Philips Cinema 21:9 Gold
The latest addition of Philips individualistic 21:9 range is a significant improvement feature-wise on what’s gone before. Freeview HD finally makes a belated appearance, the set is net-connected and there’s support for low cost (here dubbed ‘Easy’) Passive 3D.
Interestingly, the 21:9 screen shape works particularly well with 3D; the 2.40:1 aspect ratio really seems to enhance the cinematic, stereoscopic effect of ‘Scope movies. The new LED backlit panel offers deep blacks and high levels of motion detail.
Unfortunately Philips on-line portal, Net TV, is a bit of a dud, but by way of compensation the screen sports fancy Ambilight – aka mood lighting for blokes – side-illumination.
Reg Rating 80%
Price £2000
More info Philips
Samsung UE60D8000
Samsung’s LED flagship is a breathtaking example of contemporary TV design. As effortlessly pretty as it is expensive, with an edge-lit panel just 29.7mm thin and more features than you can waggle a remote at, this is a definitely a big screen for the Made in Chelsea crowd.
Integrated Wi-Fi makes it easier than ever to access Samsung’s on-line Smart portal, while media playback from USB is comprehensive.
The UE60D8000’s 3D images are bright and poppy, with only mild double-imaging spotted, while 2D Full HD offers dazzling contrast and incisor sharp resolution. If ever there was a screen made to watch Frozen Planet on, this is it, but like the Panny flagship set, it comes at a price.
Reg Rating 85%
Price £3999
More info Samsung
Next page: Samsung PS64D8000
COMMENTS
what size?
whats the point in this when you dont even bother listing the screen size. out of all 10 only 1 mentioned size.. pointless, uesless and uniformative.. and yes how about putting them in real world environment... big sofa, pizza and 4 guys playing MW3 on em.
TV?
What serious home cinema type uses a TV?
Home cinema is a front projection screen more then 80" or so, seating at 1.2x screen width, and with real surround sound, not that shit where the speakers come in the same box as the amplifier. Oh, and a pitch black room. Most theaters now seem to have 50 exit signs of street-light level brightness, but that sure as hell isn't in the specs. Neither is moonlight coming in your window! For christ's sake, people, it's just not the same when you see a reflection of your buddy opening the fridge, just as the joker is asking, "Why so serious?"! People, have some self-respect!
A television for a home theater?! I mean, really, when was the last time you went to the movies and they had a light transmitting display? You want to watch a movie, fine... a tv will work. If you want to watch it like the director intended, you need front projection, big-ass sound, a totally isolated, dedicated environment, and the first two calibrated to perfection. This does -not- mean setting 'cinema 1' and calling it a day. It's wrong. Throw that shit out, get a colorimeter, and learn to do it yourself.
See, that's "home theater enthusiast" - someone who wants to watch movies -right-. Having a kick-ass TV is just watching movies a bit less wrong.
It's not like non-home-theater people are stupid for not doing all that stuff, it's just that something set up in your living room with a TV just ain't home theater, any more than putting your netbook on the coffee table is good television.
@Nobody cares about Philips
Once you've owned an Ambilight television, you'll never want to own another set without it.
I've got the original Aurea by Philips, and while I don't dispute the better picture quality of more recent televisions from Philips and other manufacturers, the overall effect cannot be beaten (except by the Aurea II, of course).
Size matters
I agree, ok I can work it out but if you are doing a review on big tellys then size should be in there as part of the review...
Size matters to Paris Hilton
corner?
what serious home cinema type has the TV in a corner?
TV should be straight facing you on a wall, especially with a 5.1/7.1 setup
