With the 36in muzzle all but removed from the LCD market, even mainstream brands are stretching out and pushing 40in and over. Prices are currently high, but the picture performance of LCD has improved exponentially, largely due to the introduction of proprietary processing software.

Philips is keen to take the flatscreen market by the horns; its Pixel Plus 2 image-booster, with aesthetic improvements provided by the firm's Ambilight feature, make a formidable combination. Ambilight is a very clever application of design technology: dual strips of light behind the display provide a gentle backlight, occasionally pulsing in sympathy with the on-screen content.

The concept isn't new (backlighting your home cinema screen has been recommended since the early days of the Imaging Science Foundation), as it reduces viewing fatigue and subjectively improves contrast. The fact that it also looks exceptionally cool is a bonus.

Indeed, aesthetics are at the forefront of the entire package. The screen is slightly less of a looker than its plasma cousin, but the build quality is high and the appearance classy. A novel feature, which also goes some way to justifying the price, is the choice of a wall-mount or stand to put the screen on.

The pros and cons of plasma and LCD have been covered at length, with each claiming positive ground over the other. But it's rare for one manufacturer to pitch the rival technologies side by side in its own range.

Of the two, Philips' plasma screen currently boasts the most competitive price, but this LCD titan has some unique charms. The technology behind the 42PF9986 goes some way to justifying the investment. The panel's WXGA resolution means that it's high-definition compatible, but this comes with one unfortunate caveat. As with other Philips screens, it lacks the component inputs common on the US version of the product; the only high-quality route into the screen is DVI.

This may be great for the latest DVD players, but it's not helpful for those who use high-def Xbox and D-Theater sources. Three Scarts are welcome, but I'd gladly have dropped one for the inclusion of component, particularly when you consider that this screen would be a good match for Sky's proposed HDTV service, which will almost certainly only be available via a component connection.