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Philips 42PFL3704D/F7

Television Review

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Philips 42PFL3704D/F7
Page 5

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

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Philips 42PFL3704D/F7
Television Review

Previous: Page 4

Motion

Previous: Page 6

Calibration