Easy on the eye

When choosing a new television, most of us take a close look at the clarity of the images. But research has shown it's not just what's on the screen that matters the light surrounding the set can also make a difference to our viewing.

To improve the experience, Philips has introduced a new product on several of its new televisions. Philips Ambilight¢ is designed to create a more relaxed viewing environment, which helps to reduce eye strain.

Ambilight projects background light from the rear of the set onto the wall behind it the colours of the light automatically changing to reflect the image on screen. Philips AV marketing manager Jane Waddel says the result is a blending of the image into your home decor.

"This improves the perceived picture quality in terms of contrast, colours and detail," she says. "The reduced eye strain is explained by the fact that Ambilight creates a more favourable relationship between the picture, the immediate surroundings, and the overall wall luminance."

Waddel says recent research shows that under typical home cinema viewing conditions, Ambilight reduced eye strain in 60% 70% of the test subjects, depending on the Ambilight setting and the nature of the programme material.

Ambilight is available in two Philips LCD Flat TVs, and two Plasma Flat TVs.

To complement this initiative, Philips has also introduced a second-generation hard drive DVD recorder, the DVDR520H. This hard drive expands on the abilitiesof its predecessor, the HDRW720. An 80GB hard disk allows up to 100 hours of TV recording.

The DVD has a three-hour Flexitime buffer, which allows you to pause live television or watch the beginning of a programme while the end is still recording.

With its streamlined silver finish, the DVD is designed to complement other Philips audiovisual products and fit with contemporary room settings.

For further information, contact Philips New Zealand, freephone 0800 477 999. Or visit the website: www.philips.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas