The Philips 32PFL3506/F7 32-inch HDTV: An Excellent Value-added HDTV

Targeting the budget market the Philips 32PFL3506/F7 is a basic 32” entry-level HDTV model that should excite not only due to excellent quality but also because it has certain features available in higher-end mid-range models. This includes more HDMI ports, the ability to play 720p HD video and much better sound than average.

Design

The design for the is simple with straightforward matte black bezels and visibly rounded corners. While it isn't the slimmest of HDTVs it is still quite narrow and should fit well as a wall mount. The stand and base are similarly matte black as well with the same straightforward design.

Features and Specifications

The Philips 32PFL3506/F7 sports a maximum resolution of 1360 x 768 for very smooth 720p HD images. This makes it just right for satellite HD TV channels as most of them are at 720p HD anyway. This HDTV has a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 which is good enough for general viewing but probably won't be able to handle the really fast action, regardless the HDTV still has Philips Digital Crystal Clear video processing technology so that images stay crisp and clear. The HDTV packs in two built-in 10W speakers along with Philips Incredible Sound technology.

Connection-wise, the Philips 32PFL3506/F7 shines, as most budget HDTVs only have one or at most two HDMI ports, the Philips 32PFL3506/F7 on the other hand offers three HDMI ports; two at the back and one on the side. The list of connections don't stop there either as it has one component video port, one composite video port, a coaxial digital audio out port, one S-Video port along with the plenty of audio out and in jacks.

Performance

For general purpose viewing the Philips 32PFL3506/F7 is excellent. It hardly seems like a budget model at all as both pictures and video are crisp, clear and detailed. HD 720p video goes very smoothly on this HDTV and thanks to the built-in Incredible Sound, audio quality is much better than even a higher-end model HDTV. The controls and menus are very easy to use which make it very good for general purpose use. While it isn't an LED HDTV by any means it is still Energy Star certified so it does provide energy efficient performance to a certain extent. Thanks to all the connections you should be able to hook it up to at least your HD TV box, a gaming console and a DVD player. You can also add a sound system if you want but the built-in audio should be more than enough.

Conclusion

All in all, the Philips 32PFL3506/F7 is a very good budget HDTV with excellent connectivity options. For its price range it should serve practically anybody well, be it for a bedroom, smaller apartment living room or for general purposes such as in a restaurant or shopping mall.