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Introduction
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01.Tour & Design
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02.Blacks & Whites
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03.Color Accuracy
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04.Motion
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05.Viewing Effects
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06.Calibration
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07.Remote Control
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08.Connectivity
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09.Audio & Menus
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10.Formats & Media
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11.Power Consumption
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12.Vs RCA L40FHD41
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13.Vs Panasonic TC P42S1
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14.Vs Sony KDL 40S5100
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15.Conclusion
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16.Series Comparison
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17.Ratings & Specs
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18.Comments
Philips 42PFL3704D/F7
Previous: Page 13
Vs Panasonic TC P42S1Next: Page 15
Conclusion
Sony KDL-40S5100 Summary
• The Sony has a deeper black and higher contrast ratio.
• The Sony has a much more consistent color temperature.
• The Philips has less blurring and artifacting.
• The Sony costs about $100 less than the Philips.
Value Comparison Summary
As you'll see in our comparison charts and table below, the Sony manages to do a better job than the Philips in many different categories. The main area where the Philips manages to do well are on our motion tests. It also has a USB port for media playback.
| Comparison Specifications | ||
 |
 |
|
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 | Sony KDL-40S5100 | |
| Size |
42 inches |
40 inches |
| Price | $930 | $800 |
| Type | LCD | LCD |
| Format | 1080p | 1080p |
| Other | USB | N/A |
Blacks & Whites
While both models showed good performances on these tests, the Sony's deeper black level led to a higher overall contrast ratio.
| Blacks & Whites Comparison Chart | |
 |
|
|
Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 Score: Black Level: 7.43 Peak Brightness: 8.67 Contrast: 7.69 |
Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: Black Level: 8.23 Peak Brightness: 7.82 Contrast: 7.94 |
Color Accuracy
While the Sony had a much more even kiel to its color temperature, both TVs had otherwise similar color performances.
| Color Temperature Comparison | |
 |
|
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 Score: 6.11 | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 9.89 | |
| RGB Comparison | |
   |
|
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 Score: 7.07 | |
   |
|
| Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 7.16 | |
| Color Gamut Comparison | |
 |
|
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 Score: 4.16 | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 5.01 | |
Motion
The Sony had some significant issues with blurring and artifacting. The Philips had less of both.
| Motion Scores | ||
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 | Sony KDL-40S5100 | |
| Motion Smoothness | 6.25 | 4.50 |
| Motion Artifacting | 7.38 | 4.00 |
Viewing Effects
The Sony manages to lose this match-up by having a very narrow viewing angle. The Philips isn't really impressive, but it was decent for an LCD.
| Viewing Angle Comparison | |
 |
|
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 Score: 4.87 | Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 2.78 |
Connectivity
The Sony has more port options than the Philips, but the Philips has a USB for media playback.
| Connectivity Comparison | ||
| Philips 42PFL3704D/F7 | Sony KDL-40S5100 | |
| HDMI | 3 | 3 |
| Component | 1 | 2 |
| Composite | 2 | 2 |
| S-Video | 2 | 1 |
| VGA | 0 | 1 |
| Analog Audio In | 4 | 4 |
| Digital Audio Out | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio Out | 1 | 1 |
| USB | 1 | None |
Shop for the Philips 42PFL3704D/F7
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