Philips plasma TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$2,700 to $5,300
Initial release dates:
July to September 2005
Size range (inches):
42 to 50 inches
Highlights:
Dual HDMI inputs, Ambilight on some models
The Dutch electronics giant Philips was among the first manufacturers to offer plasma TVs for sale in the United States, and its memorable series of "flat TV" spots, featuring Euro hipsters porting a plasma into a tiny beach house or mounting one above the bed, is still recognized today. The company has a full lineup of high-resolution models--no
EDTVs for 2005--that includes one of the least expensive plasmas with dual HDMI inputs on the market, the 42PF7320A.
But the biggest feature touted by Philips this year is Ambilight. This unique feature consists of a pair of fluorescent lights mounted on either side of the back of the panel, which are designed to reflect off the wall behind the panel. You can choose various color settings, including options that mimic the color of onscreen content. During a crowd shot of a St. Louis Cardinals game, for example, the backlight would glow red, and when the camera returned to the field, it would take on a green tint. We haven't been fans of Ambilight from a performance perspective, since it tends to distort perceptions of onscreen color, but some viewers may like it as a gee-whiz extra.
For more information on Ambilight and other aspects of Philips plasma performance, please see the
full review of the Philips 42PF9630A.
The Philips lineup
From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.
The PF7320A series is Philips's entry-level line of plasma TVs for 2005 and does not include the company's Ambilight feature. The 42-inch set has a
native resolution of 1,024x768, and the 50-inch set has 1,366x768, They also feature a built-in
ATSC tuner and a CableCard slot, so no external equipment is needed to receive over-the-air HDTV or digital cable. Their connectivity is highlighted by two
HDMI inputs, two component-video inputs, and a USB input. The 42-inch 42PF7320A ($2,700) and the 50-inch 50PF7320A ($4,500) are currently available.
- 1,366x768 or 1,024x768 native resolution
- ATSC tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- TV Guide On-Screen EPG
- Two HDMI inputs
- Two component-video inputs
- USB input
The PF9630A series is a step up from the PF7320A series. It is the least expensive Philips series that includes the Ambilight feature, which emits light from the sides of the TV to (supposedly) give a more immersive effect. We're not the biggest fans of Ambilight because we think it alters the perception of color, but some people may enjoy the special effect. The 42-inch set has a native resolution of 1,024x768, and the 50-inch set has a native resolution of 1,366x768; both should be able to display every detail of 720p material. They also feature a built-in ATSC tuner and a CableCard slot, so no external equipment is needed to receive over-the-air HDTV or digital cable. Their connectivity is highlighted by two HDMI inputs, two component-video inputs, two USB inputs, and a memory-card reader. The 42-inch 42PF9630A ($2,700) and the 50-inch 50PF9630A ($4,500) are currently available. For more information, please refer to the
full review of the Philips 42PF9630A.
- 1,366x768 or 1,024x768 native resolution
- ATSC tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- TV Guide On-Screen EPG
- Two HDMI inputs
- Two component-video inputs
- Two USB inputs
- Memory card reader
- Ambilight
- Pixel Plus 2HD
The 50PF9830A is a step up from the PF9630A series. It is mostly similar, but there are a few upgrades. The 50PF9830A features a power swivel stand as well as a second-generation version of Ambilight called Ambilight 2, which offers more control over the lighting effect and allows the left and right backlights to react independently to colors on the screen. The 50-inch ($5,300) 50PF9830A is currently available.
- ATSC tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- TV Guide On-Screen EPG
- Two HDMI inputs
- Two component-video inputs
- Two USB inputs
- Memory-card reader
- Ambilight 2
- Power swivel stand
- Pixel Plus 2HD
Editors' top HDTVs
