The Taiwanese "lifestyle television" company Hannspree is bringing their case-modded and branded television sets to the US. While televisions have evolved, even going tube-less, they pretty much still look the same. The relatively ancient projection screens relegated to the basement often don't look structurally (just externally of course) very different from the beautiful huge plasma screens you can get for about oh, ten grand or so.

Hannspree sets are customized to fit lifestyles. And sometimes even hairstyles.

The bear and cow tvs are actual stuffed plush toys encasing a slim and light LCD screen. Your kids can hug their tvs to sleep while watching commercials for toys (sorry, is that a movie?). Cute, but a little disturbing.

The cello model is made of wood and mimics the elegant curves of the instrument. I don't know if this makes tv watching a more "emotional" experience as Hannspree claims, but nice-looking things can be more enjoyable to use. (interesting book about this concept: Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things.)

Hannspree will also be releasing models that are branded with pro sports teams. Every Major League baseball team and NBA team will have a model designed with its logo and colors. Someone who just generally enjoys a sport can have a tv shaped like a ball.

The televisions will be available in October and will run anywhere from $450 to $1400.

Press release.