Philips 17PF8946 17" LCD Flat Panel HDTV-Ready TV

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Picture
Review: Got the Phillips 17inch HDTV LCD after buying a Sony 42 inch rear projection HDTV. Got the Phillips for my office so I could take advantage of HD up there as well. Ordered 2 Comcast DVRs as well, the Motorola 6412 dual tuner. I am in heaven.

The biggest plus for the Phillips is its picture quality. It is great on the digital channels and awesome on the HD ones. The analog channels are just OK as is the case with any high quality high definition TV.

One cautionary is that the HD component hookup uses the same input as the VGA monitor. A funky kind of cable is included with a VGA like plug on one end and a 3 cable component collection on the other. So if you plan to use HD and VGA without a manual cable switch forget it. You can do a VGA and plain digital, but this is an HD ready TV. I did not buy the TV as an extra monitor so I don't care, but thought I'd throw this in for those that are.

The speakers are what you might imagine for an integrated unit...i.e. OK. I have a small set of Cambridge Soundworks speakers (2 satellite speakers and a subwoofer) that plug into a headphone jack. Its not theater sound, but its way better than my 13 inch Sony or my PC for that matter. I believe this is the result of the Dolby virtual surround sound. Probably the best sound you can get without a true surround sound theater system.

I have a Sony progressive scan DVD player hooked up to the component inputs and the picture is just great. Its not as good as my HD progressive scan DVD player with DVI connection hooked up to the 42 incher downstairs, but pretty darned good. I got the digitally remasterd Star Wars trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed watching it on this TV...sound was pretty awesome as well. For me the only improvement might be a DVI interface.

In summary, this is the perfect TV for an office/small room. If you want HD in a small space...this is it.