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Panasonic has previewed its flagship OLED TV for 2021, the JZ2000. Coming in 65in and 55in sizes, the new screen builds on the brand’s 2020 HZ2000 hero, with game-centric features, enhanced audio and a new smart interface for faster navigation.

The JZ2000 will be the first OLED from Panasonic to offer HDMI 2.1 features, like variable refresh rate (VRR) and high frame rate (HFR) 120fps support.

And there are additional big changes under the hood. The set uses a new HCX Pro AI Processor, with accompanying AI image mode.

Some elements remain unchanged over last year’s HZ2000 – the new JZ2000 TV uses the same custom modified Master HDR OLED Professional Edition panel, adapted by Panasonic R&D engineers for higher peak and average brightness levels.

And once again, final colour tuning has been handled by Hollywood colourist Stefan Sonnenfeld.

HCX Pro AI, we're told can identify content in real time, comparing it to a varied library of material that it has learned, and then automatically adjust both picture and sound quality to suit.

The HCX Pro AI Processor brings other benefits, particularly for gamers. Panasonic says the JZ2000 reduces latency down to amongst the very lowest figures in the industry for an OLED TV.

A new Game Mode Extreme promises low latency, dedicated Game viewing mode, and the aforementioned variable refresh rate and high frame rate support. There’s also support for HDMI Signal Power Link, said to improve the use of TVs with CEC non-supported devices like old TV boxes.

The JZ2000 supports the widest range of HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision, Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing, and HLG Photo. For the first time, there’s also support for HDR10+ Adaptive, which like Dolby Vision IQ dynamically adapts HDR content to the room lighting conditions of the viewing area.

Panasonic’s Dolby Atmos-equipped range-topping OLED TVs have been using rear-mounted height speakers for a couple of seasons. For 2021, the brand is adding side-firing speakers to that Atmos backpack, to create an even bigger soundstage.

The new Dolby Atmos audio system, known as 360° Soundscape Pro, has also been tuned by stable-mate brand Technics. 'It sounds really great,' Panasonic picture guru Paul Williams told us. We’ll have to take his word for it, as with a virtual CES there’s no way for us to hear it in person.

UK pricing, availability and full specifications for Panasonic's JZ2000 TVs are TBA.