Weaknesses
The most obvious negative point to pick up on here is the 32PFL9632D's 1,366x768-pixel resolution, which means that 1080p formatted hi-def material has to be slightly downscaled, losing some of its detail in the process.
While it's always nice to know you're getting every pixel of the original source material up on your screen, we're not convinced that full 1080p is worthwhile on a 32-inch screen -- it's not big enough to really show off that extra detail. Plus, the Philips is capable of displaying a 1080p source -- and at 24 frames per second, if necessary -- so it's not like you're getting a blank screen with 1080p material.
The TV's audio performance is also rather lacklustre and we found it especially weedy when playing Halo 3, but again this is something you'll find with almost every 32-inch TV on the market.
Conclusion
It isn't the most affordable 32-inch set at around £750 -- you can pick up very decent models for under £500 these days -- but the 32PFL9632D is fitted with some of the most effective picture-processing technology we've seen and it leaves hi-def material looking utterly brilliant.
We do feel, however, that Perfect Pixel HD Engine would be even more impressive on a bigger, full 1080p screen, so the real HD aficionado might want to spend a little more on the 37- or 42-inch versions.
Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Jon Squire