Philips 32FD9954 32-Inch Plasma Flat-Panel TV

by Philips

Product Details

Product Manual [845kb PDF]

• Item Weight: 50 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 88 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B00006HYT1
• Item model number: 32FD9954
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,629 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Less than four inches deep with a 160-degree viewing angle and an anti-reflective screen, Philips' 32-inch widescreen 32FD9954 plasma television turns a typical image into a piece of art. Capable of producing more than 16 million colors with a resolution of 1,024 x 852, the display offers a number of high-resolution inputs, including a PC input and a direct-digital DVI connection for use with an external HDTV receiver (optional).

The display's native quality (up to 400:1 contrast ratio and 600 cd/m2 brightness) is bolstered by great features like an intuitive graphical user interface, a headphone jack with dedicated volume control, and traditional TV features like a sleep timer and closed-captioning.

To produce an especially sharp and detailed picture, the 32FD9954 uses a new method for producing a plasma picture, ALiS display technology. ALiS has the ability to reproduce the full 1080i resolution on screen with significantly less flicker compared with conventional CRT technology.

ALiS is based on three principles: odd and even lines are displayed separately (Interlaced); the non-lighting area between the pixels is used; and the odd and even scan lines are controlled by one pair of display electrodes (previously done with three pairs of electrodes). In a conventional plasma display, the space between a pair of display electrodes, being a non-light emitting area, was not utilized. But with ALiS technology, each display electrode is efficiently utilized, considerably improving brightness and resolution. By making use of the non-light emitting areas, the 32FD9954 can display more than 1,000 scan lines and thereby find classification among high-definition sets, according to CEA definitions. ALiS technology also has the effect of nearly doubling the display's brightness relative to previous displays.

When used in conjunction with the Philips FTR9965 electronic box (E-Box), the display offers picture enhancements such as Pixel Plus, Digital Natural Motion, Digital Crystal Clear, and Active Control technology as well as 3D Y/C digital comb filter. The E-Box--the size of a typical home theater component--provides NTSC tuning, high-quality video processing, video inputs and other features. By connecting the E-Box, you can enjoy the monitor's double-window, two-tuner PIP (picture-in-picture) to view two images simultaneously on a split screen.

Double-window, two-tuner PIP (with second-tuner double-window) features single PIP (free positioning) as well as three-fold and six-fold side PIPs. It also offers photofinish, freeze Main, and freeze PIP. Replay lets you play back the previous few seconds in a PIP screen: if you missed the action, replay it as much as you want. You can listen to the second-tuner sound on headphones (not included).

What's in the Box
Plasma monitor, remote control, remote batteries, wall-mounting bracket, and a user's manual.

From the Manufacturer

The 32FD9954 Flat-Panel TV offers advanced Plasma technology, HD connectivity, and a unique design form to compliment any room. This TV offers a 32" high-resolution monitor and 30-watt integrated sound system for outstanding picture and sound quality. At just 3.5" panel depth, the Philips Flat-Panel TV projects a bright, uniform image over a viewing angle of up to 160 degrees.

Features:

• Screen size: 32" diagonal
• Alternate Lighting of Surfaces (ALiS): ALiS is a new method of producing a picture on a Plasma Display Panel. It has the ability to reproduce the full 1080i resolution on screen.
• Digital Natural Motion: You want to enjoy smooth and realistic onscreen movements from any source. DNM is a unique digital signal processing technique that eliminates motion judder resulting in smooth motion.
• Digital Crystal Clear: Enjoy the most natural, crystal-clear images, "live" on your screen. DCC is an intelligent combination of precise picture settings which automatically delivers optimal contrast, color enhancement, and sharpness.
• 3D digital comb filter: Considered the best type of comb filter available, it separates colors and eliminates distortion to give you a razor-sharp picture with breathtaking clarity.
• RealFlat picture tube provides undistorted picture quality from any angle.
• Active Control: Regardless of whether you're watching a DVD or cable, Active Control will work to maintain the specifications that you have set, optimizing your television viewing experience.
• Double window PIP: The Philips Digital Direct View television has the ability to split the television picture in half and display two independent television shows at the same time without having to use an additional source for tuning.
• AutoSound: Auto Sound is a convenient way to access the preset audio settings to suit the viewing situation. It allows you to select preset audio settings: theatre, music, voice, personal.
• AutoLock: Protect young children from harmful programming with V-chip technology based on the Motion Picture Association of America and the network television rating system.
• Auto Picture: Auto Picture is a convenient way to access the preset picture settings to enhance the picture elements of different sources. Select from preset picture settings; multimedia, rich, natural, soft, and personal.
• Digital natural motion: Award-winning technology that generates the most stable screen images possible.
• Sleep timer: Automatically turns the television off at a preset time of up to 240 minutes from the time the feature is activated.
• Component video input: Component Video is a top-quality video connection ideal for connecting DVD players to high-end TV sets or projectors.
• Anti-reflex coated flat-glass screen: It is like "looking through a window" with improved contrast without the glare to distract from viewing pleasure.
• Wall mounted option
• HDTV monitor
• Fanless design (no noise)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst experience ever to own this poor-quality TV, August 29, 2005

By 

J. Shi - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips 32FD9954 32-Inch Plasma Flat-Panel TV (Electronics)

I got this 32" Philips Plasma TV back in May 2004 as a gift. After I got it, I seldom used it and I believe I only used it for less than 100 hour before it went dead in June 2005. Since this is out of warranty based on the purchased date, I talked with Philips Customer Support Center several times but they refused to repair it. I also sent the complaint letter to Philips headquarter in July but so far there is no response. So I sent it to local Philips Authorized Service Center on August 02, and got the following result on August 29:

Defective part: CBA SCAVIO Module @ $1409.83
Defective part: Display (not available)

So based on this diagnosis report, my plasma screen was dead for less than 100 hour usage, and the worst part is that Philips did not do anything, not even try to reply my complaint.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Two Years flawless operation, November 25, 2006

By 

Eric C. Rossman "Engineering technician" (Portland Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips 32FD9954 32-Inch Plasma Flat-Panel TV (Electronics)

I bought this display in May of 2004, with the E-box tuner, for a combined price of 3600$. This dislay was beautiful, 1080i was crisp and vibrant, and the E-box adjusted all inputs to fit the display, without any hassles. in June of 2006 the display would start clicking when you turned it on, sometimes taking 3~5 minutes to turn on. Something was wrong for sure. When it finally turned on, the picture was flawless, so I didn't turn it off for the next three months. We looked up our warantee to find out it was 90-days from purchase. Oh well, where do I get it fixed, Philips support found two authorized repair centers near me. I turned it off to take it get repaired, and sure enough it wouldn't respond to power at the repair shop. 670$ to repair a "power pre-conditioner circut on the power supply". Paid the bill, back onto the wall it goes. Four days later, display will not turn on, no power light. Back to the shop, no charge due to the shops 30day workmanship policy. Same part failed, was the answer. 2 days later I have a display again. 45 days later, dead again. Frustrated with the results of the first repair center, I took it to the second repair center, they charged 100$ to diagnose it as a bad power supply (estimated cost of 1900$ to replace). After some discussion with this repairman, I was told that "He had seen over 100 of these Model series Philips plasma's in for repair for almost the same issue, in the last year alone" and that it was common due to the heat generated by these dislpays, ( they literaly de-solder components off thier circut boards due to high heat and thermal expansion, and capacitors also dry up from overheating).

End of story: Philips Plasma 2500$ + repair#1 670$ + estimate#2 100$
Philips E-box HDTV tuner 1100$
Total Spent for 28 months of Philips FlatTV operation = 4370$
What I get = 1900$ repair estimate, dissapointment in Philips's engineering of this product, and a 70 pound dead display.

ps - I have a 32" Panasonic CRT from 1996 that still works great (690$).

I will do more homework before buying another plasma, I found customer reviews to be garbage. Talk to a repair center to find out what models and brands are worth thier money.

1 star, at least it worked for a couple of years. As I read more into blog sites, I find that I am definantly not the only one who has had bad dealings with a Philips plasma, most other people have gotten less than 1 year of operation, and Philips is doing nothing about it --Thanks.