Loewe Individual 32 DR+ (32-inch LCD)

By Richard Arrowsmith, CNET.co.uk
Sep 4, 2006

It's been reported that style is the overriding factor in most buying decisions and the easily led won't find a screen that's more innovative and attractive than Loewe's latest design.

Aptly named the Individual, this television has a customizable design that allows you to select your own contrasting color schemes, mounting options and even the screen's technical specification. All this accessorizing comes with an ever-increasing price tag, though. The standard 26-inch model arrives at an already expensive S$4,800 (US$3,455.23), rising to S$7,800 (US$5,614.74) if you want a 32-incher with integrated digital tuner and 80GB harddrive recorder, and increasing again if you want to pimp your screen further.

If paying over the odds for exclusive aesthetics and the convenience of a single system doesn't deter you, then start matching color swatches with your living room. But, before you're blinded by its beauty, note that what lies beneath is average connectivity, frustrating usability and picture quality that can be equaled for half the price.

Editors' note: As this review is based on the UK version of the Individual 32 DR+, specifications may vary slightly from the set available in Asia.

Design
It's almost impossible not to be attracted by Loewe's screen designs--and if this were a beauty contest, the Individual 32 would already be wrapped in a sash and crowned as the prettiest panel of them all.

What's most unique about the distinctive design is that you can completely customize it to suit your own taste. The screen is available in five different colored fronts, which can be combined with a similar choice of contrasting side panels using varied materials like metal and real wood. Although the screen arrives with a pedestal stand, there are several other setup options that even include a spectacular floor-to-ceiling mounting pole.

Of course, this so-called individuality doesn't come for free, and the price can spiral to well over S$7,800 (US$5,614.74), depending how expensive your tastes are. What you are guaranteed for your money is jaw-dropping design and immaculate build quality.

Less inspiring is the standard choice of connectivity that's concealed beneath rear panels. All bases are covered, including HDMI, component-video and SCART video connections along with standard and digital audio options, but given the price, you could expect more than just a single SCART and HDMI input--especially as models like Hitachi 32LD8800TA can claim better connectivity for a lot less.

Still, with devices like a digital tuner and hard drive recorder already integrated, you should find enough connections spare to cater for most accompanying equipment. Useful extras like easy-access A/V inputs for camcorders or consoles and a PC terminal also deserve a mention.

As expected, the tall, trowel-like remote is suitably stylish but you'll find it more frustrating than friendly. Primary functions are supported by a pair of central cursors--one for controlling channels and volume and the other for navigating menus. But the overlaid closeness of each means you can easily confuse the two and changing channel in the middle of adjusting menu settings is a common gripe.

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