This set uses Philips' exclusive Pixel Plus 2 HD video processor, which provides excellent sharpness natural detail, inc reased depth, vivid colors and smooth and natural motion from standard TV, High Definition signals, and multimedia sourc es. Each pixel of the incoming picture is enhanced to better match the surrounding pixels, resulting in a more natural p icture. Artifacts in compressed multimedia content are detected and reduced, ensuring that the picture is clean and razo r sharp. Digital noise reduction ensures that the picture is perfectly smooth yet razor sharp.

The 42PF9630A has a 1024 x 768-pixel resolution, 160-degree viewing angle, a 1500 cd/m2 (candela per square meter) brigh tness rating, and a 10000:1 contrast ratio. (The higher the contrast ratio, the greater a TV's ability to display subtle color details and not get washed out by ambient room light.) Other features include picture-in-picture display (via com ponent and HDMI connections), auto volume leveler, adjustable color temperature and sharpness, sleep timer, and V-Chip p arental controls.

The 3D comb filter separates brightness and color signals better in 3D domain to eliminate cross-color, cross-luminance and dot-crawl distortion. It performs field-by-field comparisons of the television image to accurately separate the colo r from the black-and-white information and remove both horizontally and vertically hanging dots, as well as dot crawl, r esulting in a razor sharp image.

The Active Control function uniquely and intelligently optimizes picture quality by measuring and analyzing the incoming signal to automatically adjust picture quality settings. Active Control with Light Sensor uses a sensor to adjust the p icture brightness depending on the room light conditions.

The full-color Ambilight feature provides relaxed viewing and a unique ambiance via a soft light glow on the walls surro unding the TV. Research has shown that watching television with adapted ambient lighting promotes more relaxed TV viewin g. The Ambilight colors automatically adapt to the images on the screen to add a new sensation to the viewing experience . The light can also be switched to fixed colors or various shades of white. In standby mode, the lights can be operated to any color and create a unique ambiance in the room.

This TV has two built-in stereo speakers that produce 15 watts per channel (for 30 watts of total power), and can produc e Dolby Digital virtual surround sound, emulating a 5.1-channel sound field from just two speakers. It also offers the f ollowing connections:

• Composite AV (RCA) In: 3 (1 side)
• S-Video In: 3 (1 side)
• Component Video In (Y PB PR): 2
• HDMI In: 2
• RF In: 1
• PC Audio In: 1
• PC Audio Out: 1
• Monitor Out: 1
• USB: 1
• Headphone: 1

Tech Talk
CableCARD -- The CableCARD system enables the "Plug-and-Play DTV" functionality as agreed between cable operators and consumer electronics manufacturers. It allows the decoding of encrypted or scrambled content delivered from the cab le system. CableCARD functionality includes conditional access and copy protection. A CableCARD-enabled television witho ut a CableCARD inserted receives high-definition standard TV broadcasts. When a CableCARD is inserted, the television re ceives high-value high-definition, cable programming.

HDMI -- HDMI makes an uncompressed digital RGB connection from the source to the screen. By eliminating conversio n to an analog signal, it delivers an unblemished image. The non-degraded signal reduces flicker and leads to a clearer picture. HDMI intelligently communicates the highest output resolution with the source device. The HDMI input is fully b ackward compatible with DVI sources but includes digital audio. HDMI uses HDCP copy protection.

What's in the Box
Plasma TV, remote control (with batteries), tabletop stand, power cord, printed operating instructions

Product Description:
This TV acts as the core component as you transform your home into a home-theater environment. With widescreen WXGA resolution, this TV is capable of presenting NTSC analog, ATSC HDTV, HD DVD, and can even display images from your PC system. In a sense, it bridges entertainment and information in a way that enhances life and the performance of it. Add some definition to your sense of being and to those around you as you choose this fine, Philips TV.