A TELEVISION that disguises itself as a mirror was today voted the best gadget of the year.

The innovative TV, made by electronics giant Philips, has a screen which, when switched off, gives the appearance of being reflective.

But the latest technology comes with a price tab: the LCD MiraVision TV costs around é1,800.

It won the overall prize in a competition to find the most innovative products of the year, run by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

The shortlist included BT's Diverse X10 telephone which allows users to download numbers from their mobile by simply inserting the SIM card, avoiding the laborious task of entering the details manually.

Another finalist was a lightbulb, from Vics Electronics, which incorporates its own dimmer device.

The booby prize went to a silver and gilt gadget that diners use to scoop mussels out of their shells - priced é165.

Judges in the competition said of the Original Mussel Eater: "A quirky Christmas gift for a foodie who has everything? Not at this price."