Typical price: £1,500
What is it: High-definition, 32-inch LCD TV with Ambilight back lighting
What we think: This Ambilight TV is the leader of the pack on style, with a strong picture performance and some cool new features
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 13 March 2006
Tags: Philips, Philips 32PF9830, console, Freeview, Blu-ray
We like:
Understated design; excellent HD performance; Ambilight technology
We don't like:
Lack of digital tuner; Xbox 360 connectivity issues
You might also need:
Component video cable, component to DVI adaptor, digital set top box
CNET UK judgement:
This Philips is one of the most handsome LCDs out there, justifying the mid-range price tag with Ambilight technology. The high-definition picture quality is excellent thanks to Pixel Plus 2 HD, and there are some novel features such as USB connectivity, but the lack of a digital tuner is a fault that will hopefully be rectified for the next model
Full review:
Philips Ambilight LCDs are the pretty young things of the flat-screen world. As well as boasting excellent picture quality and an abundance of features, they also feature swanky backlight panels that adapt to whatever's happening onscreen. This not only looks cool (and you can take advantage of Ambilight even when there's nothing on-screen), but it also boosts the perceived contrast of the picture as well. The result is a premium television that panders to both high-level home cinema fans and those more concerned with style. Continue Reading...
Philips 32PF9830 History
17 Mar 2006 in Digital Living
Philips' 32-inch LCD lights up your living room with a coloured glow that matches the image on the screen. It's supposed to relax the eyes and boost the contrast, but is the 32PF9830 tripping the light fantastic or falling over its feet?
28 Feb 2006 in Crave
Philips 32PF9830: Ambilight of my life
Philips' 32PF9830 is a 32-inch HD Ready LCD, but like some sort of technological peacock it raises up a beautiful show of lights from the fluorescent Ambilight panels on the rear
Others to consider
Latest user reviews
May 19, 2006
Posted by: Jason Litherland
"Worth every penny"
March 29, 2006
Posted by: Byron Hinson
"It's a good TV, but suffers from a ghosting fault in high def"
Tell us what you think
Can't find the product you're looking for? Want to suggest a product for review?

Special Offers from our Sponsors
Latest Television Reviews
Sony Bravia EX1 (KDL-52EX1)
An always good and occasionally outstanding performer, but it's far too expensive
Philips Cinema 21:9 (56PFL9954H/12)
Great piece of kit, but its price tag will make it unobtainable for most
JVC Xiview LT-42WX70
Interesting attempt at creating an innovative TV, but some of its promised functionality is yet to be realised
on Televisions
TiVo to make triumphant return to UK with Virgin Media
You might think you know what a PVR is, but in the UK we're really stuck in the past with our digital recording antics. Happily, Virgin Media is bringing TiVo back
More:







