Panasonic TVs are made by TCL Technology, a Chinese electronics manufacturer that has built Panasonic branded televisions since Panasonic closed its own TV factories.
Panasonic built its television reputation over decades, including a celebrated run of plasma TVs before the industry shifted to LCD and OLED panels.
Panasonic Corporation, the Japanese company that owns the brand, is headquartered in Osaka, Japan and remains a major player in electronics, appliances, and batteries.
Knowing who makes Panasonic TVs helps buyers understand that today’s sets are built by a different manufacturer than the plasma TVs the brand was once famous for.
This article covers Panasonic TV ownership, where the sets are built, how the brand compares to other licensed TV names, and answers to common Panasonic TV questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Panasonic TVs And Who Owns The Brand?
Panasonic Corporation owns the Panasonic trademark and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.
The company no longer manufactures its own television sets and instead outsources production of its mid and high end TV lineup to Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL.
Panasonic was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita, originally as a small workshop producing electrical light sockets.
Where Are Panasonic TVs Manufactured?
Most Panasonic TVs sold in the United States are manufactured at TCL facilities in Tijuana or Ixtapaluca, Mexico.
TCL also operates manufacturing and assembly plants in Australia, Brazil, India, and Pakistan that support Panasonic’s global TV lineup.
Panasonic previously manufactured its own TVs in Japan, China, India, and the Czech Republic before closing those factories between 2015 and 2022.
Why Did Panasonic Stop Making Its Own TVs?
Panasonic introduced its first television sets in 1952 and became a global leader in plasma display technology by the 2000s.
As plasma production became less profitable and the market shifted to LCD and OLED panels, Panasonic gradually closed its own TV manufacturing operations.
The company shifted to a licensing and outsourcing model with TCL to keep the Panasonic name on store shelves without operating its own factories.
What Technology Do Modern Panasonic TVs Use?
Panasonic’s current lineup includes OLED and Mini LED models built using TCL’s panel technology and manufacturing expertise.
The company continues to apply its own picture processing engineering on top of the hardware TCL supplies.
This blend of Japanese picture tuning and Chinese manufacturing is common among legacy TV brands that no longer operate their own factories.
Panasonic vs LG: Which TV Brand Is Better?
LG continues to manufacture its own OLED panels in house, while Panasonic now relies entirely on TCL for its hardware.
Panasonic has a smaller US retail footprint than LG, which remains one of the best selling TV brands worldwide.
Buyers focused specifically on panel technology and manufacturing transparency may lean toward brands that still build their own displays.
For more comparisons, see our guides to where LG TVs are made and who makes TCL TVs for two other major TV brands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panasonic TVs
Who makes Panasonic TVs now?
Panasonic TVs are made by TCL Technology, which manufactures the sets while Panasonic applies its own picture processing.
Does Panasonic still make plasma TVs?
No, Panasonic stopped producing plasma TVs after closing its own manufacturing operations between 2015 and 2022.
Where are Panasonic TVs sold in the US made?
Most Panasonic TVs sold in the United States are made at TCL manufacturing plants in Tijuana or Ixtapaluca, Mexico.
Is Panasonic still a Japanese company?
Yes, Panasonic Corporation remains headquartered in Osaka, Japan, even though its TVs are now manufactured by TCL.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.