Philips 42" - advice

sillysocks

Hi All,

I'm sorry to add another "Is this any good" thread but I'm very clueless about TV specs and really in need of some advice! I'm buying my boyfriend a new tv as an engagement present and I've been told it needs to be 42"! So I've seen this one on offer for this weekend in Tesco, its €1400 but wit 25% off for this weekend so was just wondering if it was a relatively good tv??

Product Description
Philips 42PFL5322 - 42" LCD TV

Product Type
LCD TV

Diagonal Size
42" - widescreen

Resolution
1366 x 768

Display Format
720p

Input Video Formats
480p, 720p, 1080i, 480i, 576i, 576p

PC Interface
HDMI

Technology
TFT active matrix

Progressive Scan
Yes

Image Aspect Ratio
16:9


http://www.backoffice.be/shop/information.asp?artid=1369389

uncle_sam_ie

The specs are ok but it wont input 1080p. From what I've read and seen philips aren't that great. Bad reliability and support. What will he be watching on it? For that money you could get a really good Plasma http://www.allianceelectric.ie/products/tv/plasmalcd/th42pv70.htm (in Dublin) or http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=333262 (online)

sillysocks

He watches discovery channel a lot and plenty of rugby matches. It'd be used for DVDs too.. Band of Brothers etc.

It wont be used for playstations or any games consoles.

With the discount included, its around the €1050 mark, and for what he's going to watch on it, its not too bad is it?

What is 1080p?

uncle_sam_ie

Not being able to input 1080p basically means that it isn't future proof. I personally can't recommend Philips. My bother in-law has a philips and it has to be the worst LCD I've ever seen. The blacks on it look really washed out. What's the most your willing to spend? Generally Sony make good LCD's. Panasonic and Pioneer do the best plasma's.

"Band of Brothers" Excellent series!

sillysocks

Well I had hoped to be spending between 1000-1300 and thought i might get away with getting a smaller screen so that budget woudln't be too bad - but apparently only 42 inch will do !

They also had a Bush LCD on sale there, think the model number was 026 - I'm guessing this one is worse again because its cheaper again? Can't seem to find full specs online only one I could find was

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Bush_Idlcd_42_TV_25_HD__6615501

Manufacturer: Bush
EAN: 5018309184548
Brightness in Candela/m²: 500
Contrast Ratio (X:1): 800
DVB-C: No
DVB-S: No
DVB-T: Yes
DVD Player / Recorder: No
DVI Interface: No
Electronic Program Guide (EPG): Yes
Energy Savings Trust Feature: No
Full HD: No
HD ready: Yes
HD Tuner: No
HDMI Interface: Yes
Horizontal Resolution in Pixel: 1366
Loudspeakers: with Loudspeakers
Memory Stick: No
Number of Scart Interfaces: 2
Reflection Angle: 178 degree(s)
Screen Format: 16:9
Screen Size in cm: 107 cm
Screen Size in Inches: 42 in
Secure Digital Card: No
Type of Monitor: LCD
USB: No
Vertical Resolution in Pixel: 768
YUV Interface: Yes

uncle_sam_ie

Your right in wanting to get away with a smaller screen. You'd get much better value on that budget. The larger the screen is the worse your SD will look (standerd TV signal). A good TV will process SD better. I'm a fan of plasma for watching sports and movies. On that budget I'd recommend this http://www.allianceelectric.ie/products/tv/plasmalcd/th37pv70.htm It's not 42" but it's very good a flatscreen TV. By the way I don't work for allianceelectric and you will find it cheaper online. Someone good person here might recommend a better LCD then those two.