Event Coverage

PC Show 2012 - TVs & AV Products Buying Guide

By Team HardwareZone - 7 Jun 2012

AV - Philips

Home Theater Gallery

The PC Show is currently taking place at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Center. Till the 10th of June, the expo will span four floors (1, 3, 4, and 6), and its doors will be open from noon to 9pm daily. In this segment, we highlight noteworthy items related to the Audio and Visual categories, consisting mainly of HDTVs, AV systems, projectors, headphones, as well as media players. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

Buying Guide Index

 

 

PC Show 2012 Shopping Resources

Remember to check out the HardwareZone Tech Show Portal for the latest consolidated shopping resources and updates.

 

Televisions & Home Entertainment Systems

There are many factors to consider before you procure a HDTV. Barely five years ago, picture quality was probably the only concern for buyers apart from the TV's aesthetics. These days, however, consumers have to contend with fancy enhancements like Connected TV, 3D TV, and all that jazz. Our advice? Decide on your requirements first. Fundamentals such as the TV's size should be considered before deliberating on the extra premium required for a 3D-capable or Smart TV model. Think about factors such as viewing distance and placement. Before you grab a Smart TV, ensure your home network is accessible to the TV (wired or wireless), else you might have to install network bridges or use a pair of powerline adapters in order to connect your TV to the router. 

If you're planning for a 3D set, do note that there are two dominant technologies in the market - active and passive - each with its own set of pros and cons. Active-shutter proponents like Samsung and Sony have improved tremendously since 3D TVs were first launched three years ago. There's visibly lesser crosstalk with newer models, and stereoscopic depth have improved as well. However, active-shutter glasses are still reliant on a battery (rechargeable or not), and subtle flickering is still evident even with the room lights off. Passive ones like LG's Cinema 3D models are easier on the eyes, and they also provide excellent horizontal viewing angles. Then again, 'interlaced' lines become visible when viewed up close, and they also suffer from tighter vertical viewing angles. On the home theater front, purchasing a HTiB (Home Theater In A Box) is probably the easiest and cheapest way to go. Most of them are also equipped with a Blu-ray player and HD audio decoders.

For a more exhaustive buying guide on HDTVs, 3D TVs, and Smart TVs in general, kindly refer to our tech guides here:

 

Philips (Level 4, Hall 403)

 

Philips 40-inch PFL6606H Smart TV

The 6000 series may be last year's model but it still packs a mean punch in all the right places. For only $999, you get a 40-inch Full-HD screen with a stylish brushed aluminum bezel (though it's plastic, really). It is not a 3D-capable set, but it does come with its own Smart TV platform, otherwise known as Philips' Net TV. Like most of the current stock of LCD screens, the 6606 is illuminated by edge LED backlights as well. Powered by Philips’ Pixel Plus HD engine, this isn't the most astounding high-definition display out there, but its commendable SD and HD performances makes it one of the sexier choices out there.   

  • PC Show Price: $999
  • Usual Price: $1,699

 

Philips Fidelio AS851 Docking Station

There aren't many Android-compatible docking stations to go around in the market, considering that most of them are engineered for Apple's iPod or the iPhone. However, Philips' flagship AS851 from their Android series looks set to break that mold. All you need is a Bluetooth-enabled phone or portable media player, and you're ready to roll out some good music on this Fidelio. Its Flexidock also ensures that the docking station is friendly with irregular placements of micro-USB slots, while the support blocks on the dock gives the mobile device a much needed stability when plugged in for charging purposes.          

  • PC Show Price: $309
  • Usual Price: $399
  • Promotion: Free $50 dining voucher + 2GB microSD card
  • More information: HWZ Review

 

Brochures
Click here for Philips AV brochures.
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