Loewe Individual 32 HD ready LCD TV

Posted by T3 Online on Tue 30 Oct 2007

A chic, modular TV for your chic, modular pad.

High-end purveyors of upmarket fashion accessories with plugs, Loewe is calling this the first "design-it-yourself television." It also looks pretty good when you press the On button.

"DIY in what sense?" you may well be asking. Well, it has swappable side panels and numerous stand options, which you have to pay extra for. When that's on top of the two grand plus that you've already shelled out on the TV itself, it's clear that this particular brand of individuality doesn't come cheap.

The basic version comes with a desk stand and plain, silver side panels, but it's still gorgeous. There's a digital tuner for receiving Freeview channels, and a good array of connections. The HDMI input means you're ready for Hi-Def video, and the usual card slot lets you upgrade basic Freeview to Top-Up TV.

All the bells and whistles in the world aren't much use if the picture and sound are sub par, but that isn't the case here. Despite their small size, the stereo speakers have plenty of oomph, and if you want even more power you can easily hook the Loewe up to a separate speaker set-up using the digital output.

Throw on a dark scene from X-Men 2 and the Loewe supplies plenty of detail, even in the gloomier areas. Add to that the realistic skin tones of the mutants - even the blue one - and the sharp edges, and you've got one hell of a picture. It's not as jaw-dropping as Philips' new Ambilight LCDs, but it's definitely up there with the likes of the Sony Bravia.

Although the Individual will squeeze most people's wallets till the bus pass squeaks, it's not just a rich boy's toy, to be cooed over then never watched. If you've got the dosh, it's worth a look.