Philips PML8709 runs on the Google TV operating system. This is quite a surprising choice, considering it isn’t the flagship model of the brand. Fortunately, it has avoided the implementation of the less popular TitanOS, which can be seen as a plus. Google TV offers a well-known, clear interface and wide capabilities in terms of app installation, making the television more versatile.
In terms of user features, the television performs solidly. Daily use of the device is enjoyable thanks to support for voice search in Polish. The ability to connect peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, or headphones via Bluetooth enhances its functionality. Unfortunately, the PML8709 does not offer more advanced options, such as USB recording or the PiP (picture-in-picture) feature, which may disappoint more demanding users.
An interesting fact, and quite a surprise, is the absence of the Ambilight system, for which Philips is commonly known. The decision to omit this technology in the PML8709 model seems puzzling, especially since Ambilight is often cited as one of the greatest strengths of televisions from this brand.
Functional Features
Let's start with the basics, which are the classic functions of a television. The Philips OLED770 doesn’t turn the table here; we have a standard EPG interface, the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, and a few simple configuration options including teletext. Interestingly, there is a jack connection, which is becoming quite rare these days. However, those with older receivers or wired headphones will appreciate it. The remote creates a good impression – it’s ergonomic and has a backlit numeric keypad – but there’s also a sense of a step back here. It works via infrared, so you have to aim it at the television, and frankly, by 2025 we would expect full wireless support. The exception is voice commands, which use Bluetooth, but even here there’s no reason for euphoria.
SmartTV Features – TitanOS
Speaking of voice, let’s move on to the Smart TV system, which is an element that largely defines the daily comfort of using a television today. And here the OLED770 clearly lags behind the competition. TitanOS operates quickly enough that it's not a disaster, but daily use can be frustrating due to minor bugs and shortcomings. Theoretically, we get support for AirPlay, but on the other hand, screen mirroring just didn’t work at all in practice. Voice search? Yes, but only through Amazon Alexa and without support for the Polish language. In other words, the features are there, but when we try to use them, we find that their practicality is severely limited and nearly useless. And it’s this Smart TV aspect that becomes the greatest hindrance of the OLED770. The image can be astonishing, gaming is excellent, and Ambilight creates a unique atmosphere – but when we transition to daily use of apps and services, we feel a sense of dissatisfaction.
Ambilight – Philips OLED770
Although in terms of smart functionality, the Philips OLED770 is rather average, it has something in store that its competitors honestly envy. We’re talking about the three-sided Ambilight system, which has been a hallmark of this brand’s televisions for years. The LED lights positioned at the back of the housing dynamically illuminate the wall in colours matched to whatever is happening on the screen at that moment. The effect is simple but very suggestive – the image seems to extend beyond the boundaries of the television, giving us the impression that the screen has suddenly grown by extra inches. During a movie screening, it can create atmosphere, in games it enhances immersion, and during regular TV viewing, it simply pleases the eye. It’s this addition that makes it so that despite the limitations of TitanOS, the OLED770 has something that can attract attention and give it character.