Philips 42PFL7666 Pro Reviews

Overall, the Philips 42PFL7666 is a solid proposition. Image quality is good – once you’ve mastered the copious image processing modes – and the smart net portal is well stocked. Indeed, the Series 7000 screen is idiosyncratic but classy nonetheless.

For most of the time, the 42PFL7666 is a great TV for its money. Bright scenes look rich, punchy and sharp, especially with HD sources, and its 3D pictures are arguably the best we’ve seen from a passive 3D set. A rather average black level response prevents the set from earning an unreserved recommendation, but when the 42PFL7666 is good, it really is very good indeed.

Philips’ attempt at a highly polished, zeitgeisty TV ends-up being mostly about excellent picture quality, with heavy focus on the networking and online features. Its online video service isn’t engaging, enough save for BBC iPlayer. The other networking skills are inconsistent, but the 42PFL7666 remains a great value option for anyone after top-notch 2D and 3D pictures.

It’s more highly polished on the outside than in, but this good value Edge LED TV has a new passive 3D system that's as easy on the eye as on the wallet. As well as using cheaper 3D specs and offering the unique Ambilight system, this telly exudes quality across the spectrum though lacks the refinement of other 'smart' TV's apps and user interfaces.

A great passive 3D TV, with all the usual high-end features and the bonus of AmbiLight

Ideal for a living room after both something a little bit special and the low maintenance passive 3D system, this sculpted aluminium effort is as good value as it is good looking. Equipped with Ambilight and other goodies including Freeview HD and a 'passive' Easy 3D mode that justifies its introduction by Philips, this Edge LED effort is a competent performer across-the-board whose lack of star quality pictures are explained in its low price.

These days most manufacturers have a simple, easy-to-understand schedule for launching new TVs: announce the year’s new range in January or February and start getting them into shops and out to reviewers in March and April. Whether by accident or design, Philips doesn’t follow that schedule. Despite being announced way back in March, this is in fact the very first of the company’s 2011 models to make it over to us. Better late than never, though, and the good news is that it’s a very good telly. In fact, in some ways it’s absolutely superb. Philips has been near the top of the pile in terms of flatscreen styling for a while now, and the 42PFL7666 continues the trend, thanks to a slim, brushed-metal bezel, thin profile and stalk-like pedestal.