Compare Prices : Philips 37PF5521D

Review summary: And so to our plasma contender - a TV which, at just £800, is comfortably the cheapest set in this group test. But, um, actually the price doesn't seem all that surprising when you see the 42PF5521D in action…

Pros: Very cheap, standard definition pictures OK

Cons: Average black levels, below par colours, dithering over skin tones

Review summary: A 42 in plasma for £650? Bargain? Um, no.

Verdict: Once upon a time many years ago the 42PF5521D's performance might have been acceptable on a budget product. But today, with new plasmas from Panasonic and especially Pioneer setting new performance benchmarks on what feels like an almost weekly basis, ...

Review summary: The Panasonic is cheap but it is hampered by several unpleasant flaws

Pros: Attractive price

Cons: Picture colour tones, Black level response

Verdict: Also very disappointing is the 42PF5521D's black level response, which leaves shadowy areas of the picture looking hollow and dark backdrops looking grey rather than black. As Larry (Ben Stiller) confronts Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) about the ...

Review summary: Has Philips produced the LCD bargain of the year, or do you get what you pay for?

Verdict: We perfectly understand that Philips has had to make compromises with the 37PF5521D to hit its eye-catchingly low price point. The problem is simply that the compromises affect performance too deeply to make the TV an easy recommendation, especially ...