Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059

The Xtra / PML9019 / PML9059 / PML9009 / PML9049 / AMBILIGHT TV

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

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Panel type: LCD VA | Brand: PHILIPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Titan OS | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

6.8

Overall rating

Philips PML 9009 is the top LCD television from the manufacturer, featuring Mini LED backlighting. The device itself boasts excellent build quality, a stylish remote, and the manufacturer's exclusive multicolour Ambilight backlighting. In terms of picture quality, one could note a slight downside regarding black levels and contrast, which, to be honest, are not among the best and do not deliver as deep and vivid an image as seen in televisions from similar price ranges. However, it is worth mentioning that thanks to good algorithms responsible for the picture, its tonal quality was quite satisfactory. Therefore, the relatively low brightness of the display is well masked here and, with the implementation of Dolby Vision technology, allows access to the world of HDR content. What definitely deserves attention is the fluidity of transitions, which were truly outstanding and better than in some significantly more expensive units. The greatest advantage of this television is its performance in gaming. One cannot say a bad word about this aspect as the television truly shines here and will surely satisfy every user. The motion smoothing system is also one of those things for which the television deserves praise. With two sliders, the effect of which is noticeable at each position, every user can find the best degree of smoothness for themselves. Therefore, it can be confidently stated that when choosing a television for sports, one can point to PML9009 Philips as an excellent candidate. Although the TitanOS operating system is currently in the development phase and lacks a significant number of applications, we do not believe that the manufacturer will do nothing in this regard.

Advantages

Very good tonal quality of scenes exceeding the capabilities of the television
Well-functioning dynamic tone mapping feature
Colour reproduction after calibration
Functionality after connecting to console/PC

Disadvantages

Significant halo/bloom effect
Poor viewing angles
The TitanOs system is not as developed as the competition
Average contrast and black levels

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.4
Classic TV, YouTube

6.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

6.6
Gaming on console

8.5
TV as a computer monitor

8.6
Watching in bright light

6.1
Utility functions

6.0
Apps

7.0
Sound quality

6.7

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

6.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 75 (15 x 5)

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

132,000:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

16,550:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

14,450:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

7,850:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

6,650:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Philips PML9009 is equipped with a high-contrast VA panel. While it doesn’t deliver as deep and vivid an image as OLED televisions, it is still a much better solution for home cinema compared to IPS/ADS panels. The measured static contrast (without local dimming activated) of 6000:1 is considered very good and allows the Mini LED backlighting implemented in the tested television to shine. The results of the contrast and black measurement, as you can see for yourself, are not among the highest, and the only scene where the television exhibited satisfactory results was from the movie "Oblivion," where the unit deserves praise for its light separation, which is not such an obvious thing even in much more expensive models. We should also add that all tests were conducted at medium dimming power, as the lowest option provided unsatisfactory black levels, while the highest one lost significant detail. Unfortunately, our standard testing procedure with the film "Sicario 2" did not go as well as hoped. Yes, all the details in the second and third planes are very visible, but due to the operation of local dimming, the overall tonal balance was severely disrupted, not to mention the strong halo effect around the bright elements of the helicopter.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Brightness measurement

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

548 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

550 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

824 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

491 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

582 nit

Philips PML9009 doesn't really operate at the highest values in HDR materials. Most effects with brightness around 550 nits won't leave us thrilled with the lighting effects, although they are quite stable, which is a plus, and a considerable difference can be felt between SDR materials. It's worth noting that we can achieve a good result only in one scenario, that is in the film "Gemini," where the flashlight as the sole light source can really shine. Why in this scene? The answer is quite simple. The scene itself doesn't have a large amount of black, and the flashlight isn't as large an object as the sun in the first and last scenes. Overall, the brightness measurement results in HDR materials aren't a solid basis for recommending this television for viewing productions that use a wide color gamut. However, it's worth mentioning that this model can cover it in a not too bad 93% degree in the case of the DCI-P3 palette.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

After conducting measurements of contrast, black levels and brightness, it was time to check how the tested television performs in films and series in the context of reflecting the director's vision. Despite unpromising results in the brightness test, Philips PML9009 performed exceptionally well in the film "Pan," which is mastered to around 2800 nits. Although there is a noticeable dimming of the image, the tonal quality and contrast of the scene were maintained in a more than satisfactory manner. This is attributed to the default tone mapping in the television and, of course, the calibration process itself. We must admit that in this case, the PML9009 pleasantly surprised us. Moving on to a scene that is less bright but more challenging due to the combination of high brightness and deep black, from the film "Billy Lynn," we found that while the scene is slightly less contrasty, it must be clearly stated that it is very good. The fact is that the black levels around the fireworks explosions are not inky, but importantly, they are uniform. In summary, the Philips PML9009 surprised us positively and we are even inclined to say that both test scenes look as the film director would have wished. It is also worth mentioning that although the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut is not record-breaking at 93%, the colours in the scenes were vibrant and there is nothing to criticise.

HDR luminance chart:

Despite the fact that the television Philips PML9009 performed very well in our film test sequence, it is also important to check its performance in another challenging scene, such as one with a lot of white. Such a scene with static metadata will only be accurately reproduced by those displays that have high luminance, which, as we know, the PML9009 lacks. This is evident when displaying content with HDR10, where the vast majority of details are lost, although it’s still not too bad due to the functioning of the dynamic tone mapping feature. This situation can be improved by providing a signal in Dolby Vision format, which, having dynamic metadata, adjusts the film or series to the capabilities of the television, virtually recovering everything that it lost.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

There’s no doubt many of you have watched a movie or series where you noticed transitions that should be a smooth blend between colours. That’s why during our tests we also pay attention to tonal transitions. Philips PML9009 performed quite well in this area with each of the scenes we prepared, and while there are certain elements here and there that could have been processed better, it’s still good overall. It’s particularly worth noting the scene from "The Green Knight," which is definitely the most challenging. For the tested television, it wasn’t a "killer" and there are no significant unwanted stutters visible in it.

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.2/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Judging by how PML9009 Philips handled tonal transitions, the image scaling test should perform just as well. This time, we are checking the TV’s algorithms responsible for enhancing the quality of images that were recorded in lower quality. Such images can be found, for example, in various TV shows or older films. In this regard, Philips PML9009 performs quite mediocrely and drastically blurs the image. This is particularly noticeable on fine branches or the model's hair.

Let’s revisit the issue of tonal transitions, which performed remarkably well. Within the unit, we will find several levels of smoothing. Even the lowest one can effectively eliminate any jerky tonal transitions and will be suitable for the vast majority of materials. More importantly, none of the settings for this function soften the effect of film grain, which is extremely important in terms of alignment with the director's vision. However, we would like to point out that sometimes it may turn out that fine details are blurred.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.7/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 0%

Philips PML9009 has been equipped with a panel that has a native refresh rate of 120 Hz. This is the essential minimum for watching all kinds of sports and is recommended for comfortable gaming in favourite titles on consoles or PCs. The manufacturer, for those who dislike the characteristic judder of footage recorded at 24 fps or those requiring a high degree of motion smoothness, such as when watching football matches, has prepared an effective system for improving the sharpness of moving images. In the dedicated tab, we will find a "Smoothness" slider responsible for eliminating judder and a "Motion Blur Reduction" setting that helps to increase the sharpness of dynamic elements. The function works very well and granularly, meaning each setting has a real impact on motion perception. With such a set, every user will find their sweet spot. In the picture, we present our choice, which is slight smoothing without the soap opera effect.

A matter directly related to motion is the response time of the pixels in the panel itself. The best in this regard are of course OLED panels, followed by units based on IPS and ADS screens, and lastly VA. Despite the generally good quality of the systems responsible for smoothening the image, the use of a VA panel carries consequences in the form of black smear behind fast-moving objects. Although in the tested television this should not occur frequently, it will be noticeable here and there.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 144Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: Yes
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

Philips PML9009, equipped with HDMI 2.1 connections with full bandwidth, supports all functions dedicated to gamers. The most basic ones, such as VRR and ALLM, are a given, but G-Sync, FreeSync, or playing in HDR Dolby Vision with low input lag are not. These features activate without any problems, and during the tests conducted, they presented no obstacles. Such preparation of the television is certainly its strong point, and it can be said that it is a unit dedicated to gamers. For more advanced users, we also mention that the PML9009 is equipped with the HGIG mode, which will be particularly felt by gamers, as there are still relatively few games that support Dolby Vision. This mode primarily allows for the adjustment of HDR effects to the capabilities of the television on a special board, to prevent dimming and burning of the image.

The television additionally implements a special menu - GameBar. This allows for editing unit settings "on the fly," meaning without having to exit the game. In it, we will also find functions such as activating a crosshair or black level correction for better visibility of opponents in shadows.

In a brief summary of this paragraph, the Philips PML9009 is a unit that will undoubtedly attract gamers' attention. Thanks to its versatility, it will allow for playing any title in the highest quality without compromises. Especially since features such as VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, or gameplay in HDR Dolby Vision will provide an even greater immersion in the favourite title.

Input lag

9.6/10

The results of input lag measurements in Philips PML9009 are impressive, regardless of the signal or resolution. All gamers will certainly appreciate the efforts of the manufacturer, which have led to a game running at 4K120Hz with HDR having only 8 ms of delay, which is practically undetectable even in online games. One should also not forget about the proper implementation of game mode with Dolby Vision, which can be praised for a similar response time of 16 ms.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 16 ms	2160p60: 16 ms	2160p60 DV: 32 ms
1080p120: 8 ms	2160p120: 8 ms
2160p60: 16 ms
2160p120: 8 ms

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 8ms

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Just like in games, the tested Philips PML9009 performs excellently in everyday use as well. Measured latencies of 8 ms allow for virtually instantaneous response between the mouse, screen, and eye. The correct implementation of chroma 4:4:4 enables working with text without any problems thanks to sharp fonts. The subpixel arrangement of the matrix is BGR, although this does not cause any discomfort when working on the Windows system. It may be different with other systems that may not be able to correctly convert text.

Viewing angles

2.6/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 83%

A commonly known drawback of VA panels that do not have an angle coating is their poor viewing angles. This time is no different. Even after a small shift off-axis, the image becomes washed out, and the colours undergo significant degradation.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.1/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

As far as the brightness of the TV itself in SDR content is good (let's face it, we watch movies in the evening or in the dark), the reflection suppression is at a rather average level. This is due to the satin finish of the panel, which is quite susceptible to all light sources and neither absorbs nor disperses them. However, it's worth noting that due to the quite high brightness in SDR content, the TV will overall perform fairly well in bright rooms, and certainly better than a large portion of OLED TVs.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059: 564 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: TPN248E_V248.003.025.151

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: Mini-LED QLED

TV features

6/10

System operacyjny: Titan OS
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
Recording programming: No
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: No
Voice search in native language: No
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): Infrared
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 TV features

Before we dive into the software that controls the television, it's impossible not to mention the biggest standout feature of the manufacturer's TVs. We're talking, of course, about the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting, which is placed on the back of the device and displays colours that adapt to what's happening on the screen, often allowing for an even greater immersion experience. The operating system responsible for the TV's functioning is Philips' proprietary system, charmingly named TitanOs. It is definitely more closed off and limited in terms of application resources compared to other TVs from the manufacturer that use GoogleTV. Besides the lack of essential applications, its closed nature also reveals itself in another way. We won't be able to perform such basic tasks as programming recordings or recording to USB. People using Apple devices may also feel disappointed by the lack of the AirPlay function, which allows for easy screen streaming. Fortunately, there is the option to connect a keyboard and mouse for more efficient navigation through the TV's menu. It's also worth mentioning that while the remote pairs via BT, it only works for voice selection in English. The rest operates via IR...

In summary: TitanOs has quite a few "buts," especially for those of us who are aware users needing and using multiple streaming platforms. It's more of an option for those limiting themselves to the so-called holy trinity: Netflix, YouTube, and CDA.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.2/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The default media player built into Philips PML9009 offers quite a wide range of capabilities but also has its limitations. It plays virtually all video formats except for .asf, which is not commonly encountered. However, there are issues with the lack of support for the H.265 HEVC codec at high bitrates and .sub files, which are quite popular. When it comes to photos, the player performs adequately, but it lacks support for some popular resolutions and formats, such as HEIC, which is used on Apple devices. The player handles audio the best, where it has no complaints. Unfortunately, due to system limitations, there is no possibility of function expansion, meaning we are left with what the manufacturer has prepared.

Apps

7/10

Sound

6.7/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

To begin with, it is worth noting that sound quality is a subjective matter. The built-in audio system in Philips PML9009 stands out with clear high tones, but the bass is quite flat and significantly worse than in competing models in the same price range.

Ambilight TV: A TV with built-in LED lighting behind the screen that reacts to what you watch, immersing you in a halo of colourful light.
P5 Perfect Picture Processor: Delivers a picture as perfect as your favourite entertainment, with noticeably greater depth of detail and vibrant colours.
Quantum Dot Mini-LED Technology: Guarantees a bright, detailed image with sharp contrast, offering more colours than ever before.
TITAN OS Smart Platform: Allows you to quickly and easily find your favourite shows and recommendations from the best streaming services.
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: Provide cinematic picture and sound, offering realistic visual effects and spatial audio.
Support for all major HDR formats: Ensures more detail in dark and bright areas of the image.
Amazing gaming: With a refresh rate of 120 Hz, very low latency, VRR and FreeSync, it offers smooth and responsive gameplay.
Sustainable materials: The remote is made from recycled plastic, with responsible packaging and compliance with ecological standards.
Easy connection to smart home networks and voice assistants: Compatibility with Matter and Control4 allows integration with existing smart home setups.
Philips Wireless Home Set with DTS Play-Fi Technology: Enables easy connection to compatible soundbars and wireless speakers throughout the home.

Philips PML9009 – innovation in high-end LCD TVs

Philips PML9009 is a TV that stands out from the competition due to its use of Mini LED technology and distinctive Ambilight backlighting. This model, available in the version Philips 55PML9059, offers a stylish design and excellent build quality, making it a perfect choice for those who value aesthetics in TV equipment. In Philips 55PML9059 test, we noted the exceptional fluidity of motion and excellent reproduction of tonal transitions, which distinguishes this model in its class compared to other TV tests.

Ambilight and advanced technologies

One of the most important features of Philips PML9009 is the unique multi-colour Ambilight backlighting that enhances the experience when watching movies and playing games. The Philips PML9059 features advanced algorithms that improve picture quality, ensuring high levels of tonality and colour reproduction. While the black and contrast could be better, Dolby Vision technology compensates for these shortcomings, allowing you to fully enjoy HDR content. In the Philips 55PML9059 test, we also appreciated the good masking of display brightness limitations.

Perfect for gaming and sports

PML9009 is a television designed with gamers in mind. The Philips 9059 has exceptionally low input lag that ensures fast response times, crucial for real-time gaming. The motion smoothing system, equipped with two adjustable sliders, allows you to tailor the smoothness to your personal preferences. As a result, Philips 55PML9059 is an ideal solution not only for gaming but also for watching sports. During the Philips 55PML9059 test, this aspect was rated as one of the device's greatest advantages.

Modern operating system

Philips PML9009 operates on the evolving TitanOS operating system. Although it currently lacks some applications, the manufacturer is systematically developing its platform. The Philips 55PML9059 is a television that combines modern design with functionality, offering exceptional capabilities for demanding users.

Philips 9059 is a choice that will meet the expectations of both gaming and sports enthusiasts. Choose Philips PML9059 to enjoy motion fluidity, Ambilight technology, and exceptional visual experiences at the highest level.

Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Philips PML9009 – innovation in high-end LCD TVs

Ambilight and advanced technologies

Perfect for gaming and sports

Modern operating system