Phillips LCD TV Comparison - Ambilight?

This is an article on the LCD TV comparison between 2 Phillips LCD TV. I have always been wondering whether I should buy a HDTV for my own room. However, besides wondering, from time to time, I'm also worrying that I will buy the wrong LCD TV. After some intensive research, I would like to share my knowledge in comparing LCD TV. Here, we will see what's the different between the features of these 2 Phillips LCD TV.

These two Phillips LCD TVs are of the same pixel resolution and size. The ultimate differences between these two Phillips LCD TVs are just the Ambilight feature and the price. In Amazon, after discount, the price for the Phillips LCD TV without Ambilight is $1304.99 while the price for the Phillips LCD TV with Ambilight is $1384.99. It is a difference of $80. Some people may think that, ok, since it is just $80 difference, I will just take the Phillips LCD TV with Ambilight feature because it sounds better. However, most of them, in fact, everyone of them does not know what is Ambilight.

So... What is Ambilight?

Basically, Ambilight is a special technology developed by Philips and I think only a handful of the high end Phillips LCD TVs use this technology. The Ambilight technology generates light around the LCD TV that correspond to the video content and hence creating better graphic and more immersive viewing experience. According to wikipedia, Philips even claims that the Ambilight technology can reduce eye strains.

So, what kind of Ambilight?

Do you know that Ambilight technology comes in many version? Most of the LCD TVs do not state what kind of Ambilight technology they are using.

Ambilight Mono or Ambilight 1 - same light effect at right and left, no light effect at top and bottom

Ambilight Stereo or Ambilight 2 - right and left have different light effect, no light effect at top and bottom

Ambilight Surround or Ambilight 3 - right, left and top have different lighting effects, bottom has no effect

Ambilight Full Surround or Ambilight 4 - right, left, top and bottom have different effects

Ambilight Spectra - the most powerful Ambilight technology developed by Phillips. But, the problem is... I can't see much difference.

All in all, to be honest I do not find much difference between ambilight or no ambilight. Human eyes have their limitation, however technology has no limitation at all. Technology has been advancing rapidly, from 720p to 1080p today. However, do you think that our eyes can spot such small differences? I highly doubt it. So, I will choose a lower end product of the Phillips LCD TV or other cheap LCD TVs and save myself a couple of bucks.

P/S : If you are looking for Phillips Plasma TV comparison, you can have a look with my hubs. Besides Phillips Plasma TV, there are other LCD TV comparions such as Samsung flat screen TV, westinghouse LCD TV, Polaroid LCD TV etc.