Philips 50PFT6550 – Sound Quality

We hadn’t expected much from the 50PFT6550 sonically on account of its exceptionally slim frame and rear. Actually, though, it doesn’t sound bad at all.

The set’s impressive build quality allows for the reproduction of solid amounts bass at one end of the spectrum and impressive treble detailing at the other. The mid-range in between the two audio extremes thus has a decent amount of headroom in which to operate, and as a result voices tend to sound believable while action scenes sound less flat and muffled than they often do on thin TVs.

Other Things to Consider

With its strikingly dynamic pictures and affordable price tag, the 50PFT6550 is a potentially excellent gaming monitor too. Using its Game setting, it takes around 40ms to render its pictures, which is slightly higher than the 20-30ms ideal. But this input lag measurement isn't as high as some rivals, and likely not high enough to cost you many deaths in reaction-based games.

image: http://img.tradeleo.com/img/201512/15/094157594.jpg

Should I buy a Philips 50PFT6550?

With any HD TV these days, the first question to ask yourself is whether you'll be happy with the lack of 4K resolution – especially given the amount of 4K content that’s finally going to roll into town in 2016.

Gamers will need to decide if 40ms is low enough input lag for their needs, and some AV aficionados may not like the 50PFT6550’s penchant for aggressive colours over absolute accuracy to the industry standards.

If you want less input lag and more standard-tracking images then have a look at Sony’s W805 series instead.

However, while the 50PFT6550 may not appeal to absolutely everyone, I'm in no doubt at all that to many consumers it will represent an excellent all-round TV at a decent price.

Related: Best 4K TVs 2015

Verdict

With excellent picture quality, first-rate design and build quality, and bang up-to-date smart features, the 50PFT6550 continues Philips’ rehabilitation on the UK TV scene in fine style.