Supermarket own-brand TVs used to be a dumping ground for budget sets from manufacturers from the Far East you'd never heard of, but John Lewis is looking to change that with a new range of high-end TVs, made in partnership with LG.
The JL9000 range has launched in three screen sizes; 49in, 55in and 60in. The range is based on LG's own high-end LCD TVs, with passive a 1,920x1,080 Full HD resolution, LED backlit IPS panel rated A+ for energy, 3D playback, LG's Triple XD picture engine and the new WebOS Smart TV interface, based on technology LG acquired from HP several years ago. On-demand and catch-up TV services include BBC iPlayer, Demand5, Netflix and NOW TV, with Twitter and Facebook social networking and Skype video calling using the built-in 8-megapixel webcam.
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The LG logos on the set itself and the bundled Smart Remote have been replaced with John Lewis branding, but the biggest difference between the John Lewis set and LG's own model is the stand, which doubles as a 50 watt, 2.2 channel soundbar. It has front-firing drivers and a subwoofer for improved audio compared to regular flatscreen speakers.
Customers getting the TV installed at home by John Lewis will also get a 15 minute tutorial on how to set up and get the best from the new TV.
Despite the top-spec features and eye-catching design, own-brand TVs aren't necessarily popular with customers. Tesco's Technika and Argos' Alba and Bush ranges aren't known for their quality or technology, and although both LG and John Lewis have much more gravitas it's unclear whether anyone looking to spend £1,700 on a high-end TV will choose one over LG's own models.
All three new sets should on sale in John Lewis stores and online now; the 49in JL9000 will cost £1,399, the 55in £1,699 and 60in £2,199.
