New Ambilight ’s from Philips

Published January 7th, 2006 in CES, Philips

So this year, the new Philips Ambilight FlatTV comes in Full Surround, which seems to mean a four-sided model, with sizes ranging from 37 to 50 inches. The Full Surround uses lighting on all sides of the TV—and is liberally being called “surround-sight.” Prices start at $2299 and go to $3999. This is being introduced at the CES 2006.

The full version debuts on the 42PF9831D, a 42inch LCD set that will rive in July. The Ambilight surround is available on a 42inch LCD set – the 42PF9731D and 50inch plasma the 50PF9731 which are also slated for a July launch.

Ambilight

Ambilight is a unique feature from Philips that provides ambient light at tested levels in order to improve multiple aspects of the viewing experience. The soft-light emanating onto the wall surrounding the television has a number of benefits:
Philips ambilight 1 5 2 ambilight New Ambilight s from Philips

Improves the perceived picture detail, contrast and color
Enables relaxed viewing conditions
Establishes the TV set as a design element

What it is

Ambilight is an ambient lighting feature that projects a soft light onto the wall behind the TV. You choose from six preset colors and white tones, or it can be fully personalized using the custom settings. Or simply allow Ambilight adjust the backlight color based upon the action on the screen.

Benefits

Viewing TV in a darkened room, even for short periods, can cause eyestrain. This is because of the continuous adjustments that your eye must make as scenes change from dark to light. Providing a complementary light behind the set alleviates these extreme adjustments, resulting in more relaxed viewing. According to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the optimum level of ambient light should be less than 10% of the peak white output of the television. Ambilight provides this optimal level, never impeding on the action, only enhancing it. Additionally, glare and reflections are dramatically reduced because of the diminished effects of light striking the front of the set.
Philips ambilight 1 5 2 diagram New Ambilight s from Philips
The benefit of eliminating eyestrain is that your eye is able to see more. Significant improvements in perception of contrast, black level, and detail are enabled through Ambilight.