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Philips 42PF7320A/37 42" Plasma TV (16:9, 1024x768, 10000:1, HDTV - MPN: 42PF7320A37)
Description: Experience the superior picture quality of this excellent Flat TV with PDP technology and Pixel Plus. It's packed into a stunning design that will complement your interior. Share music and photos via the built-in USB. |
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| Date Reviewed: 02/18/2006 |
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Strengths: Beautiful true HDTV picture, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, plenty of inputs, awesome value.
Weaknesses: Setup is not easy, remote is a little flimsy, manual is not intuitive, and sound quality of speakers is not the best.
Summary: Bought this at BJ's Wholesale Club for $1899.99. I did a lot of research and found the picture quality to be comparable to models priced twice as high. Set-up and documentation is not intuitive. I consider myself an expert on audio/video system set-ups and it still took me almost an hour to hook everything up. Sound from the TV itself is not the best, but you should have it hooked up to a home theater system anyway, so the point is moot. Overall, an excellent Plasma HDTV at even double the price.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/28/2006 |
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Strengths: Great price, lots of connections, looks good
Weaknesses: Some of the features are a bit inconvenient or annoying.
Summary: I have been using this TV for about 3 months now and am fairly pleased with it. I had also considered the comparable Samsung (4252), Panasonic, and the Hitachi TVs. Actually, I was not even considering the Philips until I saw it on sale at Circuit City during black Friday and then I had to take a look because the price was so good. In all, I felt that for picture quality I liked the Hitachi the best, it seemed to have the sharpest picture of the four brands, then the Panasonic slightly edging out the Philips and Samsung. However, the differences in quality, to me, were not that great and definitely not enough to justify the potential >$1000 difference in price.
Some comments on the unit itself:
Positive:
-After using the TV for several months now, my family and I have been happy with the picture. The HD channels look great, and the normal channels are fine too. We're using the HDMI connection for cable and component cables for DVD player. There is a big difference in picture quality over the standard yellow composite video cable, although don't see much of a difference between HDMI (Radioshack brand) and component (Acoustic Research from Beach Audio).
-Can't really comment on the sound as we don't really use the TV's speakers. We use our surround system.
-The TV has a lot of inputs, including 2 HDMI connections.
-Great price.
Negative:
-In general, the implementation of some of the features is a bit annoying, and, to me, detracts somewhat from the TV more than any slight differences in picture quality.
-PIP: I know the description says that PIP is for HDMI and some other source, but it's still annoying. I don't know why Philips didn't just make this TV so that you can choose any two sources for PIP. Actually, you can use a variety of a combination of sources for PIP, without having to use HDMI, but you have to call Philips to find out what sources are compatible with each other in PIP mode. But be warned, it's very complicated.
-Volume OSD: For OSD of channel/source info and volume you only have two choices. One is 'Normal' in which the channel/source info is displayed at the top of your screen for a very long time. Philips said this should only stay on for about 10 min (!) but it seems to hang around indefinitely on my set. Also under this setting the volume level is displayed temporairly after you change the volume levels.
The other is 'Minimal' in which the channel/source info is not displayed but neither is the volume.
So you either get this (semi) permanent channel/source id at the top of your screen if you want to see your volume levels, or if you don't want to risk screen burn in, you can't see what the volume levels are. There is no option to not have the permanent channel/source info but to also be able to see the volume level gauge temporarily after you adjust the volume levels.
Fortunately, I switched the sound for our TV to our surround system after a while so I no longer have to deal with this, but if you will be using the TV's speakers this is the why the OSD options are configured.
-Also, the holes on the back for attaching the TV to a wall mount are spaced a bit wide for the wall mounts we were considering (Sanus). However, we got around this by using the holes made for the floor stand instead. But you may want to check spacing of holes for compatibility with wall mounts before you buy either the TV or mount if you are going to hang it on the wall. (BTW, the included floor mount seems kind of flimsy plastic, although it worked).
-I can't get the closed captioning to work and Philips has not really been able to figure out what's wrong yet (but I'm still calling about this).
Despite the few complaints about some of the features, we really like this TV and if we had the chance to make the decision over with the benefit of hindsight we would still have purchased this unit. It is a great value.
4 stars b/c we are happy overall with the unit and would have purchased it again if we had to make the decision again, but not 5 because some of the implementation of the features could be better and also because I felt the picture was better on some other brands. But for the price, no contest.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/08/2005 |
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Strengths: Very good price & quality compared to other Plasma tvs with same features and size
Weaknesses: When increasing or lowering Volume the TV does not display a volume bar and the manual is not user friendl
Summary: I am very happy with the TV. The picture quality is fantastic but the sound can be better. For the price of less than $2,00.00 , compared to others plasmas this is a great value.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/16/2005 |
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Strengths: very rare sub $2000 HD plasma
abundant inputs (2 HDMI inputs!)
very comparable picture to much higher priced plasmas
Weaknesses: marginal built in speakers-2x15 (but alot should not be expected; it's the image you're paying for)
Summary: This is my first big screen purchase. I have put considerable time into research both on line and in stores. I was hesitant with all the talk of burn ins, shorter life spans, and high energy usage. But as I researched and found that the newest generation of plasmas (which includes this model) have pixel shifting technology to combat burn ins, I became more comfortable. Unless you "abuse" the use of your plasma is it possible. Since when is gaming with static images and watching news channels with static logos "abuse" (huh). Well it didn't keep me from buying one, but I am taking precautions to help lower my chances of any problems (50 or lower brightness and contrast/ not allowing logos on the screen for too long of time). They are also stating that the expected life spans are now reaching 60,000 hours which compares with the LCDs (I will believe that in about 30 years). I am, at this point, extremely satisfied with my Philips plasma and I hope for many years of satisfaction from it. I would greatly recommend this product for anyone who is looking for one of the best 42" HD Plasma Televisions at some of the lowest prices in its category.
78% of People (18/23) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/03/2006 |
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Strengths: high definition comes in really nice, cable card access is great cause comcast cable has hd cable cards now, auto adjust feature for the picture ratio comes in handy with commercials and programs
Weaknesses: switching channels takes time
Summary: great tv for its price... don't bother spending 4000 for the best tv out there... does not make a big diffrence... also every cable company will have cable cards soon, so it comes in handy if you don't want components.
75% of People (6/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/28/2005 |
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Strengths: Good viewing experience, superior picture quality, vivid natural pictures. You can also connect Digital camera or Hard Drive to the TV through the USB port, and share Music and photos.
Weaknesses: Built-in speakers are not that great. Jarring sound on high volume. User manual is not user friendly. Need electronic expertise to install.
Summary: I would say value for money, its under $2000 for a HDTV. The sound is a disappointment and I have circumvent this issue by connecting it to my home theater system.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/15/2006 |
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 Nightmare Strengths: price
Weaknesses: Never worked correctly
Summary: Bought TV in Nov 2005. After about 1 week the tv would shut off on its own and then come back on after about 10 sec, then the volume would cut out and not come on until you started going through the channels until it came back on.
Used Phillips local repair depot. Repair tech had no idea and didn't even bother to take off a cover. Tech called Phillips who told them if was a board and that board was on back order. Finally after 3 months Phillips agreed to replace the unit. Low and behold that unit has the same problem.
67% of People (2/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/08/2006 |
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Strengths: As stated many times before the picture quality is simply amazing. The price was wonderful and I have been very happy with it.
Weaknesses: I keep hearing that the speakers are a weakness of this product but truthfully I have never used them due to the presence of a surround sound system.
Summary: I think the TV is simply amazing. A great picture at a great price. The only probablem I have had so far is it looks as if I had a little interference once when I started the dryer, but it hasn't happened again and I am getting a good surge protector which should stop it in the future. I knew going in the picture in picture had to use two inputs, that would be one improvement I would make on the product. But overall I could not be happier.
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| Date Reviewed: 10/30/2005 |
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 Value buy for a plasma Strengths: It has everything you need for a high defination TV
Weaknesses: no volume bar on the TV. The manual is not that user-friendly.
Summary: 2006-06-06 12:35:55 I just bought this TV from Sam's yesterday. I am impressed with the quality. The setup is very easy. I can get very crispy over the air HDTV ( I watched football game on Saturday). Very impressive! I just hope in the future, the manufacturer could provide a DVD to calibrate the TV. It looks fine for my TV, but i do want to calibrate it and get the right color.
Updates: I watched this TV for 6 months. My set had a problem with the coaxial audio out ( it is defective in the beginning. I contacted Philips to repair it. The local repair guy brought in a new AV board and replaced the old one. It did solve the audio-out problem, but the picture format did not match. It has been almost three months, so i decided to returned it and bought a Panasonic 42" instead. The major problem with Philips is that they don't have tech support for customers directly. Be careful!
62% of People (8/13) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/17/2006 |
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Strengths: Great picture! Great price! Sleak looking. Does everything I need and wanted from a Plasma TV
Weaknesses: No volume prompt is a little annoying, but not a big deal - I have a surround sound sys. Smoke and fog do not rendor as good as it should, but I hear that is a prob with many tv's.
Summary: I have had this tv for over 8 months now. I was able to setup the TV by myself, and found that the instructions were easy to understand. I bought 2 HDMI cables, one to the new Sony DVD player, and one to my comcast cable box - the last of which required an HDMI-DVI cable. I bought two optical cables that run from my reciever to my DVD player and Cable box. So, I don't use the audio from the TV itself much at all - only time is when I hook up my video camera to the side of the TV or a USB flash stick that has audio on it and play it through the TV - which honestly, I think sounds fine, but I don't crank up the volume on it either.
Sports look fantastic on the TV as well as the HD[TV] channels. I get tons of complements on the TV. The biggest complement was from my parents, who have wealthy friends with GIANT sized tv's, I think one had cost the guy 10k, and they said that mine looked so much better and clearer. I told them that could be due to the fact that I use HDMI cables, and I have HD - their friends may not have HD as they live in the sticks, and a bigger TV (60+inches) will end up showing the lines, or at least be more noticable depending on the distance you are sitting away from the TV.
I haven't experienced any faulty behavior from the TV since I bought it. It sits on a buffet against the wall, but originally I was going to mount it. Unfortunately, most warranties that you buy for the TV, which I did buy one as Circuit City had a big sale through their provider on the warranty... something like $150 (down from $250) that day, will be void unless you have a certified TV wall mounter install it for you. That sucks, as that costs a couple to several hundred dollars to have someone mount it for you. So, that is on the wishlist of someday doing... or after the warranty runs out. :)
I really wanted a Panasonic, but they costed $800 to $1000 more for the equivelant TV. If money wasn't an object, at least making the decision b/t the two, I would have gotten the Panasonic. The picture was just slightly better... just not $800 better. I also looked at the Hitachi. I pondered that one for a while and kept going back to the stores comparing the two. The quality looked about the same, and I liked the features the Phillips had more than the Hitachi. Then of course there was the Sony. They looked about the same, and were rediculously over priced. Circuit City in Lynnwood, WA has a great display of TV's and it was a great experience in comparing the vast amount of TV's they had there with one another. I truely felt I got a good deal. $1749 on Black Friday, +$150 for the warranty. But then I went and bought a new progressive scan DVD ($129) with HDMI connections, and 2 Monster HDMI cables, an optical audio cable (already had one at home for the other audio I needed), and then that darned 8 point something tax... well, after all was paid for it cost as much as the Panasonic... nearly! Oh well, I would not have been able to buy all the extras if I had bought the Panasonic.
Overall, I'm very very satisfied with this TV. The best thing is that my wife, who was ho-hum about me getting one, absolutely fell in love with the TV when she got to see all these nature shows on the INHD channel.
Great TV, I highly recommend it! Would buy this all over again if I had to. However, I would do my research all over again as well, as the technology in just 8 months I'm sure has gotten even better, and more and more TV's drop in price.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/04/2006 |
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Strengths: hd is really nice, and cable card access is good for wall mount
Weaknesses: speakers do not detach from tv
Summary: tv is great for the price the extra money you save, you can buy an extended warrety or save it for the next tv.... but this is a great buy for its money dont worry about getting something better
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| Date Reviewed: 08/21/2006 |
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This tv is the biggets bunch of garbage ive ever bought
Strengths: price
Weaknesses: you lose the $2k you spend on it once it breaks in less than a year.
Summary: Bought it in Nov 2005, broke in August 2006, local Authorized repair shop scares the crap out of me. This is the worst process I have EVER gone through. I am almost ready to bet money that as soon as they get my tv into their hands, I am not going to get it back. Thanks Phillips.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/08/2006 |
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Get what you pay for...
Strengths: Price
Weaknesses: Lifespan
Summary: You absolutely get what you pay for on this television. We purchased our television on 21 Dec 05. On 15 Feb 06 the television quit working altogether. It's been sitting in a shop since then. We're being told everything inside the television has to be replaced...oh and by the way it's on backorder so we don't know when it will be repaired. My suggestion...pay a little more for a better product...go LCD!
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| Date Reviewed: 11/24/2006 |
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Strengths: Picture quality, Inputs (HDMI, Component, S-Video, Composite, SPDIF, CableCard, Terrestrial antenna, USB - most of which have more than one!), Price, Cheap speakers (see review below)
Weaknesses: Picture-in-Picture requires HDMI input, User interface could be more intuitive
Summary: I bought this TV over a year ago and I have been very pleased with it. I've taken it on and off the wall several times (moving houses, re-cabling, etc) and it's never had a problem. I know some people on here have had issues, but all products are bound to have a small percentage of issues (and then there is user abuse and/or error!). Most people here have given high ratings and have been using the TV for a while, so it goes to show that unless you happen to own thousands of them (and most of them failed), you shouldn't slander someones product!
As I mentioned, the cheap speakers I see as a benefit as I personally think that Philips made a good decision to spend more time and money on developing the plasma over the speakers! However, overall, the speakers sound fine to me - just not the highest definition audio (and virtually no low frequency extension), which is expected. I've got very sensitive hearing and also design and build audio equipment, so generally can tell bad audio from good audio. I now pass all my sound through an external sound processor and amplifiers (for full Dolby Digital surround) so don't even use the internal speakers any more, but I did use them for a little while!
The user interface is a little complex for people that aren't technical, but if you follow the instructions you should be okay. It could also benefit from more in-depth features. The only major annoyance is the picture-in-picture (PIP) - it doesn't let you use it unless one of the inputs is HDMI (so you can't use, say, one component source and one S-Video source). However, as Philips probably thought, you should probably be using HDMI when you can (so one source will almost always be HDMI anyway!) ;)
Overall, I really like this TV... I would probably only trade up if I needed a bigger size. Then I'd use this one in a different room! :) I'm giving it a 5-star rating because I think it was excellent within it's category when I purchased it. Today (14 months after I purchased) you might be able to find another TV (Philips or otherwise) that might be better value so I urge you to do your research.
Thanks!
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| Date Reviewed: 09/16/2009 |
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A LEMON
Strengths: NONE
Weaknesses: LEMON
Summary: This TV is the worst investment I've ever mistakenly made. Almost 3 years old and is now a lemon, with no support from Philips. I will never purchase anything made by Philips again. My dad has an old Sony flat screen TV that we bought together and still alive and kicking about 2 decades old now.
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