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Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) is the latest twist on venerable LCD technology, and the latest twist in rear projection televisions. Claimed by some home theater fans to be easier on the eyes for long-term viewing than plasma display panels, LCoS offers flicker-free high resolution images without a visible pixel grid.

The 55PL9773 is Philips's flagship in a line of "Cineos" LCoS-based rear-projection high-definition monitors that offer large viewing areas and relatively shallow front-to-back depth. Cabinet proportions put LCoS sets almost exactly halfway between traditional RPTVs and true flat-panel displays. The 55" diagonal 55PL9773 measures only 17.4" front-to-back, allowing for more flexible placement than is possible with a big-box RPTV. The set can be table-mounted, installed in a cabinet, or used with an optional matching stand. An external HDTV tuner is needed to receive high-def programming.

Single-panel LCoS technology isn't subject to image burn-in, an artifact that can adversely affect plasma screen if they are used for static displays, such as websites or spreadsheets. The Cineos 55PL9773 is a true widescreen HDTV monitor with a native rate of 720p. Its "Pixel Plus" and "Digital Natural Motion" technologies are said by Philips to deliver better texture, image resolution and jitter-free motion than competing products. The LCoS display also has an automatic compensation feature called "Protective Screen Filter Active Control Plus" that responds to ambient light in the room more than 60 times per second, yielding the best picture instant-by-instant. Compared to the best flat-panels and front projectors, the Cineos line suffers only in the contrast ratio department, with a 400:1 specification.

The 55PL9773 features several video inputs including DVI with HDCP (high definition content protection), a 15 Pin DSUB port, and two sets of HD component inputs. It also has twin legacy video tuners for picture-in-picture operation and an inboard four-speaker/40-watt Dolby virtual surround system claimed to deliver an enveloping soundfield without rear speakers. The 55PL9773 retails for approximately $4200.