Philips Ambilight Review

Setup/Installation
If you get one of these we're sure you'll won't be able to wait to get it out of its box.  Thanks to the easy set up you won't have to waste any time before you can start enjoying it.  Switch it on and let the Philip's technology work its magic, scanning channels and storing them for you.  To hook up your Sky Plus box or games consoles, just plug them into the back and the set will recognise them straightaway.

Features
The 42PF9831 has more tricks up its sleeves than Georgie Best and we could spend all day eulogising over them.  But to save time we’re going to limit ourselves to the best features.  Our favourite by far as we’ve mentioned above is the Ambilight Surround system - the lights being simulated by what’s on the screen really does make viewing more relaxing and looks uber cool.  The set comes with Philip’s Pixel Plus 3 HD providing extra colour to both normal television viewing as well as high definition.  Another feature includes the Clear LCD technology for shaper, faster and more vibrant images.  There is a pair of HDMI ports as well as a PC link, USB and memory card slot and the TV is prepared for wireless connection to your PC.

Performance
It’s not a case of looks over substance here.  The 42PF9831 looks fab and works like a dream.  Thanks to its Pixel Plus 3 HD the picture quality is out of this world – you can feel your hands being drawn towards the screen it all looks so real.  Its 1366 x 768p resolution makes you wonder whether they dropped some noughts at the end.  High definition images have never looked so good.  The blacks are really black and the rest of the colours bring everything to life showing all the subtle nuances on screen.  The new ClearLCD technology obviously plays a big part in this awesome picture quality.  The idea is it has an overdrive control and a dimmable scanning backlight which speeds up the liquid crystals’ reaction time giving a response time of 6ms.  If you’ve not got HD products yet like a HD DVD player or the Sky HD box it doesn’t matter a jot.  Even on standard programme viewing this TV outstrips others on the market.  Again because of the Pixel Plus 3 HD there’s no ghosting or noise on the screen leaving you completely satisfied and wondering whether you’ll ever bother with HD film, the image is that good.  You’d think with such fantastic picture quality Philips might fall short somewhere else like the sound, but even this works a treat and their five builit-in stereo speakers really pump out the volume - although it never hurts to add some subwoofers to give that full-on cinema experience.  The double HDMI sockets mean you can plug in plenty of peripheral products like your DVD player or Xbox 360 (which looks fantastic on this TV) and the fct you can plug your PC in means you can access home videos and photos stored on your computer.  The only one criticism we’d make, and it’s a really teeny weenie one the Digital Natural Motion processing system.  The idea is that fast moving objects look smoother but what it results in is a slimy shimmer.  But if you don’t like it, just turn that feature off –simple. Oh and did we mention how the Ambilight gives a real fire-warming glow to the room and reduces the strain on your eyes from the televisions glare?

What's In The Box?
Philips 42PF9831 42 widescreen HD Ready LCD Television with FREEVIEW, quick start guide, remote control with batteries, table top stand, RF cable  and wall mounting bracket.

Overall Opinion
You've probably gathered by now we love the Philips 42PF9831 Ambilight LCD TV.  We know it’s expensive but this is truly the TV to have if you can afford it.  It’s just brilliant in every way. The 42PF9831 looks fantastic, produces amazing images and quality sound and the Ambilight isn’t just a pretty gimmick it does help enhance your viewing experience.  Statement televsion has arrived with Philips' 42PF9831.   

By Babita Waklin