Perceived picture quality is changed by the bordering glow.
The planet's favourite sporting occasion has just kicked off again and for the first time will be shot entirely in wide-screen and high-definition television.
With the cumulative viewing hours of Germany's 2006 World Cup likely to nudge 50 billion, it's no wonder that electronics' giant Philips is happy to spend
millions to co-sponsor this month-long football extravaganza.
The Dutch company's origins are as a lightbulb manufacturer, so it's no surprise Philips has, in recent years, added lighting to its flat-screen televisions.
Ambilight technology first appeared in 2004 and is an innovation unique to Philips. The television creates its own surround lighting, ambient backlighting which changes colour and intensity.
Ocean scenes, for instance, will cause blue-toned lighting while a flock of parakeets might cause a blend of greens and reds.
Much like the evolution of television sound, the first Ambilight was in mono, lighting both sides of the screen with the same colour. Within a year Ambilight 2-Channel enhanced the concept to a two-sided lighting environment.
The recent unveiling of Philips' 2006 line-up finds this creative point of difference further developed, with two new surround options that will make Ambilight part of the complete home theatre experience.
Ambilight Surround is three-sided, with lights colouring the wall to the left, right and top of the screen. The 37-inch LCD model due here in September will have this feature and will be priced around $6500.
Ambilight Full Surround, also includes lighting at the bottom of the screen. The screen is surrounded by a frame or canvas which lights up, making it appear to float on the wall. This year Ambilight Full Surround will only be available on the 42-inch LCD screen (about $8000).
These versions are controllable via the television remote.
People placing lamps or lights near their televisions used to be a pet peeve of mine. It makes no sense to wash out the picture with white light which is distracting and hard on the eyes.
Ambilight is a different proposition. In fact, eye strain is lessened while the perceived picture quality - contrast, depth and colour vividness - is enhanced.
A valuable television innovation that has nothing to do with the picture, size, sound or screen material. Who would have thought?
