In sheer performance terms, the 50XR6 is a revelation for NEC, clearly benefiting in spades from the brand's new Pioneer connection. And thanks to some recent and rampant price cutting online, it's also remarkably good value by NEC standards.

The greater domestication and feature sophistication of rival 50in models like the full HD Samsung PS-50P96FD (reviewed only last week) and Panasonic's terrific HD Ready 50PX70 (now selling for under £1200 in some quarters) might still ultimately divert your attention away from this new, improved NEC effort. But the fact that it is now seriously even competing with such big consumer electronics names is something NEC should rightly be proud of.