Later this year, 'Ambilight' LCD lighting technology from the Dutch electrical giant Philips will evolve into 'Aurea' which builds upon this innovative system.

Ambilight works by emitting coloured ambient light along the sides of the panel which is reflected on to the wall behind the TV.

This 'ambient' light is determined by what is on the TV at any given time and Philips claim the effect is less eye strain with improved colour, detail and contrast.

Aurea builds upon ambilight with a fully back-lit LED which glows through the purpose built frame surrounding the LCD panel. With light actually shinning through the frame, Philips describes the effect  as "bringing light and color to life in an unparalleled, highly visual and immersive fashion, drawing the audience into the full emotional experience".

No precise dates for when the new Aurea panels will become available but it is likely that the first model in the series will be the 42in 42PFL9900D LCD with Full 1080p resolution and 8000:1 contrast ratio later this year. Expect a hefty price tag of around £2000.

Many LCD TV's from Philips equipped with Ambilight have an excellent reputation, but how much this reputation can be attributed to their back-light innovation is open to much conjecture. Ambilight seems to be one of those technologies with a cult following and whatever your opinion, there is no doubt that Philips continue to produce some impressive flat panel TV's.

Read a full review of the Philips 37PF9731D here