Philips 50PF9630A Plasma TV Review

Right out of the box, the unit is capable of receiving standard television broadcasts with the built-in 181-channel NTSC tuner. High definition programming is accessible with the optional, removable CableCard that picks up HD signals from your digital cable provider. Finding a home for the unit should be easy thanks to the included tabletop stand or, should you desire, you can wall mount the TV with an optional VESA compatible kit.

The Philips 50PF9630A uses an exclusive Pixel Plus 2 HD video processor, which delivers an incredibly sharp picture with realistic depth and detail. It works by enhancing each incoming pixel so that it better matches the surrounding picture. This results not only in a more natural picture, but the reduction of artifacts in compressed media.

The picture is further enhanced by digital noise reduction that helps to maintain a smooth, but sharp picture. As mentioned before, the Philips 50PF9630A has a 160 degree viewing angle, which allows viewers to enjoy the 1366X768 pixel resolution from almost anywhere in the room. The set boasts a 1500 cd/m2 (candela per square meter) brightness rating and a 10000:1 contrast ratio. Contrast ratio is important because the higher the ratio, the better the TV can display subtle colors that don't become washed out due to ambient light sources.

Just like many of Phillips' other plasma display televisions, this set uses a 3D comb filter to separate brightness and color signals in a 3D domain. This helps to eliminate cross color, cross luminescence and dot crawl distortion. An Active Control function allows the Philips 50PF9630A optimize the picture quality by using a light sensor to measure the room's lighting conditions and adjust the picture accordingly. In addition to the incredible images, the Philips 50PF9630A is able to display a picture in picture to allow simultaneous viewing of 2 programs. Other standard features include, an auto volume leveler, adjustable color temperature and sharpness controls, a sleep timer and a V-Chip to help monitor your children's viewing.

If the incredible picture quality wasn't enough to get you excited, the full color Ambilight feature just might. This unique feature enhances the viewing experience by giving out a soft light glow on the walls surrounding the TV. Studies indicate that ambient light promotes a more relaxing viewing experience. The Ambilight colors coming from the Philips 50PF9630A automatically adjust to the on-screen images to add a new sensation to regular TV viewing.

If you'd rather not have light that changes with the picture, you can set the TV to a fixed colors mode or use standby mode, which allows the lights to be operated in any color to enhance the ambiance of the room.

Not to be outdone by the picture quality the Philips 50PF9630A contains two built in stereo speakers that deliver 15 watts of power each (total of 30 watts) and produce Dolby Digital virtual surround sound. This sound emulates a 5.1 channel surround sound system with only the two speakers.

In addition to those mentioned features, the unit comes standard with these connections:

* Composite AV (RCA) In: 3 (1 side)

* S-Video In: 3 (1 side)

* Component Video In (Y PB PR): 2

* HDMI In: 2

* RF In: 1

* PC Audio In: 1

* PC Audio Out: 1

* Monitor Out: 1

* USB: 1

* Headphone: 1

If all that wasn't enough the Philips 50PF9630A includes a unique remote control that can "learn" the functions of other component's remotes. Also, your investment is protected against "screen burn" thanks to specialized anti-aging circuitry and an anti-reflective screen coating.

Conclusion

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8/10

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Philips 50PF9630A Plasma TV Review
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