I like Soundbar setups, I have one, it provides decent sound but yet doesn’t take up a lot of space. The one I have is a Sony and it’s great, at least I think so. Phillips has just introduced what they’re calling the world’s first Soundbar with detachable speakers called the Fidelio HTL9100 and it will be available in May with an MSRP of $799. The Soundbar is 5.1 surround enabled and the subwoofer is wireless.
Today at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Philips announces the release of the world’s first Soundbar with detachable speakers, thePhilips Fidelio Soundbars HTL9100. The Philips Fidelio Soundbar is the first to feature detachable wireless side speakers that when removed, the Soundbar automatically changes from virtual Surround Sound to 5.1 channel Surround Sound on Demand. Also the first Soundbar in the Philips Fidelio range, the HTL9100 features a wireless subwoofer with the stylish high-end design consumers have come to love and expect from the Fidelio line.
“This revolutionary Soundbar addresses one of the last reservations consumers had about Soundbars, which is not being able to have 5.1 Surround when you needed it,” said Todd Richardson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for P&F, exclusive licensee for Philips consumer televisions and home theaters in North America. “By developing a design that offers detachable speakers, Philips has created a beautifully sleek space saving Soundbar and a hi-end home theater system all in one. We know that space can be a premium in the home and this Soundbar offers true freedom in placement, as both the detachable speakers and the subwoofer are wireless. It delivers the space saving design many consumers need without compromising on the sound experience consumers have come to expect from Philips Fidelio.”
Award-Winning Wireless Sound
The Philips Fidelio HTL9100 truly achieves a first with its award winning design. Similar to traditional Soundbars, this new offering uses advanced technology to offer virtual surround sound when the speakers are attached to the main unit and used as a Soundbar for every day use. When consumers want to watch a movie or a program enhanced by 5.1 sound, they simply detach the speakers from the sides and place them in the rear of the room to enjoy true surround sound. The speakers operated via Philips proprietary wireless audio technology so there are no wires, leaving consumers free to place them wherever they like. By using proprietary wireless audio technology, the transmission is uncompressed and the frequency the surround speakers operate at is different than that of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which means no network interference. When fully charged the detachable surround sound speakers offer up to 10 hours of stellar sound and automatically recharge when connected to the main unit. The Fidelio Soundbar features technology that automatically offers 5.1 channel Surround on Demand when the speakers are detached so all the consumer has to do is sit back and enjoy the show. A 2013 CEA Innovation Award winner, the HTL9100 offers a wireless subwoofer allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room.
The Philips Fidelio Soundbar includes an intelligent Orientation Sensor that enables it to recognize if the unit is lying horizontally on a shelf or TV cabinet or if it has been mounted on a wall. Using smart equalization, it automatically adjusts to deliver the best sound performance in either position.
For added convenience, the Fidelio Soundbar includes a second HDMI port that allows users to easily link your media system or games console. For music playback it connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device, so the only wires needed are for power and a link to the TV, ensuring the design stays as striking as possible. The sleek jet-black design is an elegant shape reminiscent of a plane’s wing and features high-end finishings that are certain to make it a focal point of any room. The HTL9100 will be available in May with a suggested retail price of $799.99.