Maximize ambilight's effect when you LCD mount this Philips

Philips LCD TVs have unique features (Pixel Plus 2 and Ambilight) that help them stand out from the rest. These technologies may influence your buying decision.

First let’s talk a bit about these technologies. All flat panels have an internal processor that adjusts the incoming signal to match its resolution.

Pilips processor, Pixel Plus 2, increases the number of lines and pixels in the incoming signal then sharpens the pixel quality and adjusts them to “fit in” to the surrounding pixels. Pixel Plus 2 then scales the picture back to match the Philip’s native resolution.

The PP2 result is a smooth, detailed image with vivid colors—whether the source is DVD, HDTV or standard-def signals.

While you get fine detail from the Pixel Plus 2 it also makes the images seem slightly unnatural, too fluid. This unnatural motion draws you away from movie. Some people may find it distracting. Luckily the Pixel Plus 2 feature can be turned off but you’ll notice a loss of detail.

Another Philips oddity is that the panel displays 720p sources without any scaling at all. This allows the Philips to deliver a solid, full-resolution picture but it also causes black bars to surround all sides of the picture. IMO this HDTV is too small to have allowed this to happen.

If you’ve read any of the other reviews on this site you already know about the soft glow behind each side panel on the Philips TVs called Ambilight. No doubt when you LCD mount this panel it will look cool. The bias light behind your TV is supposed to reduce eyestrain. Ambilight also make the TV image look bigger.

Ambilight is adjustable to a fixed color - red, blue, warm white, or cool white. You can also let it mimic the colors onscreen, which again, like PP2 may be distracting. Ambilight can also be turned off.

Techno wizardry aside the Philips 32PF9996 delivers a nice-looking picture through the component and HDMI inputs. It needs little adjustment out of the box. Colors are accurate, and the detail is solid and even better with Pixel Plus 2 turned on. The picture is still good even without the PP2.

Like all LCDs the blacks are just decent. Viewing angle is a bit narrower then most LCDs so keep this in mind should you LCD mount this flat panel.

The Philips 32PF9996 is easy to set up but the connection panel is difficult to access. Since the connections and their labels run along the bottom side of the TV, it’s hard to see if you're plugging things in correctly. The slot through which you're supposed to feed your cables is too small for both the HDMI and component cables. Like other Philip remotes it lacks dedicated input buttons. You need to press 2 buttons to get to the input you need.

The buttons for power, volume, and channel control; menu access, and input selection are on top of the panel. Keep this in mind if you LCD mount this Philips.

Connections Inputs: Video: HDMI (1), RGBHV (1), component video (1), S-video (3), composite video (3) Audio: Stereo analog (4), center-channel input (1)

Outputs: Video: Composite video (1) Audio: Stereo analog (2), subwoofer out (1)

Pixel Plus 2, and Ambilight will generate mixed reactions. The Pixel Plus 2 creates sharp images but also affects motion. The Ambilight function reduces eyestrain and makes the 32-inch screen seem larger. It also looks uber cool when you LCD mount the panel.

The LCD's lack of 720p scaling causes a black box to surround the picture so your 720p sources don't fill the screen. The Philips 32PF9996 doesn’t include an HDTV tuner, CableCARD slot, or lamp settings.

This LCD is also more expensive then other LCDs in this size and the viewing angle isn't very wide. Keep in mind that the connection panel is hard to access and menu navigation is awkward.

You should see this LCD TV for yourself before you make a final decision. To get the full effect of the ambilight you should LCD mount this panel.