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The best gets better with Philips' new Pixel Plus 2 picture technology (8/6/2004)

The best picture quality of any TV set currently available and near high-defintion on screen images are being promised with the launch of two new flat panel LCD sets - 32" 32PF9986 and 42" 42PF9986 Ð which mark the debut of Philips Pixel Plus 2 and unique Ambilight' technology.

Pixel Plus 2 greatly improves upon its hugely acclaimed predecessor with the new version offering an exclusive combination of 17 digital picture improvements to create sharper, more detailed pictures than any other image-enhancing technology. Despite being optimised for flat panel LCD and plasma displays, Pixel Plus 2 is fully compatible with any picture technology and works with any input source.

Significant improvements have been made to sharpness and resolution with Pixel Plus 2 producing near high-definition standard pictures from standard definition broadcasts. The sub-pixel based Luminance Transient Improvement (LTI) is more sophisticated than its original version and not only increases the number of lines and pixels per line to match the resolution of a panel - boosting resolution - but also changes the luminance value of each pixel. As a result pixels fuse more accurately with surrounding ones, producing sharper image transients, greater detail and better depth to the picture. The entire video chain also uses unique fully-digital 10-bit processing, which helps to produce cleaner image quality as fewer A/D and D/A conversion steps are required in the chain.

Thanks to Dynamic Contrast, Pixel Plus 2 delivers an improved contrast ratio of up to 30 per cent and this is achieved by making both dark areas of the picture darker and bight portions whiter Ð all without impeding on detail levels. In addition positive or negative gamma correction is respectively applied to brighter and darker areas to unveil further detail.

Image quality is enhanced further with Pixel Plus 2 employing the world's most advanced Digital Noise Reduction system. The 32PF9986 and 42PF9986 also utilise a 3D digital combfilter which works to completely remove noise, smearing and dot crawl, ensuring that pictures appear supremely natural and detailed. Also, as part of Philips' Active Control, the amount of noise present on standard objects is first measured 50/60 times a second and the level of 2D and 3D DNR applied varies depending on the amount of noise that is measured.

Digital Natural Motion is again present and works in conjunction with Pixel Plus 2 to reduce judder. By using images in the digital memory DNM measures and estimates the motion speed and direction of an object, creating new fields with corrected motion positions.

Another addition is Colour Transient Improvement Plus and this enhances colour transients in a similar way to LTI. Small pre and after colour shoots are created for the luminance signal, eradicating de-saturation around object outlines and producing more vivid colours which helps to create a sharper and crisper picture in general. In addition, Colour Dependent Sharpness, Green Enhancement, Blue Stretch and Skin Tone Correction enhance colour reproduction to produce sharper, more vivid colours and extremely natural skin tones.

All of these powerful video processes are linked to Philips' Active Control which measures and adjusts each of the parameters and even ambient light in real time. To measure ambient light levels, Pixel Plus 2 uses Auto Ambient Light Adaptation which adjusts contrast, dynamic contrast and colour settings once the level is established.

The viewing experience is further improved by Ambilight' technology, which has been scientifically measured and tested to improve picture quality and contrast. Developed by Philips Lighting and Philips Research, Ambilight' projects light from the rear of the panel and helps to reduce eye-strain and provide a more releaxed viewing experience as the impact of glare and on-screen reflections is diminished. As Ambilight' also delivers constant levels of light output, you don't have to strain and adjust your eyes to cope with differing ambient levels.

There are two active and one manual preset modes which allow 64 million and one million colour variations respecitvely. Conveniently, the brightness, contrast and colour can all be adjusted from the remote control to suit requirements and match the colour scheme of your room. And when the television is turned off, the lighting can still be left on to create a unique ambience in the room.

Both the LCD panels are also the first from Philips to utilise built-in NXT Monolith speakers which have been developed so that the outer surface of the TV cabinet is the actual speaker membrane, allowing the speakers to remain virtually invisible.

Connectivity is generous and the 32PF9986 and 42PF9986 boast DVI input for the best possible digital picture quality. Attractively designed, the 32PF9986 and 42PF9986 are on sale for approximately £2999 and £5999 respectively.

www.philips.com