Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I did not buy this TV because I read reviews or studied the features. I bought it because Target had it on sale mid-June 2009 for around $750, when the only thing you can touch for that price is a Visio. I really wanted the VGA port feature (which this does not have), but couldn't find a TV equipped with one for under $1000. Since my PC DVI->HDMI adapter doesn't provide audio, I can *see* the computer, but must use different speakers. However, this is a "computer geek" problem that most people won't care about. I just want to watch Netflix on-demand, ok? :)
-- NOTE -- I have since discovered (by reading the manual LOL) that audio inputs on the back coordinate with HDMI and allow me to plug in the computer while using HDMI1 only. I got a 1/8" to RCA male adapter and I'm happy now! Computer on TV!! WITH AUDIO!!
Enough fluff... here's my review:
Picture: VERY nice. This TV is replacing the Toshiba Regza 42". My Regza had 15000:1 contrast... this one floors me with the 30000:1. It really is impressive how black is black and the colors POP. I only have an upsampling DVD, so I can't comment on anything beyond digital cable and DVD, which both look GREAT from 8-10 feet away
Sound: Very nice. This TV is louder than my last. Will I ever go beyond 50% volume? No. But my Toshiba would require the volume at about level 55 for some movies. This Philips typically doesn't go above 35. AND... this has an auto-volume feature that allows a very basic compressor/limiter to level your volume. When commercials come on... I kid you not, they are not NEARLY as annoyingly loud. I really like this feature. To clarify for the non-audio geeks, you conceivably can leave your volume in the same spot when the loud commercials come on, or when a movie suddenly has a dramatic moment. This feature levels out the audio. As a former recording-studio engineer, I find this a bit impure... but the benefits outweigh the audio purity gained by turning this feature off. Auto-volume is a GO!
Other features: Not many. This is a very basic TV... but is that a bad thing? I really never used the 15 different preset picture quality controls on my Toshiba. This TV has some presets and some color customs. I can play with the aspect ratio and some other stuff... but I really just plugged it in and left it as-is. I tried to find any practical features that really *did* anything and the audio is all I found. I say this as a positive, though. I really like the simplicity of this TV.
Ports: My Toshiba had 4 HDMI, this has 3. I think I'll cope, especially since my computer doesn't have audio via HDMI and is bound to become unplugged and placed elsewhere in the house. It has a USB port that claims to display pictures. I plugged in a few USB drives I have sitting around and it didn't do anything. This is a feature that most people won't really care about, me included. The manual describes certain compatability... either with number of characters or FAT / NTFS or some little fussy restriction. I personally believe that TVs shouldn't try to do computer functions and should just display a great picture. I believe this one does.
OVERALL:
I really can't get over how well the black tones look on this TV. I feel this was WAY more than a bargain-basement TV. I would not hesitate to buy this TV, provided the features match your needs. I have mine hanging on a TV stand so I can't speak for the included stand (it's still in the box), but I like the way it looks. The screen is dull-coat and not overly glossy. The bezel is obnoxiously glossy, but your eyes seem to forget it when the TV comes on. And just to reiterate... I LOVE the auto-volume leveling feature.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
The Philips 42PFL3704D 42 inch 1080p LCD HDTV is designed for ease of use. This flat TV features modern design, 3 HDM connections with EasyLink, a powerful 1080p, and brilliant Pixel Plus HD engine. Pixel Plus HD is a picture processing technology and the result is superbly razor sharp pictures with incredible details and depth from any HD source. You can connect multiple HD sources such as an HD settop box, a Blu-ray player, and game console or digital camcorder. The new settings assistant personalization wizard guides you to personalized settings with unparalleled ease. Clearly the smart in total picture quality has never been easier.
Click here for more information about Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
