Loewe Spheros R26 review

Despite the extensive specification there are some unusual limitations, especially if you only intend to watch terrestrial Freeview broadcasts. For instance, the standard digital tuner will not receive digital radio stations or display a full electronic programme guide -- which also means you can't coordinate easy recordings with a linked recording device. Also several functions such as full Picture-in-Picture options are not available in the UK model.

You'll find Loewe's unique menu system initially frustrating until you get used to it. Various settings can only be accessed by scrolling through a confusing schematic menu system that's restricted to a bar at the base of the screen. Although menus are beautifully presented, the process is over-elaborate. And it's not assisted by a sensitive remote featuring two closely positioned cursor controls that often leave you changing channel in the midst of adjusting settings.

There are several short-cut keys giving you easy access to various picture and sound presets and the extensive Information Index, which explains everything from making connections to which batteries the remote uses, is useful but far from efficient.

As a serial channel-surfer, you might also find the delay in changing channels tiring -- the picture freezes for a split second before switching. And, in a quiet room, you can hear a slight electronic noise as you change programme. But we do like the way the screen turns off -- closing from the sides like a pair of curtains being drawn.

Performance
For this price you should expect class-leading picture performance and the Spheros R26 doesn't disappoint.

Digital broadcasts display striking density and detail courtesy of exceptionally deep black levels. Colours are bright and balanced without appearing exaggerated, especially with natural hues and skin tones, and the screen copes with fast-paced movement and pixelation problems better than a dedicated set-top box.

Standard-definition and progressive-scan video images using analogue connections display similar picture quality characteristics. But the screen's full high-definition potential is realised using the digital HDMI input to receive a 720p video signal from a compatible DVD player.

Inspiring detail exposes the slightest subtlety in tones and textures with cohesive gradation between colours and shadows. Outstanding contrast levels produce an almost surreal sense of depth and perspective while movement glides effortlessly across the screen. Aside from a distant shimmer in complex or darkly lit scenes, background noise is restricted to a minimum.

The four-speaker sound system is also capable of surprising depth and dynamics for its proportions. It's a performance to be proud of if you have money to spare, but quality comes at a cost that not everyone will be prepared to pay.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield