Philips 42PF9631D |
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The Good
Impressive build quality, features, and superb colour.
The Bad
Noise, Indifferent black levels.
Design
Philips are among the growing number of manufacturers who know the value of creating a good first impression. From the wide expanse of glass which forms the 42PF9631s base to the glossy black surround, this is a screen that will turn heads.
Features
Screen size & shape: 42in 16:9 Tuner: Digital/Analogue Sound system: Nicam Resolution: 1366x768 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 Brightness: 1400cd/m2 Weight: 46kg OTHER FEATURES: Ambilight 2, Pixel Plus 2 SOCKETS: 2 HDMI input, component video input, PC input, S-video, 2 scarts, composite video input, stereo audio input, digital audio output, USB
Features include both an analogue and digital tuner. The 42PF9631D also offers Virtual Dolby Digital to compensate for the lack of rear speakers, while providing four at the front.
Pools of light which are emitted from the fringes of the screen are not a gimmick, but Philips Ambilight technology which uses flourescent tubes to radiate stereo colours - which research has suggested relaxes the viewer.
Performance
High definition is what brings the best out of the Philips 42PF9631D, and with Pixel Plus 2 Philips has pulled out all the stops in producing an impressively detailed picture.
Normal pictures show up a few areas for concern, in particular a loss of natural look to colours and noise, with indifferent black levels, otherwise very competent.
The sound system is adequate rather than impressive. Its sufficiently loud but it performs best at the treble end and won't perform outstandingly though Dynamic Bass enhancement and graphic equaliser do help.