-
Introduction
-
01.Tour & Design
-
02.Blacks & Whites
-
03.Color Accuracy
-
04.Motion
-
05.Viewing Effects
-
06.Calibration
-
07.Remote Control
-
08.Connectivity
-
09.Audio & Menus
-
10.Formats & Media
-
11.Power Consumption
-
12.Vs RCA L40FHD41
-
13.Vs Panasonic TC P42S1
-
14.Vs Sony KDL 40S5100
-
15.Conclusion
-
16.Series Comparison
-
17.Ratings & Specs
-
18.Comments
Philips 42PFL3704D/F7
Previous: Page 4
MotionNext: Page 6
Calibration
Viewing Effects 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.
• Shallow viewing angle.
• Screen diffuses external light.
• No video processing features.
• Testing done using DisplayMate Software
Viewing Angle (4.87)
A TV's contrast ratio hinges, to varying degrees, on where you are in relation to the screen. As you get further away from dead center, the contrast ratio drops. Plasmas typically have much better viewing angles than LCDs, due to how the different display technologies work.
The Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 did very poorly on this test. Once you're 25° off center, you'll be seeing less than 50% of the TV's contrast ratio. Typically LCDs have contrast ratios under 30°, so the 42PFL3704D/F7 is just about average for its display technology. Plasmas, on the other hand, have virtually no issues with viewing angle. You could be standing 80° off center and still have 50% contrast ratio.
| Viewing Angle | |||||||
![]() |
|||||||
| Compare the Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 to other HDTVs | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
RCA L40FHD41 40 inches |
Panasonic TC-P42S1 42 inches |
Sony KDL-40S5100 40 inches |
|||||
Reflectance (7.50)
In this test, we shine an LED array at the TV, to see how the screen handles external light. If the light is shining straight at the TV, you'll end up with a large diffuse glow. If the light is at an off angle, it'll be far less distracting. Under normal conditions, the 42PFL3704D/F7 should hold up to external light well.
Video Processing (0.0)
The 42PFL3704D/F7 didn't have any video processing features.
| 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 |
Shop for the Philips 42PFL3704D/F7
Latest News
& Reviews
-
30-Jan-2012
Superbowl HDTV Buying Guide
The weeks leading up to Super Bowl Sunday are fraught with anticipation and last-minute big screen HDTV sales. But rushing a major purchase can often lead to buyer’s remorse come Monday morning. Let us coach you to a winning purchase with this helpful guide. Read More...
-
26-Jan-2012
Samsung UN32D5500 LED LCD HDTV Review
The D5500 has a rather high MSRP of $699, considering it’s only a 32-inch TV. There are some “premiums upgrades,” a term we use with some dubiousness, knowing that these features can be far less valuable than they appear. Nevertheless, at its core this is a good television. If you can find it a significantly reduced price it would make a great addition to a home theater. Read More...
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series

$1,749.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$1,749.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series

$2,612.002
Size: 60 in.Samsung UN60D8000
The Samsung UN60D8000 retails for a whopping $4299 (MSRP). That's well over a $1000 more than the equivalently-sized plasma from Samsung that includes nearly all the same features. Read full review
$2,612.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -

$712.493
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$712.49All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -

4
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -

$714.935
Size: 42 in.LG 42LV5500
The LG 42LV5500 is packed with a lot of fun features that may sound good, but can distract from what a TV is supposed to do: deliver a good picture. Fortunately, the color performance cannot be beat. Read full review
$714.93All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsNo
Features
-
TelevisionInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After testing dozens of televisions this year, the staff of TVI has made its official selections for the very best televisions of 2011. Read More...
-
3D TV, Not Ready for Prime Time
If you’ve been shopping for a new TV is the last two years, you’ve probably heard a lot of hype about 3D. As with most new technologies, customers are awash in baffling terminology and misinformation. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the basics. Read More...
-
HDTV Streaming Content Compared
Televisions aren’t just getting their content through the coax cable anymore. Just as the internet has gradually moved towards a video-rich space—YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, etc.—those same sorts of features are creeping into your TV sets. Like it or not, those 1000+ channels of direct cable are not enough anymore. Read More...
-
Technology Preview: Haier Completely Wireless Television
Imagine a TV with no wires. You’re talking about WiFi, right? No, we mean no wires, at all. Haier, the Chinese company better known as an appliance manufacturer, is showcasing a new technology here at CES that conducts electricity wireless to the TV, as well as streaming content. The TV is pretty far from production at this point, but it’s among the more amazing things we’ve seen at the show. Here’s an in-depth look at the technology and how it might be implemented in future products. Read More...




(add your own)