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The original 21:9 was so nearly a brilliant TV, but was let down by a somewhat plasticky design and bog-standard CCFL lighting system. Philips has addressed those issues and brought full HD 3D into the mix. The result? A brilliant TV.
We liked
The three-sided Ambilight and the 21:9 format combine to make watching widescreen movies a real immersive experience. 3D movies are presented with visual pop and little in the way of crosstalk.
It's neatly designed and full of features. Even the remote control and the TV's audio performance deserve plaudits.
We disliked
The absence of a Freeview HD tuner takes some getting used to, and the TV is also a little bit chunkier than some of its rivals. Ambilight doesn't suit 3D playback. There's no 2D-3D conversion technology on board.
Final verdict
Philips' Cinema 21:9 platinum is undoubtedly the most technologically advanced screen you can buy and challenges Samsung's UE55C9000 as the most desirable. It takes superb pictures, boasts solid audio and extensive features and wraps them in a gorgeous, uniquely-shaped frame.
Really, the only thing wrong with it is its lack of a Freeview HD tuner – but that doesn't stop it bagging full marks. It's not a question of should you buy one, it's just whether or not you can afford to.
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