Panasonic, renowned for its high-end OLED TVs, has ventured into the budget segment with its W70B Fire TV series, promising accessible 4K entertainment. Starting at $349 for the 50-inch model tested by ZDNET, the initial appeal is undeniable – particularly its remarkably lightweight design. "I could literally grasp this 50-inch TV at the center top of the frame and pick it up with one hand," notes Editor Chris Bayer, highlighting its portability advantage.


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However, this featherweight construction proved an early omen of deeper issues. Performance hurdles emerged immediately:

  • Sluggish Operation: The TV exhibited frustratingly slow boot-up times and persistent "loading" circles, even on a strong Wi-Fi connection. A critical firmware update attempt caused a complete freeze, necessitating a hard reset via unplugging.
  • Display Deficiencies: Testing revealed significant weaknesses in core display performance:

    • Visible motion judder due to the 60Hz refresh rate.
    • Poor black levels and contrast, leading to "blotching" (clusters of pixilation) in dark scenes, especially noticeable during panning shots in films like "Jurassic World".
    • Limited viewing angles, requiring users to sit directly in front for optimal brightness.
    • Measured peak brightness fell short of Panasonic's claims. Lab tests recorded approximately 274 nits for SDR content in Movie mode, well below the advertised 333 nits for HDR.
    • Color accuracy struggles within the BT.2020 and UHDA-P3 color spaces.

"Our Standard mode test results indicate that the display has difficulty accurately reproducing colors... In short, you get what you pay for." - Chris Bayer, ZDNET

The W70B utilizes a basic full-panel LED backlight without local dimming, lacking the advanced HCX Pro AI Processor MK II found in Panasonic's premium models or the Mini-LED/QLED technologies employed by competitors in this price bracket.


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The Verdict: Value Proposition Questioned
While acknowledging the W70B's position as an entry-level model, Bayer's assessment is stark: "I wasn't impressed." The combination of performance hiccups and fundamental display limitations overshadows its low weight and price tag. The review concludes that consumers seeking a budget 4K LED TV will find better overall value and performance in competing models like the TCL QM6K or the Vizio Quantum 4K QLED, which leverage QLED technology at similar price points. The W70B serves as a reminder that even from reputable brands, significant cost-cutting in the budget segment inevitably impacts core viewing experience metrics like brightness, contrast, and motion handling.

Source: Based on testing and reporting by Chris Bayer for ZDNET.