK. Panasonic, meanwhile, will handle quality control.

In short, it looks as though Skyworth will make, distribute and sell the new TVs, while Panasonic rubber stamps them as “meeting its standards”.

We await full details, but one company paying to use another's brand, or entering a formal partnership to co-develop products, isn't anything new in TV land. Philips has had a deal with TP Vision for many moons, and Sony announced a new partnership with TCL earlier this year.

It’s too early to say how these changes will play out. Despite nearly two decades of reviewing TVs, I have yet to test one from the Skyworth stable. So I don’t have any experience of the company's TV-making abilities.

It has, though, made plenty of OLED sets in the past, which TCL, a famous champion of Mini LED, has not – hence my and some of the team’s concerns about Sony’s future in the space when their partnership was first announced.

At the event, all the representatives from both sides were making the right noises, of course, telling our senior staff writer, Lewis Empson, “Panasonic TVs will stay true to what makes them great,” but “with new scale and resources behind them.”

If true, that’s awesome.

Still, I am somewhat nervous. In my experience, these sorts of partnerships haven't always led to “great products” for the end user.

For example, remember when Samsung bought Harman and started plastering AKG branding over a wealth of three-star earbuds, including the original Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Pro 2?

Or the procession of TVs with “tuned by Onkyo” or “tuned by B&O” branding that ended up with three-star scores for their sound section.

In a past life, when I still reviewed smartphones, I also remember some pretty disastrous “partnerships” with camera makers.

There was one in particular with Motorola and Hasselblad – a premier camera maker that helped develop the technology used to film the moon landing. Let’s just say the results weren’t out of this world…

There are too many examples littered throughout history to list here. But for me, the idea of Panasonic TVs going down the same route is particularly sad.

As a reviewer, I am, of course, unbiased; but I have very fond memories covering the brand, which was one of the most exciting TV makers on the scene in the early days of my career.

Its plasma TVs dominated the market. More importantly, they genuinely had the performance chops to justify their popularity.

Heck, look at our reviews of its TVs at the time. In 2009, the year of my first TV review, the Panasonic TX-P42X10B earned a five-star recommendation. Humble brag: we were also the first brand to get a sample.

The following year, the Panasonic TX-P50V20 took things to the next level, winning our best 50-inch TV trophy during the 2010 What Hi-Fi? Awards.

This hot streak continued all the way to 2013 with the Panasonic TX-P50GT60B plasma set winning best premium 47in-52in TV that year.

Panasonic was, for us and many readers, the top dog of plasma, pure and simple.

And, while many reviewers started favouring rivals’ LCD and OLED offerings, as evidenced by the decline in Panasonic TV sales from that point, I personally continued to love the firm’s premium offerings and overt focus on delivering “as the director intended experiences”.

In fact, it was this DNA that led me to invest in a (heavily discounted) four-star Panasonic TX-55EZ952B for personal use in 2017.

And this focus has carried on over the years, despite diminishing sales, as evidenced by the Award-winning 48-inch Panasonic Z90B from 2025. It was its atypically mature, consistent picture that helped it take the trophy.

With sales dipping and Panasonic no longer being the mass-market darling it once was, I can see that new owners may want to change this. From a business perspective, it certainly makes sense. If profit is your end goal and the current strategy of focusing on cinephiles isn’t working, why not pivot to volume or at least tweak the formula to be more in line with what's doing well for rivals right now?

It’s just a little sad for people with tastes similar to mine, those who value uniformity and consistent picture quality over a blow your socks off nit count and smorgasbord of AI features.

The number of TV makers still focusing on my main priorities seems to be diminishing by the hour.

I can’t help but think that’s a bad thing. After all, authenticity and consistency always win the race longterm right? The tortoise and the hare taught us that. Right?!

Here’s hoping I’m wrong.

MORE:

These are the best TVs we have tested

We rank the best OLED TVs

Our pick of the best Panasonic TVs

It’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that Panasonic has been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of Samsung, LG, Hisense and TCL; and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault.

Panasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world.

However, in the current economic climate, many consumers are looking for value above all else, which is likely where Panasonic has fallen behind the aforementioned rivals, which have the capacity to pump TVs out at a much more rapid rate and charge lower prices.

We’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions.

That partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026.

It includes the existing (and very good) Z95B and Z90B, as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today.

The Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share.

Price

We’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space.

We presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star Toshiba XF9F in this arena as well.

There’s also the five-star Philips OLED760 to contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe.

Build

The cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models.

It feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder.

That’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set.

However, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa.

Speaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch.

Features

We’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down.

During our catch-up with LG Display at CES 2026, it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models.

Panasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM.

Sound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience.

We do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV.

Picture

Conditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C.

The benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue.

The trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby.

Shots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours.

Stars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model.

Generally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict.

Sound

As is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult.

We’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime.

Early verdict

It’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic.

Early signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026.

It probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now.

MORE:

Read our full Panasonic Z90B review

As well as our LG C5 review

And check out the best OLED TVs

Panasonic has announced that it’s entered a partnership with Chinese AV brand Shenzen Skyworth, under its parent company Chuángwéi RGB, to secure the future of its OLED, Mini LED and QLED TVs in Europe.

After years of speculation, and confirmation from Panasonic itself that it was looking to restructure and potentially offload its struggling TV business, a deal has finally been struck to ensure that the brand will continue to sell TVs in the UK and European markets.

Announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, Chuángwéi RGB’s CEO Peter Zhang confirmed the partnership, and assured members of the press that the company will work alongside Panasonic to continue delivering products that “stay true to Panasonic TVs”.

The deal hands the production, research and development, and sales duties to Skyworth, while Panasonic will provide input in development, using its years of experience in the AV industry to ensure Skyworth continues to produce high-quality sets under the company’s name.

Panasonic will also handle technical support of TVs purchased before March 2026, with this deal set to officially begin on 1st April 2026.

The goal of this strategic partnership (the same term used by Sony and TCL when they announced their respective deal) is to scale up Panasonic’s presence in Europe.

Skyworth promises to leverage its manufacturing, development, resources and scale to expand Panasonic’s presence within this crucial market.

Panasonic has been losing market share to the likes of Samsung, TCL and Hisense in recent years, and the brand wants to regain some of that to solidify its position as a “top five global television brand”.

We also speculate that this deal will greatly reduce the cost of Panasonic TV production.

While we’re happy to see Panasonic soldier on, especially after it produced two five-star TVs last year, in the form of the Z90B and Z95B (both of which roll over into 2026 and will stay in Panasonic’s TV lineup), we can’t help but feel the same pang of scepticism we felt upon Sony announcing that it will sell a majority stake of its home entertainment business to TCL.

That being said, the sentiment that “Panasonic TVs will stay Panasonic TVs” was echoed constantly throughout the company’s press conference on Monday, so we hope that both companies stick to their word here.

MORE:

The Sony and TCL TV merger could be a good thing – as long as each brand stays in its lane

Here's our story on Panasonic's new 2026 TV range

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now

Panasonic has just unveiled its 2026 TV range, and it's not what we were expecting.

While there is a new OLED model, it's not a replacement for the flagship Z95B, or even the step-down Z90B. Both of those models will continue through 2026.

Instead, it's an all-new Z86C model (Z85C in mainland Europe), which Panasonic says features "a new OLED panel".

Our working theory is that this new panel is the budget-oriented OLED SE panel that LG Display introduced last month at CES.

When we put that to a Panasonic representative, they said, “LG display has launched a new panel; this is that panel”, which feels like confirmation to us.

The use of an OLED SE panel would position the Z86C as an entry-level OLED. Perhaps even at a similar level of affordability as last year's Philips OLED760 and Toshiba XF9F.

We're working on getting pricing information out of Panasonic.

The Z86C has a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support, so it could be a good option for gamers, though the number of HDMI 2.1 sockets it has is yet to be confirmed.

All flavours of HDR are supported, so that's HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos is also on board.

Amazon's Fire OS provides the Z86C's smarts, whereas mainland Europe's Z85C features Google TV.

Both TVs will be available in 55- and 65-inch sizes.

QD Mini LED sets galore

While there's just one new OLED TV on the way from Panasonic this year, there is an onslaught of Mini LED models – but they're not all coming to the UK.

The Mini LED range starts with the flagship W97C and W95C, which differ only in the colour of their casework. These models are limited to mainland Europe.

They feature a 144Hz panel, "more than" 1000 dimming zones, and a claimed peak brightness of 1500 nits.

They also feature what Panasonic is calling "Glare Free Ultra", which is designed to reduce reflections and improve viewing angles.

The W97C and W95C will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 86 inches.

Definitely destined for UK shores is the W94C, which will come in 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes.

This looks on paper to be very similar to the W97C and W95C, thanks to its 144Hz panel and Glare Free Ultra anti-reflection tech, but it isn't clear whether it has the same number of dimming zones or brightness.

The W94C does feature the Amazon Fire OS, though, whereas the W97C and W95C are Google TVs.

The final UK-bound Mini LED model in Panasonic's 2026 range is the W91C. Interestingly, this is a Roku TV, rather than a Google or Amazon-powered one.

This model has just a 60Hz refresh rate, but it does feature the Glare Free Ultra tech, HDMI 2.1 sockets and support for VRR and ALLM.

All of Panasonic's new Mini LED sets feature Quantum Dots for added colour vibrancy, but there is also a range of QLED TVs with non-Mini LED backlights, too, as well as some entry-level LCD models.

Our man on the ground, Lewis Empson, will be getting hands-on time with some of Panasonic's new TVs later today, so stay tuned for his first impressions pieces.

MORE:

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now

Panasonic's sister brand Technics has also just announced a new turntable

Lots of people argue that change is healthy, and in certain instances, that’s true.

Evolution? That’s pretty cool, I use my opposable thumbs every day after all. LGBTQ+ rights? A big thumbs up from said digits. Spotify launching its Lossless tier? Yep, big fan; even if it ain’t perfect yet, those digits are partying it up with their siblings as I’ve got my hands in the air like I just don’t care listening to Andrew W.K.'s classic track, Party Hard, on it.

But there are undeniably some changes I don’t like. Highlights include baggy jeans coming back into fashion, the constantly increasing prices of streaming services, and, this year, the fact that not one, but two big-name OLED TV makers are on the verge of ownership changes.

First up is the TCL and Sony merger, which, for obvious reasons, is currently getting most of the attention. The news that TCL has started the process in earnest to buy a 51 per cent share of Sony’s home entertainment division was, without a doubt, some of the biggest news this year – or potentially this decade – for OLED TV fans.

The deal is in its early stages, but it could mean TCL has a controlling share of Sony’s TV business, including its OLEDs – a key area it has no real experience in, as an ongoing champion of Mini LED, and the soon-to-be-launched RGB Mini LED panel tech.

As you’ll know if you read our previous future-gazing pieces on the deal, key details are unknown about quite what the merger would mean for Sony’s Bravia OLEDs in particular. But the fact remains that any changes to Sony’s OLEDs, period, would be a big deal for serious home cinema fans.

After all, the Sony Bravia 8 and Sony Bravia 8 II remain staple sights in our best OLED TV buying guide for a reason – they’re pretty darned good. Our TV and AV editor, Tom Parsons, openly describes the Bravia 8 II as the best OLED he's ever tested, period.

So the idea of TCL trying to change Sony’s five-star, Award-winning formula does leave me slightly concerned.

But for me, it’s the second, quietly forgotten company, that’s currently shopping for a buyer to take charge of its TV business that has me sweating bullets. Specifically, what’s in store for Panasonic.

You may have missed it, but last year news broke via financial news outlet Nikkei that Panasonic is shopping around for a buyer to take its TV business off its hands. The firm then quickly put out a statement confirming it is “considering all possibilities”, including just closing it, as well as selling it.

And, to be fair, from a business perspective, I get it. The TV market is competitive and full of companies with deeper pockets. Hence why volume players, including Hisense, TCL and Samsung, are fighting for the top slot, not premium players like Panasonic.

But I’m scared because, despite them not selling anywhere near as well as the bigger players, Pansonic’s OLEDs have been constant personal favourites thanks to their overt focus on authenticity over razzmatazz.

Panasonic markets its TVs as being for movie fans who want an “as the director experience”. And as I’ve said numerous times before, after helping review pretty much every OLED from the company to pass through our viewing rooms in the past three years, including the Award-winning Panasonic Z90B from 2025, there is a lot of evidence to back that claim.

Sure, they don’t push their peak brightness as high, and yes, they can occasionally be a little too conservative with their processing, resulting in an occasionally less sharp and three-dimensional image than rivals – especially recent Sony sets.

But their consistency with contrast, colour volume and general even-handedness has meant that year-on-year it has always been a Panasonic set that has let me stay focused on what I’m watching, not what the TV is doing. And that, for me, is the be-all and end-all, and why I tend to favour them, even if I agree with my comrades in testing that the latest Sony sets are holistically better for most people.

And that’s always been the case – all the way back to the four-star Panasonic TX-55EZ952B in 2017, which was the first OLED I liked enough to buy (albeit heavily discounted, at the end of its shelf life and refurbished).

But, I know I’m rapidly becoming the minority and going against the grain with my insistence that consistency and control are more important than a big nit count, or a laundry list of clever AI features – two things most TV makers are obsessed with right now.

Which is why I can’t help but feel it’ll be a sad day for home cinema enthusiasts if Panasonic’s TV division closes, or is bought by a firm that doesn’t understand what makes it quite such a diamond in the rough for people like me.

MORE:

These are the best TVs we’ve reviewed

Our experts rate the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

We rank the best Mini LED TVs

British manufacturer Manhattan TV has announced the Aero 4K TV, and it's swapping aerial-based Freeview for a more modern live TV solution.

As the name suggests, it will allow users to watch content from their favourite services in 4K, and the company has confirmed that it also supports HDR10, HLG and HDR10+. Dolby Vision is, unfortunately, not supported, but Dolby Atmos passthrough thankfully is.

The Aero 4K's main draw is that it supports Freely, which lets you stream over 60 live TV channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 over wi-fi.

While Freely is already supported on TVs from a handful of manufacturers, including Panasonic and Hisense, Manhattan cites research from YouGov, which claims that "over 70% of Samsung and LG users want Freely on their next TV" (from a sample size of 2,149 participants)

The Aero 4K hopes to step in, allowing users to access the internet broadcasting service without having to fully replace their TV.

Furthermore, the TiVo operating system allows users to access a wide range of international streaming apps, including Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video.

On top of that, TiVo is offering its own internet streaming channels via TiVo+, which features over 400 streaming channels and a selection of on-demand shows and movies, all of which are free to watch.

All of this can be navigated using TiVo's voice control system (as well as the included remote), and Manhattan claims that the Aero 4K is "simple to set up and easy to use".

It's rare to see a streamer offer users a free content library this extensive, and this is where Manhattan likely hopes to edge out competitors such as the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation) and the aforementioned Apple TV 4K.

The Aero 4K undercuts both of those options when it comes to pricing, too. It's set to launch at a wide number of UK retailers in February for £69.99.

MORE:

I’ve tried Freely: here are five things I like and three things that could be improved

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) review

Here are our picks for the best TV streaming devices

There was only one thing I could possibly write about for this week’s edition of Adventures In AV.

The proposal of a Sony and TCL joint venture that will take control of the former’s home entertainment business (which produces its TVs, soundbars and more) has shaken the industry.

I’ll be honest, it’s shaken me. I didn’t see the news coming, and as someone who grew up in a Sony household and is a big fan of the brand’s OLEDs in particular (I currently live with an A95L), I’m deeply concerned about what it means for the future.

To be clear, I’m not blinkered towards Sony. There have been plenty of Sony products, including TVs, that have disappointed me, and I’ve been involved in plenty of less-than-positive Sony reviews over my 18 years of testing.

Besides, we review as a team (it’s the What Hi-Fi? ‘how we test’ mantra), so any personal subconscious biases are counteracted as part of our testing process.

But, at its best, Sony can be unbeatable when it comes to TVs, and I think we need Sony to continue to be Sony – but will that be allowed as part of this joint venture?

The Sony difference

Sony takes its time. These days, most of its TVs have a two-year lifecycle, while every other brand replaces its entire range every year.

That extra time allows for more careful and considered tuning and development, and it results in greater quality jumps between generations.

And where its rivals battle it out to produce TVs with the largest, most impressive-sounding numbers, Sony generally (there are exceptions, such as the Bravia 9) rises above such showboating and focuses on squeezing the most out of its hardware in the name of delivering cinematic authenticity.

I’m not saying that’s always the right course, but it’s important that we have a brand that takes this approach when all of the others (with the exception of Panasonic) are obsessed with fighting a numbers war.

TCL is, of course, one of those brands that is obsessed with numbers. Each year, it tries to outdo the likes of Hisense and Samsung by packing its new TVs with the most dimming zones and the highest brightness – and it often comes out on top.

My concern is that this approach could be applied to Sony – TCL is going to have the controlling, 51 per cent stake of this proposed joint venture, after all – and we could end up with yet another brand focused on tech specs at the expense of patient, careful development.

There is, though, a way this could all work out…

The optimistic vision

If it feels as though I’m doing TCL down, that’s not my intention. I’ve been incredibly impressed by the Chinese brand’s TVs over the last couple of years, with 2025’s range proving incredibly consistent and awesome value for money.

TCL is great at what it does, which is produce TVs with specs and picture quality well beyond their price points.

And this is precisely the area in which Sony is weakest. It rarely launches budget-oriented TVs these days (it's been selling the same 32-inch model since way back in 2021, for heaven’s sake), and when it does, they’re rarely, if ever, the best in class – the recently reviewed Bravia 3 is a case in point.

So, what I’m proposing is that the TCL and Sony brands continue to target the areas of the market they’re already most invested in.

In fact, I’d like to see them both double down – TCL could stop edging closer to the super-premium end of things and solidify its position as champion of the mid-range and budget sectors, and Sony could stop producing budget-oriented models that are more or less destined to fail, at least in performance terms, and concentrate entirely on premium and flagship models.

So, what’s the point of the joint venture?

But if TCL and Sony ‘stay in their lanes’ as I’m proposing, what’s the flipping point of the joint venture? I’ve got thoughts on that, too.

Without stepping on Sony’s toes, TCL could bring its Japanese partner’s processing and tuning nous into its TVs, potentially resulting in an irresistible blend of mid-range-demolishing specs and super-authentic calibration.

Sony, meanwhile, could benefit from TCL’s greater scale and resources, allowing it to produce more models without entirely compromising its conservative approach. Being shorn of the responsibility to produce more affordable models could help here, too.

I’m not saying we necessarily need Sony to replace every model every year, but it would be nice if it had the capacity to extend its OLED range into more affordable and smaller models. For the love of all that is holy, it could at least finally put 2022’s A90K out of its misery and replace it with a model to take on LG’s latest C series.

Let’s not forget that TCL is currently building a huge new factory that will produce OLED panels using a new, more efficient, inkjet manufacturing process. It’s intended for the likes of laptops and phones in the first instance, but surely TV panels are on the agenda, too.

Imagine if Sony could get first dibs on new, more affordable OLED technology as part of this joint venture. It could usher in a new dawn of Sony OLED TVs that no longer rely on the panel-manufacturing arms of LG and Samsung.

But will any of this happen? As should be abundantly clear by now, I just don’t know – and neither, it seems, do my contacts at Sony or TCL. Besides, let’s face it, any further official statement at this point is only going to put a positive spin on things, whether that's justified or not.

The proof will, as ever, be in the pudding, and we’ll be waiting a long time for that, as even if the joint venture is ratified, it’s not expected to commence operations until April next year.

In the meantime, I reserve the right to be very nervous about the future of Sony TVs – but also aware that there is a way it could all work out for the best.

MORE:

Here's our full news story on the Sony and TCL joint venture

And here are the opinions of several of our team members and readers on the matter

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

Dolby Vision 2, the somewhat controversial new HDR format, was announced last year with Hisense listed as the only TV partner at the time.

Now, though, it's been confirmed at CES 2026 that two further TV brands will be supporting the format this year.

The first of those is TCL. This should come as little surprise after the brand whacked a 'Dolby Vision 2.0' logo on its stand at IFA in September – much to the confusion of everyone, including TCL's own staff.

We now understand that the brand's new SQD Mini LED range, including the new flagship X11L model, will get Dolby Vision 2 support via a post-launch software update.

Dolby also claims it will be added to TCL's mainstream C-series, presumably including the successor to last year's What Hi-Fi? Award-winning C7K – we've approached TCL for comment on that.

And while Philips hasn't even announced its 2026 TV range yet (that's not expected for a few weeks), Dolby has already revealed that several new models, including the (again, as-yet-unannounced by Philips) OLED811, OLED911 and flagship OLED951 will support Dolby Vision 2.

So that's Hisense, TCL and Philips all confirmed (at least by Dolby) to be supporting Dolby Vision 2 this year.

But what about the rest?

Sony and Panasonic

It's no surprise that we have no Dolby Vision 2 news from Sony or Panasonic.

Sony no longer announces its new TVs at CES, choosing instead to reveal new models around March or April each year. We're expecting a similar timeframe this year, so if Sony is going to support Dolby Vision 2, that's when we'll find out.

Panasonic, on the other hand, does usually announce its new flagship TV during CES. This year, though, it hasn't done that. It could be a while until we get any 2026 TV news from Panasonic (its overall range is usually announced around May), including whether Dolby Vision 2 is on the cards.

Samsung

It's also entirely unsurprising that Samsung hasn't been mentioned in relation to Dolby Vision 2, because Samsung has never supported Dolby Vision at all.

In fact, Samsung created HDR10+ as a rival to Dolby Vision, and it's launching HDR10+ Advanced this year as a rival to Dolby Vision 2.

LG

Now this is the surprising one: LG has long been regarded as one of Dolby Vision's keenest advocates, having supported it from the start on as many models as it possibly could, yet we've been told that the brand has "no plans to support Dolby Vision 2 in 2026".

That's a direct quote from David Park, LG’s Director of Product Strategy and Marketing in the US, who is very much a man who's usually in the know, yet he seemed surprisingly in the dark about Dolby Vision 2 in general, including whether it might be possible for it to be added to its 2026 TVs at a later date.

Will a lack of Dolby Vision 2 be enough of a factor to put prospective buyers off LG's new W6, G6 or C6 OLEDs, which otherwise all look very appealing? It's hard to say, but the fact that several other brands will be offering it this year, while LG won't be, will certainly provide pause for thought.

MORE:

Check out our CES Live Hub for all of the news as we get it

Here are all of the best TVs you can buy right now

The Philips OLED910 really surprised me when I tested it right at the tail end of last year.

It's a TV that combines the latest and brightest Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel technology with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, great styling, and delightful Ambilight.

It's the best-sounding TV you can buy right now, and it gets close to the awesome Sony Bravia 8 II for picture quality, all while costing a lot less.

In fact, not only did the OLED910 launch for significantly less than rivals such as the Bravia 8 II, LG G5 and Samsung S95F, but it's been discounted further, too, so you can now pick up the 65-inch model for just £1699 at Richer Sounds.

That's almost £300 less than the equivalent Bravia 8 II, which is currently £1979 at Richer Sounds.

Right out of the box, the OLED910 looks and feels like a high-end television: a slim, elegant screen framed by a clean, understated design, and finished off with Philips’ signature four-sided Ambilight.

This isn’t a gimmick – the ambient lighting genuinely enhances immersion, framing movies and games with dynamic light that dances with the action on screen. It's not necessary for all content, but with bright, colourful movies and games, it's stunning.

Under the hood, Philips has chosen a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel (the same panel that's found in the LG G5 and Panasonic Z95B) and its P5 AI processor, giving you bright, vivid images with punchy highlights and rich shadow detail.

Unlike the LG G5, Samsung S95F and Sony Bravia 8 II, the OLED910 also supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, so you’re set up for the best possible streaming, disc and gaming content.

One of the OLED910’s standout features is its built-in Bowers & Wilkins 3.1-channel sound system. By TV standards, this is exceptional: full, detailed, and spacious enough to fill a room.

A premium soundbar such as the Sonos Arc Ultra will sound even better, but if you're determined to stick with your new TV's built-in speakers, the OLED910 is the best-sounding model you can buy right now.

There are a couple of small compromises – slightly raised blacks in Dolby Vision, over-brightened SDR and just two full-fat HDMI 2.1 ports – but these are minor caveats given the overall package.

At this price, you’re getting a super-premium OLED picture, class-leading integrated audio and a stylish, feature-rich package – making the OLED910 arguably the best performance-per-pound flagship OLED available right now.

MORE:

Read the full Philips OLED910 review

And here's our Sony Bravia 8 II review

These are all of the best TVs you can buy right now, and the best TV deals

We always maintain a reference system for our home cinema reviews. It combines a selection of Award-winning products that act as benchmarks, allowing us to accurately assess the performance of whatever we may be reviewing.

It's a collection of premium home cinema devices, with equally premium price tags to match, but if you want a reference system in your home that matches ours, then Black Friday is the best time to buy the components.

• Browse all the best deals on Amazon

Every part of our reference setup has been discounted for this savings event, meaning you can save a hefty chunk of change if you do want to replicate our system.

Now, ours is admittedly over the top (would you expect anything less?) as we always have multiple TVs and a projector set up at all times, as well as both a surround sound speaker package and a soundbar.

You may not need both a TV/soundbar and a projector/speaker system, so feel free to pick and choose what suits you best. Either way, you're guaranteed to experience the ultimate cinematic performance from these products and save a boatload of cash too.

Our projector: Sony VPL-XW5000ES

Sony's entry-level native 4K laser projector is on a What Hi-Fi? Award-winning streak, scoring its fourth Product of the Year title earlier this month.

It's still a pricey piece of kit, but this deal at Richer Sounds knocks £2000 off a supremely talented beamer that delivers seriously impressive contrast and black depths, sharp details, and rich yet balanced colours for an overall showstopping cinematic experience.

Our only gripe is the lack of motorised lens controls, but once you have the VPL-XW5000ES in place, you'll quickly forgive this minor shortcoming on account of its stellar picture.

Read our full Sony VPL-XW5000ES review

Our OLED TV: Sony Bravia 8 II

The Award-winning Sony Bravia 8 II has been the TV we've obsessed over this year, and for good reason, too.

It's served as a benchmark in our reviews for the Panasonic Z95B and Samsung S95F, beating both TVs in terms of sheer picture performance thanks to its deeply engaging and three-dimensional picture.

Sony's masterful picture processing paired with the QD-OLED panel technology makes this TV a sight to behold, and it's backed up by impressive built-in sound, a solid set of gaming features (HDMI 2.1, VRR and ALLM) and a sleek design.

Read our full Sony Bravia 8 II review

Our Mini LED TV: TCL C7K

For the times when we're not reviewing a pricey OLED TV, we find ourselves reaching for the TCL C7K.

This surprise hit of 2025 delivers a bright and punchy image when required, but it also has a trick up its sleeve to ensure it impresses during dark scenes too.

TCL's new Halo Control technology hugely mitigates blooming, and black depths are seriously impressive by backlit TV standards.

If you're not interested in OLED or want a TV that offers a stunning picture without a ludicrous price tag, then the C7K is for you.

Read our full TCL C7K review

Our AVR: Marantz Cinema 30

We've swooned over this AVR plenty of times, but we're here to do it once again.

The Marantz Cinema 30 is a handsome piece of home cinema kit, with a premium sculpted metal design, tasteful ambient accent lights, and even a gorgeous remote control; but in the grand scheme of things, none of that really matters, as we care most about sound quality.

The good news is that the Marantz Cinema 30 is a showstopper when it comes to delivering cinematic sound, with a rich, weighty and smooth performance that is guaranteed to immerse even the toughest audiophiles.

It's dynamic, can deliver huge scale sound, and features excellent connectivity; it really is the full package.

Read our full Marantz Cinema 30 review

Our speaker package: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1

The latest addition to our reference home cinema system, the KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 was the sleeper hit from this year's Awards testing process.

It won us over almost instantly with its rich, powerful and engaging sound, complete with a subwoofer that handles bass like a champion. It's accurate and agile, yet warm and inviting, which is a surprisingly difficult balance to strike.

We're also huge fans of its dashing good looks, and the fact that it's comprised entirely of standmounting speakers means it should take up slightly less room than an equivalent floorstanding setup.

It's become our new reference system for a reason, and we're already looking forward to the next time we can watch a movie using it.

Read our full KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 review

Our soundbar: Sonos Arc Ultra

Surround sound speaker packages will always be our favourite method of achieving cinematic sound, but we can't deny the convenience of a soundbar. And this soundbar happens to be pretty fantastic.

The Sonos Arc Ultra had massive shoes to fill, but it did so with ease, delivering the punchy, big-scale sound of its predecessor with added richness and height, as well as a whole lot more bass.

This all-in-one cinematic sound solution is a perfect accompaniment to the Sony Bravia 8 II, and it's primed to be made into a full system with the Sonos Sub 4 and a pair of Sonos Era 300 speakers.

Our 4K Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB820

We tend to use the Oppo UDP 203 for a majority of our 4K disc spinning duties, but that player has been sadly discontinued.

Fret not, as the Panasonic DP-UB820 also has a permanent spot in our reference lineup, and considering it just took home yet another Product of the Year win, we don't see it leaving any time soon.

This easy-to-use 4K Blu-ray player delivers a vibrant, rich, and crisp 4K HDR image alongside powerful and spacious sound.

We've sung the praises of 4K Blu-rays over streaming countless times, and this player is one of the best ways to experience the benefits of physical media.

Read our full Panasonic DP-UB820 review

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

Worried that you've missed out on all of the Black Friday deals? Don't be!

While Black Friday proper was yesterday, the best deals are still available and will likely remain so through to Cyber Monday – as long as stock lasts of course.

That means it's still possible to get my absolute favourite TV – the Sony Bravia 8 II – for its lowest ever price of £1699 from Amazon for the 55-inch model, and £1999 at Amazon for the 65 incher.

• Check out all of the Black Friday deals at Amazon
• Richer Sounds Black Friday event
• Sevenoaks Black Friday deals
• Peter Tyson: Black Friday event

I've been reviewing TVs for over 18 years, and the Bravia 8 II is quite simply the best I've ever tested.

It uses the latest and brightest QD-OLED panel from Samsung, and combines that with the latest version of Sony's legendary picture processing to produce a stunning yet cinematically accurate picture.

It's the best-sounding TV you can buy right now, too.

I've tested both versions of the Bravia 8 II, and I've compared them side-by-side with the Samsung S95F, LG G5 and Panasonic Z95B – plus the Sony A95L I use at home – and it's better than all of them.

Today's best Black Friday Sony Bravia 8 II deals

• 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 II: was £2499, now £1699 at Amazon
• 65-inch Sony Bravia 8 II: was £2999, now £1999 at Amazon

Why I love the Bravia 8 II

The Bravia 8 II is the follow-up to the excellent A95L – the very TV I rely on at home.

That alone probably tells you how much I love the A95L, but after spending time reviewing the Bravia 8 II side-by-side with it, I have to admit my own setup suddenly feels a touch less special.

Sony’s newer QD-OLED panel pushes brightness noticeably further than the previous generation. That extra luminance doesn’t just make highlights punchier; it also deepens contrast and expands colour volume in a way that immediately stands out.

This is a wonderfully vivid TV that absolutely sings with colourful films – the Spider-Verse series is a perfect example – yet it remains beautifully restrained when it needs to be, delivering that signature Sony balance and cinematic naturalism.

Sharpness is another area where the Bravia 8 II quietly excels. Sony’s AI-based processing selectively refines fine details, but you never catch it working – you just see a picture that looks exceptionally clean, precise and almost sculpted.

Low-light performance is superb, too. Sony has clearly put effort into dark gradation, resulting in rich, true OLED blacks supported by impressively nuanced shadow detail.

What I appreciate most is how little tweaking is required. As I mentioned in my full review:

"For a supremely authentic picture, simply pick Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision content or Professional for everything else.

"Should you want a little more pop to proceedings, either because you’re watching in a room with ambient light or simply because you enjoy an even more thrilling delivery, simply switch to Dolby Vision Bright or the Cinema mode."

Sound quality is another of the Bravia 8 II’s surprises. Its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology delivers clarity and directness, but also a level of spaciousness that's rare from a TV.

I still advise pairing it with a proper sound system (the Sonos Arc Ultra is a fantastic entry point for a TV this good), but if you insist on using built-in speakers, this is yet another advantage the Sony holds over options such as the LG G5, Samsung’s S95F, and even the Panasonic Z95B.

My only gripe is connectivity. You get two HDMI 2.1 ports (plus two standard HDMIs), and one of those 2.1 inputs doubles as the eARC port. LG and Samsung both offer four HDMI 2.1 sockets on their comparable models.

For my setup – a PS5, an Xbox Series X and a Dolby Atmos sound system – that limitation is mildly annoying. But if you’re only using one or two of those devices, it’s unlikely to matter much.

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

Black Friday seems to have kicked into high gear a week early, which means that there are already some huge savings on the top TVs, soundbars, 4K Blu-ray players and streaming devices.

Now, for those who have held off on investing in upgrading their home cinema system all year, hoping that Black Friday would provide the lowest prices on some of the best products we've reviewed this year, we have some good news.

We've seen a handful of Award-winning AV products drop to their respective lowest-ever prices, so it only makes sense for us to build a system out of the best Black Friday deals we've seen so far.

We're leaning towards the premium side here; expect a superb flagship OLED TV that our TV and AV Editor, Tom Parsons, calls the "best OLED TV I've ever tested", alongside a Dolby Atmos soundbar that outshines its Hall of Fame-inductee predecessor.

Those looking for a more affordable system should stay tuned, as we have many more systems in mind that we'll be sharing very soon...

Sony, Sonos, Panasonic and Apple join forces for this five-star system

We've combined the power of four Award-winning products here. This living-room-friendly system combines convenience with performance, as you'll find the best picture and sound available from this selection.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is a QD-OLED TV that we've raved about ever since we first laid eyes upon it, as it delivers a natural, rich and deeply cinematic image. It's a dream screen for cinephiles, and with the inclusion of Quantum Dots over its standard Bravia 8 counterpart, you can expect a brighter and punchier image that doesn't sacrifice cinematic authenticity.

The 65-inch Bravia 8 II has just dropped to its lowest-ever price, meaning you can snag it for just £1999, down from £2999, at Richer Sounds. That's a huge £1000 saving on one of the best TVs to grace our AV testing room.

While it's a great-looking TV, and it happens to feature the latest crop of gaming specs too, we'd recommend pairing it with an external sound system. We've chosen the Sonsos Arc Ultra, a smart Dolby Atmos soundbar, in terms of looks and functionality. It's also a powerhouse when it comes to audio performance, with a punchy, weighty and detailed sound that will undoubtedly do your favourite films justice.

It too has dropped to its lowest-ever price, with a £200 discount at Amazon, meaning you'll only need to pay £799 for this five-star soundbar.

Speaking of films, you'll need something to access your content, which is why we've picked a 4K Blu-ray player and a dedicated streamer. The Panasonic DP-UB820EB is our pick, as it's an Award-winning disc player that undercuts a lot of its competitors. And for the times when you need to dip into streaming services, the Apple TV 4K will handle streamed content with a rich, punchy and contrast-rich presentation.

There's a modest £10 saving on the Apple TV 4K at John Lewis (a saving is still a saving, though), and the Panasonic Blu-ray player is down to £289 at Richer Sounds; it's worth noting that while that's not much of a saving from the initial £290 launch price, Panasonic has raised the RRP of this player to £350 in recent years, so this is a bigger saving than it looks.

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

I've been deliberating over whether to upgrade my gaming set-up with an OLED TV for quite some time now, almost four years in fact; decisiveness isn't one of my fortes.

While the proposition has become more tempting every year, I've always held back due to there being a fairly limited selection available, but 2025 is the year that's changed.

Before, I've been exclusively looking at the LG C-series, which has won our Best Gaming TV consecutively for the past five years. That's an important factor, as my primary use case for a small OLED TV would be to game on it with my PS5; I'll leave my 65-inch Sony A80L to handle the heavier-duty TV and movie-related tasks.

LG's 42-inch OLED option has consistently caught my eye due to its implementation of four HDMI 2.1 sockets, the latest gaming features such as VRR and ALLM, and superb picture quality. Plus, it's just about small enough to justify using it as a desktop monitor. That being said, it's also felt like the only option.

TV companies haven't been particularly outgoing when it comes to providing us with smaller OLEDs before this year, but Samsung and Panasonic decided to change their minds, and we're so glad that they did.

This meant that we got to test the Award-winning Panasonic Z90B and five-star Samsung S90F, both at 48 inches. It was a refreshing change of pace compared to the constant flow of 65-inch sets we usually get throughout the year, and it also served as a form of window shopping for me.

Ultimately, the LG C5 clinched the gaming Award this year, but the Samsung and Panasonic were both in the conversation. The Panasonic was slightly more limited as it only has two HDMI 2.1 sockets, but its compact size and other gaming specs made it a solid option nonetheless.

The Samsung S90F posed more of a threat thanks to its four HDMI 2.1 sockets; however, we're yet to see the 42-inch Samsung in action, whereas we could verify that the C5 is a five-star set at that size.

With more small OLEDs entering our test room than ever before, my quest for a perfect OLED TV to adorn my gaming set-up has been reignited. There is, of course, one thing that's still holding me back: the price.

Now, Black Friday is fast approaching, and with it will undoubtedly come a swathe of OLED TV deals that could soften this potential blow to my bank account, but the right deal needs to come along for me to even consider splashing out.

We're already seeing a few examples of the five-star models mentioned above dropping in price; the 48-inch Samsung S90F that we reviewed at £1599 can now be picked up with an astounding £750 discount, knocking the price down to just £848 at Amazon; but I know that these prices can, and will, drop lower.

Cast your mind back to last year's Black Friday sales, in which the equally brilliant 42-inch LG C4 dropped to just £684; an unquestionable bargain. I spent most of my time (between scouting out the latest deals, of course) staring longingly at the Amazon product page with my cursor hovering above the "Add to Basket" button, though I ultimately exercised restraint.

If a deal comes up on the LG C5 that rivals last year's savings, then I could well be in trouble, but until that happens, I'm taking a tactical retreat on buying a new OLED TV.

I recommend anyone who's considering picking up an OLED TV now to do the same, as prices are sure to drop in the coming weeks, even if that Samsung deal is looking rather tempting.

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

We've revealed the coveted Product of the Year winners for 2025 in the AV and home cinema categories, spanning a wide range of products.

From TVs and projectors, to soundbars and home cinema packages, and even smartphones and tablets, we've hand-selected the very best products that make your favourite movies and TV shows even more enjoyable to watch.

On this list, you'll find a stunning flagship OLED TV from Sony, a souped-up smartphone from Apple, a sensational soundbar package from Samsung, and a plucky 4K streaming stick from Amazon.

Each product wowed us during our thorough comparative testing process, standing above the competition in its respective field. You'll notice that these might not be the most premium option from each price category, as we judge on a performance-per-pound basis.

With that out of the way, here are the biggest winners from the AV side of What Hi-Fi? this year...

It's perhaps unsurprising that of all the product categories we cover, TVs is probably the busiest.

There's just so much ongoing progress in TV land, with loads of brands launching entirely new TV ranges each and every year. Just keeping up can make your head spin.

In total, we've tested almost 50 new TVs in the last year, including several that were sent in specifically for Awards consideration and are yet to have their reviews published.

Whittling down all of those TVs to just seven winners (across eight categories) for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 was no easy task, but our team of expert reviewers managed to do just that.

Those winners include affordable and premium Mini LED and OLED sets, ranging in size from just 42 inches right up to a truly cinematic 98 inches, so there's pretty much something for everyone.

If you're looking for an 8K TV Award-winner, though, you might be disappointed.

With no visible progress on 8K content and only one brand producing 8K TVs in earnest, having an 8K TV Award was beginning to feel a bit odd. Perhaps the next 12 months will change things and this Award will be reinstated next year.

We would have liked to have had a budget 43-inch Award-winner as well, and perhaps even a 32-inch TV Award, but try as we might, we just couldn't find any TVs of either type that were worthy.

But, less about the unworthy TVs, and on with the very worthy winners of the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025.

Three Awards for the LG C5

Since 2018, LG's C-series OLED TVs have won at least one What Hi-Fi? Award every year except 2020. This year, it's taking home a highly impressive three Awards.

The first goes to the 42-inch LG C5, which, despite not being a huge upgrade on the C4 that went before it, remains the very best TV we've tested at its size.

42-inch OLEDs are hugely popular among those who really care about picture quality but have a smaller room, and the C5 is the best of the bunch, with perfect blacks, excellent colour balance, impressive motion handling and oodles of detail. A worthy winner indeed.

The C5 also takes the win for the best mid-range TV in the 55- to 77-inch category. The C-series has always excelled in balancing performance, features and price, and no previous generation has typified this more than the C5.

And, once again, the C-series takes the win as the best gaming TV. Whether it's the bijou 42 incher, the mid-sized 55-inch version or the 77-inch beast, the C5 cannot be beaten for gaming features and performance.

And three Awards for TCL

TCL has been the surprise TV brand of 2025.

After several years of showing glimmers of greatness while struggling for consistency, the brand's 2025 range has proven to be genuinely exceptional.

The core of the success appears to be a new backlighting system that combines vast numbers of super-bright Mini LEDs with a new level of control. The super-aggressive pricing is a big factor, too – when you can get a better TV for less money, why look elsewhere?

The 50-inch C6KS is perhaps the best example of this. Despite costing significantly less than £500, it romped to victory against several much more premium TVs on pure performance.

We feel that the C7K is the real pick of TCL's 2025 TV range, though, which is why it wins the Awards for the best budget TV in the 55- to 77-inch category, and the best super-sized TV.

Not only did the C7K have to defeat rivals from Samsung, Sony and Hisense, it also got the better of its more premium sibling, the C8K. Yes, the C8K is better in some ways, but the C7K is more balanced overall and a near-perfect representation of our performance-per-pound mantra.

An Award each for Panasonic and Sony

The flagship OLED market has been more competitive than ever this year, with new Primary RGB Tandem OLED TVs battling with the latest-gen QD-OLED models for super-bright, super-contrasty dominance.

This Award turned into a fight between the LG G5, Panasonic Z95B, Samsung S95F and Sony Bravia 8 II, and it's the Sony model that has emerged victorious, with the Samsung coming a close second.

The Bravia 8 II pushes brightness a little less than those rivals, but it combines cinematic authenticity with amazing processing that results in an incredibly rich, detailed and three-dimensional picture.

Panasonic may have missed out in that flagship OLED battle, but it's still a TV Award-winner, with the Z90B OLED taking the prize for the best premium TV in the 48- to 50-inch category.

Competition was fierce here, too, with the LG C5 and Samsung S90F both also proving to be five-star sets. Ultimately, though, the Panasonic Z90B's as-the-director-intended approach to picture quality saw it take a deserved win.

So, that's seven winning TVs across eight categories. But which will take home the even more coveted Product of the Year Award at this year's glitzy What Hi-Fi? Awards ceremony?

That will be revealed on whathifi.com on the evening of 13th November, so stay tuned.

MORE:

See every What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner here

Don't forget the sound: here are our 2025 soundbar Award-winners

And here is the complete list of the best TVs you can buy right now

Need a reason to ditch streaming this Black Friday? Panasonic has you covered, as its entire range of 4K Blu-ray players is on sale, making now the perfect time to invest in physical media.

You can find discounts on the Award-winning DP-UB820EB (which currently takes residence in our very own AV and home cinema testing room), as well as the flagship DP-UB9000, which will be the top choice for serious cinephiles. 4K Blu-ray fans on a budget will find plenty to like in the DP-UB150EB, too.

We have reviewed all three players, and each has earned its place on our best 4K Blu-ray players list – so you can't go wrong really, regardless of which one you opt for.

That being said, not every deal here is equal. You'll notice that we are highlighting the DP-UB820EB at £299, which is £9 more than the price at which we initially reviewed it. Panasonic, though, raised the price of this player to £349 since its launch back in 2019. It has stuck at this price for quite some time too, which is the reason for us highlighting this deal now.

It's a similar story with the flagship DP-UB900. We originally reviewed it at £849, but its price has since ballooned to £999. Now, though, it can be yours for £799 at Richer Sounds, a hearty £200 saving on that most recent higher price.

We have said time and time again that if you're looking to achieve the best picture and sound quality, you'll find no better alternative than 4K Blu-ray discs. While streaming has its benefits when it comes to convenience and choice, we're still team disc thanks to the higher-fidelity picture and audio, and the fact that you don't need to rely on a stable internet connection; who wants their movie to be interrupted by constant buffering?

Panasonic remains one of the few manufacturers still producing 4K Blu-ray players, alongside Sony and Magnetar. The likes of Pioneer, Oppo, Samsung, LG, and Reavon have all ended production of their models or have pulled out of the market entirely. It's a good job, therefore, that we think Panasonic has made a particularly good bunch of 4K disc players.

Whichever one you choose, you're guaranteed to get a crisp and punchy picture with equally impressive sound. Check out the savings at Richer Sounds and Amazon if you're looking to leave streaming in the dust this Black Friday.

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best 4K Blu-ray players

As well as the best OLED TVs

And the best early Black Friday TV deals

Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that, yesterday, we completely changed our 50-inch TV buying advice.

We swapped out all three of our long-standing incumbent recommendations, which included the 48-inch LG C4, 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED and 48-inch Sony A90K, for new models.

Why? Because as a part of our What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 testing process – which involves a series of side-by-side tests where we compare rival products in our viewing and listening rooms – we have found three even better options.

Two new OLEDs – though we recommend one way more for movie fans

The big news is that we have a new 48-inch OLED TV that we think is the best option at the size for most people – and for the first time since I joined What Hi-Fi? It’s not an LG C-series.

This year, if you can afford it, the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B is the set to get if you want the best movie-watching option possible at this size. We know because we ran it head to head with its main rivals, the 48-inch LG C5 and 48-inch Samsung S90F.

This isn’t because it has a next-generation Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, or even a higher peak brightness than its rivals. The only serious hardware additions are a heatsink, which helps with thermal management, and a bolted-on soundbar at its bottom.

The reason it beats the competition is that, when we ran the three head to head, it offered the most balanced, consistent and mature movie-watching experience, with all of our reviewers agreeing it was the one to get from a pure picture-quality perspective. Hence our glowing verdict:

“Thanks to its ongoing focus on colour accuracy and delivering an ‘as the director intended’ experience rather than razzmatazz, the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B is the best TV at its size that we have tested.”

That wasn’t to say LG’s offering this year was bad. While we prefer the Panasonic’s picture, this year’s 48-inch LG C5 still comes with a key perk that makes it a better option for gamers: the inclusion of four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs to the Panasonic’s two.

Gamers with only one console will be fine with the Panasonic, which also has 144Hz/4K support as well as ALLM and VRR. But those with multiple boxes and a Dolby Atmos soundbar, which will use one of the HDMI 2.1 ports for eARC duties, will need more than two if they want to avoid cable swapping.

Add to this the C5’s competent, albeit not best in class, picture, and solid app and HDR support and we feel it’s the better option for people who frequently game on their TV. Which is why it is our new recommended option for gamers.

And a surprisingly affordable Mini LED

The TCL C6KS is the third new set to break into our best 50-inch TV guide.

We spend a lot of time trying to find new sets to recommend in our best cheap TV guide. Sadly we often struggle to find many, due to a shortage of sets capable of meeting our two big criteria: decent picture quality and a sub-£500 / $500 price tag. Which is why the 50-inch TCL C6KS is such a great find.

The TV’s standout feature is its Mini LED panel, which is a clear cut above the basic LCD panels we usually find on sets this price, offering better backlight control. This lets it deliver a nicely immersive picture with decent levels of contrast.

While it doesn’t cater for 120Hz/4K, which might annoy next-generation gamers, this still makes it the best cheap 50-inch TV we’ve tested. Hence its new place in our best 50-inch TV buying guide.

As we say in our review: “TCL’s 50-inch C6KS just shouldn’t be as good as it is for this price – it’s hands-down one of the year’s biggest bargains.”

MORE:

These are the best TVs we have reviewed

We rate the best OLED TVs money can buy

Our picks of the best soundbars

We've just announced the latest batch of What Hi-Fi? Award-winners, and out of the four years I've helped to review and judge the finest AV products the industry has to offer, I think that 2025 has been hands-down the most exciting to date for TVs – and it's possibly not for the reason you think.

While there have been specific models that rightfully earned their five-stars this year, I'm looking at the TV market as a whole, as this year has seen the most definitive divide between the entry-level, mid-tier, and flagship categories.

Why do I think that? Well, this is the first year that we've bestowed a flagship OLED TV with a What Hi-Fi? Award, with the Sony Bravia 8 II taking home the title of "Best premium 55-77in TV".

And it was a tough call, as LG, Panasonic and Samsung all had worthy adversaries. You can read a previous entry of Adventures in AV here to find out more about how hard that judging process was.

Previously, we've refrained from giving the flagship models these accolades, as the mid-range OLEDs (think the LG C-series or Sony's Bravia 8) have traditionally provided very similar picture quality at a considerably lower price.

That changed this year, as the latest crop of flagships has truly wowed us, with impressive next-generation OLED displays that are a true step above their WOLED counterparts.

We're at the point now that we think people really should consider stepping up to the flagships if their budget allows, as the price-to-performance ratio now makes a lot more sense at this level.

That's not to say that the mid-range categories haven't impressed, though. The LG C5 is a sensational TV for the money, offering a crisp, contrast-rich picture and excellent gaming features, all at a price that's significantly lower than the premium Sony, or its G5 counterpart.

And I can't talk about the mid-range category without celebrating TCL's triumphant year. The C7K has truly wowed us, as it has fended off competition from the likes of Samsung and Hisense in order to claim the "Best budget 55-77in TV" Award.

TCL scoops up a second award with its C6KS, which is our "Best budget 48-50in TV", which is both a great TV in its own right, and a more definitive step down compared to the C7K.

Panasonic's 48-inch Z90B, on the other hand, is a fantastic alternative for those who want top-notch picture quality, impressive sound and a full-featured smart system in a TV that can suit smaller living rooms.

The best part about this list is, as I've said before, how defined each level is. There are no blurred lines between the OLEDs, as the flagships and mid-range models can shine in their own right, while the TCLs are positioned for those who want great picture quality without spending OLED money.

Selfishly, it makes recommending TVs a whole lot easier for me. I'm often quizzed by readers, friends and family about what they should buy, and with our latest Awards list offering a clear-cut best option for each price category and use case.

This is all thanks to these TVs being better than ever before. TCL had a slightly rocky 2024 thanks to the underwhelming C855K not living up to its Award-winning predecessor, and while we felt that the likes of the LG G4 and Samsung S95D were good TVs, they perhaps weren't enough of a step up over the likes of the Bravia 8 to take the crown.

With improvements across the board this year, it only feels right to celebrate all of these TVs at their respective levels, though my hopes and expectations for 2026 are now sky high.

MORE:

Check out all of the latest What Hi-Fi? Award winners

Read our full Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV review

And find the best TVs here

2025's What Hi-Fi? Awards winners have been revealed and it has been an explosive year with multiple new entries in most of our home cinema categories.

There are 17 new Award-winners across the TV, soundbar, speaker package, and projector categories (I've counted them myself), and they are all very well-deserved.

KEF has scored big with the exceptional XIO Dolby Atmos soundbar and the fantastic Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System, while Hisense snags another projector Award with the M2 Pro. A surprisingly potent budget wireless Dolby Atmos system, the AX5125H, also scores Hisense its first-ever win in the soundbar category.

Other big winners include Sony, Panasonic, LG and TCL, all of which scooped up Awards in the TV category. So there's cause for celebration all around, right?

Generally yes, but two major home cinema categories haven't had anywhere near the same amount of love – and they happen to be two that I care about a lot.

2025 has been something of a drought for new AV receivers and Blu-ray players. In fact, we reviewed only one new AVR this year, that being the three-star JBL MA7100HP. And that, unfortunately, could not rival the likes of the Award-winning Sony TA-AN1000 or any of the currently available Denon amplifiers – all of which are a few years old now.

Denon and Marantz didn't really announce much in the way of new home cinema amplifiers. Though, being fair, this is understandable considering they have both been scooped up by Harman International, so they are probably letting the dust settle before launching anything new.

Elsewhere, Arcam has been focusing on its hi-fi components, Yamaha has retained its existing lineup for at least another year, and Pioneer hasn't made a return to our AV testing room since we reviewed the VSA-LX805 towards the beginning of last year.

That has left the AVR Awards category with the same two winners as last year: the Sony TA-AN1000 and the Marantz Cinema 30. Both are excellent in their own ways, but I wouldn't have been opposed to a new contender this year.

In the world of physical media, alas, things are equally grim. Our Blu-ray player category features a singular winner that has held its spot for seven years in a row. And, while the DP-UB820EB is a superb 4K disc player which delivers a crisp picture and dynamic sound at a reasonable price, there's hardly any competition for it out there.

Sony did launch a new version of its previously Award-winning UBP-X700 Blu-ray player; however, it appears to be the same as its predecessor, just without any of the network functionality, such as screen mirroring or streaming apps.

When asked, the company confirmed that the performance was the same as the existing model – not exactly the grand return to 4K Blu-ray players we were hoping for.

Panasonic hasn't budged on its lineup either. The only major updates we saw this year came from Magnetar, which announced MKII variants of its two 4K players. Both of those are currently only up for pre-order; perhaps we have some contenders for the 2026 What Hi-Fi? Awards.

So, with 2025 coming to a close, my biggest wish for 2026 is to see these two categories bounce back – wishful thinking perhaps, but I hold out hope.

MORE:

Read our full Marantz Cinema 30 review

Check out our picks for the best 4K Blu-ray players

As well as the best AV receivers

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days has thrown us a few pleasant surprises when it comes to savings on Award-winning home cinema gear, and this Panasonic Blu-ray player happens to be one of my favourites to come from the savings event so far.

If there was ever a time to reject streaming and embrace the disc life, it's now, as the Panasonic DP-UB820EB has dropped from £350 to £285 at Amazon; that's a saving of £65, which should comfortably cover the cost of a couple of 4K Blu-rays to start your collection.

• Browse all the Amazon Prime Day deals

This Blu-ray player has won the coveted Product of the Year title in the Best Blu-ray players category for six years running, which should stand as a testament to how great we think it is.

We'll start with a quick disclaimer: we initially tested this 4K Blu-ray player at its launch price of £290, which is the price you'll see in our full review. However, that was all the way back in 2019, and since then, we've seen the price creep up to £350 at all major retailers. That's why I've highlighted this deal, as it still offers a decent saving from its new, widely available price.

Back to the player itself, the DP-UB820EB may not have a catchy name, but it provides the goods when it comes to the two most important aspects: picture performance and sound quality.

We praised the Panasonic's ability to deliver an "eye-catching and immersive picture", complete with punchy colours and clean details, which is why we continue to champion it in our AV testing room to this very day.

It supports up to 4K in a handful of HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. But don't worry if you haven't got any 4K Blu-ray discs yet, as you can still play HD and standard definition Blu-rays and DVDs on this player, which will be upscaled for a sharper picture. We do, of course, recommend feeding it the highest quality material for the best results.

And it nails cinematic sound too. Action movie fans will be pleased to hear that it boasts a "weighty and powerful performance that’s capable of delivering explosions with plenty of gusto", and movie scores build with a "weighty and deliberate swell of sound".

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported on this player, meaning you can get the best immersive cinematic sound from your 4K Blu-rays (providing you have a Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR that supports these formats).

Its success is mostly since it shares most of its picture processing technology with the flagship DP-UB9000, which happens to cost three times the price.

For those who want an uncompromising cinematic experience, but are perhaps on a slightly stricter budget, then the DP-UB820EB is a sensational pick, especially at this discounted price at Amazon.

MORE:

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2025: the best deals on headphones, TVs, speakers, home cinema and more

All four of the best 2025 flagship OLED TVs are on sale, and I've ranked them so you know which to buy

Here are the best 4K Blu-ray players

We have spent most of the year with our eyes glued to the latest and greatest OLED TVs – and we're certainly not complaining about it.

And in a rare occurrence, we've managed to line up the four biggest flagship models –from LG, Sony, Samsung and Panasonic – to assess which one comes out on top. The respective models – namely the G5, Bravia 8 II, S95F, and Z95B – all feature the latest advanced panel technology, including Primary RGB Tandem OLED, which made its debut this year, and the latest generation of QD-OLED.

You have probably seen our list of the best OLED TVs, so the model that has come out on top shouldn't surprise you. Yes, it's the Sony Bravia 8 II, a stunning television that offers a bright, sharp, and three-dimensional picture packed with contrast.

The Sony really is excellent, but the competition has been incredibly tough this year, meaning that while the Bravia 8 II is the agreed-upon winner among Team AV, it's not necessarily the one that we would each take home.

Each of the models mentioned above scored five stars in our reviews, and they all have something unique to bring to the table. This means that you're bound to get a sensational TV regardless of your preferences and priorities.

After a lengthy debate between Alastair Stevenson (What Hi-Fi?'s editor in chief), Tom Parsons (our TV and AV editor), and me (Lewis Empson, senior staff writer), we've agreed to come to a conclusion that appeases everyone. While we all agree that the Sony Bravia 8 II is the best of the bunch, we'd each take a different TV home.

Now, there are three of us and four TVs, so one TV must, of course, miss out. Unfortunately, that's going to be the LG G5. It is impressive in many ways, but ultimately we felt that it pushed the brightness capabilities of this new panel tech a little too far. Sorry LG, but it had to be someone.

With that out of the way, which TV would each of us choose to take the coveted spot in our respective living rooms?

Sony Bravia 8 II

We'll start with the Sony, which has been championed by Tom Parsons. It follows up on the brilliant Sony A95L, sporting a Samsung Display-derived QD-OLED panel, which it uses to boost brightness to great effect.

Pair that with some of the best picture processing on the market right now, and an effective built-in speaker system that is almost good enough to not require an external sound system, and the Sony Bravia 8 II just about edges out the competition.

Furthermore, the Bravia 8 II undercut the competition when it came to price at launch, and it continues to be the cheapest of the bunch, making it the best OLED of this roundup when it comes to that all-important performance-to-pound ratio.

That's ticking all of the boxes we look out for, so it's no wonder it's Tom's top pick. Here's what he has to say about the Bravia 8 II:

Tom Parsons, TV and AV editor

"While I most certainly want all of the picture enhancements that next-gen panel technology offers, I only want it when it’s in the service of delivering cinematically authentic movies (and TV shows and games, for that matter).

That’s why the Bravia 8 II is the clear winner for me.

It seems fair to say at this point that QD-OLED has the edge over Primary RGB Tandem, particularly where colours are concerned, and the Sony deploys this enhanced vibrancy not to turn everything up to 11, Spinal Tap-style, but to deliver more natural and consistent colours from the brightest highlights to the darkest shadows.

Add awesome contrast and Sony’s exceptional processing, which subtly sharpens specific picture elements to create a thrilling impression of three-dimensionality, and you’ve got a performance that perfectly balances dynamism and realism."

Panasonic Z95B

Now, there's no doubting that the Sony trumps the competition, especially as it undercuts the competition where price is concerned.

But it's not the best pick for everyone. Our editor in chief, for instance, prefers the Panasonic Z95B. And we couldn't possibly blame him; it's another stellar TV that delivers “rich and vibrant” colours and an overall “strikingly three-dimensional image”, as referenced in our full review.

We also find it to sound rather good, too, with its built-in Dolby Atmos sound system being tuned by legendary audio brand Technics.

But what really strikes us with this TV is how cinematically accurate it is, which is why it's Alastair's top choice. Read what he has to say about the Panasonic Z95B here:

Alastair Stevenson, editor in chief

“I’ve always valued an authentic, as the director intended, picture over one with lots of razzmatazz.

And while that sounds simple enough, in today’s market where TV makers seem hellbent on selling a high nit count as the primary metric for decent picture quality, that’s actually a pretty hard thing to find.

Which is why, for me personally, the Panasonic Z95B is the standout star of the show right now.

Sure, it doesn’t push its brightness-boosting Primary RGB Tandem OLED screen as hard as rivals, but its consistency and focus on control won me over during our group tests, letting me focus on the movie, not what it was doing, more than any other flagship OLED this year."

Samsung S95F

Rounding out our picks is the Samsung S95F, which we called the “very best all-round TV that Samsung has ever produced, and a strong candidate for TV of the year”. We complimented its “stunningly bright, vibrant and sharp” picture, and the overcooked colours of previous Samsung TVs have been reined in for a more natural look.

The Sony takes the edge where shadow detail is concerned, but the Samsung's feature-set is what makes it my favourite of the bunch. The gaming features are second to none on this TV, and Tizen is an extremely comprehensive operating system when it comes to app support.

We feel that the Samsung offers a picture performance that is characteristically very close to the Sony, and what it lacks in the picture department is made up for in the features; which is why it's my top pick.

Here's why I would take the Samsung S95F out of this crop of excellent OLED TVs:

Lewis Empson, senior staff writer

“After spending a considerable amount of time with the Panasonic and Sony sets, I was convinced that Samsung had to pull off some sort of miracle to take my personal top spot. Which is why I am both surprised yet very impressed to be writing exactly why I love this TV so much.

The S95F ticks all of the boxes for me. Its picture performance is truly brilliant, with a crisp and dazzlingly bright presentation that drew my eye during our side-by-side testing. Samsung has clearly taken a more mature approach with this TV, as it features a surprisingly natural and engaging picture, which puts it remarkably close to the Sony in pole position.

While it doesn't quite beat, or even match the Sony (which also uses a QD-OLED panel) in the picture department, it does crush the Sony where features are concerned.

As an avid gamer with multiple consoles and a Dolby Atmos soundbar hooked up to my TV, it's safe to say that HDMI 2.1 sockets are precious commodities. The S95F has four of them, all of which support VRR and ALLM – very nice indeed.

The only drawback is the lack of Dolby Vision, which is something I'd have to adjust to; but with HDR10+ being picked up by a raft of streaming services, it's a compromise that stings slightly less nowadays.”

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best OLED TV

And find the best OLED TV deals here

As well as our overall picks for the best TVs overall

The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 are fast approaching which means as well as our usual review testing, we’re also taking a fresh look at all the five star products we’ve currently reviewed that are still on sale.

Why? So we know the Best Buy winners we announce in October are actually the best, having run them head-to-head will their latest and greatest rivals in our dedicated viewing and listening rooms – rather than just relying on memory.

As a part of that, the process means I’ve spent the last few months with constant back pain, in and out of our windowless TV testing space, swapping a multitude of OLED TVs along with the rest of the home cinema team.

And while I’m very glad I’ve been granted a reprieve and allowed back upstairs into the daylight, one big benefit of the experience is that the team and I have identified three completely new OLED TVs worthy of a place in our best OLED TV buying guide.

Here’s what you need to know about them.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is the ultimate option for cinephiles

The flagship OLED TV market is a very interesting place right now, with LG Display’s new Primary RGB Tandem OLED replacing MLA as QD-OLED’s main rival.

Both of these have the same goal – boosting brightness levels while simultaneously improving colour volume and accuracy.

It’s also in a state of flux because a new top-end rival, in the shape of RGB Mini LED, is set to taking OLED on next year – and based on senior staff writer Lewis Empson’s experience looking at early prototypes and samples at the IFA tradeshow, that will be a very interesting fight…

But if you’re shopping right now, the Sony Bravia 8 II is our new recommended premium OLED. Featuring a QD-OLED panel, while its colours can very occasionally look a little cool for our liking, the set offered the best holistic performance of any of the top end sets we’ve tested.

In fact its stellar motion processing, incredible ability to retain dark detail lost on rival sets and punchy, but never overused, peak brightness let it offer one of the most immersive movie watching experiences we’ve had on an OLED, period. Hence our verdict:

“Several little improvements combine to make the Bravia 8 II significantly better than the awesome A95L, and that makes it one of the very best TVs that money can buy.”

The LG C5 continues the firm’s hot streak – at least at 55- and 65-inches

The LG C-series of OLEDs have been a common sight both in our best TV guide and yearly list of Award winners.

Last year alone the 42-inch LG C4 and 48-inch LG C4 picked up a total of three Awards in the TV category.

Which is why it’s kind of funny that this year it’s actually the larger 55- and 65-inch LG C5, not its smaller 48-inch LG C5 sibling, that impressed us the most.

The larger options offer the best mid-range performance for any step-down OLED we’ve tested this year.

Despite not having a heatsink, or an upgraded Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, like the one sported on the LG G5, the 55-inch C5 we tested was noticeably brighter than its sibling and rivals.

But, despite this, it manages to offer warm, authentic colour temperatures, even during low light scenes – an area many modern OLEDs struggle with.

Add to this its stellar gaming specifications, which include four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs, excellent app and HDR support and competitive price, and it’s an easy five-star recommendation.

We have a new recommended small OLED TV

But why not the smaller LG C5? Cards on the table, it is a very impressive small-ish OLED – hence the reason we gave it a five-star rating.

But, as we’ve said before, smaller TVs, even ones from the same series, perform differently to larger ones. There are a lot of reasons for that, including pixel density, the size of the drivers used in the sound system and more.

And while the smaller C5 retains a lot of its larger siblings’ strengths, it also exacerbates a lot of its weaknesses.

Its colours aren’t quite as accurate and it was a little aggressive with its brightness during certain scenes when we tested it. These issues were particularly noticeable thanks to a key rival we tested it against, the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B.

Where the 48-inch LG C5, and to be fair to it 48-inch Samsung S90F we also tested recently, have an overt focus on going very bright, the Z90B goes in the other direction, valuing consistency and balance above all else.

This meant that, though it doesn’t have the oomph you find on rivals when it comes to certain test scenes, its colours always maintain a pleasing authenticity and it never distracts from what’s playing out on screen by aggressively raising its peak brightness, the way its rivals do.

This made it a fan favourite among every member of the test team helping review this year’s 48-inch sets. It’s also why the Panasonic Z90B is our new recommended small OLED and we reported in our review:

“Thanks to its ongoing focus on colour accuracy and delivering an 'as the director intended' experience rather than razzmatazz, the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B is the best TV at its size that we have tested.”

If you have any questions about any of the TVs mentioned in this feature drop them in the comments section below and one of our testers will do their best to answer them ASAP! Otherwise, happy OLED hunting!

MORE:

These are the best 65-inch TVs we’ve tested

We rate the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Our picks of the best 40-inch TVs

'When it rains it pours' is a common saying we’ve all heard many times before – and over the past months we can see why, given the sea of OLED TVs we’ve had flooding into our test rooms.

Read last week’s adventure in AV, or my previous rant about having to group test this year’s 48-inch step down OLEDs and you’ll already know that.

But, thankfully between my grumblings about many sets trying to hard with their peak brightness and the impact swapping them in and out was having on my back, I can confirm two new sets in particular shined – both of which come from a certain Japanese tech giant famous for its focus on delivering “as the director intended” experiences.

Specifically, the 65-inch Panasonic Z95B and smaller, step-down 48-inch Panasonic Z90B, which both not only earned five-star recommendations, but also dethroned two longstanding recommendations in our best Panasonic TVs guide.

Starting with the Z95B, which dethroned last year’s Panasonic Z95A as our new recommended premium set.

Out of the box we found it looked a little flat on some occasions, especially compared to its main rivals, the Sony Bravia 8 II and LG G5, despite featuring a brightness-boosting Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel. But after a few tweaks in its settings things soon picked up.

The focus on controlling the panel and making sure it only burns bright when it is meant to, in the sections of the picture that require the extra nit count, coupled with its stellar colour volume and general accuracy make it one of the best sets available for its target audience.

Hence our reviewers’ verdict:

“Once you have it dialled in, you can expect to be rewarded with a rich, authentic and engaging picture. This is backed up by a decent set of gaming and streaming features, as well as a sound system that’s certainly a cut above the vast majority of TVs, resulting in a solid all-rounder of a TV.”

Our only word of caution is that we mean it when we say “for its target market” (cinephiles and serious movie fans) as the focus on control and authenticity will make some viewers feel it lacks the kind of 'oomph' and vibrancy seen on some rivals. This is why it isn’t featured in our main best TV guide.

Moving on to the smaller 48-inch Panasonic Z90B. The biggest praise we can give for the set was our reaction when we first took it out of the box and ran it head-to-head with the 48-inch LG C5 and 48-inch Samsung S90F, with two out of the three testers in the room immediately muttering “wow”.

Though it has a basic OLED, rather than the next generation, panel seen in the Z95B, the Z90B manages to expertly deliver a balanced picture full of dark and light detail that never sacrifices colour accuracy – a common problem on sets this size.

As we said in our Panasonic Z90B review:

“From sparkling desert dunes in sci-fi epics to cars thundering across a race track and heated conversations behind closed doors, every scene we threw at this set looked wonderfully authentic and weighty. If you want a 48-inch OLED TV and value cinematic authenticity, the Panasonic Z90B is currently the one to get.”

Hence why it’s now our recommended small Panasonic TV. But be warned, while its picture is great, the audio from its inbuilt speakers is distinctly average. During every test scene we threw at it the audio lacked low-end heft and any sense of directionality. You will want to budget for a soundbar to go with it as a result. We’d suggest the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

MORE:

These are the best OLED TVs we have reviewed

We rate the best soundbars

Our picks of the best 40-inch TVs

It's our inaugural sustainability week, which means we're highlighting some of the best eco-friendly developments from the world of hi-fi and home cinema.

TVs don't tend to be the most eco-friendly devices in our homes; they're cumbersome and constructed (mostly) of plastic, which makes them hard to recycle. Therefore, when you get a new TV, you'll likely want to hold onto it for as long as possible.

Sounds logical, right? However, that's easier said than done, due to the inclusion of smart operating systems.

These are integral parts of practically every TV on the market right now, as we seldom see a TV that doesn't feature one of the various smart operating systems, such as Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG), Vidaa (Hisense), FireOS (Panasonic) or Google TV (Sony, Philips and TCL).

The issue is that consumers are at the mercy of TV manufacturers to maintain these smart platforms for the years to come, as otherwise they can slow down and, in some cases, lose support for some key streaming apps.

Before now, TV updates have been sporadic at best. Promised support has never been necessarily guaranteed, rather expected from the biggest TV manufacturers.

However, in the last year or so, a few key players in the TV market have come forward to announce extended support, which should make your TV last longer without having to worry about losing software support.

Leading the pack is Hisense, which is promising up to eight years of software support on its Vidaa-powered TVs, which it announced in July of this year.

Considering studies show that, on average, consumers will replace their TVs every 6.6 years (based on data gathered in the US from Circana), it's great to see Hisense support its TVs for an extended period that exceeds this average.

Next up is Samsung, which promises a similarly impressive seven years of software support for its Tizen software platform, which also covers the average TV lifespan. Samsung gets bonus points for extending this to its smartphones, meaning devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Z Flip 7 will, in theory, still be supported into 2032.

And following fairly close behind is LG, which offers "over five years" of software updates as part of its Re:New scheme. That's not quite as long as Samsung or Hisense, and it's slightly more vague, but five years of promised upgrades at the very least is decent.

Simply put, if you're looking for a TV that won't be bogged down by outdated software in the coming years, these three brands are your best bet, but what about the others?

Sony, TCL, and Philips haven't committed to a fixed number of years for which their respective TVs will receive software updates. That's likely down to the fact that they don't have their own software systems and instead rely on Google TV for a majority of their respective lineups.

It's a similar case with Amazon's Fire OS platform, which Panasonic has recently adopted and which TCL features on some of its cheaper sets. There's no guaranteed minimum period for which TVs running this operating system will get support, leaving Amazon responsible for ensuring it keeps the platform updated and compatible with older models.

Asking these companies to whip up their own smart platforms out of thin air and promise to keep them supported for seven or eight years is, perhaps, a tall order.

However, it would be good to see Google and Amazon join the likes of Samsung, Hisense and LG to establish some confidence with consumers, so that they know their TV won't be bogged down by outdated, slow and unsupported software in the years to come.

Most importantly, TVs lasting longer reduces the frequency with which people will need to replace them, which is an instant win when it comes to sustainability.

MORE:

Check out more Sustainability Week articles here

Read our full Samsung S90F review

As well as our picks for the best Mini LED TVs

We tend to get rather excited when Panasonic OLED TVs land in our testing room, as they have a penchant for delivering striking cinematic images that pride themselves on being close to the original artist’s intent.

If you weren’t already aware – Panasonic may have mentioned this once or twice in the last few years – these are the TVs that large numbers of directors, editors and colourists favour in Hollywood studios, so expectations are often quite high.

We have here the latest model in Panasonic’s revered Z95-series (previously known as the Z2000 series), so can the Z95B carry forth what made its predecessors, namely the Z95A and MZ2000, so special?

It’s certainly got the ingredients, including the latest Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel technology, but can it steal the spotlight from the likes of the dazzling Sony Bravia 8 II or showstopping LG G5?

Price

We have the 65-inch model before us today, which is officially priced at £2999 / $3400, putting it squarely in the flagship category. It’s not available in Australia, unfortunately, but currency conversion (at the time of writing) suggests that it would cost roughly AU$6145.

It’s also available in 55-inch and 77-inch screen sizes, which are priced at £2500 / $2600 and £4000 / $4500 respectively.

There is some good news, however, as prices appear to already be dropping. You can currently find the 65-inch model for closer to £2800 / $3100 if you shop around.

Compared to its rivals, the Panasonic is priced surprisingly competitively; so much so that it launched at a lower price than the LG G5 (£3299 / $3400 / AU$5299) and Samsung S95F (£3399 / $3299 / AU$5299). However, both of these TVs have also been discounted since launch, which means they’re more in line with the Panasonic.

The Sony Bravia 8 II launched for less than the Panasonic in the UK, but more in the US (£2999 / $4000 / AU$5295); though that too can now be found for closer to £2699 / $3000.

Build

Unlike many of its peers in the OLED TV world, Panasonic has opted to redesign its latest flagship TV, and it’s done a rather good job of doing so. The Z95B looks and feels smarter, more premium, and generally more stylish.

It’s covered in a tasteful acoustic cloth that spans the length of the front-facing speaker bar, and it runs up the edges of the set and along the top, too, in order to cover the side-firing and upward-firing drive units.

Furthermore, the set trades the super thin portions interrupted by bulky box-out sections as seen on the Z95A for a more uniform width throughout. This means that when viewed side on, the Z95B looks thicker, but we think it looks better for it and overall a bit less awkward.

And this redesign does more than just allow for a sleeker new look; it has a practical benefit too.

Panasonic has implemented a new cooling system, which it dubs ThermalFlow. This allows air to flow out of the top and bottom of the set for more efficient temperature regulation.

Panasonic claims that this new thermal management system allows it to push the panel harder, resulting in higher peak brightness.

Despite the redesign, Panasonic has thankfully opted to incorporate one of the best features of the Z95A; its swivel stand. The TV sits atop a circular pedestal stand that can rotate to allow you to view the TV at a comfortable angle, even if your sofa is not directly parallel to the TV.

There is, however, one aspect of the Z95A that we wish didn’t return, that being the remote. It does have positive aspects, such as the high-quality metallic finish and the most satisfyingly clicky buttons of any TV we’ve tested this year, but we’re sorely missing backlit buttons.

It’s worth noting that, unlike Sony and Samsung, Panasonic opts to only include one button-heavy remote in the box rather than pairing it with a trimmed-down secondary remote.

Features

As you’d hope at this price, Panasonic has crammed a laundry list of features into this flagship OLED TV. It features the latest generation META OLED panel, with LG Display’s Primary RGB Tandem OLED display structure at its heart.

This panel promises significantly higher brightness than the outgoing Micro Lens Array panel (notably featured on last year’s Panasonic Z95A), and it achieves it through stacking four OLED layers – one red, one green, and two blue.

This also has the benefit of increasing colour volume, which is important as we did notice that a handful of the MLA OLED TVs sometimes looked a touch washed out in higher brightness scenes.

The Z95B also has a trick up its sleeve when it comes to HDR support. Unlike LG and Sony, which (aside from the standard HDR10 and HLG formats) are staunchly in the Dolby Vision camp, or Samsung, which has a strict HDR10+ only approach, Panasonic supports both of the competing dynamic HDR formats as well as the HDR10 and HLG static formats.

This is also a 144Hz panel, which should appeal to console and PC gamers. Those who play on the PS5 or Xbox Series X can take advantage of refresh rates up to 120Hz, while those with capable gaming PC rigs can enjoy the full 144Hz.

It’s worth noting here that Panasonic is lagging slightly behind the LG G5 and Samsung S95F, both of which support up to 165Hz signals, but that’s by no means a dealbreaker for the Z95B – very few people will even be able to take advantage of 144Hz support.

Unfortunately, gamers are limited to just two HDMI 2.1 sockets, with one of them doubling up as the HDMI eARC connector. Therefore, if you have more than one current-generation console and a soundbar that doesn’t feature HDMI 2.1 passthrough, then you’ll have a tough conundrum on your hands.

There may well be a solution to this conundrum, however. Panasonic is banking on you not needing to plug an external sound device into the Z95B, as it expects you to stick with the substantial built-in Dolby Atmos sound system, which has been tuned by its premium hi-fi division, Technics.

The TV features a front-firing speaker array housed in the soundbar section below the screen, alongside a side-firing speaker on each side of the television and dual upward-firing drivers. These are supported by a dedicated subwoofer (driven by a 30-watt amplifier) with dual passive radiators.

In total, this TV boasts a sound system with a claimed maximum power output of 170W – punchy indeed. Better yet, Panasonic has implemented its 360-degree Soundscape Pro system into this TV in order to create a more convincing surround-sound experience.

Running the show is Panasonic’s HCX Pro AI Processor MKII, which predictably leverages the power of artificial intelligence. It uses AI-backed picture processing to power its 4K Remaster picture engine, which sharpens lower resolution content (especially over streaming) to make it shine on the advanced OLED panel.

Panasonic has also implemented a new Amazon Prime Video calibrated mode, which accepts data from an Amazon server when streaming from its platform in order to adjust the picture settings to best suit the content. It’s worth noting that this is an optional setting, and Panasonic isn’t the first to implement this, as Sony introduced it on its 2024 range.

This new Amazon-focused feature does, however, hint at the ever-stronger partnership between the Japanese AV brand and the e-commerce titan, which is backed up by the inclusion of the Fire TV streaming platform.

This handles all of the built-in streaming and gaming apps, and while we’re not the biggest fan of its looks, we can’t argue with its comprehensive app offering. There are no noticeable gaps here in terms of international or domestic apps, and the Panasonic Z95B gets bonus points for having Freely integration.

We also quite like the tweaks that Panasonic has made to the system, such as the easy-to-access picture settings menu that makes on-the-fly adjustments quick and simple.

Returning to the remote that we griped about earlier, we do rather like the picture mode shortcut button, which can be found at the top of the handset; other TV manufacturers should take note.

Picture

This is where things get serious. The Z95B is up against some seriously tough rivals in what has been a particularly spectacular year for OLED TVs.

We are comparing it against our current “best premium” choice in our best OLED TV list – the Sony Bravia 8 II. This Sony TV uses the competing QD-OLED panel technology from Samsung Display, so we expect to see some differences; however, Panasonic has its work cut out regardless.

We’ve hooked up our trusty Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player (which is sadly no longer on sale) and raided our shelf of reference 4K discs and digital library, selecting titles including Civil War, Alien Romulus, Blade Runner 2049, Top Gun: Maverick and, as this is a TV that touts major brightness boosts, the abysmal (but very bright) Pan.

We use our usual Filmmaker Mode shortcut, which is often our first stop in getting any TV to look roughly the way we want it to.

Starting with the climactic siege of Washington, D.C. from the final act of Civil War, the Panasonic looks impressively comparable to the Sony. At first glance, both seem to handle the darker sections of the sequence well, with good low-light colour volume and a rich, three-dimensional quality to the picture.

However, the further we test the Z95B in Filmmaker Mode, the more we realise that the TV isn’t operating to its full potential. It seems a little bit soft and is lacking the punch and brightness we presumed we would see based on our experience of testing the LG G5.

This is most evident in Pan. It just doesn’t have the same impact as when watched on the Sony, which pushes its QD-OLED panel harder to deliver stunning brightness and vivid colours.

Turning up the brightness on the Z95B does rectify this issue somewhat by adding a bit more zing to a picture that’s in danger of being described as a bit dull; however, this can result in some brightness clipping that diminishes details.

The Sony, on the other hand, finds a nice balance between delivering intense brightness while retaining detail, such as a clean outline of the sun during the flying pirate ship sequence of Pan.

We also find the Sony to be more adept at maintaining dark detail with this film, especially in the sequence in which the floating pirate ship drifts through a cavernous tunnel and into Blackbeard’s quarry. The captive children standing in the background of the shot are lost within the shadows on the Panasonic.

Sensing that something isn’t quite right here, we swap to the Z95B's True Cinema mode, which it assures us is very similar to the Filmmaker Mode, albeit with sharpness turned up slightly and the white balance adjusted to be closer to a studio reference monitor – this input comes from Hollywood colourist Stefan Sonnenfeld, with whom Panasonic has worked for a number of years.

We also opt to dial up Panasonic’s Resolution Remaster setting to medium, which seems to sharpen the image and add some necessary depth.

With these settings applied, the Panasonic seems to be much more in its element. It’s still not quite as dazzling as the Sony when it comes to Pan, but the richer, sharper and more balanced picture that the Panasonic presents in these settings does a good job of closing the gap.

Switching back to Civil War, we find that the Panasonic’s contrast handling is greatly improved, allowing for a more strikingly three-dimensional image. A building in the background of a shot in which a sniper takes position is beautifully rendered, with sharp edges and tangible depth that makes it feel strikingly realistic.

Colours are also a highlight here, with a rich and vibrant quality that doesn’t stray into looking overcooked or unrealistic. Panasonic treads a careful line between remaining balanced while adding some necessary punch. The golden-hued intro of Top Gun: Maverick looks dazzling, with vibrant greens and oranges featured on the aircraft carrier’s crew uniforms.

We then switch to Alien Romulus in Dolby Vision on Apple TV+ to find out whether the Panasonic suffers from the same issue that befell the LG G5 in our first test – namely, some nasty near-black posterisation that rendered several scenes unwatchable. Thankfully, the Panasonic Z95B manages to dodge the issue.

With that out of the way, we can enjoy the rich and crisp Dolby Vision picture, which suits the retro-futuristic aesthetic of this film nicely. The blinking orange and yellow buttons in the cockpit of the spacecraft at the very start of the film glow with a vivid, eye-catching quality, while the stars that perforate the infinite void of space shine with pinpoint bursts of brightness.

When the film transitions to Rain dreaming of life on a much nicer-looking planet than the dystopian nightmare she currently finds herself on, we get to once again appreciate how the Panasonic balances rich, vibrant colours with plenty of authenticity.

We quickly switch to the 4K Blu-ray disc of Blade Runner 2049 to affirm our feelings, and it's apparent that the Panasonic is a talented all-rounder indeed. Motion is free from juddering or stuttering throughout our testing, even with our preferred approach of turning all motion-enhancing settings off.

Interestingly, the Panasonic’s colours are a little warmer than the Sony's, which can comparatively look slightly cool. Eventually, we decide that the true colour accuracy probably lies somewhere in between these two excellent TVs, though neither looks outwardly wrong.

Before we conclude our picture testing, we try a standard Blu-ray copy of True Grit to see how the Z95B handles upscaling lower resolution content.

The Panasonic looks surprisingly sharp and clean, which could be the 4K Remaster picture engine working its magic. Regardless, you should have no trouble watching 1080p content on this TV if you plan on using non-4K Blu-rays or the lower tiers of a streaming service.

Sound

The Panasonic Z95B takes audio a bit more seriously than most of the OLED TVs we see on the market. As we’ve established, the built-in Dolby Atmos sound system is tuned by Technics, and it includes an automatic room-adjustment calibration system, which can adapt the output to best suit your viewing space.

So, has Technics delivered the ultimate OLED TV sound system? Realistically, the Z95B sounds good rather than great, but we’ll start with the positives.

There’s no doubting the spatial capabilities of this sound system, as the disembodied voices of the holographic adverts seen when Officer K walks back to his apartment are presented with a genuine sense of height.

It also presents quite a direct sound, with voices being projected outward towards your seating position with a decent sense of clarity. Detail levels are good, too.

There's also a decent dose of musicality to this system, with the upbeat soundtrack of Pan being presented with decent timing and dynamics.

However, the Z95B seems to struggle somewhat when it comes to lower frequencies. Chapter two of Blade Runner 2049, which features a notoriously tricky section, feels a touch lightweight, and what bass there is doesn’t feature much in the way of tonal variation.

As a result, there’s a lack of tension in this sequence; we attempt to rectify this with the Bass Boost setting, but that quickly results in some uncomfortable distortion that does more harm than good overall.

We also find that dialogue can carry some noticeable sibilance, which is combined with a lack of richness and dynamism, resulting in a sharp, flat effect on voices.

The Z95B still sounds significantly better than most rival TVs, including the LG G5 and Samsung S95F, but it perhaps doesn't quite deliver on the promise of its extravagant speaker system.

Verdict

The Panasonic Z95B isn’t a perfect OLED TV, but it is a very likeable one. It requires some time and attention in order to get the best out of it, but once you have it dialled in, you can expect to be rewarded with a rich, authentic and engaging picture.

This is backed up by a decent set of gaming and streaming features, as well as a sound system that’s certainly a cut above the vast majority of TVs, resulting in a solid all-rounder of a TV.

What's more, this all comes packaged in an attractive new design that covers both form and function, making this TV a worthy addition to the roster of flagship sets we’ve seen so far this year.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the LG G5

Also consider the Sony Bravia 8 II

Read our LG C5 review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget LED sets tried and tested

The Panasonic Z90B 48-inch is a smaller OLED with some serious competition, targeting as it does the five-star 48-inch versions of the LG C5 and Samsung S90F.

To enter the fray with some confidence, it is armed to the teeth with many of the benefits that have made past Panasonic sets fan favourites among What Hi-Fi? readers and a regular sight in our best OLED TV guide. Chief among those is the company’s ongoing focus on delivering “as the director intended” home cinema experiences.

But, is this enough to earn it a recommendation in an increasingly competitive segment of the OLED TV market? Here’s what we found after putting it through its paces in our test rooms.

Price

The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B in our test rooms currently costs £1500. Panasonic TVs haven’t been on sale in Australia for quite some time now, and sadly, despite Panasonic re-launching in the United States last year, the Z90B isn’t included in this year’s US line-up – instead, you can get only the more expensive Z95B or cheaper Z80B OLEDs.

The price means the 48-inch Z90B costs the same as the equivalently sized Samsung S90F and LG C5. All three are a little too new to have had any serious discounts.

If 48 inches isn’t quite right, you can grab the smaller 42-inch Z90B for £1400. Prices then scale up as you increase in size, peaking at £3500 for the largest, 77-inch Z90B option.

Build

The Z90B doesn’t deviate from Panasonic’s past OLED designs. That means there are pluses and minuses.

The sleek TV is thin, making it easy to mount flush to a wall. Unlike the larger models in the Z90B range, which have a circular pedestal, the 48-inch set’s stand is a large rectangle. Sadly, it doesn’t have a swivel mechanism.

While a smaller footprint would be good, it’s a well-made unit. Made of metal, the stand feels very sturdy, and offers no sway or flex during testing – one of our testers describing it as nicely toddler- and pet-proof.

But the speaker bar at its bottom returns. This is effectively a bolted-on soundbar that, Panasonic claims, removes the need to invest in a separate sound system.

Putting aside the fact that we have yet to find a TV where we can agree with such claims, the inclusion is an annoyance if you happen to have a soundbar already.

We have long argued that we would like Panasonic to offer a variant of its top OLEDs without the bar, at a lower price, for those of us who already have a good sound system. But, alas, that isn’t happening this year.

The only visual difference with the Z90B’s speaker bar is that it now has a grey acoustic covering, instead of plain black.

The TV’s remote control is also all but identical to that of past Panasonic OLEDs. It’s a large, clunky remote with shortcuts to all the apps and features you might want, but little else.

There’s no backlight, solar, or USB charging, and it generally feels a little clunky and archaic at this point.

Features

The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B is generally well featured as small OLED TVs go – to the point it goes pound-for-pound in most areas with the 48-inch Samsung S90F and LG C5.

Like all the small step-down OLEDs we have tested this year, the Z90B uses a regular WOLED panel.

The brightness-boosting Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech sported on last year’s Panasonic Z95A is being retired rather than trickling down a price point. The newer Primary RGB Tandem OLED tech that made its debut in January is coming only to the Panasonic Z95B flagship.

However, the Z90B does come with one advantage over its competitors: a heatsink. This is a key feature that we have wanted to see on step-down models – especially small ones – for quite some time. The smaller dimensions and more tightly packed pixels on OLEDs of this size mean the sets can heat up more than their larger siblings, which in turn risks causing performance issues and, in some instances, damage.

Which is why, traditionally, companies are much more conservative with how hard they push smaller OLED sets. Hence the lower brightness and performance differences we usually experience on smaller OLEDs when comparing them with their larger counterparts.

The heatsink in the Z90B, though, should let Panasonic push the panel harder for better performance, all while reducing the risk of burn-in and panel degradation.

The set also features Panasonic’s latest generation HCX Pro AI Processor MKII chipset. This is the same silicon seen in the Z95B and features a similar AI processing focus to all the other TV chips we have seen this year.

The HCX Pro AI Processor MKII comes with Panasonic’s 4K Remaster Engine upscaling and a new Amazon Prime Video Calibrated picture setting – similar to the mode Sony added to its 2024 range. This complements the set’s standard Filmmaker Mode.

As a final perk, the set also continues Panasonic’s partnership with TV calibration specialists Portrait Displays, which means the Z90B can be Calman calibrated with relative ease (providing you have the equipment and technical know-how).

The addition of a Prime Video mode is unsurprising, as the Z90B continues Panasonic’s ongoing cosying up to Amazon – the set once again runs the retail giant’s Fire TV OS. This means you get excellent app support, with Apple TV+, Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more all present and working correctly.

Specialist services and local catch-ups, including Shudder, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Freely and more, all have green ticks. In fact, our only minor quibble is that the interface is still a little ad-heavy and doesn’t always make crystal clear which content is free and which is paid for.

HDR support is excellent. The Z90B supports nearly all four of the common HDR standards: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

The inclusion of HDR10+ and Dolby Vision is particularly welcome, as these are rival standards with a similar focus – delivering frame-by-frame optimisations to improve contrast and dynamic range.

Their offshoot HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Vision IQ variants are also supported and again have similar aims. They both work to further optimise the screen’s performance and settings based on ambient light conditions.

The only minor downside with the Z90B is that, unlike its Samsung and LG rivals, it has only two full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which doubles as its eARC.

That will be fine for people who have just one current-generation games console and a Dolby Atmos soundbar to connect. But the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and modern gaming PCs all require an HDMI 2.1 input to run at full speed. So if, like many of us, you have more than one console, and/or a gaming PC and an Atmos soundbar, be prepared for a fair amount of cable swapping.

That apart, the Z90B’s gaming specifications are solid. Like all the step-down sets we have seen this year, it can run at a maximum of 4K/144Hz, which is faster than current-generation games consoles' 4K/120Hz cap.

VRR and ALLM are also included, which let the TV match the framerate to the incoming signal and reduce latency. There’s even an option to allow your gaming source to handle HDR tone-mapping for a more “as the creator intended” look to your favourite titles.

All of this can be controlled in the set’s new Game Control Board quick menu, which also lets you pull up performance stats and tweak specific settings as you play. So, all-in-all, pretty impressive, despite the limited number of HDMI 2.1 inputs.

Picture

“A superb TV that delivers the authenticity for which Panasonic is renowned.”

“An authentic, controlled and balanced picture, the set uses the added brightness in a way that truly improves rather than distracts from what’s happening on screen.”

“Colours and motion all hold a wonderful authenticity that makes for a wonderful viewing experience, especially if you want to experience movies as the director intended.”

The above are all quotes from three of our latest Panasonic OLED reviews, which hopefully confirm the company’s reputation for delivering wonderfully authentic, as the director intended, movie experiences.

Does the Z90B live up to this legacy? Comparing it with its LG C5 and Samsung S90F rivals in our viewing rooms, we are happy to report the answer is a firm yes.

This is apparent from the moment we fire up our first test disc, a 4K Blu-ray copy of Dune: Part 2, using the Z90B and our ever-faithful Oppo UDP-203 player.

Even in its far-from-perfect out-of-the-box settings, the picture is less in your face than most rivals in similar settings. The desert scene retains some semblance of colour accuracy, being only a smidgeon too warm for our liking.

Peak highlights are pushed a little hard, especially in segments of the picture with mixed light and dark elements, but not as much as on the S90F next to it, which looks significantly more artificial.

In fact, our only big gripe is with its motion handling, which is too smooth. The additional fake frames that the processing generates make the Fremen freedom fighters look somewhat as if they are floating through the air, rather than violently lunging at their enemies.

Luckily, it is really easy to adjust the settings to fix all this: put the TV in Filmmaker mode. No further tweaking is really required, as this mode turns off pretty much all the TV’s unnecessary features.

Once that’s done, the picture is the best we have seen on a new 48-inch OLED this year.

Colours are a particular highlight. The set retains the warm, rich, scorching desert tone the director intended, without ever feeling overbaked. The background dunes retain a warm detail that is lost on the rivals we test it against, which occasionally reduce subtle shades of red and orange to pure white.

The same is true as the action transitions to a dim segment of the film. Here, the Panasonic manages to retain the colour volume and detail of skin tones in a way that is beyond many modern OLEDs.

There’s a warmth, even in the darkest parts of characters’ faces, with a wonderful range of colours and shades that also extends to the brightest part of the picture. Each part is full of detail without any loss of authenticity or addition of artificiality.

This isn’t due to the Z90B pushing its panel’s brightness. In fact, 99 per cent of the time, if anything, it is actually dimmer than its competition – but it saves its efforts for the moments it is genuinely meant to go bright.

Moving to a night-time battle scene of our Civil War test disc, the set produces wonderful peak highlights that are every bit as bright and full of detail as on the S90F and C5. But because it chooses to focus its efforts on the areas that are meant to be bright, they hold a much more distinct, realistic place in the picture, adding weight and a true sense of three-dimensionality to the scene.

Looking at a chandelier in the White House, every bauble is visible and sharp, and there is a wide gamut in the burning bulbs that is lost on many competing sets – which once again simply show entire sections of the ornament as white.

There are, though, some drawbacks that might put off cinema viewers who like their home cinema to have an overt “wow” factor.

We switch to the opening scene of Alien: Romulus. Blacks are nicely inky, and the background stars shine out of the dead space with wonderful menace, but as a ship exits the void and approaches the viewer, it takes a while longer for it to fully come into view.

The set’s intentionally low brightness means that, while each nook, cranny and detail of the ship coming out of the black are there, we have to look harder for them as they are more thoroughly veiled in shadow. If you want pop, this isn’t the set for you.

This is even more apparent when we switch to our standard SDR Blu-ray True Grit test disc, which we often use to gauge a TV’s upscaling powers due to its incredibly demanding opening scene and intentionally grainy quality.

The opening night-time scene is incredibly dark, with some details on the house's porch that are visible on rival sets coming across as completely black. Falling snow lacks some definition and all but disappears when it hits the darkest part of the picture.

Things pick up in a brighter town scene, but the SDR performance doesn’t quite have the dynamic range we would like, and some aspects, including some characters’ rather magnificent beards, still lack the definition we experience on the competitor sets we are testing it against.

This doesn’t mean the Z90B is bad at upscaling – colours remain accurate and the picture is more than watchable and still blissfully free of artefacts – it’s just one area where it definitely isn’t this year’s class leader.

Sound

The Z90B comes with a “Dynamic Theatre Surround Pro” speaker system that Panasonic markets as being bespoke-designed for audiophiles looking for a true Dolby Atmos experience.

Despite this, it's a basic 60W, 2.1 arrangement. There are no up-firing drivers. The subwoofer is housed on the TV’s back, while the two front-facing speakers are bolted onto the set’s bottom.

Does it deliver an audiophile experience? No. But, being fair to Panasonic, the Z90B does easily outclass every other 48-inch OLED we have tested this year in terms of audio.

There’s a sense of direction as gunfire flies left and right across the screen during Civil War. There is also noticeably more low-end heft and volume, with the explosions offering some rumble, even at moderate volumes.

Switching to Oppenheimer, the set offers reasonable separation between background noises and characters’ voices, making it easy to follow conversations even during scenes with heavy low-end background noise.

But the system is still not perfect, and can’t match the quality of a moderately capable soundbar, including our recommended Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

The subwoofer adds heft, but the unit isn’t precise enough. The thundering fighter jets of our Top Gun: Maverick test disc sound too flabby, with the sonic boom lacking the precise impact it deserves.

Higher-level engine noises show the front drivers are a little underpowered, with distortion creeping in and the upper frequencies taking on an acidic, unpleasant tone – especially at high volumes.

Having said all that, the end result is still the best audio performance you’ll find on an OLED this size – but it’s still one that falls short of what we can describe as truly immersive.

Verdict

Thanks to its ongoing focus on colour accuracy and delivering an “as the director intended” experience rather than razzmatazz, the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B is the best TV at its size that we have tested.

From sparkling desert dunes in sci-fi epics to cars thundering across a race track and heated conversations behind closed doors, every scene we threw at this set looked wonderfully authentic and weighty.

If you want a 48-inch OLED TV and value cinematic authenticity, the Panasonic Z90B is currently the one to get.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the 48-inch Samsung S90F

Also consider the 48-inch LG C5

Read our 55-inch LG C5 review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget LED sets tried and tested

We're in the second half of 2025, and as is tradition, it's usually when our busiest period starts.

While many of you may be enjoying a relaxing summer holiday, we are buzzing with excitement as we have some great new products in for testing.

Most notably, 2025's flagship TVs from Samsung and Panasonic and a KEF Q Meta Series surround sound speaker package are in, while we have some tasty hi-fi from NAD and new British brand Fell Audio.

Additionally, our annual What Hi-Fi? Awards judging period is underway, so our test rooms are being inundated with new products waiting to be considered and listened to, to see if they nab a coveted trophy this year.

As before, if you have any questions about these products before we get started on our reviews, don't be shy: post a comment at the bottom of this page, head to our forums or social media channels, or email us at whathifi@futurenet.com with your query. We’ll do our best to find the answer during our testing process and get back to you.

Now, to the products we have in for review...

NAD C 3050

The NAD C 3050 was originally launched as a limited edition model for the brand's 50th birthday, but is now fully available, and aims to combine NAD's vintage heritage with today's cutting-edge technology.

The 1970s cursive text, illuminated VU meters and walnut details might get your retro senses tingling, but inside the amplifier is NAD's modern HybridDigital UcD technology (which offers 100 watts per channel) and a Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC. The amp boasts analogue and digital connectivity, including MM phono inputs and an HDMI eARC.

Another modern NAD blueprint is its modular nature, and this allows you to add on a MDC2 Blu-OS module and turn the C 3050 into a fully-fledged just-add-speakers streaming amplifier. This is the version we have in for testing, which includes the full complement of network hi-res streaming, Dirac Live Room Correction and multi-room capabilities.

Ruark Audio MR1 Mk3

Ruark Audio's MR1 series of dinky powered speakers has been some of our favourite desktop speakers for their good looks, great price and hugely engaging sound. After an initial preview during launch, we finally have a review sample of the MR1 Mk3 in our test rooms.

The MR1 Mk3 keep their dimensions, visual style and price point (under £400) fairly similar, but under the hood, they now have a Class D amplifier (instead of the Class A/B used in their previous two generations), a new 8.5cm mid/bass driver, and the inclusion of a moving magnet phono stage and a USB-C input.

We are promised deeper bass, greater control and power for "a significant leap in acoustic performance" – it's been eight years since the Award-winning MR1 Mk2 launched, so we can't wait to hear how these updated speakers sound.

Read our Ruark MR1 Mk3 hands-on review

Fell Audio Amp/Disc

Fell Audio has made quite the stir in the hi-fi market, launching last year with the aim of bringing back British manufacturing at affordable price points. The new brand is backed by AV retailer Peter Tyson, and its products are designed and built in the UK.

We have both the Fell Amp integrated amplifier and Fell Disc CD player in for testing, costing £599 and £499 respectively – highly competitive in today's market.

The illuminated green buttons (which are touch-capacitative) are reminiscent of many 1970s British hi-fi designs, but it doesn't look backwards with its specifications: both models feature analogue and digital connectivity, sporting an ESS Sabre DAC in the amp and CD player. The Fell Amp boasts 89 watts per channel of Class D amplification, alongside Bluetooth 5.0 streaming.

How will this nascent brand fare against its current rivals in both categories? We are curious to find out.

Panasonic Z95B

We had our first glimpse of Panasonic's flagship TV for 2025 back in January's CES showcase, but we now have a review sample (65-inch screen size) in our test rooms.

The Z95B uses a new OLED panel technology, called Primary RBG Tanden OLED. It's an LG Display technology that replaces the short-lived Micro Lens Array (MLA) panel, and stacks four OLED layers on top of each other to achieve much higher brightness than what MLA could manage.

Elsewhere, you get two HDMI 2.1 sockets, support for all HDR formats (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision), and it continues to run on Amazon's Fire TV platform.

The Z95B also has a fancy arrangement when it comes to its integrated speakers, courtesy of sister brand Technics. It has a multi-speaker Dolby Atmos system with up-firing drivers in a 5.1.2 arrangement. We're excited to put this brand-new set through its paces.

Read our Panasonic Z95B hands-on review

Samsung S95F

We have another flagship 2025 TV model in for testing, this time from Samsung. The S95F has the same QD-OLED panel as the awesome, five-star Sony Bravia 8 II, and promises to be Samsung's brightest OLED TV yet.

The S95F is reportedly 30 per cent brighter than last year's excellent sets and claims to reach 2000 nits peak brightness – up from 1650 nits peak on the S95D – while retaining the same energy usage as its predecessor.

This TV also includes a new immersive format and potential Dolby Atmos rival, called Eclipsa Audio (developed in partnership with Google), which brings open-source immersive audio to YouTube.

Dolby Vision is off the menu but all other HDR formats and latest gaming specs are accounted for. Most positively, it features four – that's right, four! – HDMI 2.1 sockets.

Read our Samsung S95F hands-on review

KEF Q Meta speaker package

We really liked the all-round talented performance of the KEF's Q Concerto Meta standmount speakers – the first model we tested from its revamped, entry-level Q Series.

The updated Q Meta series features the brand's 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array and innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for the first time. We have heard and been impressed by this MAT technology in KEF's LS50 Meta, R3 Meta and LS50 Wireless II (to name but a few five-star models). It is a complex, maze-like structure that sits behind the tweeter dome and absorbs 99% of unwanted high-frequency sound for a cleaner, detailed sound.

The five-star Concerto Meta standmounters form the basis of this surround speaker package we'll be testing, which also includes on-wall surrounds (Q4 Meta), a matching centre (Q6 Meta) and a 12-inch subwoofer (Kube 12 MIE) – all for a £3000 package.

Lindemann Limetree Phono II

Now for something a little different. Lindemann may not be a big hi-fi name, but the tiny, somewhat ordinary-looking products we've tested have won us over with their considerable musical talents.

We reviewed the first-generation Limetree Phono back in 2018 and praised its "amazing sound" for articulate detail, expressive dynamics, surefooted sense of rhythm and superbly judged tonal balance.

We now have the follow-up, the Limetree Phono II, in for testing and are hoping this dinky MM/MC phono stage for £650 delights us once more.

MORE:

Read our Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 review

TCL TVs were a bit hit and miss last year, but they’re looking consistently strong for 2025

What are your top tips for hi-fi newcomers? Tell us your best bits of buying advice

A few weeks ago, we brought you the news that Lorde's new album Virgin, which was released on a fully transparent CD, wouldn't play.

Fans reported (across BBC, Reddit and Amazon reviews) that the disc simply wouldn't play on their CD players, although a small portion of purchasers said it did work on their disc players.

I was immediately intrigued. Unlike vinyl pressings, which can come in various colours and levels of translucency, I've never come across a transparent CD before. My colleagues have mentioned they have come across some that are half-transparent (such as this Fugazi Furniture CD single from 2001), but these still have a section for the shiny reflective layer that allows the data to be read.

CDs have a shiny reflective layer that allows the laser and optical sensor in the CD player to read the data stored on the CD. Without this reflective layer, the laser's light will simply pass through the disc and not read the data, and therefore not play the disc.

Seems simple enough, right? There's no way this clear CD could work then. But what made me curious is that there were plenty of people who said that the disc played perfectly fine for them. So what's going on?

I bought myself a copy to find out.

I am lucky to have access to a bunch of old and new CD players in our What Hi-Fi? test rooms, and I have various disc players (Blu-ray player, PlayStation, external CD drive, and an older CD changer) at home. I couldn't wait to try the CD in all these players and see what worked and didn't.

Firstly, regardless of how silly you think the idea is, I have to admit the transparent CD looks quite pretty in person. It's extremely transparent. Not translucent – fully clear and see-through, with light fully passing through it.

You see it in the picture gallery above.

You can't even tell there is a CD in the case. Hold it at certain angles, especially outside in the sunlight, and it all but disappears.

However, there must be some kind of thin reflective layer in the CD for the data to be read, otherwise we can't imagine it would have ever left the manufacturing plant. Sure enough, I can see an ever-so-slightly grey-ish shade when holding the Virgin clear CD at an angle (especially indoors).

It is a very pretty piece of plastic (which is also recyclable, according to Lorde's site and shop listings). But, crucially, does it work or have I just wasted £12.99?

At work, I started off with a Cyrus CDi (a decade-long favourite and our reference CD player) and a brand new Eversolo Play CD Edition that we are currently testing, which includes a Hitachi-LG CD-ROM drive.

The tray-loading mechanism on the Eversolo accepts it and says it is "loading the CD information"... and then it isn't able to play it. The screen keeps trying to switch to the CD playing screen, but it keeps flickering back to the previous playback screen (which was playing Qobuz).

After about a minute of watching the screen flicker and go dark, I put the Eversolo out of its misery and concluded it just wouldn't play on it.

The Cyrus CDi wouldn't even accept the disc. The slot-loading mechanism on the CDi usually automatically draws the CD in when a disc is inserted halfway – I double-checked this with a 'normal' CD to make sure the CDi was working fine.

But when presented with the Lorde CD, it just would not budge. It physically stops the CD from entering. I even tried to forcefully push the CD into the Cyrus (which I wouldn't normally advise you to do in case it damages the CD or player), but the Cyrus simply would not accept the CD.

I tried both sides, just to be sure, but no luck. The copyright text at the edge of the CD can be seen in tiny white letters – it's the only way to tell which is the right side up.

I then brought out the newer Cyrus 40 CD that we reviewed earlier this year to see if it replicated the issue, and it behaved exactly the same as the CDi. How odd.

Since both these Cyrus models are slot loaders and are somewhat strict on the CD formats they play, I sought out the budget Marantz CD6007 – another reliable favourite that plays nice with more CD formats and which features a tray loading mechanism.

This one worked immediately: the Lorde CD was recognised and played without a hitch. Our sample of the Marantz CD player simply treated it like a normal CD and played through all 11 tracks on the album. Success!

Once at home, I then went around sticking the CD into various other disc players we have in the house.

I started with the PS5 and PS4, as the BBC report says that a customer used it perfectly fine on their PlayStation (they didn't specify which model) – but while they both take the disc, both deliver an "unsupported disc" message.

A reader has since correctly reminded me that neither the PS4 or PS5 can play audio CDs – so it clearly is an older PlayStation model that users have tried with success.

My husband (who by now is more excited about this experiment than I am), tried the clear disc in his 2000-era Technics SL-DV170 DVD/CD changer with a tray-loading CD mechanism. This one, interestingly, was hit and miss. The first time we tried the disc, the Technics said no disc was read. When we tried it again, it recognised it and played fully.

The only thing we could figure out, after trying many times, what was different was the orientation of the CD when placed on the tray. If the CD was rotated so that the copyright lettering was positioned on the right-hand side, it wouldn't work. If the lettering was positioned on the left side when placed on the tray, it played.

There is likely something else at play here, as the label on the CD would not affect playback (not least because CDs are read from the inside out), but this was the only way we could tell that something had changed. We tried multiple times and recreated the oddity.

I then tried the CD in a Panasonic DMP-BDT180 Blu-ray player, and that played without a hitch, although it didn't display the track names on screen.

And lastly, I tried a cheap Rioddas external CD drive connected via USB into both an Asus Windows laptop and an Apple MacBook Pro, and it was another success both times. The disc was recognised and started playing, with the media player program recognising and displaying the track names. My iTunes even offered to start ripping the CD, which it did easily.

It's a mixed bag of results at the end of this little experiment, then, with only four out of seven players I tried being able to play the transparent disc.

This is by no means a comprehensive test. There are more CD players in our work stockroom that I'd like to try this CD in (the Arcam CD5, a newer Technics, a Copland), and I'd love to try this clear CD in as many CD players and disc drives as I can find to get further examples, but that would be a hard task.

However, the players I tried were from a pretty wide variety: various manufacturers, different price points, old and new players, and different loading mechanisms (top loaders were the only ones I didn't have at hand).

That the CD even played without any issue on the Marantz CD6007, the external drive, the Panasonic Blu-ray player, and (intermittently) on the Technics deck means that the transparent CD still behaves like a CD – and that there is data on it that can be read.

But here's where it gets even more interesting. One Reddit user (Romando1) says they tried the Lorde CD on their disc players – Sony MXD-D3, Acurus ACD-11, McIntosh MVP 831 and even a Marantz CD6007 – but none of these players could read it.

So how could our sample of the CD6007 play it?

It could simply be that the CD isn't made to Red Book standards (a set of rules that defines, in very strict terms, what an audio CD is), that it goes beyond the tolerances accepted in manufacturing, or maybe there are variations in the sample.

We asked Cyrus about why its players wouldn't even accept the disc, and they replied back saying that this is because the optical sensors that see if a disc is being inserted isn't able to see the Lorde disc. Essentially, if what's being inserted into the Cyrus player doesn't resemble a disc, then it prevents it from entering.

Some users have mused that older CD players are more likely to play the Lorde CD while new ones can't – but we found this to be demonstrably untrue, as the Cyrus 40 CD is barely a year old, and our Marantz sample is from 2024.

Lorde and her record label Universal Music Group haven't addressed these issues of playback yet, and the Virgin CD is still available to buy in physical and online shops.

This certainly made for a fun experiment, however, and despite it having issues with playback, I'll still hold on to my copy of Lorde's transparent CD.

Whenever we get new CD players in to test at What Hi-Fi?, it'll be in my pool of CDs to try, just to see what happens.

MORE:

Best CD players: budget to premium options (and they will play all standard CDs)

Here are 6 CD player buying tips for when you want to revive your disc collection

Vinyl pressing plants on surging demand, keeping it local, and whether coloured vinyl really does sound worse

Freely is expanding its streaming offerings with a “simple and affordable” puck that gives you access to live and on-demand TV on televisions that do not have the platform built-in.

The free streaming platform gives you access to a range of different streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and PBS America.

It was launched on a variety of next-generation smart TVs in April last year, providing access to over 40 channels without the need for an aerial dish or wires. That includes models from the likes of Hisense, Panasonic, and TCL.

This should allow audiences to ‘plug-in and stream’ live and on-demand TV all in one place.

Freely has teamed up with French entertainment technology company Netgem as its device partner. It says the puck is a “small and modern device” that will provide a “seamless and intuitive user experience.”

The device will include the same interface as seen on Freely Smart TVs, including a TV Guide with seven-day forward and backwards functionality, plus the ability to bookmark your favourite shows.

CEO at Everyone TV, Jonathan Thompson, said, “Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone. Expanding to ‘plug-in and stream’ devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription.”

We don’t yet know how much the puck will cost, but we are expecting to get more information in the coming months.

With more pricey competitors such as Sky Stream and Apple TV 4K also on the market, Freely’s first streaming puck could be a great alternative for those on a budget looking for a simple, straightforward offering.

It’s set to come out later this year, and we’ll keep you updated.

MORE:

Here are the best streaming devices

This is our review of Apple TV 4K

I’ve tried Freely: here are five things I like and three things that could be improved

The last week of my life has consisted of sitting in our AV testing facility, evaluating the performance of three 48-inch OLED TVs; what a way to spend the summer.

All jokes aside, this has been an interesting period of TV testing, as we seldom see OLEDs in this size. LG submits its 48-inch C-series model each year (with the 48-inch C5 being no exception), while the other manufacturers have tended to shy away.

Thankfully, that era has ended, as Samsung and Panasonic have both been eager to show us what their compact OLED TVs can do to steal LG's spotlight.

And, no spoilers, as a couple of our reviews are yet to be published, they do a pretty good job of snatching LG's thunder. Both the S90F and Z90B (from Samsung and Panasonic, respectively) are shaping up to be worthy adversaries to the longstanding Award-winning model.

I won't disclose any scores; you'll have to wait for our full reviews for that, but testing these TVs has opened my eyes to the world of smaller OLED TVs.

Comparatively speaking, 48-inch OLEDs are a niche in a market where 100-inch sets are becoming increasingly normalised. The sweet spot remains at 55- and 65-inches for now, while the smaller sets, namely the 42-inch and 48-inch sizes, aren't quite as popular.

That being said, they still deserve appreciation, and I'm glad to see the three manufacturers mentioned above remain committed to the form factor. LG gets bonus points, as last year it launched a 48-inch version of its entry-level B-series OLED, while this year we saw the flagship G-series get scaled down to 48 inches too.

However, there is one company that has very recently changed its stance. Philips, which has previously offered its mid-range 800-series OLEDs in a wide variety of sizes, has axed its smaller OLEDs in favour of launching the OLED810 in only a sizable 77-inch size.

My newfound appreciation of these pint-sized sets has me questioning if this is the right call. Personally speaking, I'm a big fan of Philips TVs, and the OLED809 was a TV I spent a considerable amount of time admiring last year; and yes, Ambilight is a major draw for me, as I'm sold on its immersive qualities.

Offering the OLED810 at 77 inches will appeal to those with larger living rooms, and I understand that Philips has its reasons – namely that it will price its OLED760 model very competitively.

That entry-level OLED will come in a 48-inch screen size option (though UK availability hasn't been made official yet), but it will use a less-powerful processor and a panel that doesn't reach the same claimed peak brightness as the step-up OLED810 model.

Now, it's not the only company to somewhat neglect the screen size. Sony, which has been on an OLED hot streak these last couple of years, is still relying on the A90K (which launched back in 2022) to serve as its smaller OLED model.

While it's unquestionably a good TV, it's also really quite outdated and, even worse, still pretty expensive. The A90K runs Android TV, which has now largely been replaced by Google TV, and Sony has made some significant picture processing upgrades in recent years with its newer processors, which means the A90K is starting to lag behind.

This is quite the divide. On one hand, two of the biggest TV manufacturers are pushing 48-inch OLEDs, whereas Sony and Philips are refocusing on the bigger, more premium sets.

Contextually, Philips and, to a lesser extent, Sony tend not to sell as many TVs as Samsung and LG; both of which remain juggernauts within the industry. This could hint towards why the companies are hesitant to commit to newer 48-inch OLEDs, as, based on our knowledge, they make up a fairly limited proportion of overall TV sales.

Personally speaking, I appreciate that these TVs can deliver a truly cinematic experience without taking up too much space, so I'm all for more models on the market.

Regarding Philips' XL OLED gamble, we'll have to wait and see whether it will pay off; in the meantime, we can wait for Sony to announce a successor to the A90K.

MORE:

Read our full LG OLED48C5 review

As well as our Sony A90K 48-inch review

And check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

Golly gosh, the KEF XIO is a bit of alright.

KEF brought its new – and first-ever – soundbar in to show us a few weeks before it was announced, and I was immediately taken by the design.

I had expected something a bit more out there, with visible Uni-Q drivers and fancy colour combinations in the style of its LS range of desktop speakers.

Instead, the company has produced a Dolby Atmos soundbar that’s far more staid and subtle, and while that initially sounds disappointing, the XIO is so sleek, stealthy and stylish that you just have to admire its classiness.

Its super-thin design makes the XIO perfect for positioning in front of a TV, and it looks unbelievably good mounted on a wall beneath an OLED TV, thanks to it being mountable flat against the wall.

Set up is a doddle, too, and the really slick app makes general use truly enjoyable.

Of course, what matters most is the sound, and I had concerns here, particularly related to that slim design. If the move towards super-slim TVs has taught us anything, it’s that space-starved speakers struggle to produce satisfying sound.

But I need not have worried. The XIO is, of course, thicker than most TVs, but KEF has also produced several new drivers that I won’t detail here (read our KEF XIO review for the full technical lowdown), other than to say they’re able to move much more air than one would expect of drivers in such a slim chassis, as well as being very cleverly controlled.

The resulting sound is exceptionally crisp and detailed, but also satisfyingly deep and punchy in the bass. The XIO fills a room admirably as well, delivering Dolby Atmos soundtracks with spaciousness and placing effects with rare three-dimensional precision.

All told, this is a truly lovely soundbar – probably the best I’ve ever heard – and I’d love to have it for my system at home. But there’s just one nerdy feature missing that means it won’t work for me.

Yep, I’m talking about HDMI sockets.

The KEF XIO has just one HDMI connection – an eARC port that connects it to your TV. The idea is that all of your sources are routed into your TV as normal, then the eARC connection handles the transmission of sound from TV to soundbar.

That’s great for most people, in that it keeps things nice and simple (though it can be tricky to ensure your TV is outputting sound in the right format), but it’s a pain in the bum for someone who has more than one high-spec games machine and a TV with just two HDMI 2.1 sockets.

I am one of those someones. I own a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and I want to be able to access the 4K/120Hz gameplay of both, which is dependent on HDMI 2.1 sockets.

Unfortunately, my Sony A95L TV, like all Sony, Panasonic, TCL and Hisense (and most Philips) TVs, has just two HDMI 2.1 sockets – and one of those doubles as the eARC port.

If I connect a soundbar such as the KEF XIO to the eARC port, I have just one HDMI 2.1 socket left for a console. Which means my other console will have to be connected to a 60Hz socket – or I’ll have to mess around and switch cables whenever I want to switch between them.

Many soundbars, particularly premium models, have additional HDMI 2.1 inputs to compensate for this. Some have just one, so you’re at least not losing out by connecting them to your TV, but others (the Samsung HW-Q990F and HW-Q990D, for example) have two, so that’s an HDMI 2.1 net gain.

The KEF XIO isn’t unique in omitting dedicated HDMI inputs and 4K/120Hz passthrough functionality – the Sonos Arc Ultra is another infamous example – but it feels particularly egregious at the XIO’s £1999 / $2500 / AU$3600 level.

Here’s hoping KEF’s second-gen XIO – or perhaps its sister soundbar, if such a thing is in development – fills in this feature gap so that gaming nerds like me can get fully on board.

MORE:

Read the full KEF XIO review

Here are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars you can buy right now

While we don’t want to dwell on the past with this review, understanding why the 65QNED93 is not just LG’s best LCD TV ever, but a great TV by any LCD TV standards, does require at least a brief history lesson.

For starters, while LG has traditionally used an LCD panel technology known as IPS for its big-screen TVs, the 65QNED93 joins last year’s 65QNED91 in using the alternative VA type of panel technology.

This matters because while IPS technology can deliver wider viewing angles than regular VA technology, it struggles more than VA technology to control how much light each LED lets through, meaning it usually comes up short with both contrast and backlight uniformity – two of most home entertainment fans’ favourite things.

While the 65QNED91 definitely delivered a step in the right direction, though, it still didn’t quite have enough control over its new VA panel to keep up with the LCD leaders.

Cue the 65QNED93 (or QNED92 in the US), which stays the VA course but this time unlocks the screen’s capabilities with a light control system so much better than that of its predecessor that it’s hard to believe it’s the result of only a single year of improvement.

Just don’t expect the 65QNED93’s successes, though, to be repeated across all screen sizes, since LG continues to use IPS panels for the other sizes in the range.

Price

The 65QNED93 / 65QNED92’s £1699 / $1700 / AU$2470 pricing makes it LG’s second most premium 65-inch LCD TV for 2025, only beaten to the top spot by the 65QNED9M, which adds a wireless 4K/144Hz video transmission system to proceedings.

It earns its premium status by virtue, chiefly, of its use of Mini LED lighting, premium Dynamic QNED colour technology, and a larger number of local dimming zones than any of LG’s more affordable LCD TVs for 2025.

The 65QNED93 is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination – though Samsung and Sony’s top-end 65-inch 4K Mini LED TVs, the QN90F and Bravia 9 respectively, cost significantly more. As does LG’s own 65-inch C5 OLED TV.

The 65QNED93’s closest rivals are really the Sony Bravia 7 and TCL C855K. Both of which are excellent TVs – though the TCL is in the process of being replaced by a new C8 series, so if you want one of those, you should probably be quick about it.

Design

In the UK, the QNED93 is supported on an unusual centrally mounted rectangular base plate, which is attached using two slender neck supports.

The resulting open-backed look to the stand, together with a pretty skimpy frame around three of its sides, helps you focus on the TV’s pictures – once you’ve stopped worrying about whether so small a stand can safely support so much screen (it can).

In the US, the QNED92 ships with a pair of more traditional (and less attractive) desktop feet instead of the base plate, hence the slight model number difference.

This isn’t the slimmest TV around, but the rear panel is at least flat across most of its surface area, making it a reasonably tidy wall-hanging option if you want to take advantage of its VESA standard attachment points.

The unusual textured silvery finish of the outer sides introduces a nice premium build-quality touch to proceedings, too.

Features

The VA panel found inside specifically the 65-inch QNED93 is arguably its single most important feature, given how it sets this screen size apart from LG’s usual IPS approach.

LG has backed this up this year, though, with not just Mini LED lighting but also a very promising 486 separate local dimming zones, in a 27x18 configuration. This is a really significant increase on the dimming zone count of its predecessor.

The QNED93 intriguingly switches its colour system from the proprietary LG Nanocell technology used on QNED models for generations now to a Dynamic QNED Pro Colour system.

This apparently replaces the old Quantum Dot-based technology with new fluorescent elements and the ability to absorb more ‘stray’ colour, resulting in supposedly purer colour reproduction and coverage of more of the HDR DCI-P3 colour spectrum.

Of course, just having lots of dimming zones and a fancy new colour system isn’t everything; it’s what you do with such features that counts. Cue the 65QNED93’s new Gen 2 version of LG’s Alpha 8 AI processor, which claims to bring 70 per cent more AI horsepower to the table than its predecessor.

As its name suggests, as well as taking charge of everything from backlight control to colour reproduction, upscaling of non-4K sources and motion compensation, this processor’s AI component includes improved Dynamic tone mapping for HDR playback, an automatic genre selection system to help the TV apply the optimal look to different content types, an AI Picture Pro option and a wealth of AI-powered smart features.

These AI smart features include the ability to distinguish between different voices in your household so that the TV can automatically activate the right person’s profile on its webOS smart platform; an AI Search feature that can actually deliver search results tailored to the person who issued the TV with a voice search command; an AI Chatbot that lets you ask the TV for help fixing or improving things in much the same way you would normally have to speak to a customer service agent; AI Picture and Sound wizards; and a new AI Concierge system that proves a kind of introduction to the TV’s AI and voice features by generating customised keywords and recommendations based on your past searches and viewing history.

WebOS is starting to feel a little complicated unless you really engage with its voice and AI features, in fact, so this Concierge feature – which gets its own new button on the latest LG ‘Magic’ remote control – is worth exploring.

At the time of our initial review, the 65QNED93’s webOS system in the UK wasn't quite as content-rich as we’ve come to expect. That issue has thankfully now been rectified, and the BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4 and My5 apps are all now on board.

It's a slight shame that those UK catch-up apps aren't wrapped up in the Freeview Play umbrella app, as they were in previous versions of webOS, but the most important thing is of course that they are there.

As usual with LG TVs, the 65QNED93 supports the HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision high dynamic range formats, but not the HDR10+ system developed as an ‘open source’ alternative to Dolby Vision. LG’s choice does cover the most common three HDR platforms, but there are rival TV brands, including TCL, Hisense, Panasonic and Philips, that support all four HDR formats.

The 65QNED93 provides excellent gaming support. It can support 4K/120Hz gaming, for instance, across all four of its HDMI ports.

In fact, it can run all the way up to 144Hz if you have a PC capable of going there, with VRR (including the AMD FreeSync Premium standard) available up to that 144Hz top rate.

The TV can automatically switch to its fast-response Game mode, too, thanks to support for ALLM, and there’s a Dolby Vision game mode to ensure you don’t have to put up with excessive lag with game sources that support Dolby’s premium HDR format.

In its Game mode, the time the screen takes to render game graphics at 60Hz drops to an extremely speedy 9.6ms.

Picture

Compared with previous LG LCD TVs, the 65QNED93’s picture quality is nothing short of a revelation. Particularly when it comes to its ability to handle those dark scenes, even in HDR, that play such a big part in so many of our favourite film and TV test sequences.

For starters, dark scenes contain blacks that actually look black. Not grey, not green, not blue, but genuinely black. This instantly gives dark scenes a credibility and naturalism that we’ve never seen from an LG LCD TV before. In fact, the 65QNED93 can portray blacks as convincingly as really any of its rivals in the upper mid-range LCD TV world.

Despite this, in most picture presets, LG’s screen holds on to just the right amount of shadow detail, ensuring dark scenes contain as much depth and detail as bright ones, while also not bringing out more picture information in dark areas than you’re supposed to see.

The 65QNED93 does blacks so well, too, without typically generating significant blooming side effects. So bright highlights of dark shots, even in HDR, don’t typically appear with large or bold areas of backlight clouding around them.

All of this would have been unthinkable on any previous LG LCD TV we’ve seen; even last year’s QNED91, with its debut VA panel, suffered with sometimes-forced black levels that either lacked shadow detail or else exhibited high levels of blooming light pollution.

While the 65QNED93’s usually compelling handling of dark scenes is the initially most surprising good news about its performance, though, over time, the way it handles bright HDR content impresses at least as much.

Bright HDR scenes look nothing short of gorgeous, in fact, managing to combine impressively high levels of brightness for a TV at its price point with gorgeously rich and expansive but also remarkably natural-looking colours.

We’ve had the rare opportunity to see the 65QNED93 running alongside a number of other LCD TVs and even a professional Sony mastering monitor, and it gets closer to the mastering monitor during bright scenes than almost any other LCD TV we’ve tested.

Even in its default Standard preset, it delivers a combination of brightness, light control, colour toning, colour balance, and banding- and blocking-free tonal subtlety that feels as accurate and immersive as it is eye-catching.

The screen’s excellent light control enables it to deliver the lightest peaks of bright HDR clips with exceptional intensity too, while the apparent ease with which the 65QNED93 is able to deliver its many picture charms also means that bright scenes in the TV’s Filmmaker Mode look about as enjoyable as we’ve ever seen them look on an LCD TV.

The 65QNED93’s colour finesse and fine light controls contribute to a very detailed-looking 4K picture too – and this detail holds up superbly during action scenes thanks to the TV’s outstandingly natural Cinematic Movement motion processing option.

While there are moments – many of them – where the 65QNED93’s pictures attain five-star status, though, there are just enough niggles around to cost it a picture mark.

First, the Filmmaker Mode goes a little too dark at times, which can also cause some shadow details during the usually excellently presented dark scenes to get crushed out of the picture.

The usually excellent presentation of shadow detail in Standard mode can also suddenly take a slight hit with shots that contain unusually extreme levels of contrast.

There can be minor baseline brightness fluctuations during cuts between bright and dark shots, too, and the very brightest HDR highlights can look slightly clipped of subtle shading details.

Also, where a relatively dark object appears against a very bright HDR backdrop, the dark object can look a little too much like a silhouette at times, while the usually well-controlled blooming can suddenly slip into showing the occasional cloud during shots that contain really complex mixes of light and dark content.

And finally, while the image helpfully mostly avoids the ‘dirty screen effect’ with camera pans during bright shots (which was a major problem with 2024’s QNED91), there is still a faint narrow band of muddiness around the very outside edges of bright clips.

All of these relatively small niggles tend to crop up fairly irregularly, though, making them far from constant concerns. So, for the vast majority of our time with the 65QNED93, we found ourselves marvelling at how good it is and drooling at the prospect of what LG might be able to do with its LCD technology going forward.

Sound

The 65QNED93 talks a pretty good talk on the sound quality front.

Its features, for instance, include LG’s WOW Orchestra system for combining the TV’s speakers with those in a compatible LG soundbar, as well as support for LG’s WOW interface, where the TV’s remote and menus can control a connected LG soundbar.

An AI Sound Pro system is on hand to increase the size and power of the TV’s soundstage by upgrading incoming sound – even if it’s only stereo – to a virtual 9.1.2-channel system.

This AI Sound Pro mode generally produces the most all-round satisfying sound, adding more volume, impact and bass potency, as well as projecting the sound further from the TV’s body to get more benefit from the TV’s built-in Dolby Atmos decoding.

Unfortunately, though, even the AI Sound Pro setting causes the 65QNED93’s speakers to break down into pernicious amounts of buzzing, crackling and humming interference when pushed. These are issues that also affect the TV’s default Dolby Atmos mode, despite this mode having far less volume, projection or bass presence at its disposal.

As with some of the brand’s OLED TVs over the years, the 65QNED93’s sound leaves us feeling that the basic audio hardware LG is using in this TV just can't do its ambitious processing proud.

Verdict

While this may only be true of a single model across LG’s latest LCD TV range, the 65QNED93 proves emphatically that LG is capable of making a splash at the serious end of the LCD TV world. There are times, in fact, when its pictures look nothing short of majestic.

A collection of relatively small picture niggles and inconsistencies, together with a flawed sound system, ultimately prevents us from being able to give the LG 65QNED93 an unbridled recommendation. Particularly if you can add a soundbar, though, for much of the time it really is nothing less than a joy to watch.

SCORES

• Picture 4
• Sound 3
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony Bravia 7

Also consider the TCL 65C855K

Read our Hisense 65U8N review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget LED sets tried and tested

The Sony Bravia 8 II is one of – if not the – most exciting new TVs of the year. Not that you would know that from the name.

The TV is exciting because it’s the successor to the A95L QD-OLED, a model so good that it’s still one of the very best TVs you can currently buy, despite being nearly two years old.

But the name is weird. ‘Bravia 8 II’ suggests it’s the successor to the Bravia 8 W-OLED TV, but the Bravia 8 is continuing in the range, with the Bravia 8 II sitting above it.

Why not call the new model the ‘Bravia 9’? Because Sony’s flagship Mini LED model already takes that name. It can’t be called ‘Bravia 10’, either, as that would suggest it sits above the Bravia 9, which isn’t the case. Besides, that name is likely being saved for the company’s upcoming RGB LED TV.

What’s in a name? Well, the worry is that the name is rather confusing and possibly undersells this new Sony QD-OLED. And it would be a real shame if potential buyers were put off by it – because the Bravia 8 II, here reviewed in 55-inch form, is an extraordinarily good TV.

How much does the Bravia 8 II cost?

Sony promised that the Bravia 8 II would be ‘more affordable than the A95L’, by which it meant that the new model would launch for less than the outgoing model did.

That has turned out to be true for the UK and Australia, but unfortunately not for the US.

Here’s a full launch price comparison between the Bravia 8, Bravia 8 II and A95L:

Thankfully, discounts have come early for the US, so while the TV is still full price in the UK and Australia, it has already dropped to $2500 and $3000 in the US for the 55- and 65-inch versions respectively.

More important than how the Bravia 8 II's pricing compares with that of its fellow Sony TVs is how it compares with rivals such as the LG G5, Samsung S95F and Panasonic Z95B.

You can see the launch pricing for all four models here:

Of course, launch pricing is just the start of the story, and we always recommend waiting for discounts before making a purchase.

History suggests that the LG G5 will be the most heavily discounted model over time, closely followed by the Samsung S95F. Sony and Panasonic TVs, particularly flagship models, are usually less aggressively discounted.

That said, it feels as though we’re in a fairly unprecedented period of volatility, so there’s no guarantee that pricing history will repeat with these models.

What are the key design features of the Bravia 8 II?

The Bravia 8 II looks very similar to the A95L it replaces. One suspects that Sony decided to reuse as much of the chassis as possible to reduce costs so that it could sell the new model for less than its predecessor.

Compared with the flagship OLEDs that Sony produced before the A95L, the design is relatively conventional, but it is also quite smart and premium compared with many rivals.

Sony points to the Bravia 8 II as the slimmest TV in its lineup. At 3.4cm, though, it is the same thickness as the outgoing A95L and significantly thicker than rivals such as the Samsung S95F (1.1cm) and LG G5 (2.4cm). At least some of that comparative thickness is probably due, as with the A95L, to the actuator-based sound system and custom heatsink.

Like the A95L, the Bravia 8 II has blade-style feet that can be positioned only at the furthest extremes of the TV’s bottom edge. Sony claims that’s great for preventing reflections, but it also means the TV can’t be placed on furniture narrower than the set's width, which is 122cm (48 inches) for the 55-inch model and 145cm (64.5 inches) for the 65-inch version.

While the feet can’t be positioned closer to the centre of the chassis, they can be extended to lift the TV a few centimetres so that a soundbar can be positioned in front of the TV without obstructing the screen.

One big disappointment on the design front is that the remote control has been downgraded from the rechargeable, backlit number of the A95L, Bravia 9 and even the Bravia 8, to one that requires AAA batteries and doesn’t light up in the dark. That seems an odd decision.

What are the key features of the Bravia 8 II?

The big thing here, of course, is that the Bravia 8 II uses what Sony refers to as ‘the latest QD-OLED panel’. This, combined with Sony’s processing and custom heatsink, results in the new model apparently being able to go 25 per cent brighter than its A95L QD-OLED predecessor in terms of peak brightness, and 50 per cent brighter than the Bravia 8 W-OLED.

• Read more: W-OLED vs QD-OLED

With this increased brightness comes increased colour volume, and Sony claims to have also engineered big improvements to dark gradation (essentially very dark shading).

As you would expect, the Bravia 8 II is powered by Sony’s XR Processor which, like every rival TV processor right now, uses AI, most notably in what the brand refers to as ‘an AI scene recognition system’. This new, 2025 feature, which is exclusive to the Bravia 8 II and Bravia 5, apparently ‘detects and analyses data with flawless accuracy, then optimises the picture for ultimate realism’.

Sony has gone big in recent years on what it calls ‘Studio Calibrated Modes’. These, it says, deliver content from their respective streaming services as it was meant to be seen. So it’s no surprise to see the Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, Prime Video Calibrated Mode and Sony Pictures Core Calibrated Mode all present on the Bravia 8 II.

The TV also supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, and is IMAX Enhanced certified. As with all previous Sony TVs, it does not support HDR10+, but the standard HDR10 and HLG HDR formats are, of course, on board.

Unfortunately, precious little has changed on the gaming front. Yes, the TV supports 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, and it has a Dolby Vision Game mode. The ‘Perfect for PlayStation 5’ functionality remains, too, which means the TV will automatically dial in pretty accurate HDR settings when connected to a PlayStation 5.

The problem is that there are still just two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets, and one of those doubles as the eARC port, so it will be taken up by your soundbar or other sound system, should you choose to add one. That will leave just one top-specification input for your console or gaming PC.

That’s fine if you have just one such device, but if you have more, you’re going to have to do some irritating cable swapping or accept the extras running at less than their full capabilities.

As expected, the Bravia 8 II features the Google TV platform, which is gradually gaining ground on LG’s slicker webOS.

The app selection is excellent, with no significant absentees. That includes all of the UK's catch-up services, which can be missing from some Google TV devices.

Every app delivers its content in the expected formats, too, and an initial issue we had with Netflix delivering content in 5.1 rather than Dolby Atmos has since sorted itself out.

How good is the Bravia 8 II's picture quality?

For our testing, we’ve lined the Bravia 8 II up against both its A95L predecessor and Bravia 8 sibling, feeding all sets a variety of content in 4K Dolby Vision, 4K HDR10, 1080p and standard-def.

This content includes Alien: Romulus, Sinners, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Alex Garland’s Civil War, Pan, The Fall Guys, and even an episode of Rowan Atkinson’s fairly forgotten The Thin Blue Line from 1995.

To cut to the chase, the Bravia 8 II is a significant upgrade on both models, and no flaws have been introduced. It’s all gain and no pain, and the results are glorious.

One of the Bravia 8 II’s greatest strengths is how easy it is to get looking its best. For a supremely authentic picture, simply pick Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision content or Professional for everything else.

Should you want a little more pop to proceedings, either because you’re watching in a room with ambient light or simply because you enjoy an even more thrilling delivery, simply switch to Dolby Vision Bright or the Cinema mode.

We’re not saying that small tweaks won’t result in an even better picture, but the presets are so spot on, the vast majority of owners won’t deem that extra effort necessary.

We kick things off with Alien: Romulus in Dolby Vision, and the upgrades offered by the Bravia 8 II are clear and appreciable.

The first of these is predictably the noticeably brighter peak highlights, with the pin-prick stars glistening that little bit more piercingly against the foreboding blackness of deep space.

But there’s more to it than that. The Bravia 8 II’s bright colours are more vibrant than they are from the Bravia 8 and brighter than they are from the A95L, which makes the steadily illuminating orange and red buttons in the cockpit of the recovery craft all the more impressive.

Colours maintain their natural vibrancy in low-light areas, too, such as the bunk in which Cailee Spaeny’s Rain awakens for another glorious day in the employ of the Weyland Yutani corporation.

The work that Sony has done on dark gradation has really paid off as well, in that there’s far more shadow detail from the Bravia 8 II than either of the other sets.

All of the folds and wrinkles in Andy’s (David Jonsson) grey jacket are clear as he and Rain walk through the dystopian streets of the Jackson’s Star Mining Colony, whereas the finest elements are lost on the Bravia 8 and A95L.

But what’s most impressive is how all of these elements combine with Sony’s new AI processing to make the image look so much more solid and three-dimensional. There’s volume and roundedness to objects and people (Rain and Andy as they eat breakfast in front of a daylight-style window, for example), and backgrounds have depth and purpose (the street behind Rain as she talks through a window to a cold corporate shill).

These traits hold true when we switch to Sinners. The incredible, dramatic sunrise skies over the cotton fields have greater shading, depth and contrast from the Bravia 8 II, and you get the feeling you could put your hand through the TV and reach towards the horizon.

The bleached white church really pops against the azure blue skies and verdant green fields, and as the movie takes its dark turn, the improved presentation of shadow detail ensures that you never miss a gory effect or creepy facial expression.

Punchy animated movie Into The Spider-Verse absolutely pops from the Bravia 8 II, particularly in Dolby Vision Bright. The bright sun over Brooklyn sizzles, original Spidey’s red suit is super-vivid, and the dimension-melding action at the start of the film crackles with colour.

Civil War, meanwhile, is such a crisp and vibrant movie (somewhat ironic given the gritty subject matter), and it too looks utterly glorious in HDR10 from the Bravia 8 II.

The flawless colour reproduction brings out the red of the near-sunburnt skin of Wagner Moura’s Joel as he awakens with a hangover in the bright sunlight, and while Kirsten Dunst’s Lee looks a little too pale and shadowy from the Bravia 8 and A95L respectively, the Bravia 8 II reveals the small amount of colour left in her cheeks and the full anguish on her face.

Unsurprisingly, the bright tracer fire and explosions during the battle for Washington, D.C. leap from the screen, providing stunning contrast against the dimly lit streets.

As you would probably imagine, given that it’s mastered to a super-bright 4000 nits, Pan goes even further in illustrating the advantages of the Bravia 8 II over both the Bravia 8 and A95L.

Of course, even the new model can get nowhere near the 4000 nits of the source material, but the combination of greater brightness headroom and some exceptional tone mapping results in significantly more piercing highlights with precise detail and shading.

Once again, though, it’s the way that all of the Bravia 8 II’s individually small upgrades combine to make the image seem so much more solid and lifelike that is so impressive.

Right at the other end of the quality spectrum is our standard-def stream of The Thin Blue Line, and it’s certainly true that 576p material such as this benefits less from the Bravia 8 II’s upgrades than 4K HDR does, but the quality of the upscaling is still mightily impressive.

The image created by the Bravia 8 II is undeniably cleaner and smoother than the other sets can manage, but there’s also impressive sharpness and detail. It wouldn’t be too hard to convince someone that what they were watching was HD rather than SD. We do feel the need to switch from Professional to Cinema here, though, as the former looks a little too dark.

Overall, the key to the Bravia 8 II’s success is balance. The colours are so vibrant, highlights so bright and edges so sharp, but nothing feels exaggerated or incorrect, which means you never feel as though you’re getting anything other than the very best versions of your movies and TV shows.

How good is the Bravia 8 II's sound system?

The Bravia 8 II has the same Acoustic Surface Audio+ setup as the A95L. Said setup consists of two actuators and two subwoofers (the Bravia 8 features two lesser actuators and one sub) and, in the A95L, represents one of the best built-in TV sound systems currently available.

Sure enough, the Bravia 8 II sounds just as good.

The actuators vibrate the screen itself in order to make sound. This ties the audio and video spatially in a way that rival solutions can’t match. But, as with the A95L, the Bravia 8 II manages to combine this directness with very impressive (by TV standards) spaciousness, with effects stretching far beyond the edges of the screen in all directions.

There’s excellent detail, too, and enough dynamic nuance to convey the emotion in an actor’s performance. Bigger dynamic shifts are also handled well, with chapter two of Blade Runner 2049 building steadily where rival sets sound flat.

As with the A95L, the Bravia 8 II isn’t the last word in bass depth, but it’s weightier than many rivals and, more importantly, is very controlled in the low frequencies, with only the faintest hint of fuzz creeping into the uniquely deep notes of the soundtrack.

Tonal balance is very good overall, in fact, with the impressive lower midrange ensuring that there’s warmth and fullness to voices.

In short, the Bravia 8 II sounds very similar to the A95L, which means it’s one of the best-sounding TVs you can buy. We still believe that a picture as good as this demands to be partnered by a dedicated sound system, but this is one of those rare TVs that won’t instantly be improved through the addition of a cheap soundbar.

Think along the lines of the Sonos Arc Ultra as a starting point for appropriate sound quality.

Verdict: is the Sony Bravia 8 II worth buying?

The Sony Bravia 8 II is a truly exceptional TV. Its combination of sizzling brightness, vibrant colours through all degrees of light, terrific shadow detail and razor-like sharpness combine to produce an image with regularly astonishing dynamism, depth and realism.

In fact, it’s so good that it makes the awesome A95L look a bit flat in comparison.

We haven’t yet had the chance to run the Bravia 8 II side-by-side with the LG G5, but our previous experience with the G5 tells us that it will win for sheer brightness and spectacle, but that the Bravia 8 II should be more considered and consistent. We already know for a fact that the Sony sounds significantly better, too.

We will be doing that full comparison as part of our Awards judging process, and we’re predicting a tense battle. Until then, we can’t proclaim the Bravia 8 II to be the very best TV available right now – but it’s undeniably already one of the best.

SCORES:

• Picture 5
• Sound 5
• Features 4

MORE:

Also consider the LG G5, Samsung S95F and Panasonic Z95B

How about a different Sony model? Check out our Bravia 8 review and Bravia 9 review

These are the overall best OLED TVs you can buy right now

Step away from your favourite streaming service, push the cumbersome and costly vinyl revival to one side, and forget your feelings for the comeback of CDs (and cassette tapes?) for one moment, because the best music format ever conceived, in my opinion, is the MiniDisc.

Back in 1992 – shoehorned in a timeline between CDs overtaking vinyl sales and the introduction of MP3 – Sony perfected portable audio two whole decades before digital downloads and streaming dominated the market.

The MiniDisc – or 'MD' for short – was a bold leap: a 64mm magneto-optical disc encased in a protective caddy. Capable of holding up to 80 minutes of CD-rivalling sound in something smaller than a square stack of sticky notes, I was smitten.

Emanating from Japan, the Sony MiniDisc used ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding), a compression algorithm that shaved data to fit digital audio into a compact form without sacrificing too much fidelity.

To my young ears, it was magic – digital clarity without the bulk of CDs, plus the ability to record, edit, and rearrange tracks like a cassette, but with precision and speed.

Indeed, you could make digital mixtapes, and boy, was it liberating – manually entering playlist names and track titles with a jog dial so they would appear on an LCD display during playback.

You haven’t lived until you’ve found a live recording of a Reading Irish Centre drum and bass rave on LimeWire and ripped it to one of Sony’s sexy little musical Post-it notes... believe me.

It wasn’t all DIY, and it wasn’t all Sony. Just as rival brands produced blank cassette tapes and CDs, the likes of TDK, JVC, Sharp and Maxell soon got in on the act. Pre-recorded MiniDisc albums were released by the world’s biggest artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Massive Attack, and other acts that didn’t start with ‘M’.

A MiniDisc’s tiny footprint also made it a retailer’s and record store owner’s dream. Why pay for all that prime commercial real estate to house a considerable record collection when a tobacco booth would be enough to stock pretty much every major release going, along with the odd under-the-counter bootleg?

The real fun, though, was the kit. Not only was there an exciting new hi-fi separate to add to your stack, but the personal players came in all shapes, sizes and colours, allowing you to express individuality with something that would fit in your back pocket. Car stereo head units? You bet, and you could be brand agnostic, too.

I remember religiously saving my Saturday job money and persuading my dad to take out a hire purchase agreement at Reading's B&B Hi-Fi for the most beautiful royal blue Sony MZ-R50 you’ve ever seen.

Sitting behind glass at the main counter, it was a moment akin to the 1994 Fender Stratocaster scene in Wayne’s World 2, just with less hair. Thanks, Dad.

A couple of years later, my sister, living in Tokyo at the time, picked up a stunning silver Panasonic SJ-MJ75 complete with Japanese packaging (which instantly makes anything cooler). Not only was it half the size of the Sony, barely bigger than a MiniDisc itself, but even in today’s money, I can’t get over how featherweight this thing was.

At 86g, we’re talking half the weight of an iPhone 15, thanks to the magnesium body. Its showpiece was an in-line remote control which you could toggle between backlit and transparent. In 1997, this felt like witchcraft. Cheers, Sis.

It’s no surprise that from there, my MiniDisc world quickly grew. I bankrupted myself for a second time in my teens, adding a Technics SJ-HD501 deck to my Technics SC-81 Mini System, complete with faux wood veneer sides for that extra touch of class.

My Vauxhall Nova was treated first to an Alpine MDA-7763J bought second-hand from a rather rugged-looking chap on a notorious Basingstoke housing estate. It broke soon after. I didn’t go back.

I then bankrupted myself for a third time, switching it for a brand spanking new Pioneer MEH-9100R (see above video), complete with organic OEL display, auto flap front panel, and moving racing car graphics for cool people only.

A MiniDisc hoarder’s best friend was a digital optical cable (TOSLINK). Crucial because it enabled high-quality, lossless digital audio transfer between devices, like from a PC’s sound card to a MiniDisc recorder.

This preserved the original sound quality without degradation, unlike analogue connections, which could introduce noise or signal loss. It was especially important for home decks and professional recorders to ensure accurate recordings and playback, leveraging MiniDisc’s digital format.

MiniDisc’s brilliance lay in its versatility and charm. Unlike CDs, which skipped at the slightest jolt, MiniDiscs were robust, with anti-shock buffers that made them perfect for on-the-go listening. The discs were rewritable, letting me record over old mixes without the permanence of CD-Rs or the hiss of cassettes.

The discs, with their colourful cases and mechanical shutters, felt like miniature treasures, and the format fostered creativity, too. Recording live gigs or radio broadcasts was a breeze, and editing tracks on the fly felt like wielding a studio console. Japanese journalists continued to swear by the format as solid-state recorders until the 2010s.

Yet, for all its brilliance, the MiniDisc stumbled. Its decline began almost as soon as it arrived, rooted in timing, cost, and competition. In 1992, the MiniDisc was expensive — players cost hundreds, and blank discs were £5–10 each, a tough sell when CDs were cheaper and cassettes dirt-cheap.

The real blow came in 1998 with the MP3 revolution. The Diamond Rio PMP300, one of the first portable MP3 players, hit the market, and by 2001, Apple’s iPod redefined portable audio.

MP3s were free (if you pirated them), infinitely shareable, and didn’t require physical media. I resisted at first. MP3 players looked hideous, and iPods were heavy, plus the decision fatigue of 1,000 songs in my pocket only served to reduce satisfaction.

While Sony and Sharp pushed MiniDisc hard in Japan (where it thrived into the 2000s), Western support waned, and UK retailers like HMV prioritised MP3 players. Hi-MD’s 2004 launch was a valiant effort, but it was too late – hard drives and flash memory were cheaper and more convenient.

By 2011, Sony ceased MiniDisc player production, and in 2013, the last blank discs rolled off the production line.

Collectors still trade discs on eBay, and Japan’s niche market keeps the format alive. Independent labels and artists continue producing limited-run MiniDiscs for collectors, often announced on Bandcamp or during MiniDisc Day events, but in truth, a revival on the scale of CDs, cassette tapes, and vinyl isn’t on the cards.

MiniDisc’s failure wasn’t about quality – it was about ecosystem and timing. Sony’s obsession with proprietary tech alienated users, and the format couldn’t compete with the convenience of file-based audio.

Despite its demise, the MiniDisc left an indelible mark. It bridged analogue and digital, teaching us that audio could be portable, editable, and high-quality. It paved the way for modern streaming and playlist culture – every Spotify mix owes a debt to the MiniDisc’s track-editing wizardry.

Having been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt (yes, I own one), my life was richer for the experience.

MORE:

When MiniDisc took on the mighty cassette: What Hi-Fi? magazine, January 1993

13 heroic tech failures, from Betamax to HD DVD

That Was Then... Apple iPod review

Hisense has finally revealed everything about its 2025 TV range, and there's something special about these TVs that should put competitors on edge.

We already had confirmation of Hisense's 2025 lineup, with the announcement of new Mini LED models including the U8Q and U7Q, which replace the formidable U8N and U7N, respectively. There's even an OLED TV, if you can believe it, but that's somehow not the most shocking reveal.

What's really blown our minds is the fact that in certain markets, the U8Q (the flagship model that will come to the UK) and the UXQ (which won't be launching in the UK) will both feature three HDMI 2.1 sockets, which is quite literally game-changing.

While the U8Q hasn't launched in the UK yet, Hisense's listing for the TV on its US site confirms the inclusion of three HDMI 2.1 sockets, so we'd be surprised to see it omitted from the version that's set to launch soon on this side of the pond.

We've become accustomed to TVs from the likes of Hisense, TCL, Sony, Panasonic and Philips that are stuck with just two sockets. Now, this has never necessarily been a deal-breaker; plenty of TVs from those brands have been awarded five stars.

But it's always been a thorn in the side of serious gamers. All three current generation game consoles – including the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 – include support for 4K/120Hz gaming with ALLM and VRR via HDMI 2.1.

So, if you own more than one console and an HDMI eARC-enabled audio system, you'd have to make a tricky choice to prioritise one console, while relegating the others to HDMI 2.0.

This, of course, limits you to 4K/60Hz and drops ALLM and VRR support, but if you don't make this sacrifice, then you're stuck with your TV's speakers.

Thankfully, Hisense is the first to tackle this issue head-on, and it's done so by upgrading from the currently available MediaTek Pentonic 700 to the new Pentonic 800 chipset.

That new chip will affect more than just HDMI availability. Picture and sound should also get a boost, but we'll have to assess that in our full review down the line.

Hisense has also confirmed that this third HDMI 2.1 socket is a full-bandwidth port, with support for up to 4K/165Hz signals, meaning all gamers should be catered for regardless of your preference for consoles or PC.

There is a slight catch, however. Those three HDMI 2.1 sockets are your lot, with the usual fourth HDMI socket being curiously swapped out for a USB-C socket.

This will make connecting laptops, smartphones and tablets easier if that's something you do regularly, but this could be hinting towards another new connectivity feature coming down the line.

We recently reported on the announcement of General Purpose Media Interface, or GPMI, which is a Chinese-developed competitor to HDMI 2.1. It's capable of supporting higher bandwidth signals alongside power delivery and data transfer, making it an all-purpose connector for video, charging and data.

Interestingly, the GPMI Type-C uses a standard USB-C connection, and Hisense is one of the companies confirmed to be backing the project with plans to include it on future TVs.

The decision to swap a fourth HDMI socket for a USB-C connection could, therefore, be laying the groundwork for GPMI.

Regardless, Hisense's extra HDMI 2.1 socket trend is something we hope that more manufacturers adopt soon, as it has been a sticking point for quite a few years now.

Sony, Panasonic and Philips have confirmed that their respective 2025 TV ranges will be limited to two HDMI 2.1 sockets, so is Hisense already at an advantage? It certainly will be for gamers, but the final assessment will, of course, be mostly down to picture performance.

MORE:

Read our full Hisense U8N review

As well as our Hisense U7N review

And check out our list of the best Mini LED TVs

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick range of streaming devices may not be the most glamorous or technically impressive products that we see in our AV testing room, but they serve a specific purpose and perform said purpose well.

Case in point is the first-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offered affordable plug-and-play 4K HDR streaming, with a solid picture performance and feature set that was hard to argue with, especially for the price.

The only thing holding that streamer back was the existence of the then-Award-winning Google Chromecast with Google TV, which just edged out the first-generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max when it came to picture and sound performance.

Luckily for Amazon, Google has since discontinued that device and replaced it with a streamer that’s nearly double the price, and not quite as good. So, it would make total sense for Amazon to strike while the iron is hot, and deliver an upgraded streaming stick that undercuts the Google TV Streamer; and that’s exactly what it has done.

Today, we have the second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and with upgraded performance, a significant lack of competition and a tempting price tag, it might just be the easiest no-brainer buy in the AV world.

Price

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) officially costs £70 / $60 / AU$120; a smidge more than its predecessor’s £65 / $55 / AU$99 starting price. While a price rise – albeit minor – isn’t necessarily a welcome sight, what will be more enticing are the discounts that this streamer will inevitably receive throughout the year.

During its own sales events – Big Deal Days, Prime Day and Black Friday – Amazon almost always heavily discounts its own products. You can expect to pay closer to £50 / $40 / AU$89 if you time your purchase right.

Better yet, Amazon’s new streamer benefits from a major player exiting the market. Google’s Chromecast with Google TV was the roadblock preventing the previous generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max from achieving the full five-star commendation; however, that Award-winning streamer has been discontinued.

Google has replaced it with the four-star Google TV Streamer, which costs £99 / $100 / AU$160; considerably more than the Chromecast’s £60 / $50 / AU$99 launch price and, more importantly, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

As for other rivals, Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K undercuts the Amazon streamer at £50 / $50 / AU$110, though it’s yet to land in our AV testing room.

Build

The new Fire TV Stick isn’t a radical departure from its predecessors, though there are some identifying features to distinguish this newer model.

It’s still an all-plastic cuboid with an HDMI connector sticking out of one end, akin to an oversized USB thumb drive with the corners rounded off.

Unfortunately, this means that the last generation’s tendency to hog the area surrounding the HDMI socket it's lodged into is once again prevalent, meaning you may struggle to plug a cable into the adjacent HDMI port unless you use the included adapter.

A further design oversight relates to the power socket, which bafflingly uses Micro USB rather than the widely accepted USB-C standard. While we appreciate Amazon including a power adapter in the box, the decision to stick with the older, less convenient and less widely used connection is an odd choice indeed.

Moving away from the stick itself and onto the remote, Amazon has bundled in the same Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced model that can be found with the Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation). It’s functional, comfortable to hold, and features shortcuts to streaming services, which will differ depending on which region you purchase it in.

We would have liked to see the “find my remote” function included here, as it comes as standard on the Google TV Streamer; however, you’ll need to purchase the optional Fire TV Remote Pro for that, which also includes backlit buttons.

Features

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s only mission is to bring 4K streaming smarts to your TV, and it does so with a decent list of appreciated features.

HDR, for example, is supported in all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, meaning this streaming stick will play nicely with your TV regardless of whether you own a Dolby Vision-sporting LG TV or an HDR10+ only Samsung.

Furthermore, it supports Dolby Atmos audio, as well as up to 7.1 surround sound.

Inside the Fire TV Stick is a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, and Amazon has been kind enough to double the storage from 8GB to 16GB, though RAM stays at 2GB.

Wi-Fi 6E is also supported, which should offer “smoother 4K streaming”, according to Amazon – though you’ll need a compatible router to access this.

At the heart of the Fire TV Stick experience is Fire OS, which you’ll also find on the company’s Omni-series QLED and Mini LED TVs, as well as (from 2024) Panasonic’s OLED TVs.

It’s a robust, well-supported and versatile operating system, which might not look quite as clean as Apple’s tvOS or be brimming with AI features like Google TV, but it's good for the straightforward streaming tasks that we require of a Fire TV Stick.

One area where Fire OS frustrates is with its ad-heavy nature. Amazon’s services are also pushed to the forefront, which shouldn’t be too surprising considering it manufactured the device, and the ads can be somewhat forgiven thanks to the device’s relatively low price tag.

App support is, unsurprisingly, excellent, with a full range of global streaming apps – including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and, of course, Amazon Prime Video – and domestic services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and more.

Fire OS is also home to some niche services, including Mubi, Shudder, BFI Player and others, making this a solid choice for mainstream and indie movie fans.

Something to note with the Apple TV app is that it's exclusively used as a hub for Apple TV+ content and a way to access your existing Apple TV library. The store cannot be accessed directly through this app, so you’ll need to purchase your desired movie or TV series on a smartphone or tablet to watch it on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Music and gaming apps are also well supported, with the likes of Spotify, Tidal and Deezer on board, though Apple Music is unfortunately sidelined. Thankfully, that can be circumvented with the inclusion of AirPlay 2.

Gaming-wise, Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service and Xbox are the two major players, while casual games that can be controlled via the included remote are also accessible.

Picture

Much like its predecessor, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max provides plenty of positive picture attributes, which makes it a rather compelling streamer for the money. Better yet, it doesn’t have the Chromecast with Google TV to contend with, and instead now has the four-star Google TV Streamer as its major adversary.

We plug the Fire TV Stick into our reference Sony OLED TV and load up a range of streaming apps onto the device to deduce how it handles picture performance.

Firing up Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning on Netflix, the Fire TV Stick delivers a sharp and engaging picture, with plenty of detail in the suits worn by Ethan Hunt and his well-dressed gang as they plan out their mission in Abu Dhabi Airport.

There is ample detail to skin textures, and aside from a few instances of skin tones looking a tad on the warm side, the Fire TV Stick generally impresses.

We also take no issue with how motion is handled, as the MV-22 Osprey military aircraft carrying a troop of elite agents tasked with hunting down the hero glides smoothly into frame, with the whirring propellers showing no signs of awkward juddering or stuttering.

Switching to Challengers in HDR10+ on Amazon Prime Video, we’re once again impressed with the detail levels, colours, and motion, deducing that the Stick 4K Max provides a balanced and enjoyable image overall.

Furthermore, the film grain that can sometimes be presented as overbearing image noise on the Google streamer seems cleaner and looks more intentional on the Fire TV Stick.

Feeding the Fire TV Stick some HD content, namely Gladiator II, once again on Prime Video, we do notice that the edges of subjects get slightly softer. That being said, clothing and skin remain detailed enough, and the streamer certainly doesn’t make a big deal of presenting the comparatively lower resolution content.

We compare it directly to the Google TV Streamer with these aforementioned movies, alongside Mad Max: Fury Road and Babylon on the Apple TV app, and this is where things get interesting.

Despite costing a fair bit more than the Fire TV Stick 4K, the Google TV Streamer’s picture looks nearly identical. We can pick out a touch more detail on the Google TV, and colours are slightly punchier (if anything, we could accuse the Google of overdoing skin tones here), but otherwise, we struggle to see the point in shelling out for the pricier Google TV Streamer when it comes to picture performance.

Sound

While the picture performance is practically identical to the Google TV Streamer (albeit for less money), where we see the biggest difference between these two streamers is in sound quality. Make no mistake, the Fire TV Stick 4K is no maestro, but it's a darn sight better than the Google TV Streamer.

Loading up Tidal to stream tracks including Gasoline by HAIM and Taylor Swift, Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, and From by Bon Iver, we’re met with sound that can best be described as solid. It won’t blow your socks off, and timing is one aspect where the Fire TV Stick does falter, but it’s a warmer, more cohesive and dynamic performance compared with the poor-sounding Google TV Streamer.

This is true for movies and TV shows as well, as we return to Mission: Impossible to find clear and detailed vocals that have been prioritised within the greater audio mix. That being said, they don’t sound detached, and the tense soundtrack still has its chance to build suspense effectively.

Verdict

Amazon’s flagship streaming stick is a solid option for anyone whose TV’s built-in streaming apps just aren’t cutting it. Its sharp and colourful picture, paired with its easy plug-and-play usability, should appease those who want to squeeze a bit more life out of their ageing 4K TV, or sidestep their TV’s built-in operating system.

Unless you’re considering stepping up to the Apple TV 4K, which costs double the price, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the go-to 4K streaming device at this level.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Google TV Streamer

Also consider the Apple TV 4K

These are the best video streamers you can buy

Panasonic's 2025 TV range has been officially unveiled, and I was lucky enough to see the range in all its glory at the company's European HQ in Wiesbaden, Germany. The unveiling involved Panasonic touting its latest AV advancements, with dazzling new OLED TVs taking the spotlight.

The Z95B, which I had already seen in action at CES 2025, was the star of the show. It was literally pirouetting on a revolving stand in the middle of the showroom, and while I was getting increasingly dizzy watching it spin around and around, I had a thought.

Compared to its predecessor, the fantastic Z95A, the Z95B is a thicker and less futuristic-looking TV. This might sound like a bad thing, but in reality, it's far from it. If anything, I think Panasonic has made a smart call that other TV manufacturers could learn from.

Don't get me wrong, the Z95B is a good-looking set in its own right, with a new stylish grey acoustic fabric featured throughout that makes it seem a bit softer and less – dare I say – corporate compared to its predecessor.

However, it forgoes that staple super slim side profile that was featured on the Z95A, alongside many other OLED TVs. That form factor has become a popular way to show off the sleek, modern and high-tech nature of OLED displays, as the self-emissive display assembly allows for super-thin TVs that would once have been considered something made from sci-fi fantasies.

While a chunkier TV might not sound quite as appealing, Panasonic seems to be doing it for the right reasons, which is why I approve of the change; well, the concept at least, as we'll have to get the TV into our dedicated home cinema testing facility to decipher if the changes are evident in our full review.

Panasonic has chosen this design change with sound quality in mind, which makes this a performance-based change rather than just a surface-level design modification. It has reconfigured the Technics-tuned sound system within this TV, with new locations for each of the drivers in the hopes of improving sound quality – and in the short demo I had with the Z95B side-by-side with a Z95A, I could already hear a few benefits.

Thanks to the drivers being physically spaced further apart, the Z95B seemed to sound clearer and a bit more spacious, though further testing is required to see if this truly is the case.

And it's not just sound quality that gets a boost with this new design, as Panasonic's new cooling system is also integrated into the upgraded chassis. It directs air from the bottom of the set to an exhaust vent at the top in one motion, allowing for greater claimed heat dissipation.

This was shown off in a demonstration in which vapour was released into the bottom of the TV and, sure enough, it could be seen exiting the vent at the top. The Z95A, on the other hand, seemed to push the vapour out at the mid point, in which it appeared to recirculate into the TV and up towards the top with less vapour exiting the vent, meaning that (theoretically) less heat was exiting the chassis.

These function-over-form design changes are a step in the right direction, in my opinion, and I would like to see LG and Samsung take note. We've criticised the LG G5 and C5 this year for their middling audio quality, and the Samsung S95D received a similarly lukewarm reaction in the sound department last year too.

Ultimately, the super slim OLED design is a nice feature, but how often do you spend time looking at the side of your TV? If ditching that slimness in favour of better sound and thermal efficiency, then I think that's a worthwhile sacrifice.

MORE:

Read our Panasonic Z95B hands on review

As well as our Panasonic Z90B hands on review

And check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

Panasonic has unveiled its full 2025 TV lineup after teasing the range at CES 2025, and we've seen the full lineup in action.

The Japanese AV company initially launched its two new flagship models in Las Vegas earlier this year, however, it has now revealed all of the mid-range and entry-level models to complete the range.

Joining the previously announced Z95B OLED and W95B Mini LED is a pair of step-down OLEDs, and feature-packed backlit TVs that promise Panasonic's renowned picture tuning at more affordable prices.

Before we dive into the overview of the full range, we'll mention a few highlights of Panasonic's new range:

A flagship OLED rebuilt from the ground up

The Panasonic Z95B appears to be a major upgrade over last year's Z95A in practically measure. It features the latest Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel from LG Display, which can also be found in the LG G5 and Philips OLED910.

Furthermore, the Technics-tuned Dolby Atmos speaker system has been redesigned with repositioned upward and side-firing speakers for a wider soundstage, plus a more powerful 30W subwoofer is set to deliver more low end punch.

This all comes packaged in a sleek new design, with a more uniform thickness throughout instead of the slightly awkward-looking boxouts found on the Z95A. A new, lighter grey acoustic fabric covers the soundbar under the display, and the 55-inch and 65-inch models also carry forth the rotating stands found on the previous model.

Panasonic stated that this is the biggest upgrade to its flagship OLED TV since the GZ2000 launched in 2019.

A better (and bigger) Mini LED

While most of the attention is centred around the Z95B, we can't overlook the W95B, as it also appears to be a pretty significant upgrade over its predecessor.

It features X times the dimming zones compared to the W95A, and seeing the two TVs side by side in person, we can confirm that there is a discernible difference where blooming is concerned.

The backlight appeared more controlled in the brief demo in which we saw the two TVs duke it out, and blacks also seemed to be much more convincing on the W95B. Admittedly, we haven't reviewed the W95A, so we'll take this Panasonic-led demonstration with a pinch of salt, but the results did seem noticeable to our eyes.

Furthermore, Panasonic is throwing its hat into the XL TV ring by offering the W95B in a new 85-inch size; though we're still waiting for a 100-inch offering to rival TCL, Hisense and, as of this year, Samsung and LG.

A powerful processor with (you guessed it) AI

A handful of new models in Panasonic's 2025 range will feature the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, which is set to boost picture quality in a variety of ways. Interestingly, it seems to be the same processor that was featured in the company's 2024 lineup, including the Z95A.

It supports Panasonic's 4K Remaster Engine for a sharper picture with lower resolution content, and it also adds support for the Amazon Prime Video Calibrated picture mode.

This retrieves data over the air when watching content on Amazon Prime Video to tweak the picture settings to best represent the intention of the creator. It is, of course, optional.

The main draw of the new HCX Pro AI Processor MKII is how it handles picture processing. Panasonic is famous for its authentic picture processing that strives to deliver content in an "as the director intended" fashion; hence why its TVs are still widely used by Hollywood studios during the film production process.

A complete collection of HDR formats

Panasonic enjoys the benefit of not being tied to a specific format when it comes to HDR support. Unlike Samsung, which opts for its in-house developed HDR10+ standard, or LG and Sony, which are both team Dolby Vision, Panasonic's latest TV lineup will support both formats, alongside HLG and HDR10.

This makes streaming content a breeze, as some services still only support one of the formats, or only offer content in either HDR10+ or Dolby Vision.

Panasonic 2025 OLED TVs

Panasonic Z95B

The crown jewel in Panasonic's new lineup, the Z95B is one of the most highly anticipated TVs of 2025. It features the new Primary RGB Tandem OLED display, which is set to boost brightness and colour volume, and we can already see the benefits of the new panel architecture.

In our Panasonic Z95B hands on review, we stated that this new model "appeared to be tangibly brighter next to the Z95A", and colours also looked "richer and more nuanced".

Alongside the enhanced OLED panel, Panasonic has also implemented a redesigned Dolby Atmos sound system. Much like the previous generations of this TV, the sound system has been developed in partnership with Technics (which is owned by Panasonic, if you weren't aware), and the emphasis this year is on creating a clearer and more spacious sound.

The 5.1.2 channel system appears to feature dedicated centre, left, and right channels within the front-firing soundbar portion of the TV, while repositioned side-firing line array speakers will handle surround effects for a 360-degree encompassing sound.

There are also upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects; these, too, have been repositioned to (hopefully) create a more expansive sound. Finally, a rear-facing 30W subwoofer (up from 20W on the Z95A) should deliver weightier bass effects.

The redesigned sound system has also resulted in a new look for the TV overall, with a sleeker and, in our humble opinion, much smarter look. While the Z95A was a decent-looking telly, the Z95B looks and feels more premium and modern.

It now features a more uniform thickness throughout, as Panasonic has opted to drop the super-slender side profile, which was interrupted by chunky box-outs that housed the Technics sound system on the Z95A. You'll also find a stylish light-grey acoustic fabric covering the soundbar, and it carries through the design to cover the side and upward-firing drivers.

Sadly, we're only getting two HDMI 2.1 sockets yet again, with one serving as the eARC connection. This TV does, however, support gameplay up to 4K/144Hz with VRR and ALLM, and Panasonic is touting a thorough game bar feature which will allow you to tweak settings and check vital information (such as frame rates) at the press of a button.

Finally, the Z95B is powered by the HCX Pro AI MKII processor with all of the features mentioned above. Fire TV also makes a return, as Panasonic and Amazon's partnership continues, which can also be seen on the new Amazon Prime Video calibrated mode, which is also coming to other TVs in Panasonic's 2025 TV range.

Panasonic Z95B specs:

• Screen size 55-, 65-. 77-inches
• Type Primary RGB Tandem OLED
• Backlight N/A
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system Fire OS
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic Z95B price:

• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 77-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic Z90B

This step-down OLED will likely be the sweet spot in the lineup for most people. It's set to rival the LG C5, Sony Bravia 8 and Samsung S90F, with a slimmed-down feature set, sound system and panel -- though that will also come with a reduced price.

Panasonic wouldn't confirm which panel was in the Z90B, instead opting to rely on its Master OLED Pro branding. However, it did let slip that it features a heatsink, which insinuates that this TV is sporting an OLED EX panel. That being said, it looks as though the 42- and 48-inch versions of these TVs will carry standard OLED panels, so we presume this means no heatsink and a lower brightness figure.

It sadly seems that no leftover Micro Lens Array panels have found their way into this step-down OLED panel; however, as we well know, "traditional" OLED TVs tend to impress even if they don't have the next generation panel technology of their peers.

This mid-range OLED sports a front-firing soundbar-style sound system, though it drops the side-firing and upward-firing drivers of the Z95B. That being said, Dolby Atmos is still supported, and HDMI eARC is included via one of the two HDMI 2.1 sockets.

Panasonic has been pitching this TV to gamers, with the Game Mode Extreme feature that includes Panasonic's game menu function. The Z90B's OLED panel is capable of reaching 144Hz refresh rates, with VRR and ALLM supported, too.

Panasonic Z90B specs:

• Screen size 42-. 48-, 55-, 65-. 77-inches
• Type OLED
• Backlight N/A
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system Fire OS
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic Z90B price:

• 42-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 48-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 77-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic Z80B

Panasonic's entry-level OLED TV strips back a few features to compete with the LG B5 and Samsung S85F. It drops to 120Hz, cuts back to a discreet sound system, and also features an OLED panel rather than one of Panasonic's Master OLED displays. It also uses a non-AI branded HCX Processor, which we presume will cut back on some of the software features found on the higher-end OLED TVs.

Panasonic confirmed to us that this TV is expected to launch later in the year, with the Z80A expected to continue for slightly longer than initially planned due to a later than expected launch last year.

Panasonic Z80B specs:

• Screen size 48-, 55-, 65-inches
• Type OLED
• Backlight N/A
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system Fire OS
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic Z80B price:

• 48-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic 2025 LCD TVs

Panasonic W95B

Panasonic's latest Mini LED flagship carries a handful of features from the OLED lineup, such as the HCX AI Pro Processor MKII, while bringing improvements over its predecessor, such as 2.5 times more dimming zones for reduced blooming.

It features discreet speakers rather than Technic's tuned Dolby Atmos like its OLED counterpart. However, it does support the same gaming specs with up to 4K/144Hz gameplay with VRR.

New for 2025 is an 85-inch screen size option, with Panasonic throwing its hat into the XL TV ring, which already has offerings from Samsung, TCL, Hisense, LG and Sony. That model sports a wide dual-foot stand, while the 55-, 65-, and 75-inch versions come with a new central pedestal.

It also features Amazon's Fire TV OS, much like the rest of Panasonic's premium TV lineup. The W95A did make its way to the USA last year, and it appears as though the W95B will follow in its footsteps.

Panasonic W95B specs:

• Screen size 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inches
• Type Mini LED
• Backlight Mini LED
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system Fire OS
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic W95B price:

• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 75-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 85-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic W85B

Panasonic's step-down LCD set moves to a 120Hz QLED display and features the same HCX Processor that can be found on the W80B OLED TV. You'll also find two HDMI 2.1 sockets and Fire TV OS built in, as well as a wider range of smaller screen sizes compared to the W95B.

Panasonic W85B specs:

• Screen size 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-inches
• Type QLED
• Backlight LED
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system Fire OS
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic W85B price:

• 43-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 50-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic W80A

The Panasonic W80A is a 2024 model that carries on into the 2025 lineup. Much like the W85B, it is a QLED TV with the HCX Processor and Fire TV built in, however, it drops to a 60Hz panel, which will likely be less appealing to avid gamers.

Panasonic W80A specs:

• Screen size 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-inches
• Type QLED
• Backlight LED
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system Fire OS
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic W80A price:

• 43-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 50-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic W61A

An exception to the naming rule for Panasonic's 2025 lineup (A for 2024 models, B for 2025 models), the W61A is technically a new TV, but only just. Panasonic claims that it's the same as the currently available W60A model, just with slightly improved power efficiency.

It sports a 60Hz LED, Panasonic's 4K Colour Engine processor and TiVo rather than Fire OS.

Panasonic W61A specs:

• Screen size 43-, 55-, 50-, 65--inches
• Type UHD LED
• Backlight LED
• Resolution 4K
• HDR formats HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system TiVo
• HDMI inputs x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC eARC

Panasonic W61A price:

• 43-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 50-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 55-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: £TBC / $TBC / AU$N/A

Panasonic 2025 HD TV range

Panasonic is also offering a trio of basic HD ready and Full HD sets as part of its 2025 TV lineup. The S55A sits at the top of this range, with a Full HD panel (available in 40- and 32-inches) and Fire TV built in.

Next is the S45A which swaps to TiVo rather than Fire OS, but otherwise seems to be the same as the S55A. Both models will also come in HD (720p) variants, titled the S50A and S40A, respectively.

Finally, at the bottom of the complete lineup is the N30A, a non-smart HD ready set available in 24- or 32-inches.

MORE:

Read our Panasonic Z90B hands on review

LG G5 vs Panasonic Z95B: which OLED TV should you buy?

Check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

Panasonic has unveiled its complete 2025 television line-up, headlined by the flagship Panasonic Z95B, alongside an array of OLED and LED models all promising to deliver improvements in display tech, processing power and smart features.

While that TV was revealed at CES 2025 alongside its Mini LED counterpart, the W95B, we've been eagerly awaiting to see what else Panasonic had in store for its 2025 TV lineup, and it appears as though our patience has paid off.

It unveiled its new range at its European headquarters in Weisbaden, Germany, with new mid-range OLED and LCD TVs joining the two flagship models.

There's a lot to cover, so let’s crack on:

Panasonic Z95B

The Z95B OLED, which we previously went hands-on with at CES 2025, leads Panasonic's new range with *deep breath* LG Display's innovative Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel technology (aka, Four-Stack OLED).

This evolution uses a four-layer emission structure that refines light wavelength and increases colour purity, delivering a dramatic 40 per cent improvement in light efficiency compared to previous generations.

Or to put it another way, the end result is substantially increased brightness, with Philips claiming up to 3700 nits peak brightness for its sets using the same panel technology – alongside deeper blacks and richer, more nuanced colours.

Early side-by-side comparisons have shown this new panel delivers visibly more dazzling highlights than its predecessor, while maintaining OLED's signature black level performance. And if the LG G5 (which uses the same panel) is anything to go by, we have high expectations.

On the cooling front, the Z95B uses Panasonic's ThermalFlow cooling system – inspired by race car aerodynamics – which features a completely redesigned airflow structure with optimised component placement and vent positioning.

This system is said to dissipate heat more efficiently, maintaining peak panel performance and enabling consistently high brightness without compromising accuracy – a critical consideration for the heat output of the new panel technology.

The Z95B runs on Panasonic's HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, promising to deliver exceptional image clarity through its 4K Remaster Engine, improved gradation handling and advanced streaming noise reduction. Naturally, we’ll have to wait for our thorough review before making any final judgments.

It also supports all major HDR formats,i ncluding HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision IQ, with the latter working alongside embedded ambient light sensors to dynamically adjust picture quality based on room conditions.

The audio system has been completely revamped too, with a newly designed 360-degree Soundscape Pro arrangement featuring repositioned line array speakers (front-firing, upward-firing, and side speakers) for wider sound dispersion, and a more dynamic soundstage.

The integrated subwoofer has also been upgraded from 20W to 30W with an open structure design supporting deeper, clearer bass frequencies.

For gamers, the Z95B offers a 144Hz refresh rate and supports all key gaming features, including VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision Gaming, though it retains the somewhat limiting provision of just two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC).

The Z95B will be available in 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch sizes from September 2025. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Panasonic Z90B and Z80B

The Z90B (available in 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch and a new 77-inch size) inherits many features from the flagship model, including the Z95B’s HCX Pro AI Processor and built-in Fire TV smarts.

The larger Z90B models (55-inch and above) also benefit from the Master OLED Pro panel, which, according to Panasonic, delivers enhanced brightness capability while maintaining colour accuracy.

While not offering the same peak brightness levels as the flagship Z95B, the Master OLED Pro panel still aims to provides superior contrast ratios and colour reproduction compared to standard OLED panels, with optimised light output for more vibrant HDR content. Elsewhere, the 42-inch and 48-inch variants feature standard OLED panels.

Audio is powered by Dolby Atmos, a 30W subwoofer, and front-firing speakers across all sizes. For gaming, the Z90B includes Game Mode Extreme, HDMI 2.1 capabilities, and support for VRR at up to 144Hz, alongside NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium certification.

The Z90B will be available from June 2025, with pricing yet to be announced.

It's joined by the Z80B (available in 48-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch sizes), which serves as Panasonic's entry point to OLED. Powered by the standard HCX Processor, it aims to deliver the deep blacks and vibrant colours OLED technology is known for, alongside 4K Ultra HD resolution.

The Z80B also supports Dolby Vision, Filmmaker Mode, and HDR10+, while the audio system includes Panasonic Surround Sound Pro with Dolby Atmos compatibility. Gamers can also take advantage of Game Mode Extreme, AMD FreeSync Premium certification, HDMI 2.1, and VRR support up to 120Hz.

Premium LED line-up: W95B, W85B and W61A

Complementing the OLED range, Panasonic has also unveiled its 2025 LED TV lineup, kicking off with the W95B Mini LED TV, delivering promises of improved colour stability, thanks to a refined double area control system with high colour gamut backlighting and real-time proprietary colour tuning.

The independent LED driving technology reportedly increases backlight zones by over 2.5 times compared to previous models, resulting in assurances of superior contrast and detail.

The W95B also introduces Hybrid Tone Mapping technology for vibrant, lifelike visuals even in high-brightness areas, hoping to eliminate the colour washout often associated with conventional tone mapping setups.

The W85B serves as a step-down QLED option with an enhanced 120Hz panel, HCX processor and HDR Bright Panel Plus, delivering outstanding picture quality for films, TV shows and games, complemented by Dolby Vision HDR technology.

It joins the W80A, which carries on from last year and sports a 60Hz QLED panel.

An unexpected addition to the range is the W61A, which is a more energy-efficient version of the currently available W60A. It features a 60Hz UHD LED panel, as well as Panasonic's 4K Colour Engine processor and the TiVo operating system. Like its more expensive counterparts, it also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Availability

The flagship Z95B OLED will launch in September 2025, with the Z90B available from June 2025. The Z80B series and LED models (W61A, W85B and W95B) will follow, though specific launch dates have not yet been announced. Pricing information for the entire range will be revealed closer to retail availability.

As we noted in our hands-on review of the Z95B at CES 2025, the model shows significant promise with its visible brightness improvements, refined colour reproduction and redesigned audio system.

We'll be putting all of Panasonic's new models through their paces in our testing rooms as they become available to see how they compare to LG's impressive G5, which uses the same groundbreaking panel technology.

MORE:

Read our Panasonic Z90B hands on review

And find more information on the Panasonic 2025 TV lineup here

As well as our picks for the best OLED TVs

Sony quietly dropped a new 4K Blu-ray player in March of this year, and it really did come out of the blue. At the time, Sony hadn't updated its Blu-ray player line-up for over five years, so I had to pinch myself upon seeing a model tagged as "new" on the company's website.

Generally speaking, the current crop of 4K Blu-ray players has begun to show their age; take Panasonic's DP-UB820EB player, for example, which still holds the top spot on our best Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray players list, despite it launching in 2018.

So, surely Sony's new player was the saving grace for 4K Blu-ray; a format that I've anxiously monitored since my first Adventure into AV back in 2022, titled 4K Blu-ray is on the verge of dying out, and no one seems to care. Well, it's a good sign, but not the one that I and many other people were quite hoping for.

Sony's new player, the UBP-X700/K appears to be a fairly modest update on the UBP-X700, which was also released in 2018. It looks practically identical from the outside, and there doesn't appear to be any grand statements regarding picture and sound enhancements.

If anything, the biggest news is that this new player will be dropping features, which is admittedly quite a large red flag on paper. The UBP-X700/K seems to drop wireless network functionality, meaning no streaming or screen mirroring features as found on the previous version of this player.

Understandably, I've seen plenty of reader comments on our social platforms and my news article centred on the new player, which rightfully point out that a new player with fewer features isn't a glowing indictment for the future of 4K Blu-ray.

I get it, streamlining your AV setup by having one convenient box to handle all of your disc-based and streaming needs is useful, but I have to ask... who is streaming on their Blu-ray player?

I have the Sony UBP-X700 at home hooked up to my Philips OLED907 TV, and the only things I've watched on it are Blu-rays.

In fact, I deleted the included streaming apps just a couple of weeks ago, simply because they were cluttering the home menu of my player; and that didn't take long considering it was only Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and YouTube that were supported.

Most modern smart TVs include all the apps you'll need anyway, and there is plenty to be said for investing in one of the best streaming devices.

Instead, I would point to this new player feeling like a lazy repackage of an existing player above all else; an all-new player would have been preferable, so why didn't Sony give us one? My guess is that this is merely a spec bump to keep the player relevant; it has the same design, same remote and even the same name.

A new player could have breathed life into the 4K Blu-ray format, instead of merely keeping it ticking over. Admittedly, we haven't reviewed the Sony UBP-X700/K, and I'm hoping that I'll be blindsided by a serious picture and sound upgrade – but my hopes aren't sky high.

Ultimately, I'm delighted to see the 4K Blu-ray format get a vital lifeline, but I can't help feeling like the first new mainstream 4K Blu-ray player in half a decade is a bit half-hearted.

The lack of streaming credentials truly doesn't phase me, and I really don't think it should bother prospective buyers either.

That being said, it would have been nice if Sony substituted in a notable upgrade (perhaps HDR10+ support or an upgraded DAC?) to offset the loss of this feature.

MORE:

Read our full Sony UBP-X700 review

Check out our picks for the best Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray players

As well as the best OLED TVs

LG Display has announced that an exciting new development in OLED panel technology is almost ready to hit the market, and it could dethrone the new Primary RGB Tandem OLED already.

It claims that these new Hybrid Tandem OLED, also known as PHOLED, panels are a significant step towards achieving a "dream OLED display".

The company has announced that these new Hybrid Tandem OLED panels will sport a high-efficiency blue phosphorescent layer and a long-lifetime blue fluorescent layer, alongside red and green phosphorescent layers, making this a refined take on the four-stack OLED panel found in the likes of the LG G5 and Panasonic Z95B.

LG Display plans to debut a "blue phosphorescent OLED panel featuring two-stack Tandem technology" at SID Display Week 2025 in San Jose, California, later this month.

Furthermore, the company has been able to "verify the commercialisation-level performance of blue phosphorescent OLED panels on a mass production line", meaning we could see devices sporting these new panels very soon.

There is, however, a catch. The first devices that will be shown off with these new PHOLED panels will be small and medium-sized products, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. However, it had this to say about the future of PHOLED displays:

"As more and more products require high definition and high efficiency, such as AI PCs and AR/VR devices, the application of blue phosphorescence technology is expected to expand rapidly."

We need to conduct a quick science lesson to understand what makes this new OLED technology so special. Currently, OLED panels use two different light emission technologies: phosphorescent for red and green and fluorescent for blue.

Fluorescence is the simpler of the two, as it works by emitting light as soon as electrical energy is received. However, its luminescence efficiency is reportedly only 25 per cent, compared to phosphorescence, which briefly stores the energy before emitting light, resulting in a significant jump up to 100 per cent luminous efficiency.

That doesn't mean we'll see OLED panels that are four times as bright as the currently available WOLED and Primary RGB Tandem OLED panels, but logically an increase in blue brightness would allow for enhanced brightness overall.

LG Display has been striving for a full RGB phosphorescence for quite some time now – that's the "dream OLED" scenario in case you were wondering – as it could boost panel brightness while also significantly improving energy efficiency.

The only issue is that implementing a blue phosphorus layer is easier said than done. Blue light has the shortest wavelength and demands more energy, but LG Display appears to have cracked the code.

While LG Display hasn't specifically referred to the existence of PHOLED TVs quite yet, we expect that the "expanding rapidly" claim could refer to the development of larger displays down the line.

Regardless, it seems as though we'll have to wait a little bit longer for PHOLED TVs to hit the market, which allows the upcoming Primary RGB Tandem OLED TVs (including the Philips OLED910 and Panasonic Z95B) to have their moment in the spotlight later this year.

MORE:

Primary RGB Tandem is great, but there's better OLED TV tech to come

Read our full LG G5 OLED TV review

Find our picks for the best OLED TVs here

Here are the best OLED TV deals

The new LG OLEDs are fresh in the shops, and, therefore, fresh out of the What Hi-Fi? test rooms.

As has become expected over the past few years, they are strong contenders in an extremely competitive marketplace.

This shouldn’t be a massive surprise, given that LG still makes the majority of OLED panels out there no matter the badge on the TV itself, but it is always reassuring to discover, each year, that eyes haven’t been taken off the metaphorical ball by the Korean giant’s fine engineering department.

With the LG ranges over the years, it’s the C-series that tends to hit the sweet-spot for us for providing the best bang for your buck.

The range-topping LG G5 is a remarkable piece of televisual technology, but – inevitably – you must pay a heavy price for the privilege of owning the very best.

The C5 may not feature the flashy new Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel of the G5, nor indeed the MLA OLED technology of last year’s G4, but it does sport more than enough of its premium sibling’s capabilities to make up for most of those tech shortfalls; and, of course, at a far more affordable price.

The C5, then, is the hub around which we centre this amazing home cinema system.

The system

• TV: LG C5 (£1900 / $1999 / AU$3299)
• Soundbar: Sonos Arc Ultra (£999 / $999 / AU$1799)
• Console: Sony PlayStation 5 (£430 / $450 / AU$800)
• 4K Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB820 (£349 / $400 / AU$665)
• Set-top box: Sky Stream (from £15 per month / not available in US or Aus)
• Total price: £3678 / $3848 / AU$6563

LG C5

One of the joys of LG C5 ownership is the ease of set-up.

Quite a few of the best OLED TVs from other brands (we may be looking at you here, Philips) really give of their best only after a thorough rummage around in the settings menus.

While the results are undeniably spectacular once you get things just so, not everyone has the time or inclination to get so hands-on with their TV – and so never benefit from the best it has to offer.

No such worries with this LG.

If you are watching content in 4K (and why wouldn’t you be, whenever possible?), just stick the C5 in Filmmaker mode and you will be set up for some stunningly cinematic images – it’s as easy as that.

Of course, you can tweak things to fine-tune the image, but for most people, most of the time, there is little need.

Our verdict in our review of the C5 says it all really (as one would hope…): “It's probably the best TV for most people, as its exceptional picture quality and uncompromising feature set are certified crowd pleasers. It remains an excellent choice for gamers, too, and its Dolby Vision Filmmaker mode is a major bonus for film buffs.”

We do, however, go on to say, “We wish it had better built-in audio…” This is by no means an unusual complaint for a modern TV, and is still a major issue as far as getting a home cinema set-up to do the name justice.

A flat-panel TV’s sound, in our experience, simply cannot meet the standards of its excellent picture. Which is why you will see in pretty much all our TV reviews the recommendation to invest in a soundbar.

Sonos Arc Ultra

The Sonos Arc Ultra we propose for this system is, simply, the best soundbar on a performance-per-pound basis available. It trumps its multi-Award-winning forebear in every department, which is saying a lot.

If you want Dolby Atmos surround capabilities without having to go down the bulky separates route, this is pretty much the best option now available to you.

The Arc Ultra performs impressively on its own, but there is also scope for upgrading the package by adding a pair of Sonos Era 300s to act as rear surround speakers, and a Sonos Sub in the (relatively unlikely) event that you feel the need to boost the bass performance.

It is the Ultra’s improvements over its illustrious predecessor that really impresses. We wouldn’t have said that the original Arc’s bass was at all a weakness, but the Ultra takes things to a new level, with a tight, tuneful and expressive performance that makes the original sound fairly woolly in comparison.

The extra drivers over the original (the Ultra boasts a 9.1.4-channel configuration, up from the Arc’s 5.0.2) really pay off, with the spatial sound-effect placement particularly impressive.

As we say in the verdict of our full review of the Arc Ultra, when comparing it with the Arc: “It really is quite amazing how much more crisp, spacious, precise and detailed the Ultra sounds.”

The two central parts of this system work brilliantly together, with the sonic abilities of the soundbar beautifully complementing the images of the OLED screen. But what to feed this dynamic duo?

Sony PlayStation 5

It would be remiss not to take advantage of the C5’s gaming capabilities; its full complement of HDMI 2.1 sockets mean it will be future-proofed for many years to come, and can – for the hardcore gamer – deal with both of the current-generation console big boys.

We have selected the PS5 here over the Xbox Series X for a couple of reasons.

First, we think it pips Microsoft’s offering as an overall package; but second, the C5 has a handy trick up its sleeve: you can play Xbox games through the LG’s Xbox app – no console required.

You won’t quite get the performance of a full console, but it’s a really handy and fun way of getting some Xbox action without a large up-front cost.

Panasonic DP-UB820

While streaming is gaining in both popularity and 4K picture quality, we stand by our assertion that the very best performance comes from physical software; so we recommend investing in a Blu-ray player to get the best from this set-up.

If you have a PlayStation 5 with a disc drive, you might be tempted to use the console’s Blu-ray capability. We feel compelled to steer you away from this course of action.

The PS5’s drive is competent, but not up to the standards of the Panasonic DP-UB820 – and it can get almost intrusively noisy in action as well.

Better, we feel, to buy a digital-only PS5, and then invest the savings made towards the Blu-ray player – your TV and sound package deserve the best sources you can give them.

As we conclude in our review of the Blu-ray player, the Panasonic DP-UB820 delivers a hugely immersive and impactful picture, and backs it up with a strong audio performance.

Sky Stream

The final piece of our brilliant home-cinema package comes in the form of the Sky Stream puck.

If you are at all interested in viewing live sports, this is the cheapest way to view them in top 4K HDR quality; if the ultimate picture quality isn’t of such importance to you, you could quite easily forego the Sky Stream, and access Sky Sport and other packages via the TV’s Now app.

Our system verdict

Regular readers will, perhaps, be wondering where the Apple TV 4K – a product that regularly features in our home-cinema systems – has got to.

While the Apple streamer is still the option of choice for the very best video streaming quality you can get, the LG C5’s in-built apps (and it has pretty much everything you could wish for) are very well optimised for quality and perform excellently.

An Apple TV 4K, then, might be an upgrade to be considered in the future, but it is by no means a necessity for this wonderful set-up.

This, then, is a superb home-cinema set-up in its own right – and one that will stand you in good stead for years to come; but, crucially, it is also upgradeable in a number of ways, should the funds and desire arise. And that’s a win/win in anybody’s book.

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Looking for alternatives to any of the components in our system? Then check out our guides to the best TVs, best soundbars and best Blu-ray players