Ever-increasing backlight-bleed & motion-blur made this TV the worst I've ever owned.
Philips sent out an engineer, who confirmed that problems are common to all 47PFL7404s. He added a firmware update, but it made problems worse!
Trading Standards/Consumer Direct advised that above problems constitute 'not fit for purpose'. Dealer agreed, TV is now returned & I have refund/credit.
Correction, further to January 5 2010 post, you can select a 4:3 aspect ratio (by re-setting 'Auto format mode' to 'Auto zoom'). But I still think that the 47PFL7404 has motion-blur problems.
Recently bought a 47PFL7404. IMHO, it has a stunning picture - lush colours, stunning detail & 3D-like images when watching BDs. BUT there's one fundamental flaw - it has a real problem with motion-blur during tracking shots of fast-moving objects, to the extent that the image appears 'watery'. (Plasma vs LCD issues accepted.)
Especially obvious during Bourne 3 BD's various chase scenes, which I assume is due to the film's use of 'twitchy' hand-held camera tracking the action; motion-blur also prevalent, albeit less acute, in conventionally filmed footage, such as Planet Earth's predator vs prey chases.
Also, the 47PFL7404 lacks an option for true 4:3 aspect-ratio - a pain when trying to watch Family Guy, Blackadder, The Third Man etc.
LCN - the fantastic reviews of Philips sets over the last year (not just in What Hi-Fi) are testament to their quality. Ive got a PFL 7603 from 2008 and it remains stunning on HD,SD and Blu Ray. I can possibly sympathise with you on the viewing angle - it could be better. Sony still lag behind, albeit the V10 is an excellent set but pricey. For all round performance at an amazing price (currently £600 at some retailers) the 47PFL 7404 is fantastic. Good luck with your search.
My mistake - it was the 42 pfl7404 I saw, think it was �614 at M&S. Looked fantastic. Will be interesting to see what Philips do with their range this year, given the big plans in place for LG, Samsung, Sony, Pana and Sharp. Any ideas Andy?
Looking for a new TV, I"ve been seriously comparing all brands and performing small tests on most TV's of this range. I do not agree with some of the Whathifi rankings. I really wanted to give Philips a chance, but almost every set including this one was a big disappointment. Philips is probably the only brand that is still coping with really serious viewing angle problems. I don't understand the enthousiasm... this problem is almost as bad as you saw on most LCD's a few years ago. Sets like the magnificent Sony Z5500 and the Panasonic V10 PDP-plasma's play in a totally different league. Better blacks, sharper, and NO artifacts at all (something Philips is also still not mastering as it should). Samsung is not bad, but audio is really on the same level as an average laptop.
Andy Please help and give me the benefit of your wisdom,this choosing a tv is a nightmare, I am looking at buying my first big TV and I think I have narrowed it down to the 3 below for the given prices, I am mainly after a great picture when using blueray, PS3 slim and watchin HD TV. I'm sure the UE46B8000 has the best pic but is it a big gap and really noticeable when compared and does it justify the extra money? The only other thing is should I really be looking for a sony TV to hook up with the PS3 for best results operability. Thanks
Thanks Andy, Which one would you go for between the PS50B650 and the 47PFL7404 ? I think I'm going to opt for one of them as I want to have the TV on the wall for Xmas and if I wait till I can afford the UE46B8000 I dare say there will be even more choice to confuse me.
Hi, I'm looking to buy the Philips 47PFL7404, but have not seen any prices as low as £600. Any chance you could let me know where you have seen it as this price. Thanks.
Comments
I certainly haven't seen the 47PFL7404 at that price. Marks & Spencer did have the smaller 42PFL7404 at around £600, but it's out of stock now.
If size matters to you, go for the Samsung as you'll get an extra 3in for the same money.
If you mean it has a narrow frame, that's part of its appeal.
The Samsung UE46B8000 wins our 46-47in TV Supertest in the Dec 09 issue and offers the best all-round performance in its class.
But if the extra £400 really is too much for you, the Philips is still an excellent set and you won't be disappointed if you buy it.
It doesn't produce blacks quite as deep as those on the Samsung, but otherwise pictures are brilliantly sharp and detailed, whatever the source.
And no, you don't have to buy a Sony TV to go with your PS3.
Beware!
Ever-increasing backlight-bleed & motion-blur made this TV the worst I've ever owned.
Philips sent out an engineer, who confirmed that problems are common to all 47PFL7404s. He added a firmware update, but it made problems worse!
Trading Standards/Consumer Direct advised that above problems constitute 'not fit for purpose'. Dealer agreed, TV is now returned & I have refund/credit.
Five stars????????
Correction, further to January 5 2010 post, you can select a 4:3 aspect ratio (by re-setting 'Auto format mode' to 'Auto zoom'). But I still think that the 47PFL7404 has motion-blur problems.
Recently bought a 47PFL7404. IMHO, it has a stunning picture - lush colours, stunning detail & 3D-like images when watching BDs. BUT there's one fundamental flaw - it has a real problem with motion-blur during tracking shots of fast-moving objects, to the extent that the image appears 'watery'. (Plasma vs LCD issues accepted.)
Especially obvious during Bourne 3 BD's various chase scenes, which I assume is due to the film's use of 'twitchy' hand-held camera tracking the action; motion-blur also prevalent, albeit less acute, in conventionally filmed footage, such as Planet Earth's predator vs prey chases.
Also, the 47PFL7404 lacks an option for true 4:3 aspect-ratio - a pain when trying to watch Family Guy, Blackadder, The Third Man etc.
Saw it in John Lewis, quite small for a 47 inch.
It was okay
LCN - the fantastic reviews of Philips sets over the last year (not just in What Hi-Fi) are testament to their quality. Ive got a PFL 7603 from 2008 and it remains stunning on HD,SD and Blu Ray. I can possibly sympathise with you on the viewing angle - it could be better. Sony still lag behind, albeit the V10 is an excellent set but pricey. For all round performance at an amazing price (currently £600 at some retailers) the 47PFL 7404 is fantastic. Good luck with your search.
My mistake - it was the 42 pfl7404 I saw, think it was �614 at M&S. Looked fantastic. Will be interesting to see what Philips do with their range this year, given the big plans in place for LG, Samsung, Sony, Pana and Sharp. Any ideas Andy?
Looking for a new TV, I"ve been seriously comparing all brands and performing small tests on most TV's of this range. I do not agree with some of the Whathifi rankings. I really wanted to give Philips a chance, but almost every set including this one was a big disappointment. Philips is probably the only brand that is still coping with really serious viewing angle problems. I don't understand the enthousiasm... this problem is almost as bad as you saw on most LCD's a few years ago. Sets like the magnificent Sony Z5500 and the Panasonic V10 PDP-plasma's play in a totally different league. Better blacks, sharper, and NO artifacts at all (something Philips is also still not mastering as it should). Samsung is not bad, but audio is really on the same level as an average laptop.
Andy Please help and give me the benefit of your wisdom,this choosing a tv is a nightmare, I am looking at buying my first big TV and I think I have narrowed it down to the 3 below for the given prices, I am mainly after a great picture when using blueray, PS3 slim and watchin HD TV. I'm sure the UE46B8000 has the best pic but is it a big gap and really noticeable when compared and does it justify the extra money? The only other thing is should I really be looking for a sony TV to hook up with the PS3 for best results operability. Thanks
samsung PS50B650 ~�1000
Philips 47PFL7404 ~�1000
samsung UE46B8000 ~1400
Thanks Andy, Which one would you go for between the PS50B650 and the 47PFL7404 ? I think I'm going to opt for one of them as I want to have the TV on the wall for Xmas and if I wait till I can afford the UE46B8000 I dare say there will be even more choice to confuse me.
Hi, I'm looking to buy the Philips 47PFL7404, but have not seen any prices as low as £600. Any chance you could let me know where you have seen it as this price. Thanks.