(December 9, 2020) Following years of discussions, Robert Zohn and his Scarsdale, New York AV shop have landed a stunningly unique industry arrangement. Beginning sometime next week, Value Electronics will receive its first monthly shipment of Panasonic’s Hollywood-grade OLED monitors. Hand-built from select parts and previously sold exclusively to studios and post-production outfits, Value Electronics will offer access to four different professional models – a claim that no other US-based consumer retailer can make.
Zohn and his retail/custom install business need little introduction among enthusiast and integrator circles. He’s the creator and host of North America’s annual Flat Panel TV shootout, a winner of industry awards, and a known destination for honest pricing and expert advice. If you’ve never dealt with Zohn, you’re missing out. His knowledge and relationships within the industry run deep, and he’s a true enthusiast at heart.
Panasonic’s display presence in the United States is also rather notable. The company is best known for a successful plasma TV business that produced several legendary reference-grade models. However, the demise of plasma and a lackluster LCD presence left Panasonic retreating to European and Asian markets for a rebirth.
One of Panasonic’s more astute business deals was the 2008 purchase of Pioneer’s industry-leading plasma display division, which netted important patents and nearly 200 top engineers. That move has paid major dividends, ultimately helping the company become an award-winning force in OLED TV manufacturing; its models are lauded for superior processing and image reproduction. While popular, Panasonic’s OLED displays aren’t sold within the United States, which is precisely why Value Electronics’ deal is so exciting.
Adding to the excitement is a unique differentiation between models offered by Value Electronics and those sold to consumers around the world. First, they’re marketed and sold as “monitors,” not televisions. While that’s essentially creative wording, it’s an important note because these are the same monitors used by most – if not all – Hollywood studios. That leads us to our second differentiator: build quality. Models sold by Value Electronics feature hand-selected OLED modules and HCX video processors that are custom-tuned to Hollywood’s picture performance standards. According to Zohn, those factors will limit his stock to roughly ten pieces per month.
These are the real McCoy… true reference grade monitors used by top creators in the business, requiring extreme levels of customization and quality control.
All four models will ship with a TV tuner on-board, along with HDMI 2.0b connectivity (HDMI 2.1 is slated for 2022 availability), and CalMAN auto-calibration. They also carry Panasonic’s One Year Parts and Labor Warranty with an optional Three Year Warranty available through Value Electronics.
Models and pricing (including shipping) are as follows:
- 55” TC-55FZ1000 (with HDR10, HLG, HDR10+): $2,850
- 65” TC-65FZ1000 (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+): $3,850
- 55” TC-55GZ1000 (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision): $3,250
- 65” TC-65GZ1000 (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision): $4,450
It’s worth noting that both GZ models carry Dolby Atmos support, HDMI 2.1 Auto Latency Mode, near full-coverage of D65 P3, and support for CalMAN calibration software’s new pattern GEN.
For more information about Panasonic’s large-format Professional monitors, including purchasing links, click here or call Robert Zohn at (914) 723-3344.
