Multiple inputs; convenient menu system; many adjustments; built in 3:2 pulldown detection; versatile, backlit remote; good sound.

Severe picture problems (see below); only one setting memory for all sources; no volume control display.

I had several picture problems. The screen showed roughly horizontal curved lines regardless of source. The lines were most visible against a dark (20 - 30 IRE) uniform background. The store replaced the first TV but the second one soon developed the same problem. These lines would be noticeable to any videophile although perhaps not to a casual viewer. Motion artifacts in the form of comb-like lines were frequently visible. The size of the picture was never quite right, usually clipping off the top and bottom of the picture. The DVD picture did not seem particularly crisp.

Now, the TV fails to respond to the remote control.

Perhaps the next model year of this TV will have these bugs fixed.

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Sony XBR25

Great tv. It is a very attractive addition to the home.

I've also had some picture problems recently. I had some problems with the horizontal scan lines as well. The picture seems to break up even with the line doubler off. I've also noticed two "ghostly" vertical lines running down the screen which is seen with a uniform black background. I'm in the process of exchanging however good guys makes it difficult to do this.

I actually own the 30" however it is not much different than the 34". I reccomend this tv over others such as the xbr sony because of it's aspect ratio and its progressive scan technology. I am a little worried about paying so much money though and having a possible reoccuring problem with the scan lines. I love the tv though except for the non individualized settings for each source. What were they thinking! Good product...iffy price.

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none

Well designed, great picture.

Cuts off part of the picture in Superzoom mode, Input selection, doucmentation, GuidePlus

Overall, I am exteamly pleased with this product. No technical issues whatssoever. Regular boradcast from RCN cable looks marginally better but DVDs look stellar. My main complaint is the selection of the source input. I also purchased the Philips Pronto remote. Because you need to cycle through the inputs to get to the desired source - no discrete code - , there is no way to go from the TV source directly to the DVD source (or any other). So setting up a macro for easy switching, Even with a universal remote, its not possible. You'd think Philips would have had better syncronicity between its own products. I've also had no luck accessing the phantom "second -built-in tuner" for the PIP. The only way I way able to use the split screen at all, was to use the tuner in my VCR. The additional PIP matrix of multiple screens has been no use at all. The GuidePlus also acts strange. There is no preview window, and as i browse the listings, the channel, even though I cant see it, changes.

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none

Smaller/lighter than comparable 34" direct-views.
Good picture using Warner digital cable. Great DVD picture using simple interlaced DVD player.

No on-screen volume control. Would be nice if it stored settings per source. No 720p native display.

I've only had the TV for a week, but I am really satisfied. Having ordered it thru the internet I was a bit nervous about the consequences if I didn't like it. Having watched several DVD's, plus HDTV and regular cable, I can say that I made the right choice for me.

DVDs look great with a non-progressive scan DVD player.
Also, the cable picture is improved as it goes thru the TV's line doubler. Some channels look unbelievably clean.
I haven't seen much HDTV yet, but have been impressed with what little has been on.

Looks, great vcr reproduction, OK with interlaced DVD player

Only 1 HD input, system was problematic on arrival, bad with DirecTV and Panasonic HDTV receiver, needs vertical and horizontal adjustment inputs for HDTV.

Good looks but Philips makes better lightbulbs

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Toshiba

Great picture

AV3 interlaced only, AV4 HD non-interlaced only

To adjust all geometry settings (and other things you probably don't what to) put in AVIA DVD or something with geometry screen patterns. Change to that AV input.

Here is the service access menu code:
On your remote 0-6-2-5-9-6-info+

Press last channel to get back to the AV input so you can see it. Find Alignments in the menu. There are three geometry menus Normal, Wide, HD. Write down the original setting.Start adjusting.

I have the 30 model of this set, the access code works on the 34 too according to my info. I'm sure someone will let me know if it does not. I got the best results using the 1.85:1 pattern. It takes some experimentation so be patient. Just thought this is something tweakers should know. The factory setup is less than stellar.

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30PW9815

This is an update to an earlier review. I really liked this set very much.

Support from Philips was weak and took too long.

I know I gave this set a good review and I stand by it. But my set had 2 problems that I called Philips about. The first was a white bar at the very top of the screen that was very visible in a dark scene. This was only visible in high definition programming via an RCA dct-100 with a transcoder between the dct-100 and the set(to interface the VGA connector on the dct-100 to component connectors.($650 combined price + $85 for the cables)

The other problem was also in high def material, the picture was larger than the screen. I also bought the Philips extended service contract for about $200.

Philips screwed me around for about 2 weeks before telling me that I lived outside any service center areas. They called a local repair center to handle the call. The following week, the local place called me to set a date. On the day they were supposed to come out, thay called to reschedule. The day before they were supposed to come out they again called to reshedule for the following week. Almost a month has gone by already. I called Philips and told them they needed to take care of it or I would return the set and get an RCA 38" set. They called back and wanted to give me phone numbers to repairmen in NY and all over. This is why I paid for the service contract? So I could make the calls. If it's not a philips service center, I wonder if these guys have even seen this set. I resolved the problem with Circuit City by returning the philips and getting the RCA (another fiasco). I still prefer the Philips but don't have the time to wait. Not when I spent $5000 - $6000 for my entertainment set up. Hey Philips....are you listening?

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Well, now I use the RCA 38" HDTV. Thanks to Philips.

Great Picture

No onscreen volume control display, Guide Plus locks up

Great Picture / sound. Mine was delivered without a remote control ?? Called up OneCall, and they say I will get one soon (I hope).

Still need to try it with a high def source. In auto mode, crops up the top and bottom 1/2" of the picture when it fills the whole screen.

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Sony 36XBR400

Image quality

none

This is the best TV that I ever seen

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sony

This set has an excellent picture and a host of features to go along with the hefty price tag. 2 component video inputs, 1 for DVD and i for HD sources. The display of regular cable channels is also improved. (why wouldn't it be? DUH!)
The Guide Plus is a nice added feature that makes channel surfing a more interesting experience. The menu system is very easy to use and visually appealing when making adjustments or using the added features in the set. (numerous features for sound, video and Guide Plus) Again, a great picture and lots of nice features. Not a true HDTV but very close. Out of the many direct view DTV's I researched (Sony Vega, Panasonic, RCA etc., this was the best.

Requires a set top box HD displays. While it is nearly a true HDTV (16:9 screen, full 1080i display etc., you will need to spend another $600 - $900 to get there. Also, No one seemed to know if this was a true HDTV. Not even the folks at Philips Customer Care and Technical Hotlines could decide. I asked evryone "Is it a true 1080i display or does it up-convert to 1100 or down-convert to something else." One person said "Yes...it meets all ATSC standards" and another said "It's not High Def, I think...."
The Philips web site says "Full 1080i Display" and "Digitally Prepared." Then my set was delivered. The owners manual doesn't say either. But it is a full 1080i picture.

The lack of complete specs is an issue, but does not outweigh a decision to buy this set. The HD demo channel from DirecTV removed any doubts I had. For a total of about $5000.00 I have the HD setup I wanted and am proud of my decision to buy this set.