Loewe Antares 42

A 42-inch 4K OLED remains rare in the high-end segment, where large formats capture manufacturers’ attention. Loewe nevertheless includes this compact screen size in its Antares range, with the same hand-calibrated panel, the same HDMI 2.1 connectivity and the same modular equipment as the larger models. Enough to place a high-end television in a bedroom, office or modestly sized living room.

The smallest format in a modular range

With its 106 cm diagonal, the Antares 42 opens the range at the lower end, alongside the 48, 55 and 65-inch versions. On a panel of this size, 4K resolution translates into high pixel density: the image remains sharp even when sitting close to the screen, making this format well suited to a desk or a room with limited viewing distance. The chassis is 5.4 cm thick and weighs 10.8 kg without its stand, two figures that make wall mounting or moving it from one room to another easier. All the essential features of the larger models are found here unchanged: factory calibration, HDMI 2.1, dual tuner and modular sound.

A hand-calibrated panel in Kronach

Each OLED panel leaves the Kronach factory after individual calibration. In practical terms, a technician adjusts the screen’s colour reproduction unit by unit rather than applying an average profile to an entire series. OLED already delivers perfect blacks, as each pixel can switch off independently, and contrast that backlit panels cannot achieve; calibration adds accurate colours straight out of the box, without manual adjustment. The television supports the main HDR formats (Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG) and adjusts its rendering scene by scene, including according to the room’s ambient light.

One point deserves to be stated clearly: Loewe has not chosen the very latest generation of OLED panel, the one that pushes peak brightness to the highest levels. The approach is different: focusing on the precision of a hand-tuned image rather than the race for nits. In this 42-inch format, the panel peaks at around 800 cd/m², a step below the larger screen sizes in the range: comfortable in a room with controlled lighting, somewhat less so opposite a window in direct sunlight. In a dimly lit living room or a cinema-dedicated room, the choice is defensible, as OLED first draws its strength from its ability to switch off each pixel, more so than from raw brightness.

144 Hz and HDMI 2.1 for gaming

On a 42-inch screen, the gaming specifications take on particular relevance: the diagonal is close to that of a large monitor, and the Antares 42 has the credentials. The television has four HDMI inputs, including two HDMI 2.1 ports that accept a 4K signal up to 144 Hz, enough to make the most of a recent console or a PC without being capped at 60 frames per second. On these two ports, VRR (variable refresh rate) synchronises the display with the game’s actual frame rate and eliminates screen tearing, while QMS prevents brief black screens when changing refresh rate. Low-latency mode (ALLM) activates automatically as soon as gaming content is detected. OLED’s near-instant response time completes the package, on console as well as cloud gaming platforms.

Built-in sound that can grow with you

Loewe houses the speakers in the chassis, with no visible grille: this is Invisible Sound technology, which preserves the television’s clean lines. Built-in power remains modest at 2 x 10 W RMS, a logical level for a compact format but quickly limited for demanding film soundtracks. Audio decoding is handled by the television’s electronics: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD.

This is where the range’s modularity becomes useful. You can add the Antares soundbar (80 W), designed to match the television, or connect a complete home cinema system via the HDMI eARC port. The Antares 42 can also act as the centre speaker in a multichannel system, thanks to a dedicated input: dialogue voices then come from the screen itself, where the action takes place.

The os9 system and TV reception

The television runs os9, Loewe’s in-house system developed from the VIDAA platform. The expected apps are included: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube and Spotify. Streaming from a smartphone or computer is handled via AirPlay or Miracast, and Matter compatibility allows the television to be integrated into a smart home. The Loewe Remote VI communicates via Bluetooth and supports voice commands.

On the reception side, the equipment is comprehensive: two triple tuners receive terrestrial (DVB-T2), cable and satellite broadcasts simultaneously. You can record one channel to a USB drive while watching another, pause live TV with Timeshift, and the CI+ 1.4 module handles encrypted channels. A gallery mode also turns the screen into a picture frame, displaying visuals when no programme is playing.

A modular design, made in Germany

The look is inspired by professional monitors: thin bezel, understated surface, no unnecessary flourishes. The aluminium trims can be changed (silver or brushed black finishes), allowing the appearance of the television to be adapted to the room. Installation offers the same range of options as on the larger models. The tabletop stand swivels and can be set to three heights; other floor stands are available, including a motorised model that turns the screen by remote control, as well as a floor-to-ceiling mount. For wall mounting, the VESA 300 x 200 mm standard provides access to most mounts on the market, and the screen’s 10.8 kg weight requires no special reinforcement.

Loewe designs, develops and assembles these televisions in Germany, in Kronach. The modular structure is not merely a matter of style: it makes servicing and part replacement easier, an important point for a product intended to be kept for a long time. With its stand, the Antares 42 measures 60.1 cm high, 22.2 cm deep and weighs 14.2 kg.

Technical specifications

Display and picture quality

• 4K Ultra HD OLED panel (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Diagonal: 42 inches (106 cm)
• Individual factory calibration at Loewe’s Kronach facilities
• Absolute blacks, infinite contrast and natural colours
• Supported HDR formats: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
• Automatic scene-by-scene optimisation

Gaming performance

• 4K support up to 144 Hz
• Compatible technologies: VRR, ALLM, QMS, eARC
• OLED panel with low response time
• Compatibility with consoles and cloud gaming platforms

Smart TV system

• VIDAA OS 9 operating system
• Streaming platforms: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube, Spotify
• Streaming protocols: Apple AirPlay, Miracast, Matter
• Loewe Remote VI Bluetooth remote control with voice control

Reception and recording

• Dual channel with two triple DVB-T2 / C / S2 tuners
• USB recording with simultaneous viewing of another channel
• Timeshift and multi-recording functions
• CI+ 1.4 slot

Audio system

• Power: 2 x 10 W RMS (20 W music power)
• Compatible audio formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, DTS:X
• Compatible with the modular Loewe antares soundbar
• Home cinema integration via HDMI eARC or centre speaker input

Connectivity

• 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs (eARC, VRR, ALLM, QMS)
• 2 USB-A ports and 2 USB-C ports
• Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth
• Optical audio output, headphone output, centre speaker input

Design and manufacturing

• Designed, developed and assembled in Germany
• Sleek design inspired by high-end monitors
• Swivel stand adjustable to three heights
• Interchangeable aluminium inserts
• Numerous mounting solutions available

Dimensions and installation

• Dimensions without stand (W × H × D): 94.3 × 58.4 × 5.4 cm
• Dimensions with stand (W × H × D): 94.3 × 60.1 × 22.2 cm
• Weight without stand: 10.8 kg
• Weight with stand: 14.2 kg
• VESA compatibility: 300 × 200 mm