Test cnet.uk:
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/tvs/philips-c ... z13pcv1T6HPhilips' new Cinema 21:9 TV is both slimmer and larger than its predecessor. The screen now measures a massive 58-inches corner to corner. It also has a far superior backlight. While the original used somewhat uneven CCFL torches, the new model sports multi-segmented, full array LED illumination.
This means deep, dynamic blacks with Dubai-rich hues.
It doesn't take long to realise that the new screen also employs military grade picture processing. Its images are sharper, smoother and brighter than anything the brand has released before. In fact, it may have the brightest LED pictures we've seen to date -- thanks to a peak white boosting function dubbed by Philips boffins as Bright Pro.
Picture processing tweaks
The set's motion performance is outstanding. This new Cinema 21:9 set has the latest iteration of the brand's Perfect Pixel HD Engine, with 400Hz Clear LCD frame rate trickery.
More helpful are resolution bumps for low-bitrate internet video and standard def video. Proprietary Smart Bit enhancement and improved noise reduction add extra sheen and detail to internet video and those bit-starved Freeview channels.
Is this the best 3D TV yet?
Perhaps the biggest revelation is just how good 3D looks on the LED Cinema 21:9. We ran through a selection of 3D material and were knocked out by the clarity and brightness of its 3D images.
Philips has put a lot of effort into diminishing the problem of crosstalk (the double-imaging commonly seen on LCD screens). Its 3D images are also surprisingly bright.
The 21:9 aspect ratio of the set really seems to enhance 3D effects. With no black bars locking in the image, visuals look like they are about to spill over the edge of the bezel. A demo of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland looked sensational. The set's astounding image brightness and colour, and smoothly convincing 3D arguably made the film look better than it did at the cinema.
The set ships with two pairs of 3D goggles, which have been sourced from ExpanD. Unlike rival eyeware they don't need to be manually switched on. The specs automatically power up when they receive an activation code from the TV, triggered by any connected 3D source. Very clever!
Philips may be ploughing a lonely furrow with its Cinema 21:9 Platinum 3D screens, but film fans will be blown away by this update. We think it might even be good enough to convert the 3D cynics out there.