A few weeks ago, I reported that luxury German AV brand Loewe had established Europe’s first OLED TV “Open Cell” production line, allowing it to potentially create truly unique TV designs that are simply not possible when working with the usual more ‘off-the-shelf’ OLED modules. Loewe has now revealed the first results of this exclusive production capability in the striking shape of its new flagship TV series ‘Stellar’.
The Loewe Stellar series combines a truly unique design with the latest cutting-edge OLED display … [+]
The killer application of Stellar TVs in terms of design is that their exceptionally thin screens have a base plate made of real concrete. Not some thick slab of heavy concrete you might see on a construction site, of course, but rather an ultra-thin (2mm) layer of concrete that gives every Stellar screen a wonderfully industrial, ultra-modern feel. In fact, the way concrete is applied to the open-cell OLED panels, creating subtle patterns in the finish, makes each set look unique; like a specific fingerprint.
The Stellar TV screen frames, meanwhile, feature a signature high-quality brushed aluminum finish with a metal version of Loewe’s ‘flag’ mounted on one side. The extravagance continues with the LED light strip below the screen, which creates a subtle light show to complement the illuminated Loewe logo that appears when the TV is switched on. You can also use this light arrangement to add some customizable ambient lighting to your room with a remote control.
No two concrete Stellar TV backplates will look the same, so each TV will have a unique design.
Loewe can usually be relied upon to offer several mounting solutions for their TVs, and that’s the case with the Stellar range, in the form of a motorized floor stand adjustable via remote control and an ultra-slim wall mount that also offers cable routing. minimizes distractions from both the picture and the unique design of the TV. Personally, I’d prefer the swivel stand option, because when you hang the Stellar on the wall, you can no longer see that distinctive concrete back. But I suppose some living room layouts may require a wall-hanging solution – especially when you get to the biggest screen sizes of the Stellar range.
Other classic Loewe features include the integration of 1TB of onboard SSD storage into each Stellar screen, to which you can record shows from the TVs’ built-in triple tuners, and an integrated speaker ‘bar’ running the full width of the bottom of the screen. fringe. Loewe claims that some models in the Stellar range will be able to deliver up to 200W of sound power.
Each Stellar TV will be manufactured at Loewe’s own production facility in Kronach, Germany, allowing the brand to maintain the strict quality controls that fans of the brand have come to expect over the years.
Loewe Stellar TVs are equipped with powerful built-in speaker systems.
While the Stellar TV range’s unique and intricate design is the most obvious sign of its flagship status, it also offers plenty of cutting-edge picture technology. Particularly promising is the use of new “Meta” panel designs in the 55-, 65- and 77-inch Stellar OLED TV world, complete with micro lens array (MLA) technology. This uses a series of small light-focusing lenses just behind the screen to increase brightness without having to push the screen’s delicate organic elements harder. Loewe claims MLA-equipped Stellar TVs can reach a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits in a 5% HDR test window, which is a huge number by OLED TV standards.
All Stellar TVs will carry four HDMI 2.1 ports powered by Novatek’s new silicon and capable of handling the latest 4K gaming features at 120Hz refresh rate (actually 144Hz is possible), as well as variable refresh rate and automatic low latency mode switching.
The Stellar range’s surprisingly wide collection of screen sizes will be rolled out gradually, starting this month with 42- and 55-inch models selling for £3,299/€3,299 and £4,299/€4,299 respectively. In July, Loewe will launch the 48-inch and 65-inch versions, priced at £3,799/£3,799 and £5,299/€5,299 respectively.
October will then see a jump in size to 77-inch and 83-inch screen sizes, currently on sale for £9,499/€9,999 and £18,999/€19,999 respectively, while anyone wanting to see Stellar’s unique design on a truly cinematic scale . it will have to wait until January 2025 for the 97-inch version to launch. Loewe has understandably not yet announced the price of this relatively distant topper – but I can confirm that Loewe has no plans to launch its new flagship TV range in the US.
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