TV Reviews: Philips 40PFL5605H and LG 50PK350

Today's TV reviews feature not one but two brand new televisions.  First up is the Philips 40PFL5605H, whose 40'' screen has traditional backlighting and also comes in 32'', 46'' and 52'' versions.  The second is an affordable plasma from LG, the 50PK350.

To start us off, Philips has taken the 2010 version of its 5000 series TVs and made a few adjustments.  The IPS display has been replaced by ASV technology from Sharp, which has narrower viewing angles but better contrast.  The manufacturer has also added a filter that smoothes out rapid movements and a 100 Hz mode, both of which were conspicuous by their absence on the previous models.  For everything else on the Philips 40PFL5605H, though, you'll have to make do with the bare minimum.

At the same time, LG has done it again with a large plasma TV at an excellent price in the shape of its 50PK350.  We thought that the LG 50PK790 represented great value for money when we reviewed it a few months ago, but LG has gone one better with another 50''--and this time it costs under £600!  There's no need to beat about the bush: for this price, LG has clearly stripped its costs back to a bare minimum.  We'll need to take a closer look to see if the penny pinching as had an effect on its overall performance.

> Test: Philips 40PFL5605H

> Test: LG 50PK350

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