Philips has developed another soundbar with a 32” flatscreen tv in mind, and the HSB2351/F7 system with 1080p HDMI comes with integrated speakers, amplifiers, a subwoofer, a built-in FM tuner and a DVD player. This seemingly all-in-one soundbar comes with an EasyLink remote control that allows control of multiple devices with a single remote. There is shared connectivity for devices with HDMI CEC compliance.

Design
The design follows the branding of Philips soundbar designs, with the glossy, black finish that lets it complement 32” flatscreen tv and monitors. The main unit is 10.2” x 3.7” x 5.5”, weighing 2.2lbs, while the speaker systems for the left and right channels are 12.2” x 3.7” x 4.7” at 1.8lbs each. Overall, the whole system combined will be 31.5” x 3.8” x 5.5”, and can be either wall mounted or placed on a flat surface.

Included in the purchase is the power adaptor for the main unit, a power cord, a remote control with batteries, a FM wire antenna, an AV cable (red/white/yellow), a USB extension cable, and 4 sets of wall mount brackets and screw.

Setting up the HSB2351/F7
The Philips quick guide is an illustrated guide for connections, while users will still need to refer to the user manual for a better understanding of the set up and installation.

This system is HDMI CEC compatible. It enables connected TV/device to control each other over HDMI. Users that would like to use Philips EasyLink should use the HDMI connection. The cable, however, is not supplied. Also, if the tv has only a DVI connection, users need to get an additional HDMI/DVI adaptor and an extra audio connection to complete the set up.

Upon completion of all hardware setup, users may proceed for system set up, first by enabling the remote control simply by putting in the batteries. Then users are to once again follow the steps in the manual. Users may also activate the Philips EasyLink which uses the HDMI CEC protocol. However, there is no guarantee that the system works 100% on all HDMI CEC devices.

Sound and Video quality
The system decoders include Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS and Stereo. There are several default equalizer settings, namely Action, Classic, Concert, Drama, Gaming, Jazz, News, Party, Rock and Sports. An average user may find that these defaults are sufficient while some users may prefer to do some manual adjustments to get the tone just right for their own preference.

There is not too much to be expected from this compact system that incorporated the more important technologies by Philips. It deploys the Dolby Virtual Speaker technology, but does not really deliver the proclaimed ideal 5.1 channel surround sound experience. When it combines with Dolby Pro Logic II processing, it does give a slightly better performance, sufficient for an average DVD playback movie.

For movies, this simple unit includes a HDMI 1080p up-scaling technology to deliver better images. There is no need for conversions to analog, hence the preservation of better picture quality.

However, while it supports most DivX formats, users need to know that the system only plays DivX videos that are rented or purchased through the DivX registration code of this unit.

Pros and Cons
Setting up the system is easy with a user friendly manual. An average user may choose this system to complete a very simple requirement to have an extra speaker system to complement the flatscreen tv or monitor. While it may be a moderate buy for the average users, audiophiles will find that it lacks the true surround sound experience that they crave for, but will not blame the system for the price that it asks for.
Subtitle files needs to have the exact file name as the movie file. User may need to manually change the file name.
Users also need to bear in mind that an additional HDMI/DVI adaptor is required if the user’s tv has only a DVI connection. An extra audio connection is also needed to complete this connection.

Conclusion
This product retails at a price in-line with its capabilities and what you’d expect to pay. The product is mid-range, and it contains certain features that are typically found on higher end products.

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Philips adds another wireless device to its collection of high technology sounds equipments, and this time it is the Philips HSB4383/12 sound bar with wireless subwoofer.  It has a built-in DVD player and HDMI 1080p up-scaling along with this wireless technology and promises great listening experience with the Dolby Virtual Speaker.

Design
There is never a lack of good taste when it comes to Philips’ designs for sound bars. Yet, it stays with one identity and this sleek, glossy-finished sound bar is easily identified as one of Philips’ product with the same taste of elegance.

The main unit measures 800 x 140 x 97mm while the subwoofer is just 170 x 430 x 340mm.  The total weight of both units is just 11kg, and it includes a remote control with EasyLink capability that connects to all HDMI CEC enabled equipments. There are two speakers within this compact package.

The main unit has an MP3 line-in and a USB port.  There are ports for component video output, Easy-Fit speaker connectors, HDMI output and a TV in (audio, cinch).

Setting up the HSB4383/12
Setting up the system is simple, and best placed near the TV, while keeping the speakers at the normal listening ear-level that is directly parallel to the listening area.  Meanwhile, the subwoofer should be at the corner of the room, at least one meter away from the tv for best positioning. To avoid magnetic interference or any unwanted noise, the system should not be placed too close to any radiation devices.

Users may need some assembling work to attach speakers to the main unit. The handy user manual with pictures illustration provided with the purchase is a good guide to the assembly to ensure that the left and right speakers are attached correctly.  Studs are supplied and they are to be inserted into the holes that will secure the separate units together to make them into one complete system.

After this initial assembly, users need to select the best video connection for it. There are four choices: the HDMI connection for HDMI, DVI or HDCP-compliant; SCART connection for a standard tv; connect through component video for a standard tv or Progressive Scan tv; connect through composite video (CVBS) for a standard tv.  If the user’s tv has only a DVI connection, a HDMI/DVI adaptor is required.  An extra audio connection is needed to complete this connection too.

Meanwhile, the audio connections are obvious, however, the red/white connect audio cables are not included. The FM antenna connects to the FM ANT socket on the unit.

Once the hardware assembly is done, user needs to follow the exact instructions and sequence for the next steps to complete the setup. First of all, the remote control needs to be prepared, and it simply to put in the batteries for the unit. Then turn on the tv by pressing on the standby button, and lookout for the automatic setup of wireless connection between the main unit and subwoofer. There are light indicators on the subwoofer, with blue indicators meaning successful installation and green meaning that connection has failed and user needs to set up the system manually.  Philips did a good job with the manual and the step-by-step instructions are clear with illustrations for better understanding.

Sound and Video Quality
The Philips HSB4383/12 supports audio playback with MP3 and WMA format. The playback can be from a CD-R/RW, USB or Audio CD. Its output is 300RMS, and profiles supported include Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic II, DTS and Stereo.  There are some standard equalizer settings, namely Action, Classic, Concert, Drama, Gaming, Jazz, News, Party, Rock and Sports. The wireless connection is a 2.4GHz frequency with GFSK modulation, and uses the adaptive frequency technology.

For video output, meanwhile, the system supports DivX 3.11 onwards up until DivX 6.0 and DivX Ultra, as well as MPEG 1 and 2. It also supports playback for NTSC and PAL system video discs, and playback media includes CD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, DVD-Video and Video CD/SVCD.  Still picture playback is available for JPEG formats and there are enhancements including rotate, zoom and slideshow with music playback.

For the price that it asks for, this system can only boast of the Dolby Virtual Speaker technology.  It claims to provide great listening experience to users with this technology’s sophisticated audio virtualization. There is just so much that can be expected from a 2-speaker system, even though marketing claims boasts of the system replicating the sonic characteristics hat occur in an ideal 5.1 channel environment.

While it does not quite impress with two speakers trying to give the impression of five, it does somewhat help that it carries the HDMI 1080p up-scaling capability. It also helps that it uses HDMI connections that makes a direct digital connection that can carry uncompressed digital HD video, without conversions to analog.

Pros and Cons
Philips does give an easy-to-follow manual to help with the setting up of the systems with illustrations and simple words. While it does not go as far as to be able to replace a 5.1 stereo system, it does deliver an above average 2.1 stereo performance with the Dolby Virtual Speaker technology. Another good point for this speaker is that it does give much value for the price it asks for, especially for a market where MP3s are the more frequent format and an average user just wants to enjoy a movie with both video playback and sound combined, complementing a 32” flatscreen tv and not clustering the room with too many equipments and wiring.

However, users need to bear in mind that an additional HDMI/DVI adaptor is required if the user’s tv has only a DVI connection. An extra audio connection is also needed to complete this connection.

Users also need to check with dealers for compatibility concerns.  While DivX is supported, users have to bear in mind that, just like most Philips products, the DivX support is only for videos rented or purchased through the DivX registration code of the system. Meanwhile, some subtitle files are supported but do not appear on the file navigation menu, giving the false impression that the subtitles do not work. Another possible inconvenience is that the subtitle filename has to be the same as the file name of the video to allow it to appear.

Conclusion
An average user with average expectations may find that this system is sufficient to carry out the daily functions of watching and listening, but it is not the perfect system.  Especially not with just 2 speakers that claims to function as 5, even though Philips may have deployed the best possible technology to make this system as complete as its compact body can carry.

Philips has another product wearing its Green Flagship image, and this time it is the Philips HTS6120/98 sound bar that employs Philips’ Ambisound technology that directs sounds to any corner of the room.

Design
This product carries the same style and elegant design of Philips sound bar design, and matches perfectly to the latest flatscreen tv models in the market. The glossy black finish make it easy for this product design to blend in with the flatscreen panels that come in either black or silver.

The elegant glass sliding door that completes this design creates a classy outlook to the panel that decorates a modern-style living room with sophisticated electronic gadgets and equipments. Meanwhile, it carries an optional dock for iPod that users may wish to add into their purchase as an optional accessory.

The loudspeakers are integrated with the main unit. There are two 1” soft dome tweeters, six 2.5” full range woofers, and the subwoofer has one 6.5” long throw woofer. The main unit measures at 37.7” (W) x 6.4” (H) x 5.6” (D), while the subwoofer measures at 11.6” (W) x 17.3” (H) x 11.6” (D). The first weighs a mere 15.4lbs and the latter, 22lbs. Yet, this compact combination brings with it some of the finest qualities that Philips could offer.

Setting up the HTS6120/98
Users are pampered with a quick start guide and a user manual. Setting up is easy as instructions were clearly written with illustrations to show users exactly how to set up the system correctly.

The main unit has rear connections for HDMI output, component video output, composite video (CVBS) output, TV in (audio, cinch), Easy-Fit speaker connectors, Interconnect that links to the Subwoofer and AUX in. Meanwhile, the Subwoofer which is also referred to as Power Box has an FM antenna, coaxial digital input, AUX In (cinch, 2 pairs), an Interconnect linking to the main unit and an Optical digital input.

Users will also find their purchased equipped with a remote control, batteries for the remote, a CVBS video cable, FM antenna, an Interconnect cable to link the main unit to the subwoofer, power cord and s wall mounting bracket.

Sound and Video Quality

Philips invests its technology heavily on the HTS6120/98. Its innovative FullSound technology that restores sonic details to compressed MP3 music, allows users to enjoy music without distortions. It combines with Philips’ expertise in music reproduction with Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a power of the latest generation. Rich details can be expected as a promised delivery of dialogs and fuller bass with more depth and impact.

The second technology invested within this system is the Ambisound technology. This technology produces the effect of surround sound with fewer speakers, however, users would not reap the benefits of a real 5.1 sound experience as it claims in the product brief.

Meanwhile, the DoubleBASS technology is something that gives this system an edge over most competitors of the same range. DoubleBASS helps deliver a deep bass tone, capturing low frequencies and recreates them in the audible range of the subwoofer. This may be something that users look for, and many disappointed users with previous experience of a lacking bass tone may find this an unparalleled quality.

Philips HTS6120/98 supports video playback with compression formats that includes various versions of DivX including DivX Ultra, MPEG1 and MPEG2. It accepts DVD-Video, DVD+R/+RW, Video CD/SVCD and CD-R/CD-RW. Some users may also delight knowing that it also supports PAL and NTSC video disc playback systems. It supports high definition 720p, 1080i and 1080p formats, and video up-scaling is available for anything lower.

Users may also find it convenient that it supports still photograph playbacks in JPEG format, via CD-R/RW, DVD+R/+RW, and even USB flash drive. To enhance it, Philips included picture enhancement functions where users may view the photos as a slideshow with music playback, rotate or zoom the pictures for more or lesser details.

Pros and Cons
Connection and set up is easy for this system. With the quick start guide and a user manual, an average user may easily hook up the system to the flatscreen tv at home without much opportunities for mistakes.

There is also the convenience of having one system that delivers playback for both sound and video without much compromise on quality. Philips HTS6120/98 is sufficient for an average user, however users must remember to check with dealers for compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Philips does a good job by launching a range of sound bars to keep up with the trend for this stylish type of sound systems and the HTS6120/98 is one of them. This system is suitable for those who do not wish to clutter a room with multiple speakers, and still wish to have the booming bass for better experience.

The Philips HTS8141/98 won the award for Best of CES, an innovations award that recognises the best of consumer electronics products in the industry’s hottest product categories. It is also one of the few systems in the market that delivers both surround sound and high definition display with HDMI output.

Design
Basically, the Philips HTS8141 is similar to the HTS8140 except for some slight differences in the design outlook.

The subwoofer has a dimension of 12.7” (W) x 16.7” (H) x 12.7” (D) and weighs 12.7kg, while the main unit is 40.5” (W) x 6.6” (H) x 6.1” (D) at 8.9kg. The sleek, glossy black design complements most flatscreen panel tv and monitors in the market, especially suited for large panel displays up to an average of 52” tv. Its main unit has a 4 ohm center speaker with two 2.5” woofer drivers and two 1” soft dome tweeter. Meanwhile, the left/right surround speakers sport four 2.5” full range woofer.

Setting up the Philips HTS8141/98
Setting up the Philips HTS8141/98 is easy. The modern design is meant for hassle-free installations without the tangling wires and complicated connections. Users may either place this unit on top of a table or mount it on the wall. It is recommended that the unit should be placed nearest to the height of the listening ear-level.

What users see on the I/O panel is 3 outputs for HDMI, component video and composite video. As for the input, there is just one port for composite video, three for analog audio, one for digital coaxial audio, one for digital optical audio and one USB. Philips also provided an easy-navigation manual that helps users to set up the system without much hassle.

A remote control is also provided.

When users turn on the system for the first time, there will be a set of instructions on the tv to complete the Ambisound setup in order to obtain the best possible surround sound effect. It is important to complete this setup before inserting a disc to play.

Philips included its EasyLink function within this system. The EasyLink function is one which uses the HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) protocol to use a single remote control for HDMI CEC-compliant devices. These connect to the system through HDMI, and there is no guarantee that it works 100 percent.

Sound and Video Quality
Excellent is the word awarded for this system, and users will be able to reap the most out of this system by ensuring setting it up with the right listening area. Whether it is music or video, it is well reflected with the capabilities of the 1080p HD feature. It allows 1080p up-scaling for anything lesser. Users do not miss the lack of a subwoofer, because the bass is sufficient even if it is not a true, complete system, with the DoubleBASS feature. This feature captures the low frequencies and recreates them in the audible range of the subwoofer.

Philips HTS8141/98 includes built-in decoders for DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby ProLogic II. It has a digital AM/FM RDS tuner and allows 1080p DVD upscaling. The media formats it support are DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX Ultra, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2.

While the Ambisound technology deploys surround sound with fewer speakers, it does not really satisfy the claim of truly embracing a 5.1 sound experience. Philips also added the FullSound technology to restore details to compressed MP3 music. It combines Philips’ existing expertise in music reproduction with the latest generation Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for a fuller bass and boosting the voice and instrument clarity and details. Meanwhile, the Faroudja DCDi delivers sharp, high quality video on a progressive scan tv. It melts the jagged edges especially with moving images. The DVD pictures are surprisingly sharp and the system succeeds in widening and extending movie audio to deliver clear dialogs and deep, rumbling bass.

However, users need to take note that not all high definition tv sets are fully compatible with the system. Incompatibilities may cause artefacts to be displayed on the picture. Some users may experience progressive scan picture problems, and this can be remedied by switching the connection to the “standard definition” output.

Pros and Cons
Philips is following the trend of easy installation and knowing the market that desires. Set up is easy, and users enjoy the luxury of both sound and video playback with one system.

While the HTS8141/98 may be pursued by those who are interested in a system that does both sound and video playbacks, users need to be aware that not all high definition tv sets are fully compatible with it. Users should check with the dealers for this compatibility issue, otherwise there may be artefacts displayed on picture playback.

For DivX playback, user needs to note that only DivX videos that are rented or purchased using the DivX registration code of this unit can be played. The DivX code details can be found under the general setup of this system, and only an average of 45 characters can be displayed for subtitles.

Conclusion
An average user who would like to minimize usage of space without may wish to purchase the Philips HTS8141/98, especially for its convenience. However, before the decision of purchase, it is best to check whether the system is compatible with your high definition tv set. For the price it asks for, this unit may be one of the nearest real 5.1 channel system available at the market that comes along with video playback.

The Philips HTS8140 sound bar is a complete system which will offer you a DVD player, an iPod dock, AM/FM radio and amazing surround sound from a single sound bar and a subwoofer. This unit is everything you need if you plan on watching high definition movies on a flat screen TV. Instead of buying extra speakers, a new movie player and an iPod dock, you can simply get the HTS8140 as the perfect all in one package.

Unlike other sound bar systems around, this one is over 40 inches long. This means that it will fit perfectly under a large flat panel TV, but you can also mount it somewhere on your wall, preferably right under your wall mounted TV. Most sound bars come with a great design, but this one is especially attractive. It will fit great next to many TVs produced by Philips and almost any other black flat panel TV. The subwoofer that you will receive with the system is equality attractive in design and you will surely find a place for it. In most cases, the subwoofer ends up somewhere under a table because no one wants to look at a large cube. With the Philips HTS8140, the situation is different because the people from Philips put a lot of effort into creating the perfect design for the sound bar and subwoofer alike.

Setting Up The Philips HTS8140
After you decide where to place the system, you will probably want to connect your equipment. You can easily set up your gaming console through the sound bar, but you can also include your computer, a projector or even your old VCR system. If you plan on mounting this unit onto your wall, you should plug all the wires in first. These connections are on the back of the system and if you plan on making any changes, you will have to remove it from the wall mount.

There are a few cables that you will have to use for powering the sound bar and the subwoofer. These units are connected one to the other through a single umbilical cord. This means that you can install the system onto your wall and only two cables will come out: the power line and the connection cord. If you are lucky, you might even find a way to hide them.

When it comes to audio inputs, you will get two stereo ones and optical and coaxial digital inputs; an FM antenna is included in the package if you also want to listen to radio. On the output section, you will notice the HDMI slot, the RGB SCART output and one component video output. The console is equipped with an iPod dock and you can also use the USB port or the line in input. A great advantage of buying the Philips HTS8140 is that you will get a SCART cable, a line in cable, a wall mounting bracket and most importantly, a HDMI cable. With other sound bars, you will have to go back to the store when you realize that these cables aren’t included and they can cost you hundreds of dollars.

The sound bar contains two tweeters and six drivers which will create the amazing surround sound. They will be accompanied by the included subwoofer which will offer some extra sound power. The technology used for creating surround sound without 5 speakers is called Ambisound by Philips. This basically means that each of the six drivers is positioned in a different way and that the sound will spread throughout the room.

The DVD console will play all types of video files. The most important ones are MPEG1, MPEG 2, WMV 9, DviX Ultra, Dvix 6.0, DivX 5, DivX 4.x, DivX 3.11. On the audio part, you can play MP3s and WMAs. The disc formats which are accepted by the DVD console are CD-R, CD-RW, CD/SVCD, DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW. The only negative side that you will notice when it comes to accepted file formats is that the player won’t detect AAC files. JPG and JPEG files are also accepted. A good part about this type of player is that it can display even ripped audio and video, which won’t happen on most consoles. It can also handle DTS, Dolby Pro-Logic II and Dolby Digital 5.1.

A remote is included in the package, but you can also control the sound bar through the touch screen interface. You just have to tap the panel and it will easily respond to your commands.

Sound and Video Quality
The Ambisound technology will perform admirably. If you already own a 5.1 channel system, you will notice that the sound bar can’t offer that type of quality when it comes to surround sound. However, the Philips HTS8140 works great considering that you will only use 2 units instead of 6 or 8, as you would with 5.1 or 7.1 systems. If you find a good position, you will get a somewhat complete surround sound experience 90% percent of the time, so the system works great compared to other sound bars. Those who can afford a complete 5.1 system and are searching for speakers because they want to get surround sound should avoid sound bars in general.

The Philips HTS8140 is recommended to those who want to save space and use the console as a DVD player or for listening to music from time to time. This unit is indeed a complete system because you can use it for anything without being disappointed. You can crank up the volume and the subwoofer will still offer clear audio and you can watch movies and still hear the dialogue perfectly. The best part about it is that it has enough power for a small party and the quality of the sound will always be close to perfection.

The video quality offered by this system will surely surprise you. You can play your regular DVDs and they will be upscaled to the format you desire: 720p, 1080i or 1080p. While some system may have a hard time doing this, the Philips HTS8140 will get rid of the jagged look thanks to the DCDi processing technology. This upscaling system is one of the best on the market and that says a lot. Even on a large projection screen, the quality of the video is impressive and this is one department where the people at Philips outdid themselves.

The sound quality will certainly impress you as soon as you start watching your first movie. You can basically notice the sound filling the entire room and you won’t believe you don’t really own a 5.1 surround system. Even so, the moment when sound will come from behind you will be rare. The dialog audio is always clear, no matter what happens in the movie and this is certainly a plus. The subwoofer is not necessarily large in size, but the sound it can produce definitely packs a punch. Distortion will never appear, even if you set the volume to maximum.

Considering the fact that this sound bar was created for movies, you shouldn’t expect an amazing result when listing to MP3s. If you are not an expert, you won’t notice much, but those who are expecting extremely high quality will notice that the Philips HTS8140 has some problems with the bass levels. This is just being picky and most people won’t notice this effect at all.

Soundbar Features
When you first start looking around the menu offered by this sound bar, you will notice the image presets. Some of them might look better in rare situations, but the standard one seems to be the best on most occasions. The True Life system will make some images look better by improving the sharpness. Gamma and Chroma Delay adjustments are also available.

You can set up the audio for best performance by modifying the room acoustics, listening position and room placement.

Conclusion
In the world of sound bars, the Philips HTS8140 is one of the best. Not only you will get an impressive surround sound performance, but you will also enjoy the DVD console, the iPod dock and all of the video features which are included in the package.

If you are not looking for the quality offered by a 5.1 or 7.1 system, but still want to get high quality video and sound, the HTS8140 is the right unit for you. The design will attract anyone in just a couple of seconds and if you turn on a movie, you will certainly seal the deal. While the sound system performs admirably, the video quality is the key feature of this product and no one will be disappointed by it. Watching a movie will never be the same after a few minutes of watching one on the Philips HTS8140. This is not the best product on the market, but it is certainly one of the best ones in this price range.