Hi-res: Philips HD LCD TV
Philips makes some of the highest-end televisions on the market, but if you can't afford the expensive 9 series, you can opt for the more affordable 47PFL7409 from the 7 series.
Although the 47PFL7409, which costs HK$14,990, does without the brushed metal touches of the more expensive set, it's still one of the most stylish, well-built units around.
The only niggling issue with the 47-inch television was it took some time to set up. Philips seems to delight in concealing menu within set-up menu, making the process of getting the best out of the screen more complicated than that of rivals.
Fortunately, the menus are big, bold and easy to navigate. Don't settle for the factory settings because the pictures tend to be too bright. Spend a couple of hours with a blu-ray test disc and get the colours and contrast right. You won't regret it.
Playing The Tudors on Blu-ray, it's obvious this is a capable performer. The Philips reveals all the details on the period dresses, and this combined with excellent edge definition creates a full and solid picture.
There's not much difference in motion handling between this and its 9 series counterpart. This Philips doesn't have the deepest blacks, but it still packs a lot of punch, offering sparkling jewellery with scintillating realism. Pure whites and vibrant colours help here, but there's enough subtlety to ensure natural skin tones. The performance is rounded out with audio that, while not particularly full bodied, is clear by flat-screen standards.
