Philips 42PFL3704D-F7 LCD HDTV Review - Motion

Motion Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Philips 42PFL3704D/F7. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the 3000 series. The 3000 series includes the following models: 52PFL3704D, 47PFL3603D, 47PFL3704D, 32PFL3504D, 22PFL3504D, 19PFL3504D.  Read here for more details on series differences.
• Moving objects tend to blur heavily. • Moving objects also have issues with shuddering. • The TV handles 3:2 pulldown fairly well, but we noticed some patterns randomly flashed as they moved around the screen. • Testing done using DisplayMate Software
	Color Accuracy	Page 5 of 18	Viewing Effects

Motion Smoothness (6.25)

The 42PFL3704D/F7 has some issues with motion blur, with both 1080i and 1080p content. Fine details blended into monocolored blobs. Solid blocks of color left a short, dark shadow behind them when they moved. We didn't notice much of a difference in the severity of these issues between interlaced and progressive; both were equally bad.

Motion Artifacting (7.38)

While it did suffer from some artifacting, the 42PFL3704D/F7 wasn't bad. We did notice a shuddering effect passed over fine patterns as they moved, but this effect is mostly obfuscated by the motion blur. We didn't see any color patterns forming in places they shouldn't, or any other artifacting issues. If you can deal with shudder, you can deal with the 42PFL3704D/F7.

3:2 Pulldown & 24fps (7.00)

The Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 performed well on our 3:2 pulldown test, but it did have some issues. Some of our test patterns flashed as they moved across the screen. This means you'll likely see some artifacting any time there's sudden movement onscreen. Some patterns also had moire interference, meaning some patterns were being distorted into other patterns. In this case, horizontal stripes came out looking like a choppy gradient of greys.

One test clip is a slow pan over an empty stadium. Since the empty seats form a fine pattern, they're a good place to see moire interference. If you see a crawling effect on the seats, as we did with the 42PFL3704D/F7, then it means the TV is having problems with 3:2 pulldown.

Other Models in the 3000 Series
This is a review of the Philips 42PFL3704D/F7. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page.
19PFL3504D 19 inches	32PFL3504D 32 inches	47PFL3603D 47 inches	52PFL3704D 52 inches