Philips flat-panel LCD TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$1,800 to $4,000
Initial release dates:
July through September 2005
Size range (inches):
32 to 42 (diagonal)
Highlights:
Dual HDMI inputs on most models, Ambilight on some
Philips calls both its plasma and LCD lineups simply
flat TV and further blurs the distinction between the two major
flat-panel display technologies by using the same series designations and even identical styling for both LCDs and plasmas. The company includes a full range of sizes in LCD, but for the purposes of this write-up, we're focusing on only the 32-inch and larger models.
Most of the company's high-end sets include Philips's trademark Ambilight technology. 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 it some viewers may like it as a gee-whiz extra.
Philips's top-of-the-line LCD actually features a new version of Ambilight, Ambilight 2, which allows the right and left backlights to react independently to colors on either side of the screen. For more, please refer to the full review of the
Philips 42PF9830A.
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 32PF5320 is Philips's entry-level 32-inch flat-panel LCD TVs for 2005. It has a
native resolution of 1,366x768; it should be able to display every detail of
720p material. It does not have a built-in
ATSC tuner or a CableCard slot, so it requires external equipment to receive over-the-air HDTV or digital cable. Its connectivity is highlighted by one
HDMI input, one component-video input, and a VGA-style PC input. The 32-inch 32PF5320 ($1,800) is currently available.
- 1,366x768 native resolution
- One HDMI input
- VGA-style PC input
- Component-video input
The PF7320A series is a step up from the 32PF5320. The two panels in this series have a native resolution of 1,366x768, which mean they 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, and a USB input. The 32-inch 32PF7320A ($2,000) and the 37-inch 37PF7320A ($3,500) are currently available.
- 1,366x768 native resolution
- ATSC tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- TV Guide On-Screen EPG
- Two HDMI inputs
- Two component-video inputs
- USB input
The 42PF9730A is a step up from the PF7320A series, and although it is mostly similar, there are some important setup features. First off, it's larger than either of the other two, at 42 inches (diagonal). The 42PF9730A is also the least expensive LCD to feature Philip's Ambilight, which emits light out the side of the TV to supposedly give a more immersive effect. We're not the biggest fans of Ambilight because it alters the perception of color, but some people may enjoy the special effect. Another step-up feature is the Pixel Plus 2HD, which is additional video processing that, in theory, enhances the picture quality. We usually prefer to turn these types of features off, so we'd recommend not using it as a deciding criterion. Connectivity is also slightly upgraded, with two USB ports and a memory-card reader. The 42-inch 42PF9730A ($3,500) is currently available.
- 1,366x768 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
A step up from the 42PF9730A, the 42PF9830A is Philips's flagship flat-panel LCD set. It is mostly similar to the 42PF9730A, but there are some upgrades. The 42PF9830A 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. For more information, refer to the
full review of the 42PF9830A.
- 1,366x768 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 2
- Power swivel stand
- Pixel Plus 2HD
Style, power and portability: HP dv5
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