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Features
CD-RW and CD-R playback.
Dolby Digital and DTS output.
TruSurround virtual sound.
Real Flat 68cm picture tube.
30W RMS stereo output
Pros
Integrated entertainment set-up.
Simplicity of use and operation.
Multiple disc format playback.
Full Digital format capability.
Cons
Servicing could be compromised.
Ratings
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Distributor
Philips Electronics
Tel: 1300 363 391 |
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Philips 29PT6961
Integrated DVD player and large screen television
Recommended retail price: $1999
(inc. GST)
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Reviewer: Richard Morgan
Philips has eyed the synergy between DVD and television. Identified a niche in a rapidly expanding entertainment at home market and developed a product that offers what could be described as the best of both worlds by combining a DVD player with television.
The product has not surprisingly been called Digital-TV or the 29PT6961 DVD-TV for people who like numbers. This new direction in entertainment technology design features a top flight DVD source (Philips has been a strong player in the stand alone DVD player market) and s large screen real flat tellie. It's a fully integrated solution in that's easy to use and aesthetically attractive in situ.
Philips appears to be aiming the DVD-TV at convenience markets and people who like the quality and convenience of the DVD but not the fuss that can be associated with using it (citing 'family' use as an ideal situation for DVD-TV). It's also a cost effective option for people who want DVD and plan to upgrade their television to get the best results from the format.
The resulting product is a nicely integrated package with stunning looks. The only hint that there's something different and special is the disc drawer in the lower right corner of the television chassis. All DVD player circuitry is inside the cabinet, while the connection facilities are located at the rear with the television connectors Overall the aesthetics are very attractive and totally contemporary.
Using the DVD player is as simple as Philips promotes: just put in the disc and press play. I liked the 5-disc resume feature lets up to five separate discs be paused or stopped and the player then remembers precisely where these actions occurred and allows resumption at those points. It certainly made reviewing simple.
Connection to a surround sound system is as quick and uncomplicated as it gets (I used the digital outlet). The DVD-TV also includes Philips Incredible Picture, a package of picture enhancement technologies which work together to deliver lifelike images with natural colours and the sharp contrast.
The image enhancement system works very well indeed. Philips has always managed to create a natural and detailed picture with its televisions, and the Digital-TV upholds that tradition - it's truly excellent with good contrast, colour saturation (and adjustment options) and smooth edge-to-edge patina and a nice depth of information (mind you so much depends on the quality of production in the DVD you're viewing).
The DVD player section features 10-bit video and 24-bit audio DAC (digital-to-audio-conversion) and connectivity options include S-Video, composite video, and left and right stereo inputs and outputs, plus a full range of camcorder connection options. It plays DVD-Video, Video CD, audio CD, CD-RW and CD-R discs, making it a versatile piece of equipment.
A digital output allows connection to a digital multi-channel audio amplifier or receiver for the full utlilisation of DVD surround features and the unit is compatible with Dolby Digital and MPEG sound and DTS surround in a home theatre environment.
Alternatively you can use the television's in-built sound system. Philips calls this feature TruSurround virtual surround sound and has trademarked the nomenclature. The system is designed to enable the Digital-TV set to deliver a sonic experience that's similar to a five-speaker surround system and the enveloping sound field it generates - without the need for rear or centre speakers.
The sound system works as advertised but it's relative worth is definitely in the ears of beholders. It can't compete with even modest external surround sound systems and I recommend this option if you really want to enjoy DVD and maximise its potential. A number of manufacturers offer a type of pseudo surround system and they are fine for what they are, but in reality there's nothing like the real McCoy.
The Philips system is a good compromise though and even lets users play audio CDs via the speaker setup, so there's no immediate requirement to buy or use a separate hi-fi system and many people think this is a bit of a bonuys.
The only compromises as I see it with integrated products such as this are that if one or other of the component sections breaks down or requires servicing you lose the functionality of both sections while the problems are being fixed and, it's impossible to upgrade one component without either upgrading the other or making it redundant (and that could be quite cost ineffective).
Still, convenience is the keyword here and there's no doubt the Digital-TV provides that - and with a lot of icing on top. Setting-up the television is as simple as virtual all large screen televisions. The on-screen menu system is typically Philips. Most of the television's adjustments are optimally set at the factory and others are automatic, but there's still copious room to manually tinker to your hearts content - or optimise for varying viewing conditions.
The DVD-TV is ideal for people who want the convenience of DVD technology without the hassle or worry of connecting player to television or assembling more complex systems … "just press play" for instant DVD viewing. The Digital-TV can also (and very easily) form the source and viewing centre for a full home theatre system and as such is quite versatile.
The DVD-TV is a good idea very well implemented. If you want DVD power with convenience it's ideal.
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