Philips 32PW6515 Review

Overall Rating

Great styling
A cheapish 32inch flat screen

Bad geometry (pin cushion effect)
Red pixelation on high contrast change
Background hum, change channel pop.

I have had 2 PW6515 sets.

My original set suffered from a background hum and a pop when changing channels. The level of hum depends on the brightness shown on the screen. When running the sound through an external system (not using TV components for sound) the buzz disappeared - i.e. TV fault.

If there is a high contrast change - i.e. strobe effects in a film, areas of the screen will turn to red pixels for a brief period. This happens on all widescreen modes (all but 4:3 mode).

I had the set replaced. The replacement set had the same two faults but had the additional issue of having bad geometry (pin cushion effect).

I believe the red pixelation (very irritating once you notice it) is a design issue and not unique to my TV set. I would not recommend a Philips PW6515 to anyone.

Members' Comments onPaul.'s Review

• Aceis. on 7th Dec 2001

  I disagree with this review. After looking at several brands i found this one to be the best value for money. The picture quality is superb.

• Big Al. on 3rd Jan 2002

  I too have one of these sets. I have also had the red blocking (thought it was ITV Dig initially) and the low hum. Had the set replaced after 6 months (excellent service from Empire Direct) and touch wood, both issues have gone.
  Now it is a great looking set with a fantastic picture.

• Will. on 7th Feb 2002

  I've just bought the 28" version of the PW6515 and have also noticed the background hum with bright pictures. However it seems to be from the speakers rather than the screen. It also does the pop when changing channels. I'll be speaking to my dealer later today to see what they suggest. Having said that, the TV looks great and the picture quality is very good.

• Paul. on 11th Feb 2002

  I am the author of the original review.
  The 3rd set I had (replaced Nov 2001) did not have the red pixelation issue - the set was good. It seems Philips has sorted out the issue.
  One observation I do have about Philips is that they do not sell direct in the UK they only sell through distributors. Therefore they are totally unwilling to help regarding issues with any Philips products. Therefore make sure you purchase Philips goods from someone with a good returns policy.
  I still get a slight buzz from the TV. I have heard this is quite common with TV sets that have integral subwoofers. It is a very minor issue and since I use a sound processing system external to the TV and have the TV sound muted I do not have any issue.
  
  I had a horrible purchasing experience but am now happy with my TV - both style and picture.

• Wills. on 12th Feb 2002

  I commented about the 28" version of the PW6515 last week. My dealer promptly replaced the set due to the original sound problems. However the replacement had serious geometry issues with banana like curves at the top and right side of the picture and a 10 degree angle from vertical on the left side. In general the picture quality is also much poorer than the first set. The background hum was quieter but still noticeable. My dealer has again offered to replace the set, but I am now fed up and think I will simply go for something different. Possibly JVC? Shame really because if the build quality was better, it would be a great TV.

• John. on 8th Nov 2002

  I have had 2 of the 28inch sets as well and am now looking for a different make after 4 faults. The high contrast blocking problem seems to be a design fault. To check this, I created a video tape with white flashes on it and the retailer tried it on every set before it went out and they all had the fault! I have noticed that the sets in other the local shops also have this fault. You may not notice this fault a first, but once you do it becomes very irritating. Another common fault is where the TV switches to the AV input by itself. My set also displayed the letters S.D.M. and turned itself off... Having had it repaired 3 times, finally it will not now turn on at all. I am very concerned about the long term reliability of these sets and therefore want to change.

• Paulbsr. on 22nd Jan 2003

  I just purchased a 32PW6515. I suffer from the "red pixalation" and "geometry" but not the "Hum". I'm dealing with my retailer now and am going to engage Phillips directly about this.

• paul mcC. on 31st Jan 2003

  I had bought 32PW6515 model back in March 2002 and by September the TV was having problems handling any sort of explosion or strobe effects, that irritating hum and pretty bad picture distortion. After 3 attempted repairs and some of the worst customer service I have ever seen I finally got the set replaced. I now have the 32PW6506 model which touch wood, is working perfectly can't hear any hum at all and the picture is great. Definitely wouldn't go for a Philps product again.