Panasonic just launched a cheaper big-screen OLED TV, but still with the high-end sound and processing of its flagship Z95B

• Integrated Fire TV and ATSC 3.0 support
• Tons of gamer-friendly features including 144Hz, G-SYNC, Freesync v2 Premium and VRR
• $2,499, orders live from 27 October

Panasonic's excellent flagship Z95B OLED TV has a new sibling with the same high-end image and sound processing systems but a more affordable price tag. Where the 77-inch Z95B has a list price of $4,699 the new Z8BA is $2,499.

The Panasonic Z8BA comes in just one size, and it sits between the Z95B and the more affordable Z80B ranges. It looks like it'll be a particularly good gaming TV, and it delivers much of the flagship's features for considerably less cash.

Panasonic Z8BA: key features

The Z8BA features Panasonic's HCX Pro AI Processor MK II and its Master OLED Pro Cinema Size panel, delivering what Panasonic says is "exceptional brightness and performance".

Its color accuracy has been tuned for cinema-grade viewing, and the AI processor powers the TV's 4K Remaster Engine, which, as the name suggests, upscales video to 4K through a combination of AI and mathematical modeling.

The TV also has Dolby Vision IQ Precision, which Panasonic explains "is an advancement on Dolby Vision IQ and operates by adjusting the light levels in each area of the screen to draw out more detail, without boosting the brightness to a point where the image looks washed out."

The processor can deliver Dolby Vision at up to 144Hz and the TV also includes Dolby Atmos and Technics' 360 Soundscape Pro audio. There's Fire TV built-in, plus ATSC 3.0 and Apple HomeKit and AirPlay compatibility.

In addition to that 144Hz refresh rate there's a host of gamer-friendly features including G-SYNC and FreeSync V2 Premium support on two HDMI 2.1 ports. The TV also has True Game Mode – a preset designed specifically for accurate color and optimal white balance in games – as well as specialized Game Sound Modes for RPG and FPS gaming.

The new Panasonic Z8BA will be available to order from next week, October 27, with wider availability in November 2025.

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