While many of us would agree that Philips have consistently produced some of the best LCD TV's around, relatively high prices have prevented them from making any significant impact on the sales charts. The PFL7404 represents the Dutch manufacturer's attempt to create a flat panel TV that sells as well as it performs.

With the look and feel of a premium product, the 42PFL7404's aggressive pricing is certainly not reflected in poor design or finish. The main bezel, as we would expect, has an ultra glossy black finish, but a subtle hint of turquoise and a surprisingly pleasing transparent outer frame give it a more stylish appearance than most mid range TV's. A frame width of just under an inch adds to the stylish effect

Along with the recently reviewed 32PFL7074, Philips' 42PFL7404 demonstrates a sublime High Definition (HD) performance. To really appreciate the strength of the 42PFL7404 in this respect you need to place it alongside its direct competitors, the likes of Samsung's B650 range. The Samsung, while demonstrating a strong performance in this area, can't match the High Definition ability of its rival.

The HD performance is stunning in every respect, with a level of detail, clarity and realism that is only matched by a small number of high end flat panel TV's. Every imaginable nuance of detail is produced in a pin sharp representation of on screen detail. The Philips really does begin to encroach on that select group of TV's that produce what we can only describe as a sublime HD performance - and for the price that is quite a remarkable achievement.

The only disappointing aspect of the 42PFL7404's performance came in the shape of an average Black Level response. The 7404 suffers (albeit only slightly), from an element of 'greyness' with Standard Definition. This is not a serious issue, but placed alongside its main competitors, the 7404 falls just a little short in this respect. We are now used to even mid range screens offering good detail across darker scenes and deep lustrous blacks.

Best Price: £735.30>

Philips 42PFL7404 

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