Customer Reviews

Philips 32PFL5403D/27 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Hi,
This is the 3rd hdtv lcd I have purchased this year but the 1st one I am happy with. I purchased a Samsung earlier this year after reading all the amazing reviews, maybe I was expecting too much but I felt disappointed when I had it at home. I then purchased the HP Media Smart 42" with the wifi, it is a nice lcd but it is way overpriced because of the useless wifi which is impossible to setup anyway. Took that right back to bestbuy the next day. Now for the Philips. I was debating whether to get the Sony Bravia L or this Philips. Even though this is more expensive I went with the Philips because of that gut feeling I had everytime I was disappointed with an lcd I told myself I should have got the Philips. Well I finally did and I am very happy with my purchase. I got it for $691 at Sams Club. As soon as it became available I ordered it. I have had it for 3 days now. As soon as I opened the box I liked the glass stand. The lcd itself has a very nice elegant minimalist design which I love. The remote is very simple I like it as well, one thing that would truly make it better would be some sort of backlight, but after a while I will memorize the location of the buttons anyway. When I plugged in all my equipment, just the cable box and the Cambridge Soundworks i765 which I use as my dvd player and external speakers for the lcd, I powered it on and it walked me thru the setup which is very simple. Instead of the usual numbers to calibrate the settings, it walks you thru sets of pictures, half of the screen one setting the other half the screen the other, you select which half you prefer, then the lcd knows what you prefer and it is all setup. It does the best job of analog of any of these newer hdtvs I have seen or had, that makes me very happy. It is also great for dvds and hdtv. All around and for the money it has me very happy. The reason I did not get the 42" is because for my room the 42" is just too big that is a big reason I returned the HP Mediasmart lcd besides that I realized that I overpaid for useless and complicated to setup wifi. So for anybody looking for a well priced lcd hdtv that is great for both analog and digital video this is a must buy television.

I purchased this tv from a club for $488 after reading reviews on Amazon.com and Consumer reports. I set the TV up in my bedroom, and it actually may be a little large for that room as the picture looks better if you are at least 6 feet away.
I have only regular cable in this room, no HD box. Some of our local channels are full-time HD now, and those channels have a much better picture. I hooked up our HD cable box just to see if there was a difference in picture and it was GREATLY improved over just straight cable connection. Still, the picture is clear and the sound, while coming from the back, is very clear...just be sure to keep away from the wall at least 6 inches so you have the bounce of sound.
I am very happy with this TV and would NOT be happier if I had spent $200 more on a Sony or Samsung. This TV won't "blow you away", but if you want a great picture with no "frills" in a small room, this is the one to buy.

I recently purchased this Philips 32" TV, and I am very pleased with my purchase. After looking at different models of 32" televisions available, the different brands and specs had me a little worried about making the right decision. However this TV has great picture, looks modern and stylish, has plenty of imputs, and is easy to use and program. It looks great for movies, games, and hd and regular TV programing, it even cleans up analog channels somewhat. I have also used a 32 inch samsung and I certainly could not say that it was is any better than this, in fact i think i prefer the philips. Also, as far as looking at specs when buying a tv, do not be worried if you are considering this television: considering its size and price range it is very competitive. I was a little worried about its 8ms response time considering samsung and some others have 6ms or even 4ms, but i cannot tell the difference and from what I have read there are differences between manufacturers when it comes to measuring such things; it also has a 26000 dynamic contrast ratio which is impressive i guess, but who really knows. The bottom line is this: picture looks great, movies look great, and video games look great, everything I needed from an HDTV; and it was easy to set up, just letting you select from different picutres to determine what type of settings you want. hope this was helpfull.

I did a tremendous amount of research before I bought this HD, including scouring amazon customer feedback, CNet, and Consumer Reports, and so far, after three weeks, the Philips has lived up to the great reviews. The picture is terrific, it's easily customizable without being a brain-teaser and set-up was a breeze. It also glossy and sleek, while the screen is thankfully glare-free. I do really, really, really wish it came in white, though. Overall, you can't find a better HDTV for the price.

Unlike other reviewers, I find the sound fine despite the speakers being in the back but then, I've kept mine on the stand about 18 inches from the wall and not tucked in a media cabinet. I agree that the remote should have some sort of backlighting b/c until you memorize the buttons you'll need a flashlight to adjust format, sound, etc...

A couple of general buying tips: despite what manufacturers and reviewers may tell you, 32" is a perfectly sized TV for the living room. My general viewing range is about 10-12 feet and I wouldn't want a TV any larger. Also, don't waste your money on 1040p for TV's less than 40"--the higher resolution doesn't register at the smaller sizes. Reputable reviewers say that 720p ( like the Philips) is exactly as good for 32" and I agree.

Oh and one other thing: To take advantage of HD I hiked over to my local cable provider's payment center and replaced my two year old digital cable box with an HD digital box. It's free and totally worth the trouble. You'll get better HD features, channels, and flexibility of resolution.

I purchased this from a club store for 600 shipped and we are satisfied with the picture quality, multiple input connections and attractive frame (edges has clear plastic surround).
I think the one thing that this unit needs is backlight controls, since
too much of backlight affected some images that contrast and brightness
cant fix. I have to use light sensor to fix the issue.
.

My wife and I have had an old Philips TV in our bedroom for some time. When we decided to go HD, we actually bought a Philips 47" for the family room--and loved it. So it seemed a good idea to buy another Philips to replace the one in the bedroom. Bad move.

I was really happy with the specs on this TV. No, it's not 1080, but for our bedroom, that's really OK. There are generous inputs for DVDs, satellite, Playstation, etc. It also looks nice, the stand swivels, which is great for the location we chose. And the picture is quite nice. DVDs look great, and HD looks even better.

The trouble with this set is the audio. It sounds *horrible*. No, beyond horrible. The speakers are located in the back, and are supposed to be "Incredible Surround" more like incredible Tin Can. Seriously, they have absolutely no low end, the mid-range is muddled. I played around with moving it to different locations--thinking maybe it was a reflection problem, since the speakers are in the back. No dice. It still sounds like the speakers are coffee cans with string. Seriously, I've heard better quality of sound on pay phones. The sound on this TV sucks so hard I was ready to return it. The only saving grace is that it does have outputs (Dolby Digital and a headphone jack). I've actually used the headphone jack to hook up a pair of $20 Altec Lansing PC speakers that sound *much* better than the built in speakers on this t*rd of a TV.

Seriously, save your money. There are other TVs in the Philips line that don't feature the rear speakers, and I'm sure they are great. This one is a total dog. Stay away.

My PHILIPS LCD TV died after giving hardly 3 years of service. I have been a victim of PHILIPS dubious customer service - please aviod PHILIPS if you want to avoid being a victim too. I am pasting my chat script:

Please wait while we find an available agent
You have been connected to Sean .
Sean : Hello Aash, and welcome to Philips Consumer Lifestyle. My name is Sean. Thank you for contacting us.
aash: Well thank you too Sean,
aash: I have trying to reach Televisions (purchased before 2008)
1-888-744-5477 Monday - Saturday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
Excluding Major Holidays
Sean : I understand that you are looking for Philips contact information.
aash: this the customer Service Line for Televisions (purchased before 2008)

aash: yes ... I am looking for someone to help me locate a authorized Philips Repair Service
aash: or give me the manual for the MODEL: 37PF7320a/37
aash: a service mnaual
Sean : I am providing you with the link to the PHILIPS website to check basic troubleshooting instructions in the frequently asked questions, possible model upgrades or to download the instruction manual for your player.
aash: I have been trying to reach 1-888-744-5477 for the last seven days ...
aash: I have already done tha
aash: t
aash: What I need is a service provider that can fix the TV ?
Sean : Unfortunately, we do not have service manual online and apologize for any inconvenience that might have caused.
aash: Its a thousand dollar TV ...
aash: what do I do with it ?
Sean : Aash, we do not have Philips authorized service centers however you may contact our Consumer Care Center representatives with the help of the phone number provided in the user's manual.
Sean : One of the representatives will assist you to the best of your satisfaction.
aash: Can I get the number of the PHILIPS NORTH AMERICA contact person who can really help me ... and not offer apologies ?
aash: The cost of getting a quote from unauthorised service people in my area is around 150USD
Sean : Based on the information you have provided your product is out of warranty.
aash: I have been trying to reach 1-888-744-5477 for the last seven days ... I finally called another numbver ... and they also told me that ... they " apologize for any inconvenience "
Sean : Since you could not find related information on the website or in the manual, the next step is to have your TV evaluated by a television repair center in your local area.
Sean : They can best advise you of next steps and costs for repair. Please contact a local service center in your area to get your TV serviced.
aash: so out warranty ... a PHILIPS product is ....
aash: WHO IS THAT " local service center "
aash: is all I am asking of you ...
aash: is there a number
Sean : Please check your local telephone directory Yellow Pages under 'Television Service and Repair'.
aash: and why can I not know the error codes ... the TV is giving a long RED LED blink followed by four slow LED blinks
Sean : Please check your local telephone directory Yellow Pages under 'Television Service and Repair'. The repair center will determine the extent of your unit's repair needs, and provide you with an estimated cost.
Sean : If that location is not nearby, call them to see whether they can recommend a closer repair center.
aash: Is that some kind of top secret missiel technology ...
aash: The cost of getting a quote from unauthorised service people in my area is around 150USD
aash: I neeed to know ... if it is even worth repairing
aash: this piece
aash: I am reading on the blogs that people with same model are reporting issues like fire / explosion from the same model ...
aash: I need to know I am dealing with here
aash: why can't you just tell me what the error code means
aash: PLEASE !!!
aash: HOW ETHICAL IS WHAT PHILIPS DOING ?
aash: Mr.Sean Are you still there ?
Sean : Yes Aash, I am still online.
Sean : I would have been happy to furnish you with the requested information however we at online are provided with the information on Philips MP3 and Portable DVD players.
aash: but I am reaching PHILIPS beacuse nobody answers the line I am supposed to call and the one I reached offered me "apologies"
aash: Why is it that nobody even wants to listen ... there are people on the BLOG saying that this product does not lasts only two to four years ...
aash: others are reporting incidents like fire/explosion !!!
aash: PLEASE SEARCH ON GOOGLE ...
Sean : We receive consumer calls about our products and our company. All comments are reported to management as we continually look for ways to improve our products.
Sean : We assure you that the issue you are calling about will be forwarded to them for review as well
aash: Come on ... I have been trying to reach the line for Televisions purchased before 2008
1-888-744-5477 Monday - Saturday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
aash: for the last seven days ...
aash: and nobody even bother to pick up the phone ...
Sean : Please accept my apologies since I am unable to help you directly in this matter as we have information on Philips MP3 players.
aash: give it a try ... call the number
aash: can you give me a person I can reach ... who is responsible for Consumer Electronics TELEVISIONs at PHILIPS
aash: I mean someone who can do things other than "apologize"
Sean : We do not have access to call and I request you search Philips support page for contact information.
aash: ha ha ha .... PHILIPS support is a joke ... ONE LAST TIME ... seriously ... given all that being said on the BLOGs and what I am experiencing first hand ... I would advise you to escalate my request
Sean : Sure Aash, I will forward this issue from my end.
aash: TO WHOM?
aash: ok take my phone number ... have some one call me ... (If you care)
aash: Mr.Sean Are you still there ?
Sean : Yes Aash.
aash: So who are going to escalate this to?
aash: *So who are you going to escalate this to?
Sean : I will forward this to our Consumer Care Manager.
Sean : Is there anything else I can assist you with?
aash: I am not sure if there is someone with that title beacuse I tried in vain to reach someone at you Andover MA office today ... but anyway go ahead and will wait for until tommorow evening if someone gets back to me
Sean : Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sean : Thank you for contacting Philips. We hope we brought Sense and Simplicity to you today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thank you again. Have a nice day.
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Original review:
We purchased this TV as a backup for our 46" Samsung DLP. The color wheel and lamp in that TV are constantly going bad on us and we are so happy to have purchased this one. The LCD is so much more reliable! This TV has a great picture and looks really sharp in our bedroom when it's not standing in for the other in our living room. We have not had a single problem with it in a little over two years. Video games look great on it, as do DVDs. The remote could be a little better. Sometimes it seems like the TV is not very responsive when you press a button on the remote, but it's something I can live with. The sound quality isn't the best. I have to turn it up pretty loud to hear it over our elliptical machine when I'm using it. Overall, I'm very satisfied and I would definitely buy both a Phillips TV and an LCD TV again.

Update 9-20-10
After only 2 1/2 years of owning this TV and using it very little, I'm sad to report that it is dead. The sound will come on, and the power, but no picture. I have read about this issue online and I believe it is the backlight inverter that has failed. Sadly, this would probably cost more to fix than buying a brand new LCD.

I thought that a $750 investment should hold up longer under light use. I will not be buying a Phillips product again.

This is a great TV, I ordered from Dell at about $600. I love the style of the glass interface and the ability to connect multiple devices to it. It comes with 4 HDMI inputs to plug the receiver, PS3, Blueray player and Cablebox. The picture quality is amazing even thgouh it is not 1080P, yet it can do 1080i with the appropriate equipment. Very nice TV for the price.

TV does exactly what it promises. QAM tuner gives unscrambled HD local channels without extra cost (on Comcast). This is our third Philips flat panel and I would buy a fourth. Just too bad it does not have Ambilight.