A cinema at home

As computers, mobile phones and electronic games get smaller ... the little box in the corner of the room is getting LARGER. In Bahrain 'the world's first cinema proportion television' has gone on display on the Philips stand at the Sharaf DG store in Bahrain City Centre. GulfWeekly film critic Charlie Holding investigates ...

I LIKE to consider myself a bit of an expert on what makes a movie great. Sometimes it's the plot, other times it's the special effects, but none of that means anything unless you're watching it on the big screen.

Usually when I review films for GulfWeekly, I pay a visit to the friendly folks at Seef Cinema or the Dana Cineplex and watch my movie of choice in comfort and style.

However, that may soon change after seeing the brand new Philips Cinema 21:9 LCD TV on display in a mall near you.

In fact the Sharaf DG store has set up a room dedicated to displaying the mighty box in a living room style-setting complete with two chairs and a sofa to make you really feel at home.

This TV has everything movie-lovers could ask for including an awe-inspiring 56-inch screen, special back lighting, Perfect Pixel HD Engine, Wi-Fi and it even comes with a Blu Ray player at no extra cost, which is probably for the best since it will set you back a mere BD2,199, including discount!

However, credit where it is due, for that price you certainly do get your money's worth. I have never seen such sharp picture quality or vivid colours on the 'small' screen. In fact, it's safe to say that if my editor gave me a sizable pay rise (Editor's note: no chance) I'd have bought one on the spot.

For me, the 'Ambilight' effect is a really special feature, it reflects a glow of light onto the wall behind the TV, providing that all-important cinema-glow effect and also helps reduce strain on the viewer's eyes.

According to Joju Sreedhar, international sales manager for Philips, if you own this TV there may be no need to go to a cinema ever again.

"Philips have been researching how to make TVs better for 15 years, and finally they have come up with the Cinema 21:9," said Mr Sreedhar.

"In my opinion this is the best TV on the market and with such amazing features I'm sure it will prove very popular with consumers."

While I was basking in the glory of the crystal clear widescreen picture I assumed that with all these hi-tech features the Cinema 21:9 would be impossible to install ... I was wrong!

"The customer doesn't have to be a technical wizard to set it up", said Mr Sreedhar. "When you plug it in, directions appear on screen, guiding you easily through the installation process."

I have seen the future of home entertainment; my only complaint is that if I bought one, I'd need a bigger apartment to be able to fit it in. Where's the editor?