Philips 32PF9986 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Philip Ryan

Reviewed on: 31 March 2005

Tags: Philips, Philips 32PF9986, Star Trek, displays, native resolution

We like:

Decent black-level performance for an LCD; full 720p resolution; good out-of-box colour temperature; attractive styling; Ambilight looks cool

We don't like:

Expensive; nondefeatable edge enhancement; no 2:3 pull-down; limited input flexibility; 720p sources don't fill the screen; Ambilight adversely affects onscreen colour perception

You might also need:

Video source; audio system

CNET UK judgement:

This expensive LCD has a head-turning backlight, but it also performs surprisingly well

Full review:

Philips helped to start the flat-panel TV craze years ago with its plasma commercials, and the company has always tried to position its sets as leaders in design. The 32PF9986, a 32-inch LCD, is no exception. While it is a matter of taste, it's arguably as stylish as models such as the Sony KLV-L32M1, and its built-in Ambilight backlighting will definitely turn heads when you turn it on. In terms of performance, this Philips' black level and colour temperature are clearly better than those of many panels we've tested. However, the real question is whether you're willing to fork over the extra dough for this Philips over a budget model, again using the Sony KLV-L32M1 as an example. Continue Reading...