A few weeks ago I reported that luxury German AV brand Loewe had set up Europe’s first ‘Open Cell’ OLED TV production line, potentially allowing it to create truly unique TV designs that simply aren’t possible if you go with the usual more ‘ finished’ OLED modules. Loewe has now unveiled the first results of this exclusive production capacity in the remarkable form of its new flagship ‘Stellar’ TVs.
The Loewe Stellar series combines a truly unique design with the latest high-end OLED image … [+]
The killer feature of the Stellar TVs from a design perspective is that their exceptionally slim screens have a real concrete backplate. Not a thick slab of heavy concrete like you might find on a construction site, of course, but rather an ultra-thin (2mm) concrete layer that gives each Stellar screen a beautiful industrial, ultra-modern feel. The way the concrete is applied to the open cell OLED panels, creating subtle patterns in the finish, makes each set look unique; like a concrete fingerprint.
The Stellar TVs’ screen frames feature a striking, high-quality brushed aluminum finish, with a metal version of Loewe’s trademark ‘flag’ mounted on one side. The extravagance continues with an LED light strip under the screen that provides a subtle light show to complement the illuminated Loewe logo that appears when you turn on the TV. You can also use this lighting arrangement to add some customizable mood lighting to your room via the remote control.
No two Stellar TV concrete backplates look the same, giving each TV a unique design.
Loewe can usually be expected to offer multiple mounting solutions for its TVs, and this includes the Stellar range in the form of a motorized floor stand that is adjustable via remote control, and an ultra-slim wall bracket that also offers cable management. to minimize distractions from both the picture and the TV’s unique design. Personally, I would opt for the rotating floor stand, because if you hang your Stellar on the wall, you no longer see that characteristic concrete back. But I suspect some living room layouts will require a wall hanging solution, especially as you reach the largest screen sizes of the Stellar range.
Other classic Loewe touches include the inclusion in each Stellar screen of 1TB of integrated SSD storage, on which you can record programs from the TV’s built-in triple tuners, and an integrated speaker bar that spans the full width of the bottom of the screen runs. edge. Loewe claims that some models in the Stellar range can deliver up to 200W of audio power.
Every Stellar TV is manufactured in Loewe’s own production facility in Kronach, Germany, allowing the brand to maintain the strict quality controls that the brand’s fan base has come to expect over the years.
The 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 features plenty of high-quality imaging technology. Particularly promising is the use in the 55, 65 and 77-inch Stellar screen sizes of the OLED TV world’s new ‘Meta’ panel designs, complete with microlens array (MLA) technology. This uses an array of small light-focusing lenses just behind the screen to improve brightness without having to drive the delicate organic elements of the screen harder. Loewe claims that the MLA-equipped Stellar TVs can reach brightness peaks of up to 2000 nits on a 5% HDR test window, which is a huge number by OLED TV standards.
All Stellar TVs will feature four HDMI 2.1 ports, powered by new Novatek silicon and capable of handling the latest advanced gaming features of 4K at 120 Hz refresh rates (actually 144 Hz is possible), as well as variable refresh rates and automatic mode switching with low latency.
The Stellar range’s surprisingly wide collection of screen sizes is expected to roll out in phases, starting this month with 42- and 55-inch models expected to retail for £3,299/€3,299 and £4,299/€4,299 respectively. In July, Loewe will release 48- and 65-inch versions, priced at £3,799/€3,799 and £5,299/€5,299 respectively.
Then in October there’s a size jump to 77-inch and 83-inch screen sizes currently expected to cost £9,499/€9,999 and £18,999/€19,999 respectively, while anyone wanting to experience the Stellar’s unique design in a truly cinematic Want to see scale will have to wait until January 2025, when a 97-inch version will hit the market. Loewe has understandably not yet put a price on this relatively distant top seller, but I can confirm that Loewe has no plans to release its new flagship TV range in the US.
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