Digital Trends

 

For being a 42-inch display, the Philips 42PF9831D is a lot larger in size than what you might expect. That’s because the built-in canvas that surrounds the actual LCD panel adds several inches to the TV’s size on all sides. Using Ambilight 4 technology, there are 4 separate color lamps that project lighted color to whichever side it needs to and directly onto the built-in canvas. On previous generation Ambilight models, light was only projected to two sides rather than four, and with the built-in canvas on all sides, you are guaranteed even dispersion without using your own wall for the background. It’s a good idea, but you’d better make sure that you have room in your home theater setup for a setup of this size.

 

In addition to the Ambilight 4 feature, the Philips 42PF9831D has a lot of new or enhanced features to tout. For starters, it incorporates Pixel Plus 3 HD technology which is supposed to help enhance the vibrant and sharper images put out by HD signals. How do you enhance an HD picture? Well it’s all subjective of course, but the premise here is that the Pixel Plus 3 HD technology will take the pixel of the image being shown and “blend” it in a way to match the surrounding pixels. The result is supposed to be a slightly softer and more natural picture.

 

The second major technology at work here is Philips Clear LCD feature. Ever notice while watching a sports event or a scrolling stock ticker on an LCD, that it just didn’t look right? We have noticed ghosting and trailing on the older LCD TV’s typically due to a slow screen refresh rate, among other factors. Philips Clear LCD is supposed to eliminate flicker and work with the backlight module to produce a high contrast ratio and better viewing angles (up to 170 degrees).

 

The Philips 42PF9831D also has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1366 x 768p resolution, including a 4500:1 contrast ratio. Sorry folks, no 1080p here.

 

As for connectivity, the Philips 42PF9831D pretty much supports it all. On the right side of the TV there is an 7 -in-1 memory card slot which is compatible with Compact Flash I and II, Sony Memory Stick, SD card or Mini SD Card, Smart Media, Micro Drive, and Multi Media Card. The 42PF9831D also comes with 2 component video input, 2 HDMI inputs, S/PDIF coaxial digital in, Cable card support and two USB ports.

 

We love the design and look of the Philips 42PF9831D TV. While the set is larger than a typical 42-inch LCD due to its built-in canvas, the frosted glass stand and black bezel on top of the white canvas give it a very modern edge. In addition, the remote compliments the set with an equally sleek, hip look. Philips definitely took a gamble here with its design, and we think they put their money in the right place.

 

Image Courtesy of Philips