Philips launches Aurea LCDs, with next-gen Ambilight

Right on schedule, Philips has unveiled its new wave of Ambilight-powered television: Aurea. Sure, it's not as sexy when you call it by its 42PFL9900D model number, but the 42-inch 1080p LCD is sure to turn heads either way. Under the hood Philips has 100Hz refresh, "invisible speakers" and even a trio of HDMI inputs. The new Ambilight Spectra tech uses 126 LEDs and shoots light through the "Active Frame" for a more extensive Ambilight experience. The displays will be available next month, but there's still no word on price. Peep the gallery below for some stylized shots of the display by fashion photog Vincent Peters.

[LegendZ28 @ Aug 30th 2007 1:04PM]

I've got "Ambilight" on my tv. A trip to IKEA and about 30 bucks is all it took.

[Beef Stallmer @ Aug 30th 2007 1:14PM]

Ah... I want one! It's so pretty.. and finally a TV that is not black, so it fits in my interior!

[St. Stephen @ Aug 30th 2007 1:31PM]

yeah that is a flash tv right there.. I definitely would purchase one if the price isn't too steep. I can't wait to see it in action in person.

[ADR @ Aug 30th 2007 1:32PM]

I've got a 42" 1080p Philips and I really like the 2 channel ambilight but this is too much. I think this is to the point of totally distracting while the previous ambilight was a nice subtle addition.

I watched the video on the Philips website and my eyes hurt. They sould have just added a light bar on the top and bottom for the surround effect and not have it go through the frame.

[SupaflyDaddyC @ Aug 30th 2007 1:42PM]

I disagree. The movie on the Phillips website let you change the new Aurea ambilight on and off and it was truly like night and day. It make me want to put the 32" Olevia LCD HDTV I bought six months ago and put it in my bedroom and buy this for my living room wall. I don't want television that often (although football season is almost upon us), but I do like watching movies every so often and this would go to make that experience much more enjoyable to go along with the surround sound.

Also, just a tidbit, but in the PDF factsheet, it says that the new Aurea has 24 mini speakers and two sub-woofers! I know they're really tiny but I thought that was pretty cool.

[Nae @ Sep 25th 2007 7:03AM]

Awww, c'mon... I just don't believe you actually think everything you're going to see on your screen is going to look like this little gem here. I suppose laypeople don't understand what a complicated and painstaking process making such a wonderfully lit and coloured ad is, but, really, even you must understand that everyday tv and even movies offer a much, much more tamed chromatic experience. So, while I agree watching this short all day long would almost certainly make your eyes hurt, I think the new system is actually going to add to the viewer's experience.
And before you ask, no, I don't work for Philips or DDB, their ad agency.

[Lurker @ Aug 30th 2007 1:38PM]

Whats the song name and artist who is singing in Spanish/French in the flash movie?

[rgrimm @ Aug 30th 2007 2:41PM]

The song is called "Siboney" and is performed by Xavier Cugat and Connie Francis. You can find it on the soundtrack to Wong Kar Wai's 2046.

[SupaflyDaddyC @ Aug 30th 2007 1:43PM]

As a clarification for my last post, I do want televison often, I just don't watch it often.

[NHAnimator @ Aug 30th 2007 2:31PM]

Something about Ambilight has always just given me the heebie-jeebies. Can't explain it.

[Jon Graft @ Aug 30th 2007 2:45PM]

My dad is looking for a new flat screen TV for our living room...one we can put on the wall and I think this would be TRUELY amazing! However, as my dad always says, "We're not made of money" so if anyone even has a guess on price, please reply to this so I get an email to check back! Thanks!

BTW, if nobody has a clue on price, just post the price of the latest model and I'll figure in a couple more hundred.

[steve.bruno @ Aug 30th 2007 3:00PM]

check this link:

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/tree/en/gb/consumer/tv_gr_gb_consumer/flat_tv_ca_gb_consumer/consumer__rs_features_tv__r_tv_ambilight/ce/ambilight

Doesn't look like they have the prices for the new models yet, but theys where you'll find them when they do. You can also see the prices from the old model like you said.

[Mike @ Aug 30th 2007 2:55PM]

I'm currently looking at new TV's, and the 42" Phillips with Ambilight is around $1500. It's an impressive TV, but unfortunately, it's too wide for me to hang on the wall...we have an odd-shaped room.

[blarvh @ Aug 30th 2007 5:13PM]

This looks so nice, but I suspect our ugly ass walls will kill the fun...

[Deckard @ Aug 30th 2007 10:07PM]

The Philips RRP is £3000, so expect to see it in dealerships for between £2500 and £3000.

[greenturf9 @ Sep 3rd 2007 4:18PM]

When does this come out in the USA?