German luxury TV maker Loewe has cemented its return to the business with the launch of its newest OLED model, the bild i.
The new model incorporates many of the hallmarks of Loewe’s classic design of the past, plus plenty of new developments alongside the traditional commitment to a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
The launch of Loewe bild i will be a boon to fans of the German brand, which previously went bankrupt in 2019 only to be reborn the following year after its ashes were bought by the Chinese investment firm Skytec Group Ltd. The new Chinese owners have their sights set on restoring the Loewe brand to its former glory. To that end, the company has taken up residence in Loewe’s traditional Kronach, Germany, offices and has rehired many of its former employees.
The new Loewe bild i OLED TV is a 4K model that’s paired with a Basalt Grey SL7 chassis and a powerful NT7 processor. It run Loewe’s new os7 software and will be available in a choice of 48-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch sizes.
Loewe said the new SL7 housing not only looks incredibly sleek but is also exceptionally sturdy, with connections including four HDMI inputs that can support features including high frame rates, auto low latency mode and enhanced Audio Return Channel.
We can assme the OLED panel is supplied by LG Display but it isn’t clear if the company has opted for the new “EVO” panel that provides higher brightness. What is clear is that the bild i supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content and runs the VIDAA operating system that’s found on most Hisense TVs. Built-in apps include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Freeview Play, and there’s a decent built-in storage capacity of 1 terabyte.
On the audio side, the bild i incorporates Mimi Defined personalised sound technology that delivers a tailored sound experience based on the user’s age. Alternatively, users can take hearing test and have Mimi Defined’s app optimise the sound output for a more bespoke audio performance, the company said.
Sound is delivered via a 2x 20 watt “invisible speaker” that’s hidden away so as not to disrupt the TVs clean lines, Loewe explains.
For those who want a superior audio experience, Loewe has also announced a choice of soundbars - the 80 watt Klang Bar 1 that’s designed solely for use with the bild i and costs £299, and the Klang Bar 5, which is a 440 watt beast that supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS X and DTS Virtual, and can be paired with any TV. The Klang Bar 5 comes with a separate 360 wat subwoofer and costs a cool £1,359.
As for the Loewe bild i, prices start at £2,699 for the smallest option, with wall, floor and floor2ceiling stands available as optional extras. Loewe said the bild i will go on sale in the U.K. at Harrods, Selfridges and other select high-end retailers in autumn 2021.
