Customer Reviews

Philips AJL700 Under-cabinet LCD TV/DVD Combo

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

The features aren't bad on this under-cabinet combo, and it looks fairly attractive. Installation instructions are adequate, with a full-size drilling template provided in multiple languages. But I installed before testing (oops), and then had to send back to the manufacturer for warranty replacement. As soon as the unit was plugged in, it began to beep continuously, as if an alarm clock were going off. The unit does have an integrated kitchen timer, so it seemed that this was stuck on. But nothing would stop the loud beeping. So the manufacturer said to return for replacement, which I did. It took 17 days from their receipt to shipping the replacement (from tracking shipping). Then, I installed the replacement, it seemed to work OK except that the remote would not operate the DVD menus. Most other functions worked on the remote, including Play and Stop, but not the ability to access the DVD menu. Two weeks after installing the replacement, the unit began beeping continuously like the original.

Consider another manufacturer's product for better reliability.

We purchased this product last February. We were very happy with it for the first few months. After about 5 months, the LCD screen would get dark and/or fuzzy, and the only way to fix it was to wiggle the screen. The 90 day warranty had already expired. Now today, only 8 months after it's purchase, the screen is completely black when you try to play a DVD. The screen is fine to watch TV. So we called Philips customer service. We weren't happy with our options and asked for a supervisor, who informed us that our only option was to buy a replacement for $211. We paid $300 for this defective product the first time. Now why would be put even more money into a piece of junk? They said they don't even make replacement parts for this product, you just have to buy a whole new unit. We told the Philips supervisor that we are incredibly disappointed with this product and will never buy a Philips product again. Don't waste your money. Something will break on it after the warranty has expired. Now I understand why there is such a short warranty on this product. Consider yourself warned!

The screen started flickering within 4 or 5 months and the only way to correct this was to "wiggle" the screen. Ater 6 months, the LCD no longer worked unless the screen was turned to the side.

We remodeled our kitchen about six months ago but still have a small kitchen with minimal countertop space, so we bought this undercabinet TV/DVD/Radio/CD Player and just love it. When I bought it, I had very low expectations for the quality of this device, but it's been pretty good. Unlike other reviewers, I think the LCD picture and audio are just fine. It's really great to have in the kitchen while cooking or doing dishes, or for running to the kitchen to make a snack during the football game and not miss any action. Plus, we can pop in a DVD for the kids and still keep an eye on them. The only complaint I have is that I can't get a very good AM radio signal, but that might just be because the antenna is inside the kitchen cabinet. I have my cable TV hooked up to it, so I can't vouch for the quality of an antenna TV signal. All in all, for what you get, this is a pretty good system, especially for a small kitchen.

We've only had the unit for two months now, but so far so good. Before purchase, I searched the internet high and low for reviews on this product, as well as other TV/DVD/CD under cabinet radios - and I really didn't find any product that had rave reviews. This one was most convenient to purchase, so I went for it, and have had no regrets to this point. Mounting was easy, directions pretty much straight forward. Ergonomics are acceptable. Sound is well above average, video quality slightly above average, AM reception weak, TV reception weak, I run cable to the TV and looks and sounds great. I like it!

***Review update***

So one rainy day a bolt of lighting sounded like it hit right outside our back door, so I later checked out all of my electronics to see if anything was damaged. Sure enough, this unit didn't work anymore. First, the power supply smelled like smoke and burnt plastic, so I threw it away and bought a new one online. This didn't fix the problem, and since it wasn't under any warranty, I got out my screwdriver and took a look inside. Fuse was burned out, so I cut it out and soldered in a new one. Works fine now.

***Review update 2***
Not sure I can fix this one, but depending on how you twist the TV screen, the picture gets fuzzy. Twist it just right and the pic is clear. Not pleased, but I can live with it for now.

My initial reaction up on receiving and unpacking it, was to write a glowing review. It looks nice, is packaged well, excellent installation instructions, and Philips was thoughtful enough to include things like the "L" shaped adaptor for the coaxial cable (which you'll need if you have shallow cabinets, as i do.) I remembered from reading other reviews of different units while comparison shopping that the other manufacturers did not include little niceties such as these, and people were complaining about having to run out to Radio Shack for them. I was still impressed once it was installed and i turned it on, immediately i inserted a DVD, and the picture quality is better than i was expecting after reading reviews of all of these type TVs. So, we're still at a 5 star review level - then i tried to turn it up - and wow. As pleasantly surprised as i was at the picture quality, i was equally surprised at the really awful sound quality. I mean, come on, look at those speakers - it even has bass ports on the back! I have a Philips CD/AM/FM/Alarm clock that sounds quite good, and can fill up an average size room with sound, i was expecting something at least close to that. I guess the best way to describe the sound is like an old AM radio. My only other complaint may seem like a minor gripe here in print, but in actual day-to-day use, it's really pretty annoying. The functionality of the controls and buttons is really s-l-o-w. For example, when you hit the button to change the radio station, it takes a second or 2. I know that doesn't sound like a long time, but i assure you that you will find your self repeatedly hitting the button, thinking that it didn't work the first time, only to discover that you actually went down 4 presets when you wanted 1. Not a huge complaint, but certainly annoying enough to mention. So, despite the anemic sound, and minor annoyances, I'm fairly pleased with the overall performance. I'm not sure if i would buy this same model again, but i've enjoyed having it in my kitchen for the last few months.

Six months after purchasing the TV/DVD Combo we had a problem with DVDs being stuck and not ejecting out. We would have to try numerous times to get a DVD to eject. Finally one was stuck and would not come out. When we finally got it out we discovered that Philips had installed parts that seemed to be second rate at best. Since it was past the 90 day warranty period Philips would not replace the part or the unit. It is the last Philips electronics unit I purchase.

We love the unit--it has wonderful sound. The picture is good. The whole screen swivels so you can watch the tv at different points in the room--this is unique to this manufacturer. The TV screen folds up nicely into the unit--so that the screen is flush to the unit. Another feature is that you can have the unit on with TV sound only (no picture). This may have cost a little more than our budget, but it was worth it. We use it in our kitchen>

I wish I would have tested this product before drilling holes in my cabinet. Instructions said that 12:00 would be flashing and first thing to do was set the clock. Couldn't set clock because I couldn't see any numbers and therefore couldn't find radio stations either. I opted to email for online support as I didn't have time to call the 800 number at that time. After 3 days I still haven't heard from them. In the meantime I played a DVD and it played okay but thought the sound was tinny and decided that the 7" screen was really too small for my needs. I had thought that the under the cabinet tv would be perfect for me but I think I'll opt for a 15-17" model that sits on the counter. I took it down and took it back to the store today for a refund.

Just installed the ALJ700 today and have finished putting it through its paces. All-in-all, I'm very pleased. The LCD disply is crisp and clear (using cable), the DVD/CD player works flawlessly, and the FM tuner has good sensitivity. (Can't comment on the AM radio, since I never listen to AM.) Installation was very simple and the instructions were great. The mounting kit is very versatile, for almost any cabinet design, and all the needed accessories, brackets, etc., were provided. The key to success in this sort of all-in-one product is how the vaious components are integrated together. Philips has done a very good job in this regard. For example, the TV screen shows the disk and track IDs when a CD is playing, but turns itself off when it is folded up into the unit. The unit itself is very inconspicuous, which is a real plus. My only complaints are that the speakers are a bit small (with correspondily weak bass response) and there is a slight delay when pressing buttons (as previously noted) All-in-all, however, seems to be a very satisfactory product.