Philips PFL74x4 (2009) Series

93% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Especially as elsewhere it has some quite nice specifications up its sleeve. It has a Full HD resolution, despite its size and cost, and it claims a contrast ratio of 80,000:1 that ranks as one of the highest we’ve seen on such an affordable 32in TV....

Pictures ; Ease of use ; Connections

Some picture processing artefacts ; No Ambilight

Philips' high-end TVs are some of the most feature-packed on the market, boasting more high-powered processing than NASA mission control. But if the recession has forced you to set your sights a little lower, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to...

Outstanding image quality ; Reams of fine tuning

No Ambilight ; Limited viewing angle

Despite being pared down, by Philips standards, the 42PFL7404 is still a terrific if rather labour intensive television

Brilliantly detailed and sharp pictures from all sources ; punchy yet controlled colours ; very good motion

Could go blacker

The 47PFL7404 has most of the ability of Philips’ most expensive sets, with a far lower price tag – what’s not to like?

Easy to use ; No blur ; Good contrast ; Lots of detail ; Cinematic realism

Flickers using frame insertion

Not quite reference-standard, but this versatile and dependable LCD TV with 100Hz is still very good

Looks, feels and is specified like a premium product ; tremendous facility with motion ; great colour balance ; half-decent sound

Almost wilfully time-consuming to set up ; not the last word in outright black detail

A really fine effort from Philips – premium price or no, it’s well worth it

Excellent colours, deep black shades, no blur, good value

Some flicker when using HD Natural Motion

If you want the finest 32-incher around, head for Philips’ feature packed 32PFL9604. If you’re happy with second best – and a saving of at least £300 - the 32PFL7404 makes for an excellent all-rounder that’s a more polished performer than most.

A good-looking HD TV with good image quality, but the stylish menus aren't easy to use. You can get a better 37in model for less money.