Not for US consumption: The Philips 56″ Cinema 21:9 HDTV

In one of the stranger moves in recent HDTV history, (and if one spokesman who talked to ZDnet recently is accurate), Philips’ quite awesome experiment in 21:9 HDTV displays, the 56-inch Cinema 21:9 HDTV (article about the TV itself in the link) won’t ever be available in the US.  And it’s a head scratcher as to why, the spokesman didn’t have an answer.

Why doesn’t Philips like the US for this device and why was this decision made? It missed much of CES 2009, it seems to have handed over its DVD and TV day-to-day decision making to Funai recently, and most of their top notch gear seems to only be planned to be available across the ocean. They seem to have developed a strange allergy to the American market in general of late.

It’s common sense that the Americans love their gadgets, and would snap this up if it landed on these shores. Who knows, they may change their mind. We hope Philips sees the light at one point.

Philips announces new 21:9 LCD TV line coming soon

Philips announced a 56-inch Cinema 21:9 LCD TV (the same aspect ratio used in movie theaters) on Thursday. and Philips’ Ambilight background lighting as well for the best, brightest picture. Oddly, it wasn’t announced at CES 2009 which recently concluded (the ideal place to announce a fancy gadget like this), but in a press release today.

The aspect ratio is designed to duplicate theater dimensions exactly, though there is no 21:9 direct content available, so it won’t be fully supported yet (the highest DVD ratio available is 16:9), so being first on the bandwagon isn’t always the best thing. 

Philips hasn’t released any exact specs on the set (those are coming in late February), and pricing hasn’t been released yet (hint: it won’t be cheap). The unit will measure 56 inches and include Philips’ Ambilight background lighting technology to adjust to the lighting environment for best viewing. The actual unit should be released in Spring 2009 or so and be available to adorn your living room.

Philips 42″ 1080p LCD HDTV for only $797, free shipping

Here’s a really great deal from a place that usually offers really good deals, Wal-Mart. This holiday in particular seems to be a really impressive season for amazing HDTV deals from all manner of stores.

How about a Philips 42″ Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV for $797, with free Site to Store shipping. Specs include: 3 HDMI connections, 20-watt stereo amplifiers built-in, 29,000:1 contrast ratio, 5ms response time, removable stand, and excellent overall reviews (4 1/2 star average) on the site.

This may be just the ticket for someone who wants to dive into HD but doesn’t have the money for the really super fancy models (some of which may look about the same as this one anyway). Great deal.

Expiration isn’t stated but its assumed when they run out of stock, that will be the end of this offer. You can purchase the TV here.

Philips 42″ LCD 1080P HDTV – free shipping – $899

Holy price drop, Batman! This is probably one of the better deals we’ve seen: The Philips 42″ LCD with 5ms response time, 29,000:1 Contrast Ratio, and 1080P Full HD built in, $899 shipped. Limited time thing, no doubt.

Link here:
Philips 42PFL3603D/27

More proof that prices are sinking lower and lower as the holidays approach.

Full HD 1080P With The Philips 52″ 52PFL3603D/27

Philips 52″ Full HD 1080P LCD HDTV with Built-in Tuner, 52PFL3603D/27

Wal-Mart has a great deal on this 52 inch Philips HDTV. For under $2000 you get 1920x1080p resolution and Pixel Plus HD which really brings out picture details and brings depth and clarity to on-screen images like you wouldn’t believe. The response time is quick – 5 miliseconds – which makes it a perfect for hard-core gamers. The sheer size of the screen combined with it’s response time makes it a gamer’s dream at a very reasonable price. In fact this really is the sweet spot of the market where price meets performance.

This Philips set receives conventional analog broadcasts and digital broadcasts including HDTV programs and where available ATSC and QAM tuner. You can connect to all your other media devices using its 3 HDMI inputs and also gets a respectable 3000:1 contrast ratio that will support dark blacks and bright whites in addition to a spectacularly rich full spectrum of colors.

Additional features that round out this great value for a TV with a great price point.

• Viewing angle: 160 (H)/160 (V)
• 3/2 – 2/2 motion pull down
• 3D Combfilter
• Active Control + Light sensor
• Dynamic contrast enhancement
• Progressive Scan
• Equalizer: 5-bands
• Output power (RMS): 20W
• Dolby Digital (AC-3)
• Built-in speakers: 2
• VESA wall mount compatible: 400 x 400 mm

Philips 52″ Full HD 1080P LCD HDTV with Built-in Tuner, 52PFL3603D/27

Philips 42PFP5332D/37 42″ Plasma HDTV

Philips 42PFP5332D/37 Plasma HDTV

For a superior quality plasma television you can always expect Philips to include everything you that you could want and more than you expect when it comes style and picture quality. The 42PFP5332D/37 has a USB port for connecting your camera, portable media player or even your computer for sharing audio, video and still pictures. This 42″ plasma has built-in analog and digital tuners, so you can receive both signals without worrying about next year’s television switch to digital. You’ll be viewing the ultimate combination of sharpness, color and smooth motion in great detail thanks to Pixel Plus 3 HD, and it comes with Virtual Dolby Surround so you’ll hear cinema-style sound without the need for rear speakers. The Philips 42PFP5332D/37 Plasma HDTV offers all of this and more with plug & play installation to add a new component, so you’ll have more time to watch tv without any technical problems.

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