Is Ambilight worth having?

[Miker]

The advert for the Philips9604 TVs shows a wall behind the TV lit up with a red/blue glow, depending on th screen image which seems a bit offputting to me. Presumably the Ambilight feature mimics the colour range on the screen. What I'm wondering is how this improves the picture and whether it is worth having, and paying the premium price for.

 

[ElectroMan]

It's a good idea to have some ambient light behind/near the television if you're watching in a dark room, to avoid eye strain.

I've not seen Ambilight in the flesh/metal, but if the glow changes colour that could be a bit distracting!

 

[kena]

Only seen it in Comet so not in a home environment but think it was good tho It is at a premium - DIY strip light would give a similar effect tho not the colour change of the new Ambilights.

 

[Messiah]

With some LED lighting I think it looks quite good and makes the image on the screen stand out more....it does not change colour though...

 

[Miker]

I never watch TV in a dark room. At night we always have the room light on, so perhaps it would not serve any purpose for me.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Miker. I have an Phillips 42PFL7603D and I think its fantastic. The colour changing is the exact opposite of distracting as it really draws you into whats on screen. It only really does this if youre watching in the dark or really dim light though. The picture quality is excellent,especially with HD content fron Virgin V+ box. I cant wait to get a Blu Ray player too hook up. Standard definition is excellent aswell.

Can you get just as good quality for less without ambilight? Probably, but I think the ambilight and the styling of the set are worth the little extra outlay.

Another thing worth mentioning is the excellent remote control.It is really solid and great to use.

 

[Miker]

I'm interested in a 32" TV, or 37" if I win the argument with my wife. I will wait a bit longer until the Philips 9604 range is in the shops.