Philips 32PW8806 Review

Overall Rating

Superb picture when it was working, lifelike colours and excellent contrast.

-Slight geometry problem on upper left portion of screen

-TV died after only 3 years (less than 2 years actual use as it had been in storage for a year)

Purchased our Philips 32PW8806 October 2001 (unknown what model it's uk version was designated). Picture quality was great apart from minor geometry problem in the uppper left hand corner of the screen. I was never game enough to fiddle with the service menu, although I did get the local TV technician to have a look, unfortunately he was a hopeless and said I would just have to put up with it. It wasn't a major deal in general viewing anyway.

This year I've become aware of major problems with the current Philips widescreen tv's. The local retailer has recently had several 32 inch pixel plus models that have developed faults, namely a whacking great red blotch in the centre of the screen. A search on the internet reveals this is a common occurence with the Philips widescreens.

I was relieved that my TV was functioning well, and assumed it was the later models that had the fault. Ominously in the last couple of months my wife commented that the tv seemed to be taking a long time to form a picture when first switched on, then two days ago the TV pooed itself. The TV started to make loud cracking noises then the screen started flashing bright white. It was turned off and now won't switch on - it goes into some sort of standby/protective mode I assume - the standby light flashes continuously.

Typically the tv is out of warranty but fortunately NZ does have some consumer protection laws, although I suspect it will involve a protracted argument with Philips. The retailer has been good thus far (they're coming around to pick up the TV to be checked out by a servcing co. tomorrow) but time will tell.

After what I've read on the internet and heard from others I won't be tolerating a replacement tube (if indeed that is the problem) or another Philips TV.

For a NZ$4,000 TV to break down like that after 3 years is absolute rubbish. My 10 year old 29 inch Mitsubishi has never missed a beat, likewise a 12 year old Sony. I will never buy another Philips TV - do yourself a favour and do likewise.