Philips Magnavox TP2785C 27" TV

The built-in stereo sound system includes an MTS/SAP decoder with dbx noise reduction to eliminate hiss and high-frequency interference. The pair of 5-inch full-range speakers deliver cinematic sound. SmartSound Plus instantly optimizes the audio of all your favorite programs and broadcasts with four different custom settings (movie, music, voice, and personal) and bass, treble, and balance combinations. SmartSound also keeps consistent volume levels between programs and commercials, and from one channel to another.

The Philips TP2785C has an eight-channel surf memory so you can scan your most-watched stations instead of randomly flipping through the channels. The set also has an S-Video input, and three sets of audio-video jacks, which allow fast and easy connection of external video sources, such as a VCR, camcorder, or video game system. You can also label the audio-video inputs with their respective source names (VCR, DVD, SAT, Game, A/V 1). Other features include closed captioning, muting, a programmable sleep timer (240 minutes), a universal remote control (with batteries), and V-chip parental control.

Philips Magnavox provides a warranty of one year on parts and 90 days on labor.

The picture is AMAZING, but . . . the first one we got had a crooked picture. That is, the picture was off the left side of the screen, and the right side of the picture was higher (by about an inch) than the left side. Consequently, if you were watching something with text, some of the text would be cut off in certain areas of the picture. We exchanged it and the second one had the same problem. (right side of picture higher than left side of picture) But this one wasn't as bad, and didn't cut off any text, so we decided we could live with it.

Other than that, it's by far the best picture I've seen on any TV.

One thing that's kind of annoying is that the universal remote doesn't seem to work with anything but this one particular TV. It will not control either of our VCRs (one is 4 years old, the other is about six months old, both major brands). Most troubling is that the Philips remote will not control a *current model Philips DVD player* (DVD 711), even though a specific code for controlling Phillips DVD players is listed in the owners manual for the TP2785C. So I guess it's not surprising that it won't control JVC or Sony VCRs, if it can't even control equipment made by the same company!

Another nasty surpise is that it does not have variable audio outputs, even though the owner's manual clearly suggests that it does. That is, according to the owner's manual, you can control the volume level of the audio output jacks with the TV remote control. They even have a pretty picture demonstrating how to do this. According to philips, it is a "typo". (some typo!)

A real contrast control would be a nice touch. Their idea of contrast control is "on or off", not variable. So you either like the contrast that they choose for you, or you learn to live with it. Luckily, they didn't do too bad in adjusting the contrast at the factory.

Before someone gets the wrong idea, I'm pretty happy with this TV. The picture quality alone is worth every penny I paid for it. Hook it up to a DVD player through the S-Video input. Properly adjusted, the picture is simply awesome.

If you buy one though, check the picture CAREFULLY to make sure you didn't get a crooked one. Apparently, quality control at Philips could use some improvement.


For the Money this is a Great Set.   July 22, 2001
Allan M. Gathercoal (Norcross, GA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I bought a 32" Philips Magnavox (TS3260C - see review) and found the TV to excel in everything that matters: Picture, Sound and Ease of Use. However, It was just to darn big for my townhouse. But I was sold on Philips Magnavox. I bought this 27" unit and found the size to be just right for a small living room and the quality of picture and ease of use about the same - very good. The sound is good but not up to the 32" level but then the price was about [price]less. I have had NO problems with the set. Recommended.


Okay after repair   April 9, 2001
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

I was disappointed when I first turned it on and heard a buzzing sound coming out of the back. It comes with 90 day labor so I called the local Philips repair center. The repairman said the rear deflectors vibrate on all Philips TVs, especially this model. His fix was to glue them in place---which worked!

As for the picture quality, I can't tell since I don't have a DVD player. TV and VCR signals are pretty noisy to begin with. I tried hooking my computer up to it via the svideo port, but the picture quality was awful and gave me a headache after a few minutes of use. If you are a quality fanatic, note that this is a "Comb Filter" model, which supports 600 lines of resolution, not a "Digital Comb Filter" which supports 800 lines.

The universal remote can control my cable box, but, as others have noted, the Philips remote is awkward so I use the cable remote. PIP and other channel features are useless because the TV channel is always on channel 3 for the cable box.

The sound leveler is not very useful---it just reduces the dynamic range of the sound. No settings beyond on or off. Doesn't do anything fancy like detect commercials.


Great Television for Movies & DVD's   March 28, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This television also replaced a Zenith 27" color television that was put to rest after a houseguest watered my hanging plant over the back of the television-you can guess what happened. Anyway this Philips television plays dvd movies and cable tv movies with a great picture and sound. But it seems the reds are more like pinks, and the color does not stay the same from channel to channel. But I can live with it.