Philips' new LCD lineup continues to not impress

If you're the type of person who cares more about the appearance of a TV than the picture itself, then the Philips design collection led by the new 7000 FlatTV line is made just for you. The 52PFL7603D (pictured) is the lineup's flagship and is the "Ultimate Dream TV". If you thought Ambilight was cool, then you're really going to love Invisible Sound and Pixel Plus 3HD, which btw is anything except 3D. But the bad news is, that you'll somehow have to contain all of your excitement for new line until the spring, when the 42, 47 and 52 inch models are expected to be available.

[mnit @ Jan 6th 2008 7:14PM]

Aren't Philips' Cineos LCDs considered some of the best on the market? Particularly models such as the 32PF9731D? And not just for the bezel and coloured LEDs...

[Richard @ Jan 6th 2008 7:32PM]

So.. what is Pixel Plus 3HD? You didn't provide much info on the tv other than our opinion that you didn't like it. Just saying.

[Deputy Doffoos @ Jan 6th 2008 8:39PM]

Are you GAY?

[Richard @ Jan 6th 2008 8:46PM]

wtf?

[Deckard @ Jan 6th 2008 7:45PM]

> and Pixel Plus 3HD, which btw is anything except 3D.

Err... obviously Pixel Plus 3HD has nothing to do with 3D - why would anyone think it would? Seems like a lame comment - well done.

[Paul @ Jan 6th 2008 7:54PM]

This has got to be one of the worst Engaget articles I have ever seen.
The link is to the press release, so clearly you are not taking your opinion from a linked blog post or anything.
There is nothing in this post to back up your trashing this TV.
To add insult to injury you think 3HD is supposed to be 3D???

3HD: http://asia.cnet.com/microsites/philips/0,39065143,61975118-39002442c,00.htm

Educate yourself.

[Adoniteking @ Jan 6th 2008 8:05PM]

Ben, i think you need to revise this post because you really messed up on this one...so before this escalates, do something asap!

[John P @ Jan 6th 2008 8:20PM]

Yeah...from the headline I really thought there was something awful about these new sets...but the only "bad news" seemed to be that it wouldn't come out for a few months. Care to explain what's wrong with these sets? Bad contrast ratio? Overpriced? Let us know.

[Ethan @ Jan 6th 2008 8:25PM]

Ambilight is part of the picture and doesn't seem to do anything but improve it.

[uttles @ Jan 6th 2008 8:59PM]

I've got a 37" with the ambient light and I love it. Not sure if it'll be a "requirement" on the next TV I get, but if the price is right I'll go with ambilight every time.

[zargon @ Jan 6th 2008 9:51PM]

Ambilight is nothing more than a marketing gimmick.

Putting a white 6,500K light behind the TV has been a common tweak for HT enthusiasts, but not color lights and I don't think this ambilight is the right kind.

[Iridium @ Jan 6th 2008 11:23PM]

Philips LCDs have been hit or miss over the past few years but the current lineup are all very good TVs. Some of the best sets in the price range. One great thing is they don't have 8 different models in one size to confuse the customer.

PixelPlus2 is one of the best processing engines available. If Philips is able to get a 15k:1 contrast ratio on these sets and price them around $1500 they will have a winner.

[Unregistered @ Jan 7th 2008 12:07AM]

the plain design works for me.
in fact if the price is right, i imagine it can work in the office or boardrooms as well. what's there to diss abt it?

[Rowdehaj @ Jan 7th 2008 3:15AM]

I don't know why Engadget likes to thrash Philips so much, is it because it's neither Asian nor American?

[davessworks @ Jan 15th 2008 8:04PM]

I just don't get this review - what is it, specifically, that you don't like about this tv?

The heading "Philips' new LCD lineup continues to not impress" that has been promulgated all over the internet (just google 52PFL7603) recklessly trashes a product with absolutely no justification. Unless you have grounds for your obvious dislike of Philips LCDs (which may be justified based on past performance but may not be justified based on this product) then look out for Philips corporate. They have a legal department and they're not afraid to use it.

[Alan @ Jan 22nd 2008 5:43PM]

I just got the Ambilight last month (42" 2 channel). I was a little hesitant, but I thought the picture was good for the price I paid. After watching it for a month, I really enjoy the ambilight. BUT...I think one of the best features of this TV is the "auto sizing". The picture automatically adjusts for the input signal and resizes the picture to fit the screen. I am sure that other TV's also have this feature, but I am really happy that this TV has it!!

[homesnake @ Feb 5th 2008 9:25PM]

Yes please explain why the set "continues not to impress" - you provide no justification for this. Nothing wrong with personal opinion but this just seems like laziness.